Squier Affinity Series PJ Bass Limited-Edition 3-Tone Sunburst - its only $159.99 brand new and including delivery on ebay from musician's friend. How come its so cheap? Is it a reasonable piece to setup and use regularly? Will it fall apart after a month? is there a difference between this sunburst model and the black or red or white ones that makes it less desirable? I was thinking of selling / trading off a couple of my older or less traditional basses and grabbing this supposed bargain. Help me figure out the best strategy from here!
I don’t know if I’d trade 2 basses for an affinity it’s the lowest end Squier. Depends what instruments you’d be losing. Still they’re basses, no reason they should spontaneously fall apart.
I've read some good reports (and listened to an impressive video) on Squier Affinitys recently. Quality of inexpensive basses has increased greatly lately, it would seem. Still, I've seen folks report getting those much cheaper.
Put some loc-tite on the threads of the bridge, and it should last quite a while. One small dependability issue. If you knock a regular Fender tuner it will bend, but still get you thru the night. The tuners on Squiers and many other brands in the price range just snap off. Not good in the middle of a gig.
My expendables include a dean acoustic bass that I thought I could use for rehearsal with a couple guitar players but its not loud enough, and a Peavey 90's era Milestone II (Intl ver) P-Bass. I do like the neck on the Peavey though for some strange reason... but it just seems like I should have a Fender-esque P-Bass (albeit a PJ) in the fam
It'll do what a bass does, and you may get a good one. But more likely it'll be heavy, need a decent setup, and not sustain or play very well. For under $200, I'd just watch the GC used page for a couple days. You can find a lot for around that and the shipping is usually only like $18. If you're set on the Fender style, I'd be on the lookout for a Classic Vibe or some brand of older MIJ bass. They pop up there all the time. If you're feeling especially motivated you can call the store and get more details on it and maybe have their tech set it up.
I started with an Affinity and never regretted it Never even remotely had the faintest idea of going back to one either...
i never talk anyone out of buying a bass. I'm that dude on the corner in your neighborhood when you were in high school, with the good stuff, and the skanky girlfriend...and I'll just keep talking until you finally give in and buy what I have to offer. I'm an instigator. Buy TWO of them... BnB
Personally, I'd say keep the Peavey Milestone bass. That Squier isn't going to be any better. And if you're really set on getting a "Fender-esque" bass, save up for a better quality model.
I tried the same bass this past weekend, actually pretty good. Worth trading those two basses for? Depends if you use the other two or if they just sit around most of the time. I would try one at a local store and decide if you prefer it over the Milestone.
Agreed. For not too much more you can find a better quality P-style bass, especially if you shop used. BTW, I'd also keep the Dean ABG. You're right that it's useless for playing with a band, but it's great to keep on a stand in the living room (or wherever you spend the most time) to grab spontaneously at any moment for a quick practice, or to work out something you're hearing in your head, etc.
My drummer friend bought a used affinity for $40 which I cleaned and setup nicely. I didn't care too much for the pickups but it played fine. So you'd be paying 120 bucks too much. Hope that helps
Selling or trading gear for a $159.99 Squier seems odd. These basses pop up used all of the time for sub $100. It won't fall apart after a month. If it's a limited edition it means it didn't sell, and MF is moving them out reduced 20%. Limited edition Squier Affinity seems like an oxymoron to me. And from the looks of the wood grain in the picture, it's not attractive at all. For a beginner bass I'm sure red, black and white sell more and appeal to younger players. Sunburst with lousy grain doesn't appeal to anyone IMHO. A good bass to upgrade, but hey I'd recommend saving you're money and buying a used Mexican Fender instead.
Never experienced this problem with Squiers, unless you're talking about those really cheap tuners that have the covered gears, and small winding posts. Typical tuning machines on these Affinity basses are sturdy. I've seen a few that are bent as well.
It's been a very long time since I looked at or considered the purchase of a bass on the more inexpensive side of the street. I have never played a Squire of any type. No reason, just haven't. But I will say that there are a crap ton of people on this site that have and are staunch supporters. Sift through the comments. Dump the ones that say you will lose your soul if you buy this or it's better than an Fender American Standard. Having given this probable useless information, remember. It is a $160 bass.
Have you considered applying to Fender's marketing department? "Squier Affinity Series: It's technically a bass."