Differences in Squier Affinity Sunburst P-Basses

[TommyGunz]

I realize Squier isn't the most exciting brand to talk about but I thought it might be interesting to document some differences I spotted for anyone who might care, or who will look this up in the future.

So I had ordered a Squier Affinity PJ Bass from GC a while back. Thinking I was getting the "Limited Edition" Affinity PJ. Turns out it was the similar PJ bass from out of the pack deal. Well just today I picked up the limited edition pj bass since it was on sale. Not only are they different from each other, but the one I got today also has some noticeable differences from what is shown on the GC website.

So for reference here are some of the stock pictures of the limited edition affinity PJ as seen on the GC website:

I ordered the above bass but the one I received has a few cosmetic differences:

I see 3 differences: the placement of the string tree, the wording P-BASS vs. PRECISION BASS, and the order and size of the serial number.

 

[TommyGunz]

Now lets look at the PJ from the bass pack:

To me the quickest identifier of the PJ from the bass pack is the black squier logo, and the hole to access the truss rod is painted black as well. Also, the pack bass has a skunk stripe where the limited edition does not.

But the difference that sticks out to me the most is the coloring of the sunburst. The limited edition has a much stronger red color to the sunburst than the pack bass. Now this can of course be different for each individual bass, I haven't seen other basses in person.

 

[TommyGunz]

The reason I purchased the limited edition one is because 1. it was on sale, and 2. I couldn't get the neck straight on the bass pack PJ with GHS precision flats on it. The extra relief isn't THAT bad, and its probably even less of an issue with regular roundwounds. But, I was considering throwing some upgrades on the bass and I couldn't justify doing that with the neck not being able to get as straight as I would have liked. So I saw the limited edition on sale for a good price and jumped on it. I do like the two-tone squier logo, and the spelled out "PRECISION BASS" instead of just "P-BASS" but I really don't care for the strong red color to the sunburst. I'm thinking of swapping the necks. Even though I prefer the lighter tone of the fretboard and the skunk stripe of the pack PJ.

 

[JAC77]

So, I had one of the ones like the first neck you showed. It’s a 2021 from the s/n. I liked it so much I took the neck off of it and put it on an old MIM p bass body from the 90’s and it’s been my regular gigging bass. Besides no skunk stripe and bare truss nut access hole, the fretwire is definitely smaller than other affinities I’ve had. It actually looks and feels identical to the special edition classic vibe 60’s P I have. The headstock decals are even the same minus the “affinity” logo. It’s been very stable for the four years I’ve had it, but I only put rounds or half rounds on it.