hello all! i was wanting to know what was your thoughts on the squire affinity strats and teles...i just got 1 from a pawn shop for a kool $60.00 and its in pretty descent shape. im going to change the tuners and bridge first and then the pickups. it was a tele by the way!

I think if you are just getting into playing and you aren't sure if you're gonna stick with it they are pretty good. I mean why spend $300-$1,200 on something you may not like? That or if you don't have the money or you don't feel some wood with electronics is worth all that much to you. I know there are some ok/great Squiers ,but I personally wouldn't buy one. I would much rather have a Mexican or American Fender. I started with an American Series Telecaster so I was spoiled off the bat. So I expect all guitars I buy to be of a high quality (mostly the necks pickups are cheaper to replace) All in all if you like it and want to keep it that way or you wanna upgrade further down the line that's up to you ,but I wouldn't dump too much money into it if I were you I'd let it be and just play it and slowly save up for another guitar that's just me though as long as you enjoy it that is all that matters I'm not knocking Squire at all I think they are a good alternative for people for various reasons. Also congrats on your buy

This is my Squier Affinity Esquire thread:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=63493&p=905263#p905263

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Bill

They are built and sold cheap. Still, after a good & total setup they are very playable instruments, and the sounds are typical to the model; e.g. an Aff.Strat gives a Stratlike sound, an Aff.Tele sounds like a Telecaster. Easy to play, especially suitable for small hands, great entry level qualities.
"Expect what you paid for" doesn't in my experience quite describe Affinities, most of the time you get more than what you expected.

They are also a great target for modding - cheap to start with, parts easily available, unlimited possibilities, not much lost if you at the end want to torch the whole thing...

BTW, I haven't had the need to change tuners on any Squier/Fender I've had. Changing the nut makes a lot more sense, if a guitar doesn't keep in tune. Bridge change is ok if there is reason for changing. Often just cleaning, adjusting & a little smoothing helps if there are problems.

Ditto this ^^^

Intonation, action, neck relief - I've had to sort all of those. Tuners no, they are generally okay. One thing I have found is that the soldering is typically pants and connections come loose. With moderate use, bits just stop working. My father-in-law uses my old affinity as a back up when he gigs - so last time a connection went, I just opened it up and resoldered everything for peace of mind

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Mater tua criceta fuit, et pater tuo redoluit bacarum sambucus

I took some lessons and the place had Squier Affinity Strats hanging all over the wall. They sounded and played great. My teacher never bothered to bring his own electric in; he'd just pull down one of the Squiers and play. For a few lessons I left my MIM at home and while I still prefer the MIM, I could easily be happy with a Squier if necessary. I can assume they are durable too if they withstand students bashing on them all day long.

My first Strat was a 97 Squier Affinity bought new. It plays really well (and loud) acoustically and has a great neck. Several experienced musicians that have picked it up and strummed it immediately commented on its playability. That fat neck feels awesome and it stays in tune!

That being said, I got lucky. The quality on those guitars is all over the map I just happened to get one built on a day when everything lined up. The electronics suck though and I am seriously considering dropping a loaded pickguard in it.

My number one is an American Deluxe . . . 100x better.

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