Can I go pro with a Squier Affinity P Bass?

[Sal Z.]

The best source of information would be the people who work in the Guitar Center or Sam Ash type stores. They know which brand and models are brought back with issues. If people want to buy inexpensive equipment, I wish them the best of luck. I would not trust performing with a cheep bass. There are so many things I would need to change which would cost the same amount as an American made version. It is so ironic, that the least expensive bass has attracted the most comments.

 

[Hopkins]

Hopkins, you are partially correct , for example in Florida, the humidity and temperature rapidly change. I have witnessed rain, deep dark clouds, and bright sunshine at the same time. If not kept in a controlled environment, guitar necks will warp. In the west, I have witnessed 107 degrees
with 18 percent humidity and then the sun drops behind the mountain and temperature also droops to 48 degrees in a matter of 4 minutes. I know quite a bit about temperature change, humidity, and guitar necks. If you require proof, you can bring your favorite bass uncased, and visit with me.
I would bet within an hour or so, your neck has moved.

If it does, I will simply readjust it, its not really a big deal.

 

[Flad]

I have giged with my Squier VM Jaguar too many times to count, it's the least expensive bass I own and it has become my go to bass. It gets more play than all my other basses. It retails for $200. It has got where the only time I take out my AVRI P bass is at the end of the night and I want something just a little lighter on the shoulder. Believe it or not I do not have to change any settings on my amp between these changes because the jag, when the p-pup is solo'd sound almost exactly like the AVRI, so close my band mates do not even realize when I change! The only advantage the AVRI has over the VM is that it is a lighter wood and the neck is just a bit smoother (only slightly and the VM's jazz neck profile is actually easier to play). Yes I am comparing my $200 VM Jag to a $2200.00 AVRI P-Bass. The only other bass I'd rather play on stage is my Univox Ric copy but she's retired from service!

 

[Sal Z.]

If it does, I will simply readjust it, its not really a big deal.

Anytime someone needs to adjust the neck (truss rod), the nut action, bridge height (action) and string length (intonation) and possibly pickup height, which may also need to be adjusted, there is always the possibility something going wrong.
Why create so much work for yourself ?

 

[ggvicviper]

Brand snobbery eh? Whatever. I guess everyone on TB (and everywhere else) should just sell all their $500+ basses and buy $150 Squier Affinities. Since they're "perfectly good" and all.

What baloney, equating a quality product with snobbery.

I've owned a few really good USA G&Ls, USA Fenders, and a USA Guild. I also owned a warped G&L, three crappy USA Fender Js, and a couple of trashed USA Peavey basses. I still have a G&L L5000 I cherish very much, and my excellent USA Fender is even for sale now. I understand exactly what a quality product is, and what isn't quality. We get it, you dislike Squier Affinity basses, repeatedly comparing them in a condescending manner to WalMart. I said I've played a good one that I gave away, and the OP actually played his since he was 12 years old without much more than a peep. He obviously still likes his. Others in this thread have claimed they've even gigged with theirs. It may not be an instrument I own, but I can appreciate why they have a fanbase. It's obvious you can't, so whatever. Your comment is still irritating, and given the OP owns the bass, it certainly isn't respectful.

Ggvicviper, the woods used are different and come from different places. Also the process of drying the wood, bridges, tuning machines, pickups, strings, wiring, glue, workmanship etc...
are very different. Take a tour through the top guitar factory's. You can actually smell the different woods use to make guitars.

I totally agree. I'm not saying that the Squiers are built with the same materials, either. In fact, I made a mention to say that it's different materials and QC. Yet it's the same general design between a Squier P and a USA Fender P. That's the point I was trying to make. To imply that one is a good suit while the other is a free t-shirt and jeans is ridiculous. They're both P basses.

Gear matters no doubt, but a good Squier is a good Squier. You can't argue if someone really likes their bass, and several on this thread really do.

Just calling it walmart speaks volumes of the posters mind set.

+1.

The main point here is just play what you like. Like USA Fender? Great. Like Squier? Awesome. Like SX? Cool. Like Mike Lull? Super. Like Valenti? Fantastic.
In a professional context, people will say whatever they're going to say, but in the end it's up to you. Plenty of experienced folk here with wide varieties of different experiences, good and bad. Again, all up to you.

 

[DigitalMan]

To me the more interesting question is can you go pro with only one bass? IMO the answer is no. You need at least two.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

We get it, you dislike Squier Affinity basses, repeatedly comparing them in a condescending manner to WalMart.

The Affinity is a Walmart bass because Walmart sells Affinity instruments. The end.

And I neither like nor dislike them. The OP didn't ask if people liked them. He asked if he should audition for a pro gig with one. And there's no way I would. And I doubt you - or most the responders on this thread, despite what they say - would either.

 

[Sal Z.]

DigitaMan, I agree with you 100%. If the Squire bass was tricked out, that may be impressive to some. No one bass would be sufficient for any play date. I also carry a extra: amp head, extra wires, strings, strap, preamplifier tubes, extension chord, mic, tools, etc....

 

[Hopkins]

Anytime someone needs to adjust the neck (truss rod), the nut action, bridge height (action) and string length (intonation) and possibly pickup height, which may also need to be adjusted, there is always the possibility something going wrong.
Why create so much work for yourself ?

I am not creating any work for myself, sudden climate changes will make any neck move. There is not much you can do about it, other than never taking your bass out of a climate controlled room. If you adjust your relief back to where it was before the neck moved the bridge and intonation will return back to their original positions. The most high end guitars and basses have truss rods, because those necks move as well.

 

[Hopkins]

The Affinity is a Walmart bass because Walmart sells Affinity instruments. The end.

And I neither like nor dislike them. The OP didn't ask if people liked them. He asked if he should audition for a pro gig with one. And there's no way I would. And I doubt you - or most the responders on this thread, despite what they say - would either.

Everyone with a StingRay better quit gigging them because they are also Walmart instruments.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Music-Man...ss-Guitar-Pearl-Blue-Maple-Fretboard/36804568



Yes I know that the order is filled by Music 123, but there are no Squier basses that are sold directly through Walmart.

 

[ggvicviper]

The Affinity is a Walmart bass because Walmart sells Affinity instruments. The end.

And I neither like nor dislike them. The OP didn't ask if people liked them. He asked if he should audition for a pro gig with one. And there's no way I would. And I doubt you - or most the responders on this thread, despite what they say - would either.

Affinity series is sold in Sam Ash, Guitar Center, Amazon - so it's not a Walmart bass. However, the end is right - the end of our conversation.

 

[Sal Z.]

Hopkins, any time you make an adjustment, you are working. Once you move that neck, the other adjustments have now been compromised. I will say, guitars are similar to marine fish. They both do not do well with changes. A guitar must be slowly acclimated into a new environment. Or at least this is a common practice for me. Changes are to be made slowly, hence my reason for never needing to make these adjustments. What you do is your business. I enjoy playing my instruments. They all appear brand new as you can see in my photo. This Schecter Elite 4 Bass is from 2003. I still have the box and all packing materials. I also use it to play out and never experience issues. I would also assume, for me to play your bass would feel uncomfortable. I'm positive the setup is incorrect due to you not understanding.

My other point to one of your earlier comments, I do not buy anything unless I am knowledgeable and confident to make the purchase. I do not nor have I ever owned cheep or low line equipment. I got it right the first time. I now understand.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

Yes I know that the order is filled by Music 123, but there are no Squier basses that are sold directly through Walmart.

I have actually seen Squier Affinity models on the shelf at Walmart.

 

[carl h.]

I have actually seen Squier Affinity models on the shelf at Walmart.

And I see Coke and Skippy PB too.

SO WHAT?

Check their website, they sell things you wouldn't expect, not just junk.

 

[Sal Z.]

There are many people who do not know Walmart has online warehouse shopping which has items not available in their stores.

 

[carl h.]

http://www.walmart.com/c/ep/bass-guitar-strings


Look what is available from Walmart.

 

[hover]

I have no time for judgemental brand whores.
I've seen many pros rocking old Danelectros.
Let me remind you, those were stapled pine body frames, with formica top and bottoms (pressed cardboard mush).

Set it up properly, and get it to stay in tune, and assure it's playable. Make sure it sounds decent. Past that, tell prima-donnas to pound sand.

 

[darius8]

A few months back I got a Squier Affinity J-Bass as a backup for my MIM Jazz bass and it's freakin awesome. I got the actions so low without fret buzz it plays like butter. On the 12th fret I could slide a credit card between the string and fret without touching. The only thing I would change are the pups.

 

[Sal Z.]

To someone who does not know nor care then I guess you are right. My logic is why purchase low line equipment when I can afford the best. Some refer to this type behavior as a psychological disorder, while others feel it is to achieve a level of confidence.
My fingers and ears know the difference.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

OK, let's define the term 'PRO'. Can we agree it's someone who earns substantial income playing? Maybe someone who on one night does a singer/songwriter session, the next night an R&B cover gig, the next night a classic rock gig and the next night maybe filling in for a player on vacation on a formal. Would a Squire be a good choice for this situation? I say why even take a chance when there are other guys out there vying for those gigs. Be then guy with the good gear and let your reputation precede you.