• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

CHINESE Squier Affinity Jazz vs INDONESIAN Squier Vintage Modified Jazz

PotterLog

PotterLog

Apr 25, 2018
5
6
#1
That's my choice for a second "first" bass (I played in bands twenty years ago but have barely touched the instrument since then). Tried both and both play fine. I prefer the VM in pretty much every way but the thing that's making me think twice is that I've heard the new Chinese Squiers are more consistent in quality than the Indo ones.

The VM is approx 160 USD more expensive where I am (50% extra) but I'm wondering whether I'd actually get better setup & playability from the cheaper guitar because it's Chinese. Any thoughts?


PS I'm new, I think I'm posting this in the right place, humbly beg forgiveness if not...
 
#3
most likely both can be made into a fine 1st bass with some knowledgeable tinkering and modding as needed. I have a new VM PJ and it's my first experience with an un-gigable bass, the PUs were ...let's say funky, and then a neck bolt screw head came off easily while in the process of tightening everything, so swap in good steel on either of these models at that crucial point. that said, I've yet to address those issues cos I'm having too much fun with it to stop.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PotterLog
#5
I dig my new affinity jazz, it is very present and beefy sounding for a jazz. It was easy to set up and sounds great in a rock setting. Frets are level and no sharp ends, body looks great as well. I prefer that it is alder compared to the basswood of the vm.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bob T and PotterLog
#6
PotterLog said:
That's my choice for a second "first" bass (I played in bands twenty years ago but have barely touched the instrument since then). Tried both and both play fine. I prefer the VM in pretty much every way but the thing that's making me think twice is that I've heard the new Chinese Squiers are more consistent in quality than the Indo ones.

The VM is approx 160 USD more expensive where I am (50% extra) but I'm wondering whether I'd actually get better setup & playability from the cheaper guitar because it's Chinese. Any thoughts?


PS I'm new, I think I'm posting this in the right place, humbly beg forgiveness if not...
Click to expand...
Glad you made the distinction between Chinese and Indonesian.
In my personal experience, Indonesian instruments surpass Chinese. Consider that companies such as Lakland and G&L entrust Indonesia, not China, to build their imports to many rave reviews.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PotterLog
#7
PotterLog said:
That's my choice for a second "first" bass (I played in bands twenty years ago but have barely touched the instrument since then). Tried both and both play fine. I prefer the VM in pretty much every way but the thing that's making me think twice is that I've heard the new Chinese Squiers are more consistent in quality than the Indo ones.

The VM is approx 160 USD more expensive where I am (50% extra) but I'm wondering whether I'd actually get better setup & playability from the cheaper guitar because it's Chinese. Any thoughts?


PS I'm new, I think I'm posting this in the right place, humbly beg forgiveness if not...
Click to expand...

I haven't heard great things about the Chinese Affinity basses TBH.

I have an Indo Affinity which is great.

Full size tuners and a lightweight body.

Only thing that lets it down is the wiring!
 
  • Like
Reactions: PotterLog
#11
PotterLog said:
Right, thanks! I didn't expect so much love for the Indo builds, my luthier friend says the Chinese Squiers he gets in are really well made whereas the Indos are less consistent. Well I'll try them both again, thanks for the input all.
Click to expand...

The Chinese Affinitys are fine. I'm older and I have to say that that today's low priced basses are truly amazing. I paid $89.00 for a used Affinity Jazz and I love it. Nice neck, a little beefier than the VM70's pencil thin neck I tried, and action that will go as low as anything around. Sure the electronics are mediocre, but really, you should have seen what $100.00 would have got you back in the mid 1970's when I started. Nothing but junk!
 
  • Like
Reactions: PotterLog
#12
Thanks again all, I went for the VM in the end and I reckon it’s a winner so far

3A2D0B46-5025-468B-A93E-24343DC0A76C.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Erik Asma, cratz2, Tad and 2 others
#14
PotterLog said:
Right, thanks! I didn't expect so much love for the Indo builds, my luthier friend says the Chinese Squiers he gets in are really well made whereas the Indos are less consistent. Well I'll try them both again, thanks for the input all.
Click to expand...
I tend to agree agree with your friend ... Chinese made instruments’ quality increased remarkably during the last 2/3 years !
 
  • Like
Reactions: PotterLog
#16
Bob T said:
The Chinese Affinitys are fine. I'm older and I have to say that that today's low priced basses are truly amazing. I paid $89.00 for a used Affinity Jazz and I love it. Nice neck, a little beefier than the VM70's pencil thin neck I tried, and action that will go as low as anything around. Sure the electronics are mediocre, but really, you should have seen what $100.00 would have got you back in the mid 1970's when I started. Nothing but junk!
Click to expand...
I have visited quite large number musical museums here in the South... When you see some of historic guitars which were played by famous guys, you would not believe it is possible to play those things today... Total junk and horror, and still they left incredible music legacy with such instruments...
 
  • Like
Reactions: kthoward, cratz2, Bob T and 1 other person
#17
I'll add my support for the Chinese (Taiwanese) Affinity. I know the OP already bought a VM, but I thought I would add my experience for posterity. My Taiwanese version is very well crafted. I have no doubt that the Vintage Modified is very good, but I thought it unnecessary to pay the extra money; plus there were a couple of features i actually preferred. Like twc1313, I am partial to the alder wood. I also like the satin-finish neck. That said, I seriously considered a VM before buying my Affinity.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back