Squier Affinity P/J... How are they?

[Thegrandwazoo]

I've left mine sitting on a stand for two weelks and it was in tune when I next played it. It sounds good in a recorded mix or on its own. The frets have needed only the slightest attention. I've had it for a year and a half and I've adjusted the truss rod once. I certainly could "upgrade" the hardware, but I have no need.
Definitely a complete success.

Congratulations, you're in a fortunate minority. I've worked on a MESS of Affinity instruments, they all needed it.

 

[wraub]

I'm sure they did.
A lot of instruments do.

Congratulations, you're in a fortunate minority. I've worked on a MESS of Affinity instruments, they all needed it.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

I'm sure they did.
A lot of instruments do.

Okay, you win. Squier Affinity series instruments are the equal of any non-boutique bolt-on out there, and anyone who disagrees is a snob. That's why they sell for a hundred bucks...

 

[wraub]

Nope, not at all.
They are merely, on average, pretty good. Some are better than others, some are worse, and most can be made better with some attention.
This also describes a lot of other instruments, at differing price points.
Even a few boutique basses apparently need "something else", or there'd be no aftermarket for anything, or, arguably, even a need for TB...

Okay, you win. Squier Affinity series instruments are the equal of any non-boutique bolt-on out there, and anyone who disagrees is a snob. That's why they sell for a hundred bucks...

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

Nope, not at all.
They are merely, on average, pretty good. Some are better than others, some are worse, and most can be made better with some attention.
This also describes a lot of other instruments, at differing price points.
Even a few boutique basses apparently need "something else", or there'd be no aftermarket for anything, or, arguably, even a need for TB...

Again, I'm glad for you that that's been your experience. It's not been mine, nor as far as I can recall anyone I know that's ever owned one. They're okay, perfectly fine for what they are and what they cost.

 

[bryan gibson]

Very hit and miss at that price point. I passed on a “good one” a couple of years ago because I thought I couldn’t believe that it was that good for that price. Went back a day or two later and it was gone. I’ve checked out several since then and they weren’t as nice as the first example. I’ll second the VM or classic vibe used is a much better bet.

This. Affinity models are all over the spectrum, but there are some out there with insanely nice necks. Not sure if they came from different production runs or what. My main gigging Jazz Bass has an Affinity P-neck, which i found used after digging thru a dozen or so. My main gigging 6-stringer is an Affinity Tele. Same story, dug thru a bunch and found an awesome one. Added new electronics and hardware just for reliability sake

 

[wraub]

I have also entertained the concept that I lucked out and found "one of the good ones". But I find this almost as true with all Fender products. The better ones seem to be more common at higher price points, but there are clearly some less than great Fenders, also. It always pays off to try a few when possible.

This. Affinity models are all over the spectrum, but there are some out there with insanely nice necks. Not sure if they came from different production runs or what. My main gigging Jazz Bass has an Affinity P-neck, which i found used after digging thru a dozen or so. My main gigging 6-stringer is an Affinity Tele. Same story, dug thru a bunch and found an awesome one. Added new electronics and hardware just for reliability sake

 

[Fender_Bender]

This. Affinity models are all over the spectrum, but there are some out there with insanely nice necks. Not sure if they came from different production runs or what. My main gigging Jazz Bass has an Affinity P-neck, which i found used after digging thru a dozen or so. My main gigging 6-stringer is an Affinity Tele. Same story, dug thru a bunch and found an awesome one. Added new electronics and hardware just for reliability sake

It was a case where I unfortunately didn’t trust my own judgment.

 

[Tommy Tryhard]

I recently bought an Affinity P/J body from the TB Classifieds & put an old neck from an Affinity p bass on it that I had laying around. The neck fit like a glove & although I may upgrade the pickups & pots one day, I'm digging it as it is right now. I slapped some old Chromes on it & it rocks! It's plenty good enough for the likes of me.