The Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS is a ubiquitous instrument in the world of budget guitars. As a step up from the Bullet series, the Affinity line has long been recognized as a solid entry point for aspiring guitarists. But in a market saturated with affordable options, the crucial question remains: does the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS truly deliver value for money?
For a long time, a comprehensive review of the Affinity Stratocaster HSS was missing from guitarplayers.net. We finally got our hands on a used 2019 model in an eye-catching Race Green finish to put this popular guitar to the test. This review dives deep into the specifics of the HSS configuration, its playability, sound, and overall worth, providing you with an unbiased perspective to aid your purchasing decision.
Thinking of buying used? While this review focuses on a used model, the core aspects of the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS remain consistent across years, primarily differing in color options. Buying used can be a smart way to save money and often bypass initial quality control issues.
Having spent considerable time with the Affinity Strat HSS, we can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation as a well-regarded budget guitar. However, it’s essential to understand its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it’s the right choice for you. (Spoiler alert: it might not be our absolute favorite budget guitar, but it’s definitely a contender.)
To provide a complete picture, we’ve also created a detailed video review, embedded below, including sound demos across various pickup settings. This multimedia approach ensures you get a thorough understanding of the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS.
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Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS: An In-Depth Look
Rating: 7.3 / 10
Price: Typically $289.99 new, found used for $80
Squier Affinity Stratocaster in Race Green
Key Specs:
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Made in: Indonesia
- Body Wood: Poplar
- Neck: Maple, Bolt-on, “C” Shape
- Fretboard: Indian Laurel, 9.5″ Radius
- Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo
- Nut: Synthetic Bone
- Scale Length: 25.5″
- Pickups: Ceramic Humbucker (Bridge), Ceramic Single-Coils (Middle & Neck)
- Controls: Master Volume, 2 Tone, 5-Way Switch
- Tremolo: 2-Point Synchronized
Scores:
- Looks: 7.5 / 10
- Setup (Out of Box Expectation): 5 / 10
- Feel: 9 / 10
- Sound: 7 / 10
- Price: 8 / 10
Pros:
- Authentic Stratocaster Design: Offers the iconic Strat shape and feel.
- Versatile HSS Pickup Configuration: Provides a wide tonal palette.
- Attractive Color Options: Available in various finishes, including unique colors.
- Good Sound Quality for the Price: Delivers decent tones suitable for practice and recording.
Cons:
- Quality Control Concerns: Squier QC can be inconsistent, especially on new guitars.
- Not Exceptionally Unique: A very common guitar, lacking distinctiveness for some players.
- Not the Top Strat-Style Budget Choice: Alternatives like Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V offer better overall value for some.
Where to Buy:
Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Video Review
Want to see and hear the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS in action? Watch our 14-minute video review on the guitarplayers.net YouTube channel. The video includes a comprehensive sound demonstration showcasing clean and distorted tones across all pickup positions, along with a semi-produced track to give you a sense of its sonic capabilities in a mix.
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The Stratocaster Legacy and the HSS Variation
The Fender Stratocaster is arguably the most recognizable electric guitar shape globally. Its influence is undeniable, played by legends across genres, from Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix to Kurt Cobain. When someone pictures an electric guitar, the Stratocaster silhouette often comes to mind.
Close up of the body of a Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS
The Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS offers a variation on the classic Strat formula with its Humbucker-Single-Single (HSS) pickup configuration. Traditionally, Strats feature three single-coil pickups (SSS). The HSS configuration replaces the bridge single-coil with a humbucker, adding more output, warmth, and aggression to the bridge position. While some purists might favor the traditional SSS setup, the HSS configuration is incredibly versatile and popular among players seeking a broader tonal range. For genres like rock and metal, the bridge humbucker is particularly advantageous, while the single-coils retain the classic Strat character in the neck and middle positions.
Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Specifications Breakdown:
- Body: Poplar – A lightweight and resonant tonewood, common in budget guitars.
- Neck: Maple with Indian Laurel Fretboard – Maple provides brightness and snap, while Indian Laurel is a sustainable alternative to rosewood, offering a similar feel and dark appearance.
- Neck Profile: “C” Shape – A comfortable and versatile neck profile suitable for various playing styles.
- Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo – Medium jumbo frets are a good compromise, offering comfortable playability for both chords and lead work.
- Nut: Synthetic Bone – An upgrade over plastic nuts, synthetic bone improves sustain and tuning stability.
- Fretboard Radius: 9.5″ – A modern radius that balances comfort for chording and bending notes.
- Scale Length: 25.5″ – The standard Fender scale length, contributing to the Strat’s characteristic tone and string tension.
- Tuners: Sealed Die-Cast – Reliable and functional tuners for a guitar in this price range.
- Pickups: Ceramic Humbucker (Bridge) & Single-Coils (Middle/Neck) – Ceramic pickups are generally hotter and more affordable than Alnico pickups, delivering a punchy and bright tone suitable for various genres.
- Controls: Volume, Tone, Tone, 5-Way Switch – Standard Stratocaster controls for versatile tone shaping.
- Tremolo: 2-Point Synchronized – Allows for vibrato and pitch bending effects, adding expressiveness to your playing.
First Impressions and Playability
Buying a Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS new online can be a bit of a gamble in terms of setup and quality control. While generally decent, Squiers in this price range can sometimes exhibit minor issues like fret sprout or sharp fret ends. Fret sprout, caused by wood shrinkage due to temperature and humidity changes, can make the fret ends protrude from the fretboard edge, leading to discomfort. While these issues are typically fixable, they can be a deterrent for beginners who may not have the tools or knowledge to address them.
One advantage of purchasing a used guitar like the reviewed model is that these initial setup issues are often resolved by the previous owner or can be easily identified upon inspection. Our used Affinity Stratocaster HSS, despite being a factory B-stock with a “USED” stamp, was in excellent cosmetic condition. The only initial drawbacks were a few high frets and the need for a truss rod adjustment – common adjustments needed even on higher-end guitars.
Despite these minor setup needs, the playability of the Affinity Stratocaster HSS is surprisingly good. The “C” shape neck is comfortable, and the 9.5″ radius fretboard facilitates smooth chord transitions and bends. After a proper setup, the guitar feels great in hand and is enjoyable to play for extended periods.
Learning basic guitar setup skills is highly recommended for all guitarists. It not only saves money on professional setups but also empowers you to maintain your instruments and optimize their playability. Simple adjustments like truss rod tweaks, action adjustments, and intonation can significantly improve the feel and performance of any guitar, especially budget-friendly models like the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS.
Potential Downsides
For a budget-conscious guitar in the Stratocaster style, the Squier Affinity HSS has few major drawbacks. Quality control inconsistencies when buying new are the primary concern. Purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy or opting for a used model from a reputable source like Reverb can mitigate these risks. Buying used allows for inspection or the opportunity to ask questions about the guitar’s condition before purchase.
Another minor con is the sheer ubiquity of the Squier Affinity Stratocaster. It’s not a unique or rare instrument. For players seeking something more distinctive, this might be a consideration.
Furthermore, while the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS is a solid budget Strat-style guitar, it’s not our absolute top pick in this category. The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V often edges it out due to Yamaha’s consistently better quality control, even in their budget lines. If buying new, the PAC112V might offer a slightly more refined experience out of the box.
However, when considering the used market, the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS becomes a very compelling option. Finding one at a great price, as we did with this review model, can make it an unbeatable value proposition.
The Upsides: Why the Affinity Strat HSS Shines
The most significant “pro” is right in the name: Stratocaster. The Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS provides an accessible entry point into the world of Stratocasters, offering the iconic shape, feel, and fundamental sound at a budget-friendly price. While it’s not a US-made Fender Strat, it captures the essence of the Stratocaster design. For players who aspire to own a Strat but are on a tight budget, the Affinity series is an excellent choice.
Close up of the body of a Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS
Squier Affinity Stratocasters are also known for their diverse and appealing color options. Often, unique colors are offered exclusively through specific retailers, like the striking Race Green finish of our review model. If color is a significant factor in your guitar selection, the Affinity series provides a wide palette to choose from. The Race Green, in particular, is a standout finish that we highly recommend if you can find one.
Sonically, the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS punches above its weight. While the ceramic pickups aren’t top-of-the-line, they deliver a surprisingly versatile and usable range of tones. For practice, rehearsals, and even recording, the Affinity Strat HSS can hold its own. The neck pickup is warm and smooth, ideal for clean tones and bluesy leads, while the bridge humbucker provides the necessary punch for rock and heavier genres. The combination of pickup options makes it an excellent guitar for beginners to experiment with different sounds and find their tonal preferences.
Setup and Maintenance: Getting the Most Out of Your Affinity Strat
Our review guitar, being used and a B-stock, required a more comprehensive setup than a typical new guitar might. It had some sharp frets and high frets that needed attention. The setup process, while time-consuming (around 3 hours), significantly improved the guitar’s playability.
Here’s a summary of the setup work performed:
- Fret End Dressing: Addressing sharp fret ends for smoother neck feel.
- Fret Rounding: Enhancing fret comfort for a more premium playing experience.
- Fret Leveling: Ensuring consistent fret height across the neck for optimal action.
- Fret Crowning: Reshaping frets after leveling for improved intonation and tone.
- Fret Polishing: Smoothing frets for enhanced glide and feel.
- New Strings: A standard part of any setup.
- Action Adjustment: Setting string height to approximately 1.75mm for comfortable playability.
- Intonation Adjustment: Ensuring accurate tuning across the fretboard.
For a new Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS, a typical setup might only require action and intonation adjustments. Learning these basic setup steps will empower you to maintain your guitar and keep it playing its best.
Sound Quality and Tonal Versatility
The Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS delivers that characteristic Stratocaster “punch” and “bite.” While the ceramic pickups don’t match the nuanced tones of high-end Fender pickups, they are surprisingly capable for a budget guitar. They provide a balanced and versatile sonic foundation suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
For a detailed sound demonstration, refer to our YouTube video review, which showcases the guitar’s tones across all five pickup switch positions, from clean and shimmering to overdriven and aggressive. The HSS configuration provides a broad tonal palette, making it adaptable to various genres and playing styles.
Upgrades and Modifications: Customizing Your Affinity Strat
If you plan to keep your Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS long-term, several upgrades can further enhance its performance and tone.
- Pickups: Upgrading the pickups is the most impactful modification. Pre-wired pickup/pickguard assemblies from brands like DiMarzio or Fender offer a straightforward way to swap out the stock pickups. Consider Alnico pickups for a warmer, more vintage-Strat tone, or higher-output humbuckers for heavier styles.
- Tremolo System: While the stock tremolo is functional, upgrading to a higher-quality tremolo system can improve tuning stability and sustain. However, Affinity Strats have thinner bodies than standard Fender Strats, so ensure compatibility before purchasing a replacement.
- Nut and Tuners: Upgrading the nut to GraphTech or bone and the tuners to locking tuners can further improve tuning stability and ease of string changes. While these upgrades might seem like overkill on a budget guitar, they can significantly enhance the playing experience and longevity of the instrument.
Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Photo Gallery
Full front view of a Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS
Final Verdict: Is the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Right for You?
The Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS is a commendable choice for guitarists seeking an authentic Stratocaster experience on a budget. While it might not be our absolute favorite budget guitar overall, or even our top Strat-style budget pick, it’s a solid all-around instrument, especially for beginners and players looking for a modding platform.
Overall Score: 7.3 / 10. If you desire a Stratocaster specifically and are mindful of your budget, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS. Its playability, versatile HSS pickup configuration, and iconic design make it a worthwhile option in its price range.
Do you own a Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let us know what you love and what you would change about this popular budget guitar.
