Why no Squier Affinity Jazz at Sweetwater

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by One_Dude, Jun 2, 2020.

  1. I see from online reviews that Sweetwater used to sell Squier Affinity Jazz basses, but apparently do not right now. Musicians Friend and other retailers still sell them, so what's going on with Sweetwater?

    I ask because I have a gift certificate from Sweetwater. What do you think?

    Thump on,

    One_Dude
     
  2. Honestly it’s probably due to low demand. The Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified lines are much more popular due to their better quality. That’s not to say the Affinity line is bad but Sweetwater wants to stock what sells. For another $100 or so above the Affinity you’ll have several cosmetic options and hardware options.

    Edit to add- I’m sure that, if you contacted a Sweetwater sales engineer, they could give you a straightforward explanation of why they don’t show stock of the Affinity line and could possibly order one for you.
     
    Mr Cheese likes this.
  3. mikeswals

    mikeswals Supporting Member

    Nov 18, 2002
    Seattle / Tacoma
    Why not call them and ask?
     
    Mr Cheese likes this.
  4. Wisebass

    Wisebass

    Jan 12, 2017
    Lost in Space
    Hi One_Dude :)

    It's part of the worldwide conspiracy against Jazz basses! :D

    Unpopular Opinion (Fender Jazz)


    greetings

    Wise(b)ass
     
  5. AxtoOx

    AxtoOx

    Nov 12, 2005
    Duncan, Okla.
    They won't stock anything that won't pass 55 point inspection, notice no Sterling?
     
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  6. It's definitely the anti-jazz conspiracy. Since they are still selling the Affinity P bass, the evidence seems overwhelming.

    Thanks for the chuckle.

    Thump on,

    One_Dude
     
    Wisebass likes this.
  7. equalizin

    equalizin

    May 6, 2020
    I bet if you called them they would happily order you one. Might have to wait a few weeks because they will likely include it in one of their bulk shipments
     
  8. bassstrangler

    bassstrangler

    Mar 2, 2015
    AZ
    Amazon probably cornered the market for cheap basses delivered in two days, bought by parents and grandparents for little Johnny and Janie who will give up playing in a couple of months.

    I can't see Sweetwater wasting time shipping a $229 bass for free. But, this is just conjecture on my part. Probably won't see the PJs either when they run out.

    Use your gift certificate on a cool pedal instead and buy one of Johnny and Janie's used Affinity jazzes for ~$100 on Craigslist.
     
    comatosedragon likes this.
  9. BassFishingInAmerica

    BassFishingInAmerica

    Jul 24, 2014
    I heard that Jazz basses were being recalled for having loose knobs.
     
  10. DoctorZee

    DoctorZee Supporting Member

    Jan 27, 2018
    New York / New Jersey
    Specifically, what sells to a more experienced crowd. I can’t imagine Sweetwater does well with beginners buying their first instruments. It’s not their target market.
     
  11. pcake

    pcake Supporting Member

    Sep 20, 2011
    Los Angeleez
    it's not that sweetwater doesn't carry entry level. sweetwater carries other affinities, the bottom-of-the-line ibanez GSR100EX (i have 2 of them) which i believe it's the cheapest long-scale bass from any major manufacturer, and the bronco, which is the very lowest of the entire affinity line.

    they also sell the affinity P
    Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ - Race Red with Indian Laurel Fingerboard

    OP, maybe you should contact your rep and see if they can get the affinity J for you. since they carry the affinity line, it might be something they can do.
     
  12. P Cheen

    P Cheen Alembics and parametric mid knobs scare me.

    Apr 4, 2015
    Southern Oregon
    HAHA, SHOOT! I had a bad lemon with that one. A SBMM Ray34PB. I was also wondering why Sweetwater doesn’t carry that brand.
     
  13. pcake

    pcake Supporting Member

    Sep 20, 2011
    Los Angeleez
    they say on their website they inspect instruments over $299, so they wouldn't have to inspect the affinity jazz.

    btw, i've gotten a bass from sweetwater that was all signed off on inspection that had problems no one noticed.
     
    Inara likes this.
  14. 2F/2F

    2F/2F Supporting Member

    May 26, 2009
    Los Angeles, CA
    Why are you asking us? Just call up and ask THEM.
     
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  15. 40Hz

    40Hz Supporting Member

    May 24, 2006
    home
    Yep.

    Two minutes and a phone call gets you better results than a week and 100 forum posts most times. ;)
     
    Rabidhamster likes this.
  16. Plain Old Barry

    Plain Old Barry Supporting Member

    Mar 1, 2018
    Connecticut
    if you contacted a Sweetwater sales engineer, they could give you a straightforward explanation of why they don’t show stock of the Affinity line and could possibly order one for you.[/QUOTE]

    Ditto that. While purchasing some MarkBass gear, I inquired about Sweetwater not carrying it. The answer was a straight up "We're not an authorized MB dealer. MB makes some nice stuff and customers ask about it often, but we don't sell it."

    There was zero attempt to steer me to something else or denigrate a product line they didn't sell. I can respect that and it added to my trust for them.
     
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  17. Relayer71

    Relayer71 Supporting Member

    Jun 25, 2009
    NYC
    And you'll make a friend for life.

    Really, they NEVER stop calling.
     
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  18. pcake

    pcake Supporting Member

    Sep 20, 2011
    Los Angeleez
    they did stop calling me when i asked them to stop. except after an order.
     
  19. bassstrangler

    bassstrangler

    Mar 2, 2015
    AZ
    I've never had this problem. I've only been called when it was necessary because of an issue. I've never been bothered by unsolicited phone calls by my rep and never had to ask them not to bother me. Within the last year or two I was asked by my rep if he could communicate by text and email for any special deals I might be interested in.

    Maybe I got lucky and have a rep who isn't into bothering his customers.

    At least when I do speak with my rep he doesn't flat out lie like another major music retailer has. In fact I'm currently dealing with those fools on an issue.
     
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  20. Plain Old Barry

    Plain Old Barry Supporting Member

    Mar 1, 2018
    Connecticut
    Same here.
     
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