How Do You Know if a Strat Is an Affinity
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If yous're a new player looking for the best electric guitar, y'all might be looking at the Fender Squier serial – if you want to know what is better in the battle of Squier Analogousness vs Bullet, you've come to the right place. We've explored the main differences, then yous tin figure out which i is better for you.
The Analogousness and Bullet series are very similar, and both are admired past new guitar players. The bottom line? The Squier Analogousness is a little more expensive because it uses higher-quality parts, and has a slightly better audio as a event.
The Bullet serial has a lot to offering besides – we'll explore both in our in-depth comparison, then yous can figure out which 1 suits you best. We'll be looking at their differences, their key features, their shape, sound, and durability, and their pros and cons.
Best Overall
Squier by Fender Affinity | Guitar Centre
This Strat features several player-friendly refinements such as a slim and comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile, a vintage-style tremolo bridge for expressive string-bending effects and sealed die-cast tuning machines for smooth, accurate tuning.
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Let's commencement past looking at what sets them apart!
Main Differences Between Squier Affinity vs Bullet
The principal differences between Squier Affinity vs Bullet are:
- Squier Affinity guitars tend to be more durable, whereas Bullet guitars can exist a fleck less durable.
- Squier Analogousness guitars tend to exist more expensive, whereas Squier Bullet guitars tend to exist cheaper in general
- Squier Affinity'southward HSS has ameliorate audio, whereas the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS has a slightly lower-quality sound.
- Squier Affinity's HSS offers more control over the intonation, whereas the Squier Bullet doesn't offering that control.
- Squier Affinity's HSS uses higher quality pickups, whereas the Squier Bullet pickups are of lower quality and may need upgrading after on.
- Squier Affinity's HSS looks polished right out of the box, whereas the Squier Bullet Stratocaster may have an imperfect stop.
Key Specs for Squier Affinity and Bullet
| Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS | Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS | |
| Trunk Shape | Southward Way | S Style |
| Body Material | Poplar | Basswood |
| Neck | Laurel | Maple |
| Frets | Indian Laurel 9.5" fingerboard, 21 frets | Rosewood 9.five" fingerboard with 21 frets |
| Pickup | Combination | Combination |
| Warranty | 2-twelvemonth limited warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
| Latest Price | See hither for the latest price | See here for the latest toll |
The Master Features of Squier Affinity and Bullet
Hither are the primary features of the Squier Affinity and Squier Bullet:
Squier Affinity
The Squier Affinity series is very popular, thanks to the quality parts used whilst all the same existence reasonably priced.
They're designed to hitting a kind of middle footing betwixt Squier Bullets, which are very much aimed at beginners, and more expensive Fender guitars.
On launch, the Squier Analogousness range was marketed as the upkeep option – but this is no longer the case, with Affinity guitars improving in quality and Bullet guitars introduced as the cheaper choice.
The Affinity range has several models:
- Affinity Series Starcaster
- Affinity Series Stratocaster
- Affinity Serial Telecaster
- Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS
- Analogousness Series Jazz Bass
- Analogousness Series Jazzmaster HH
For the purposes of comparison, we'll be focusing on the Affinity Serial Stratocaster HSS, so we tin directly compare it to the same model in the Bullet range.
Primal Features
- Slim "C"-shaped neck
- Single-coil Stratocaster cervix and heart pickups with humbucking bridge pickup
- Dice-cast tuning machines
- Vintage-manner tremolo bridge
- Satin finish
Size and Shape
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS is full-sized, only lightweight to hold – making it suitable for many people. Older children should be able to manage to hold it thanks to the weight. Information technology nevertheless feels solid to agree, still, and despite the depression cost, doesn't feel like a budget guitar.
It's designed to be comfortable to hold, with the "C"-shaped neck profile engineered to be comfortable for all playing styles. It has a vintage feel to information technology, thanks to the retro-style tremolo span.
It looks beautiful also. With sealed die-cast tuning machines, the classic aureate-and-black Squier logo, and the chrome hardware, it's nice to look at whilst being hard-wearing.
Best Overall
Squier past Fender Affinity | Guitar Center
This Strat features several player-friendly refinements such every bit a slim and comfortable "C"-shaped cervix contour, a vintage-style tremolo bridge for expressive cord-bending effects and sealed die-cast tuning machines for smooth, accurate tuning.
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Sound
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS sounds great right out of the box. More experienced musicians may be able to tell the deviation between this and a college-priced instrument, simply the average player should feel satisfied with the sound you'll become with this.
Information technology features a humbucking pickup in the span position, which should provide a warm tone with a counterbalanced sound. The tremolo bridge allows players to utilise some very expressive cord-bending effects.
It also has solid, die-cast tuning machines that provide authentic tuning. Information technology stays in melody, too, which is really important, and different the Bullet HSS, using the tremolo shouldn't knock it out of tune. Players tin alter the intonation using the 6 separate paddles, which may feel a bit overwhelming for beginners only does give you a bit more control.
Fender draw the sound as 'genre-defying' which again shows how this guitar has been engineered to suit a wide variety of styles – information technology'southward a very 'welcoming' musical instrument in that way.
Information technology'south considered to be slightly better in terms of sound than the Bullet Stratocaster HSS, generally because of the college-quality materials.
Other Features
There aren't a huge amount of extra features to talk about here – this is a basic guitar, after all.
The Squier Affinity Series HSS comes in a variety of colors:
- Surf dark-green
- Black
- Brown sunburst
- Olympic white
- Capree orangish
- Montego blackness metal
- Race greenish
- Rece red
- Slick silver
Durability
The materials used in the Affinity series are actually impressive given the price. The hardware, for example, is a shiny chrome that is designed to resist tarnishing.
It'south a durable guitar that should last you a long time with proper care (come across our guide on how to properly store your guitar for more information on guitar care).
Squier Bullet
The Squier Bullet serial is very much a upkeep-friendly choice, but that makes it a good pick for beginners. For an entry-level player, a Bullet may be the way to become.
In fact, some consider it to be the quintessential '
Let'southward take a look at what models the Bullet series has to offering:
- Bullet Series Mustang
- Bullet Telecaster
- Bullet Stratocaster
- Bullet Stratocaster HT
- Bullet Stratocaster HSS
- Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS
We'll be looking at the Bullet Stratocaster HSS, to compare information technology with the Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS.
Primal Features
- Single-curl Stratocaster cervix and centre pickups with humbucking bridge pickup
- Thin, lightweight trunk
- half-dozen-saddle tremolo span
- Satin neck finish
- Rosewood fingerboard (check out our guide on how to properly make clean a rosewood fingerboard to help it last for years to come)
Size and Shape
This is a lightweight guitar that, similar the Affinity, is designed to be like shooting fish in a barrel to play. It has a "C"-shaped neck profile which is designed to be comfy for all playing styles, and the rosewood fingerboard feels comfortable to hold.
Because of the weight and size, even children should be able to manage to hold it. In fact, the low cost makes it very appealing for younger players, equally it doesn't feel similar such a huge investment if something goes wrong (or if your child decides they don't want to play anymore).
Like the Affinity version, it looks nice, although information technology does look a trivial more basic. The Squier logo is in black, for example, compared to the gold-and-black logo on the Analogousness HSS.
Virtually Affordable
Squier by Fender Bullet | Guitar Heart
The newly redesigned Bullet Strat is ideal for beginning-timer players looking for an piece of cake-to-play, affordable electric guitar. Its sleek neck provides fast and smooth playability while the improved tuning machines and hardtail bridge ensure rock-solid tuning stability.
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Audio
The sound, given the price, is pretty good. Simply like the Analogousness, information technology'southward designed to suit all genres, and the humbucking bridge gives a nice warm tone.
The cervix and middle pickups have five-style switching for sonic variety, and you lot can utilize the tremolo bridge for string-bending effects. The tremolo can, however, knock the guitar out of tune slightly when used. Beginners probably won't utilize the tremolo straight away, just it is something to bear in mind if you do plan to utilise it a lot.
Withal, as you lot might expect, the sound quality is not equally good as the Affinity series HSS. The Affinity has better-quality pickups, which brand a big difference in terms of sound. You could upgrade the pickups if you're really enjoying the Bullet and you desire to better the sound quality, merely this apparently comes at an extra cost, so yous may be tempted to beat out out for the Analogousness instead.
Other Features
As this is a bones model at a great cost, there aren't many extra features to talk about.
It does come in a few colors:
- White
- Black
- Brown Sunburst
Immovability
This is too where the Bullet serial falls curt compared to the Analogousness serial.
As it uses cheaper parts, it's not as durable as an Affinity guitar. The build quality can as well exist inconsistent, and sometimes the finish on the neck is imperfect – you can wait the Analogousness HSS to await more than 'polished' in comparison.
This is something to comport in mind specially if you're planning on giving it to someone every bit a souvenir.
It likewise uses cheap switches which are a little strong, and may non concluding as long equally those on the Affinity HSS, and may get a flake annoying after a lot of employ.
Squier Affinity vs Bullet – Pros and Cons
Let's accept a look at the pros and cons of both.
Squier Affinity
Pros
- A polished end which is dainty to look at
- Lightweight and like shooting fish in a barrel to hold
- Suits a variety of genres and playing styles
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Has great sound right out of the box
Cons
- More expensive than the Bullet series
- The paddles might be a fleck too much for younger players to get to grips with
Squier Bullet
Pros
- Feels comfortable to concur
- Has good audio considering the price
- The depression toll makes it slap-up for kids or beginners
- Proficient tuning quality
Cons
- Build quality tin be inconsistent
- The neck stop may exist imperfect
- Less durable than the Affinity series due to the cheaper parts
- The switches are cheap and stiff
Alternatives to Try
If you want more ideas, here are a few alternatives you tin can try.
The following guitars are affordable, durable, and designed for beginners:
- The Ibanez half-dozen Cord Solid Body Electric Guitar is an affordable guitar that feels durable. It gives neat audio and works really well for beginners, as it's super easy to tune (and holds that tune for a long time).
Ibanez half dozen String Solid Torso Electric Guitar | Guitar Eye
The Ibanez GRX20 Electric Guitar has a sleek neck and fast action. Two howling humbuckers-a Powersound ane at the neck and a Powersound ii at the bridge-crank out grinding, gritty tone by the busload. Standard rocking tremolo lets y'all swoop bomb your way to musical bliss.
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- The Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 Electric Guitar looks gorgeous – if you love the await of vintage guitars, you'll really like this one. It'south aimed at beginners, but more than experienced players volition still bask using it, and it sounds great direct out of the box.
- The Jackson JS Dinky Minion is, equally you might imagine, pretty small. It's a good durable
beginner 'southward guitar, groovy for younger players.
Jackson JS Dinky Minion | Guitar Center
The Dinky Minion JS1X has a poplar body, speedy commodities-on maple cervix with graphite reinforcement rods and a 12" radius amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and sharkfin inlays.
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FAQs
Question: Where tin I learn how to play my new guitar online?
Answer: Fender offers tutorials for new players with their Fender Play lessons. These are comprised of video lessons, and you can track your progress as you go. Y'all can download the app for Android or iOS, which allows you to play every bit you go. At the time of writing, they were offer a free trial.
If not, at that place are lots of other online tutorials and apps you lot can endeavour. Yousician is a popular app that beginners enjoy using
Question: Which is improve for my kid – Squier Bullet or Squier Affinity?
Respond: On the one paw, the Squier Affinity has the advantage of being more durable. Even if an Affinity guitar does get knocked out a fleck, it may last longer than a Bullet guitar. Nonetheless, the Bullet HSS has the reward of being simpler to employ and cheaper. A cheaper guitar may be a safe bet, especially if you think your child might not stick with their lessons!
Question: Is it worth upgrading a Bullet guitar?
Answer: Yes – if you like the way the guitar plays and feels. In that example, it'south worth investing in some upgrades. Withal, if you dislike the basic sound and the experience of the guitar, it's worth spending the money on a guitar that suits you meliorate.
Question: Is Squier owned by Fender?
Answer: Aye, Squier is owned by Fender. Squier originally manufactured strings for violins, banjos, and guitars, before beingness taken over by Fender in 1965. The first Squier guitars were produced in 1982.
Question: How exercise Squier guitars compare to Fender guitars?
Answer: Squier guitars tend to be cheaper, but non equally high-quality as regular Fender guitars. Our Fender Standard Stratocaster Review may give yous an idea of how it compares to the guitars we've looked at in this article.
You tin see more keen Fender guitars in our elevation 10 Best Fender Guitars.
Question: Why are Squier guitars cheaper than regular Fedner Guitars?
Reply: There are a few reasons why Squier guitars are cheaper. They tend to be made from cheaper components, including cheaper wood. They're likewise mostly made in Korea or Republic of indonesia to go on the costs down.
Question: Do whatever famous guitar players use Squier guitars?
Answer: The bass player Troy Sanders from Mastodon sometimes uses a Squier bass. Troy Van Leeuwen from Queens of the Stone age plays a Squier Jazzmaster occasionally too.
To Sum Up …
Which one is amend?
It really depends on your state of affairs, but information technology does seem to come down to that old saying 'you get what yous pay for'.
The Squier Analogousness series has to be our favorite. We do call up it's worth spending extra on for the slightly higher sound quality and increased durability (both of which are downwards to the superior parts used).
We also like that it gives y'all a footling more control in terms of the intonation using the paddles. Some players (especially younger ones) may not desire that as an choice, but information technology's good to have in our opinion.
Nosotros likewise similar that the Analogousness series has a slightly more polished await – this is purely aesthetic, just information technology's nice to have.
The Bullet series is a solid pick even so for beginners, kids, or those on a depression upkeep. They're not as durable and they look a footling more bones, but given the cost, they practise produce great sound.
They're easy to melody and accept care of, and they're uncomplicated – which is a big thing for beginners just beginning to get to grips with guitar playing.
The Bottom Line
Bound for Squier by Fender Affinity if you recall guitar playing is going to be a hobby that volition sustain y'all for years to come. If you lot merely want to endeavor it out, or yous've got a kid who might alter their mind virtually their new honey for guitar playing, a Squier by Fender Bullet is a solid choice.
Best Overall
Squier past Fender Analogousness | Guitar Centre
This Strat features several player-friendly refinements such as a slim and comfy "C"-shaped neck profile, a vintage-style tremolo bridge for expressive string-bending effects and sealed dice-bandage tuning machines for smoothen, accurate tuning.
Check price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if y'all click this link and make a purchase at no boosted cost to yous.
They're both bang-up guitars that are fun to play. Information technology'due south ever a skillful idea to attempt them out in person if yous tin, so yous can get a experience for them before yous purchase, simply if you tin can't, you can be assured that either one works well every bit an entry-level guitar.
If you lot've used an Affinity or Bullet guitar, we'd love to hear your thoughts.
Source: https://guitarspace.org/electric-guitars/squier-affinity-vs-bullet/
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