• 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.

How good is Squier Affinity Precision Bass?

#21
I think one would be fine as a backup or beater bass, especially if you got it used. But I can't help but notice that most of the people chiming in on how good it is for the money paid $50-100 for a used one, not the $180 or whatever a new one costs. If I was going to spend $180 for a new bass, I'd think about an SX (either save some money or get some upgrades) or something like a Yamaha RBX170 rather than an Affinity.
 
#22
C.Linton said:
I've seen recently in another thread how the new Affinity P/Js are now using the standard open gear tuners used on their better instruments. Does anyone know if this extends to the other Affinitys?
Click to expand...

Definitely for the two new Affinity Jazzes. Specifically, the Lake Placid Blue and the Burgundy Mist colors. Beyond that, I cannot say.

On a "production cost" level, it would make sense for them to use the same type of tuner for their entire brand.
 
#24
My main player for about 2.5 years was a 2002 Squier Affinity P with D'Addario Chromes. Felt great, looked great and sounded like a P with flats ought to. Best $100 I've ever spent (gear-wise) was that bass. Play it first, though; Squier's Affinity line is not without lemons.
 
#25
Been playing an Affinity Jazz 5-string for a few months now and ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS (cheap) BASS!!! Bought it mainly to try it out for worship work but now using it exclusively including classic rock stuff. Sounds, looks and plays GREAT and the band members LOVE it! I did put a set of Fender flats on the Affinity 5. My mint '57 reissue sits in the case these days and I may just sell it. Possibly will upgrade the Affinity 5-er to a MIUSA P 5-string.
 
#26
I just purchased a brand new Affinity PJ a month ago and for 165 bucks, it's a damn good bass. It has the open back tuners and they are rock solid. The setup was excellent right out of the box. I threw some Chromes on it and have been having a lot of fun playing this.

I am a Rick guy and wanted a Fender-style P bass to play around with and I give it high marks. The construction quality was outstanding, the neck pocket is flawless as well as the metallic red finish. I may upgrade the pups one day but that's about it. I am very pleased with this bass. :bassist:
 
#27
I've had a few cycle through the stable over the past couple years. Various QC but all decent enough players once set up.
Two things to note:
Squier Affinity sometime have parts that are a little different sized than standard Fender (P-Bass pickups and pickguards are sized slightly different).
If you're handy with a soldering iron or a socket set, spend $15 and upgrade the tone and volume pots and the jack right out of the gate. This is the one place I can certainly say Squier skimps on their low-end stuff, but it's an easy upgrade. The 'stock' pots are mini-style and they not only have bad feel, they don't last.
Otherwise, I'm not a Fender guy by any means but the Squier Affinity is one of those 'how do they make any money this?' basses, in a good way. You get a lot of guitar for $100-$200.
 
#31
I bought one from a high school student off of Craigslist for $40, and it's just fine. He was in the school band, and the director did the setup on it. Action and relief were perfect.

But the pickups are mediocre, and I hated the roundwounds he had on there. And it had a scratchy volume pot. A missing screw on the guard. Needed oil on the fretboard.

After a new set of flats and those minor fixes, the thing plays great. I probably wouldn't try to record with it, but for practice, variety or even gigging in a less than ideal environment, I love it.

For the cost of $40 and some TLC, what can a guy ask for?
 
#32
Why do you guys have to tell us about those $25 yard sale deals LOL ? I found $34 laying on a parking lot. Wanna sell it ?

davidgoldman said:
I have one around the house for the grand kids to play so they leave the "good" basses alone. I find myself picking it up and playing it often. It has a nice low set up and it sound good and plays as good as any. I got for $25 dollars at a garage sale. The flats I put on it cost more then the bass. All told, a good deal at the street price.
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Volker Kirstein
#33
Bubble said:
Why do you guys have to tell us about those $25 yard sale deals LOL ? I found $34 laying on a parking lot. Wanna sell it ?
Click to expand...
I scour the eBay Germany want ads religiously, and have more than my fair share of "under 50" basses. They're not hard to find. Cheap asian basses these days are ridiculously good, and 2 year old "almost new" basses come dirt cheap all day long.

On the Affinity thing, I have yet to pick up an Affinity bass that is not a dog. I'm sure they exist, but I ain't seen 'em. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'd pit my €25 Harley Benton Jazz (or my €50 "no name" Jazz) against a €250 Squier Affinity Jazz any day of the week.
 
#34
Affinity means hopeful wish or something close to that. It can keep you learning until that professional quality one comes up. Which brings me to think up Infinity Affinity. LOL
The first crack I found in the Affinity Universe is the synonym of sympathy or expression of sorrow. Can't seem to find the hopeful wish definition.
I'll get an American Performer J Bass after the real estate situation is locked in.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: merseymale
#35
I had an Affinity P. It definitely sounds and plays like a P-Bass. I can't really imagine a gig that it couldn't handle that a Fender P-Bass could. That said, if you like to tinker a bit, or find inexpensive solutions for various deficiencies, it'll be a wiser investment than if you just want to play.

The tuners were ugly but did keep it in tune. The electronics were weak, but the pickup was fine. I didn't love the bridge, but I never got around to replacing it, and it didn't fail in any noticeable way. It was very easy to play. It felt a bit cheap, but not in a way that inhibited playing.

If you like to tinker with stuff a bit, it's a great option. If not, it's worth bumping up to a Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe bass, because you'll have something that's not gonna need much tinkering. My Vintage Modified Mustang Bass is stock. My Classic Vibe Strat was pretty amazing right off the shelf, and though I've modified it, I wish I hadn't.
 
#36
I've played Affinities that were good enough, but for the exact same money you can get a TMB100 which has much better QC. If you've got to have the Fender headstock, the Affinity will do, but you can do better.
 
#37
I love mine and have no problems with it
67B2E9CB-05DE-42C2-A290-B2B9BE764905.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • 6C03B3F3-7771-48CC-89AE-077E78642AB8.jpeg
    6C03B3F3-7771-48CC-89AE-077E78642AB8.jpeg
    1.3 MB · Views: 31
  • Like
Reactions: Shawn Luckman and staurosjohn
#38
The new Squier Affinitys are really really good basses for the money. They have made significant upgrades to the line. I was so impressed I bought one, even with though I have a extensive vintage USA collection.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back