Squier Affinity Telecaster

The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster was made in 2008 in China. It has an Alder body, maple neck and fretboard, 2 single coils, 6 saddle top loader bridge, a 3 way switch, and a volume and tone knob. The only things I didn't like were the pickups, tuning knobs, cheap pots and switch, and the toploader bridge. It would have been nice to have string thru bridge stock. They probably could have done this and still kept the price at or under $200. I ended up replacing the pickups to SCN's, installing a 4 way switch, new pots (B500K I think?), and installing a vintage string thru bridge with brass saddles. With the price of the upgrades and guitar combined I still paid less than 400 dollars which is less than the cost of the MIM Std which was my 2nd option. I am giving it an 8 for features because there was room for improvement with things such as the switch, pots, and bridge, which could have been better and still kept the price fairly low.

I use this guitar for blues, worship music, a little country, and a little alternative. I don't think it is especially great for blues when bought stock (that's a strats job), but in the series position on my 4 way switch it sounds nice and fat with a round tone. I think most guitarists that play worship would agree that a tele always sounds nice for worship music. It works great for light overdrive like many contemporary worship musicians use and can also sing with a bell-like chime and sustain for softer songs. I don't think I have to say anything about country. Telecasters are famous for the Bakersfield sound and country in general. It doesn't sound as good for country as an ash body tele would but still works great. It also works for soft rock or alternative which I don't play as much but have the option to with this guitar. With the stock pickups it can get pretty noisy but if you are playing on a fairly clean channel it's alright. With the SCN pickups it's not noisy unless you play really high gain stuff with it (which you shouldn't be playing on a tele anyway!). I'm sure it wouldn't be too bad with normal single coils either that have the 60 cycle hum. It was just the cheap stock pickups that were bad. This guitar has pretty warm sound with a lot of sustain and just the right amount of brightness after putting the new bridge on. By the way, I run it through a Line 6 Spider III (I know... bleh), and the only pedal I use is a Boss CS-3. Without the mods I give the sound a 6 but with the mods I think it gets a solid 9. I haven't gotten the chance to yet, but I know this guitar would shine even more through a nice amp considering it sounds decent through a Spider III.

This guitar came out of the box way better than I expected. I was expecting to have to file down sharp frets and do a lot of work. The frets felt fine. None of them were poky. The action, intonation, truss rod, and pickups were pretty good out the box as well. I still took 20 minutes to make it perfect but it was no big deal. Many people are really picky about this kind of stuff but it's adjustable for a reason. I was lucky to have it be pretty good already but someone else's luck could be different. Even in that case, an hour to set it up properly will cure your problems. The guitar contained no flaws out of the box. the finish looks very nice. It is obviously 52 wanna-be but still looks nice. The finish doesn't look exactly like a 52. I think this just because ash has a different natural color than alder. The finish is cheap though. A piece chipped off the back the 2nd day I had it. But hey, a Fender's like a truck. It's made to do work, not look pretty. The neck finish it came with was ghostly white and had a funky, awkward contrast with a the body. This was easy to take care of though. I just got a little bit of golden oak wood stain and lacquered it. Now it looks pretty. I'll give it a 8 on setup without grading on looks.

This guitar, stock or modded is durable and dependable enough to handle live playing. The strap buttons aren't wobbly. I didn't have it stock very long before rewiring it, but never had any problems with cutting in and out or anything when it was stock. I wouldn't gig without a backup because strings break but if that was an issue then yes, I would. The only thing I don't think is very reliable is the tuning knobs. They stay in tune fairly good but I'm still going to upgrade sometime. Fender are built solid. Based on the way it was when I bought it I'll give it a 9.

I've been playing 6 years (only 3 or 4 real seriously). The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't do blues real well. I love the tone of it, the feel, and the looks. Nothing on it I hate. My favorite feature is the 4 way switch I added which gives is a real fat tone. When shopping I was looking at this, the MIM Blackout, the MIM Standard, and the MIM Standard Ash. I got this because after playing all of them (except the blackout which they didn't have at GC)I could tell this had potential. The MIM Standard felt cheap and not worth the money. I would have had to upgrade the pickups on that one too which would have cost a bit. After doing some calculation I figured out that I would be able to come out on top and get all the exact specs I wanted by buying this and doing upgrades. The only thing I didn't get that I wanted at the time was an ash body. However, after having this for a while I'm glad it's alder because I don't play a lot of country anyway. If it got lost or stolen and I needed a tele replacement I'd buy this again. I would also recommend it to anyone that's a beginner, on a budget, or anyone that wants to good around and mod a guitar for fun. Other gear I own: Ibanez RG120 with EMG 81 and 85. ESP EC 400 with 2 EMG 81's, Yamaha FD01 Acoustic (Stolen :/ )

There are a few different features on this Tele. Slightly thinner body which I don't mind at all. A 9.5 radius which I actually prefer. And it s a Top-Loader string path which again I learned to really enjoy[owned a 51 for years]. They[top-loader bridges] bring a edgyness and clean Tone thats very usable with many different pick-ups and styles of music and picking styles. String Through has more Sustain but not the RAW EDGY CLEAN Tone a Top-Loader has. The bridge is the newer style Flat Plate six Strat type saddle Tele bridge. It needs a good set of [STEEL]saddles [the plate is STEEL]and better Tuning machines for sure. But new it all works fine for a time. Over the years I have always picked one up in the music shops when I passed through. I noticed some had terrible fret-work and now and then one would actually be very good.
Well my last trip to Guitar center I picked one up and noodled around on the neck.........the neck was DEAD ON, perfect fret-work, and a very comfortable C shape a little over medium thickness. The manager was right their and told me the Neck Pick-Up didn't work on the Tele and a Knob was missing....otherwise perfect. He would give me a new set of knobs and the guitar for $130.00. Needless to say I bought it. Teles are Teles and don't have or need TONS of features. But in my BOOK any great playing, sounding Tele is worth a TEN.

The Tele had a very good neck from the jump. I had some Tele parts hanging around and other pick-ups. I routed the Black single-ply PG to fit a Chrome covered Gibson 490 neck humbucker I had hanging around. Next I ordered a GFS Rail Vintage/Modern splittable humbucker bridge pick-up. Also a switch and 500k pots and a new cap. Added six Steel saddles and a better set of Gotoh Tuners which is the basic original style. Just not the same quality. The Tele is a BEAST. It cleans up Very Nice with the 490 Humbucker and bridge humbucker due to the Top-Loader bridge. It was some work routing the body and PG and hooking up the electronics right. But for the $$$$$$, its one HECK of a Tele. I have a few nice MIA Hamers, Gibsons and Fenders and this Squier is getting a LOT of play! That alone should tell you right there.
I never cared for the Gibson 490 in the neck, always sounded MUDDY to me. With this tele and wood combo and bridge? MAN the 490 sounds Darn GOOD. I like the GFS Rails also and prefer the GFS Bridge for a Tele and Strat to any other Rail pick-up I've played. And I've tried basically all of them from Hot Rails of SD to DiMazio Fast Track IIs and Cruisers. The GFS Vinatge Modern Tele Rail and the Strat Overwound set are both very good IMO. Check em out, if you don't like them? hey....you can say Gary doesn't know what he's saying.

I been playing fenders since the 60's and this is a Serious Nice TELE. I also played a COUPLE Classic Vibe Squiers that were KILLER. I bought a CV-60 Strat so I thought I would go the Butterscotch Affinity Tele route. Glad I did, I LOVE it. The body is Nice ALDER and a straight up 3-piece well seamed. And as I said the neck was the Bomb from the start.
These could EASILY be a HIT or MISS by ordering over the internet. But you try a couple in person and I can almost BET you'll come across one you like. I've seen a FEW new and was fortunate to have the extra bucks on me when I stumbled onto this Jewel. TOP-HAT switch tip, Butterscotch. I even did the Brown shoe polish trick on the maple neck. Tints it up amazingly well, and it lasts. I did a 51 Squire neck and it lasted for years with KIWI BROWN POLISH for SHOES.

This is a TELE. These are like TIMEX watchs.....They take a Licking and keep on Ticking!!!!

Fenders very good to deal with, especially if you bought from a Fender dealer in person.

If your pockets tight, or you just want a GREAT project TELECASTER? You can't beat this. Its the Real Deal!

Frankly every time I stopped at a GC or a Sam Ash I'd pick up one of these Squier Affinity Tele Specials. FINALLY I found one with a DEAD PERFECT fret job and a very straight neck. It was $139. so the GC sales man said he'd let it go for $100. plus tax [it was missing a knob] so it turned out to be a nice deal. The Butterscotch ALDER body is either 2-3 piece I se one line but can't see the other. So I think it might be two. The NECK I feel is a little on the chunky side as opposed to what I've read? Maybe larger in 09? For Ceramic pups stock they sound decent. BUT.....heres what I did. Ordered a three-way and a set of 500k Alpha Pots. I had a Chrome covered GIBSON 490 neck pick-up I swapped on my SG Standard for a BB-Pro. So a PERFECT place for the 490 to go[the Butterscotch Tele]. I also ordered a 10ohm RAIL Lil-Killer from GFS and installed that in the bridge. I haven't changed the saddles yet but I have a set of Six Brass Barrels that will go NICE on this bridge. Also have a set of slightly better TMs from a Vintange Modified Squier. But all in all now..............This thing is a BEAST. Instant LOVE for me! PERFECT platform for upgrading.

Upgraded its simply awesome the Gibson 490 humbucker in the neck is really CLEAR with the Maple board and Alder body. The GFS Lil Killer Rail is a sriously nice match for the neck Gibson 490. Yet it coips a straight out bridge Tone very well. I'm impressed with the Tele.

Well as I mentioned in the start. I have been checking for one of these with a DEAD RIGHT Neck/Fret-Job for about 18mths. But as soon as I picked up this one and played a few Riffs..........I knew it was the one. Nice tight neck pocket, 7lb total weight. And a perfectly straight neck with an exceptional fret job. With the upgrades its pure Killer.

Teles? They are like Strats.......virtually indestructable.

Don't know guys. I voided the warrenty immediatly. But never a problem in the past!

These Squier Tele Affinity Specials with the Alder body. Maple neck Butterscotch finish are a GREAT Platform to build YOUR version of a Perfect Tele. Black PG nice Top-Hat switch Tip. Theres just a lot there to get you started thinking, and then your on your way. I've been wanting to build a Albert Collins/Keith Richards Humbucker neck type Tele for some time. With the Alder body, Butterscoth finis,

Affinity Series Tele?? guitar features
-two single-coil pickups
-three-way switching
-truly classic Telecaster?? guitar style.

Guitar specs from Fender official site (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/view_specs.php?full_partno=0310202&name=Tele%26reg%3B )

I think this guy is more of a blues, mild type of guitar. If you want it to play hard rock it can still do a great job. But won't do too great when you put it on some death meatal distortion.

Ive plugged this into many amps, and used it sometimes by itself, or on my Zoom G1 MFX pedal.

Im not good at describing the sounds you can read other reviews on that, but it just generally gave me a goood impression!! For its price it gives you WAYY too much variety.

When I got it from that guy who took it apart, lost a few parts and broke the input jack. I had to reassemble it. Then took it to a free guitar repair event (promotion) and had the guy readjust actions in a rough 15 minutes or so. Now it plays as good as new.

Mine was in a nice low action. As a beginner that i was, I can finally play bare chords!! Everything just plays so nice.

The finish on it looks really good, infact i like how the neck look more than my new guitar now. Nice and glossy. Though the body has been abused by previous owner, but oh well that's now its problem.

One more thing, this guitar is really light, no stress on the shoulders.

If I can give it a 20 I would. the previous owner must have hated music, took everything apart, scratched the body with something really sharp (Meaning it doesn't look authentically old!!). I rewired the input jack with a little soddering, put all the pegs/plates/pickups(Still in wire fortunately) back together, and it actually worked. I regret not giving it a nice paint job it deserves.

One note on the pegs, you can actually pull them out, since one peg was lost when I got it, I pulled the lower pegs onto the other pegs and tunes the guitar that way! Genius

I would depend on it, and have used it on gigs. I ended up selling this guitar to a telecaster collector, who loves it dearly right now.The good life of an indestructable guitar!!

No idea, this thing was retailed for 150$ Canadaian. Why would they give you warranty?

Overall, it would be my recommended guitar for ALL beginners for its price. The pickups are a little better than what you pay for!! But everything else is WAY beyond what you paid for.

Its durable, don't have to worry about the actions and fitting falling apart, light weight, and durable.

Im a shallow person and prefers les paul bodies, which is why i sold this baby to someone who loves it more than I do.

Crafted in 2005, made in China. I bought it as new in September, 2007. You all know the features, this one is metallic red. Features are just like a Fender Telecaster's.

This guitar is one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played in my life, and I'm serious. Plugging it into a Boss GT-8 to a Fender FM65R amp, or into my Line6 KB37 and Pod Farm plugin, or EVEN into my Marshall 6100LM with a Hiwatt Custom 4*12 cab, this guitar always sounded amazing, I've never ever had problems with any sounds coming out of it. The bridge pickup is very even, harmonically rich, it's not too bright, not too harsh, a bit noisy, but not really. The neck pickup sounds huge, it has a real hollow sound, I probably like it even more than the bridge pickup. For cleans, I love the middle position of the selector, it's s bit twangy, but very even. You can make ANY sounds out of it, and I mean it. From clean noodling to high gain shredding or metal rythm palying, this thing sounds amazing. All in all, it's a f.cking huge 10.

I don't know about the factory setup as I asked them to set it up for me before taking it home. The finish looked very nice, until it started crackling at the side of the guitar (the side you're looking at when you're holding it at playing position) and the back. The finish is coming off the guitar, but I don't really care, it looks amazing relic'd. Anyways, this is a problem, and a bad thing. But everything else is fantastic on the guitar, it totally stays in tune, the tuning pegs are decent, and you can set it up really good. No real problems with it, except the finish.

This guitar would be really amazing to play live, I think you can't abuse it so much that it would ever fall apart. I'd love to give it a ten, but I can't do that because of the finish problem, what also fits into the reliability/durability category, so it's a 7, but if didn't have problems with the finish, it'd surely be a 10. I'd gig with it without a backup guitar. I actually played a gig with it, and I played it more than my Gibson LP Standard.

I can't say anything about this, because I never had to get in touch with Squier.

I play for 4 years now, and I owned lots of different guitars (Gibson Les Paul Standard, Fender Malmsteen Strat, Line6 Variax 600, Music Man Petrucci, Ibanez JEM) and I've played a lot others as well. I've tried out cheap guitars as well (and I currently have an Epiphone LP Special II as well), but this guitar stands out. I don't know if it's only my particular instrument, or all of them sound this great, but I'm amazed by the sounds I can get from it, and sometimes I like it's tone more than my JEM's or EBMM Petrucci's tone. It just sounds a lot more definite, characteristic.

All in all, this guitar will stay with me forever, until it (or me) falls apart. If it were stolen, I'd go to the FBI and ask them to get it back for me, because this instrument is my favorite instrument ever, despite having the JEM and the EBMM Petrucci. This guitar is as good as it gets for cheap guitars. If you want a really amazing instrument for a laughable price, go for this one. If you regret it, send your guitar to me, I'll surely like it as much as I like mine.

Crafted in China in 2000
Standard Tele controls, 1 volume, 1 tone, 2 single coil pickups, 3 way toggle switch
Maple neck and fretboard, Alder body, 21 frets

Sounds pretty good. It's no MIA Tele, but it is well worth the $179 they go for new. It has a nice clean tone (like you would expect from a Tele) and the pickups sound great with some gain. It growls much better than I had anticipated, though I'm sure it will hum like a biatch with loads of gain.

The nut on this guitar was cut nearly perfect. The G string goes about 2 cents sharp on the first fret, but the rest are dead on. Everything else is damn near perfect. The body isn't plywood, though I doubt it is a one piece body. I am highly impressed with the quality of this guitar.

I just got it, so I'm not sure about how reliable it is. If the build quality is any indication, I'm sure there won't be any problems.

Never had to deal with them

I've been playing for almost 17 years. I currently own an American PRS Custom 22, a Schecter C1 Classic, a Gibson Les Paul Supreme, an Ibanez RG7321 7 string, and this Tele. They get played through a highly modified 2 channel Mesa Dual Rectifier half stack and a Fender JAM practice amp (when the wife and kids are home). I traded an Epi Strat copy even up for this guitar. I made out in the deal for sure. Once I got home and plugged it in, I was immediately blown away by how well it plays and sounds. It is well worth the money. I probably won't play it much...I got it for more of a studio guitar. If it were stolen, I would be very sad. I would probably go out and buy another one, but it wouldn't be a priority.

Well, a Squier Tele Affinity 2009, with the features other comments described. Usual Tele's features, not more, not less.

I play from jazz-blues to old heavy metal, and this baby could play all of that in condition to take the time to find the tone that fits your taste.

I'm initially a sort of Strat and Les Paul guy and wanted to try an affordable Tele guitar with the spirit of it and much costless than the American or Mexican'ones. To speak honestly, I was a little afraid as much by the brand (I've kept a bad memory on an electric-acoustic Squier) as the harshing high ends I was expecting to have. I ordered this guitar on the net and tried it with some quite light effects and just through a UX2 Line 6.

Is it noisy ? If you're attempting to get a very metal and loud sound, well do not hope to have less than an infernal and permanent huming. To say the least, it's unbearable and unplayable. Even for very open minds and a kind of neo contemporay free jazz punk-hardcore style. To speak seriously, as other writers say, it's not its battle field. But if you're searching for a old hard rock manner or rock-punk purpose with a reasonable hot overdrive, you can find it here with some tube amps or pedals. It can produce very Stones-like tones and nice crunch. If you're experiencing a hum yet, well a noise gate will reduce the humming. Anyway it will become hardly audible in the bridge position and quite null in medium and neck.

Now if you play the clean. Record a blues with effects you like, then re-listen and close your eyes. You get the twang. No doubt about it. This entry model has not that sort of sweet chime of the American'ones, but if you like brilliant tones and a Tele's imprint, you can't go wrong. To tell the truth, I'm not a fan of acute and chime sounds. Indeed I'm first a bass player ! So I entered a new home here ! But instead of trying to lightly compensate the cut-glass (for which we choose this guitar after all) by processor effects and mellower strings, I tried the opposite and looked for a very magnetic and brilliant sound. I put well-known magnetic strings D'Addario ProSteels, with standard gauge 10-46, add some reverb, chorus and equalization's adjustements (maybe the most important with this guitar). Play with fingers and it's not a guitar any more. It's a harp ! Amazing. I must confess at the first notes of some 'Babe I'm gonna leave you'-like arpeggios that tears have flown away my eyes. In clean, that babe exploses my Fender Stratocaster Signature Clapton. So rethink about the famous combination 'noise / too chime' of the instrument, 'cause it does exist some ways to make it a friend of yours ...

As I said, I've got it by an order mail two weeks ago, and was surprised by the set-up. No problem with the action. Just the usual retuning out of the box. No defaul nor marks. Good fret job, no sharp edges. The neck exhibates a sweet and beautiful maple texture, not as sticky as some high gloss necks. Indeed excellent condition and finish. I won't even add '... for a cheap guitar' cause at first sight it doesn't look at a cheap model and exist by itself versus more expensive ones.

To sum up by one word the feel of the neck and fingerboard, I will say 'Pleasure'. I don't have had such fun for a long time ago. Neck is fast, smooth, perfect for smaller hands and maybe too narrow (less than both the others Squier and Fender Tele). Great for soloing, no matter your style. Old manner blues, country, legatos and sweep plans as much tapping ... It's a delight. Only subject of matter is the 21 squares fingerboard and maybe that narrowness not confortable for the quite big hands. As a matter of fact, it's difficult to move freely around first position chords (for instance a medium hand can't make ornements with the pinkie on a first Dm chord). But it's up to you to check if it does affect your actual style or not.

I mostly play sit down and do not have the opportunity to play live with it yet, hence I will not objective. Don't have enough time yet to tell about the jack or strap button, but it seems to be very reliable. However, the pickup selector may show some loose along the time. Perhaps it's just the model I've purchased. I don't know.

I've checked the stability of the tuning during an almost non-stop 12 hours playing (just two breaks for what you can guess :-) I've played the more manners I can, and particularly many strong one and half or two tones bends and raw rythmic as those you could play if you knew you would die tomorrow (or as if you try to break your guitar with the right hand). Human vs Tele Squier. The winner is ... Tele ! The human body changed more than this thing did. Does this guitar stay well in tune ?! During 12 hours she doesn't have moved even from a coma ! Amazing.

Do not have to complain yet.

I play guitar, bass and piano since 20 years and wanted to try a Tele-type guitar before I die or at least I grow older than I am. And I was astonished by the quality of such a budget guitar. I almost hesitate to leave a comment by fear to reveal a part of its magic. I wouldn't have thought that Squier rocks like that ! Without being too much dithyrambic nor making hundreds comparisons, I will just say it's a fine guitar for those people who don't want a metal machine and who are not afraid by treble chime sounds. From my past experiences with a bunch of metal models, I would say that this Squier Tele is by nature far less ear-wounding than some entry level modern metal-devoted guitars. So its major and traditional issues must put into perspective when you're hesitating to grab one of these. Then it's a matter of subjectivity and personal likes.

With the Classic Vibe 50's Squier and a fortiori with the best Mexican or American, you can get more sustain thanks to the string-thru body as well as a more balanced dynamic response with somewhat more sweetness and homogeneity on the spectrum. But for a less than current 180 USD guitar, needless to say it's a deal that can make some titans brands to worry a little ...

All in all, a good clean/crunch rock machine with a classic-looking physionomy for a friendly price.

2006 or 2007, China I believe. Standard confirguration for tele's: 1 Tone and 1 Volume knob, sliding pickup selector. 21 Frets.

I actually became interested it more for the look than the sound. As somewhat of a retro-geek, I liked the way it looked and how it was made to sound by Joe Strummer and the Boss. So I tried it out at the local Guitar Center. The sound was good enough for me to buy it, but really scored big when I took it to my brother-in-law's house(a staunch Les Paul man), and he hooked it up though his stomp box set up. After fine tweaking the tuning, he lit it up! Starting out with the intro of Neil Young's 'Rocking in the Free World' and just flew into other a host of rips, he stopped and asked how much I paid for it. I told him $170 new, and he just looked at me. He professed his passion for LP one more, but said this axe is one of the best he's ever played, and will be looking for me to come over more often. Just not alone!

Personally, I like re-reating the older sounds, setting the amp reverb on high and jamming into the intro of GLORIA by Van Morrison(My nephews commented on how it reminded them of the old Beach Boys songs). Setting the forward pickup, the sound is a warmer. For my expertise(novice), the range is versatile enough to explore grow my experience. I'll give it a 9 as there is always room for improvement by choosing the right amp, perhaps some higher end pickups, etc. But it's sounds great right out of the box...

From what I can tell, the set up was fine. Only needed some fine tuning by my brother-in-law, and that was about it.

I like the neck as my hands are small for guitar playing. ON other guitars, I had trouble just making a bar chord sound good, but this was easy. I also like that the neck is unfinished. It makes sliding down the neck alot easier than those that are finished.

I didn't notice it at first, but after ready other reviews, I found that the frets need a little filing. I will give that for my bro-in-law for my next visit. a 9 overall.

The finish is definatley a 10. I chose the blonde, and the gloss finish makes this eye-candy. I bought a wall mount for my basement to ensure this gets the attention it deserves(instead of sitting in a case). There were no dings or any imperfections. A beaut in the most simplistic form.

I only play with friends and it holds up during normal transporting. I won't Pete Townsend the thing, and have yet to drop it, so I really don't know how it will hold up.

The knobs are solid, but I would like more lubrication(oil, whatever)to turn them faster for quicker changes from treb to base and vise versa. The knobs have a cross-checker grip pattern to help with that, which is a good feature. The pickup switch is greatly criticized in most other reviews, but I haven't had any other experiences with other switches. I'll try out a Fender Tele to see the difference. Otherwise, it does what it's supposed to do: selects the pick-up.

Din't need it yet, so no experience to speak.

I've played around with guitars for over 10 years, but just now started to get more serious since last year. I play my Tele through a Randall R25, which sounds very good for $130 practice amp.

I love the way it looks, handles and plays. I have no dislikes about this whatsoever. Very satisfied with this guitar.

If it were lost, I'd get another one the same day(who couldn't for $170?). If it were stolen, and I found the guy who took it, I would then be able to test the durability of this axe. If it didn't break during my Pete Townsend impersonation on the thief, I wouldn't need to get another one!

Pritty simply really. Chiniese Squire around 2003 possible. Just 2 pick-ups with two knobs, one for volume and the other tone. Maple neck with 21.

For the price I payed, I was very impressed. Although not as good as an American Tele, the sound is not far off a mexican. There tends to be some buzz coming from the guitar when you are not playing but you only really notice it when you are in your bedroom but not on stage. Sounds it best I think through a Fender Frontman Amp. The Fender amp does tend to lift the sound.

Everything seems to be good. The only bad thing here is when you are changing the strings, it's not a string through the back of the guitar then through the bridge, its straight through the bridge which can be fidly and time consuming and may make you end up with bend strings but the more you change the strings the better you become, it's all about skill.

Been in a band now for 1 year and a bit now and it's my guitar for live play. This was my second guitar, first was some unknown copy of a stratocaster which is terible. I needed something more and the Squire Tele is the one. Been using it since my band started back in September 2007. Being only 15, there are time when I get a bit ruthless and throw my guitar down in some flush of anger, but, when I have retieve the guitar, it's still in tune and intact. It's a hero. There is the odd nick but that is what gives the guitar a bit of character. Perfect for first choice or a back up.

Never have I(touch wood) had a problem with this guitar. It stands up from the rest. Personaly, i think the American Series are weak compared to the Chinese squires. They are built to last. The shop i bought it from even phoned me up after the warinty was almost ran out to ask how my guitar was getting on!

Been playing guitar for 3 years now and stuck by my tele. My friends have all got fancy Fenders and Gibsons but none of them make me want to leave my Squire. I've been saving up the past few months to get a 69' Telecaster Thinline. It's great for people starting out or someone who wants a taste of what the Telecaster is like. Squire made a fantastic job on this guitar. Check out my band if you want, i'm vocals and rhythm guitar - www.myspace.com/theswitch1

Bought for ??15 pounds Black with maple neck. Solid construction compared to my Vox. Not working when i got it simple soldering job and away she went.

Very bluesy with my Carlsbro 50 Top like it though. Good rhythm sound as well

Not sure about the tuners though a bit hit or miss. Although do stay in tune for a while don,t know about gigging with it. Got a few dents nothing serious. Someone fitted a strat nut to it and filed it down poor job will replace at some point. Good action though surprising really how good it is

Never gigged with it no plans to

None. Dealt with fender for my 1980 precision special did not have any parts for it not interested said it was to old. I was looking for an electronics board so can,t blame them. Did help with the wiring diagram when i did find a replacement

Playing for 30 years tried allsorts from esoterica to complete garbage this sits some where in the middle. Not great not bad either. Tuning pegs are bit suspect neck is ace pickups not bad good for blues and rhythm. What do want for 15 quid overall a real bargain

Butterscotch, regular features

Like a telecaster should sound twangy, unplugged it sounds great

Action and fit Everthing superb,finish small scratch on back

Seems quite well although neck/body binding needs some care

n.a.

I've got it for 3 months, and everytime I'm suprised about the sound and playability.

Standard Chinese made Squier Affinity Telecaster- maple neck, blonde body. Looks authentic from a few yards away!

The usual single coil hum and some static when touching the scratchplate- no big deal..

But the overall sound is superb- a true wide Telecaster tone range- it can handle anything - jazz, blues, country, rock, jangle ...

Well set up and adjusted straight from the shop- no significant flaws.

Very well made for the price, although obviously the hardware is not up to US quality. The pickups are incredibly good, and the volume and tone controls work well.

Most Fender type guitars are tough enough for live work, and this one's no exception- although on the first gig I played just after I bought it new, the wind blew an outside blind at a seaside cafe where we were playing, and over it went- a small ding on the body- oh well, I bought it to use, not to polish, hoard or trade...

I do my own setup and maintenance etc- repairs etc not really an issue for a guitar this cheap

I have been playing most styles of guitar and bass in bands here in Australia for 45 years.

This guitar was $AUS275 (about $US 180) with a cardboard box- it's my main guitar, used with an old small Peavey amp

I wish I could have had one of these in 1965 when I joined my first band...

Made in China. Unsure of what year it was made. I purchased it 2-3 years ago brand new.
21 medium jumbo frets
3 position top hat switch, tone control and volume control
Unsure of the make and model of the pickups but are the standard factory fitted ones.
Passive electronics
Neck is maple and maple fretboard and body is alder.
The neck finish is a polyurethane finish.
The body style is standard telecaster body
Again standard tele bridge
basic tuners. not locking. They are good enough to keep it in tune for a while.
Neck is C shape and the fingerboard has a 9.5" radius
The only accessories i think was just an Alan key.
For what you pay it is quite reasonable. The electronics could be better but I guess as the saying goes "you get what you pay for".

I like to play a bit of this and a bit of that and I find that the Tele suits it perfectly.
I am using it with an old 10 watt Peavey amp. I also have a Pro Co Rat 2.
It isn't that noisy but it really depends on what sort of effects you're using. With my set up it isn't that bad just the usual, small, background hum on the single coil pickups by themselves.
The sound i get is pretty bright and colourful. With the right effects you can get great distortion sounds. It is also good for using it with clean sounds on the neck pickup. You get a nice mellow sound with that.
I really like the bridge pickup with my Rat 2 on the clean channel of the amp it breaks up really easily and gives that rhythm distortion that I love. I'm not so keen on the neck pickup since it just seems to dull and lifeless but It's alright using a clean sound.

Geez. It's hard to remember back to when I bought it. I can't recall doing any set up i think it was good to go but if I did need to do some set up it wouldn't have been much. I am not a professional guitar player and this is my first guitar so I don't know much about pickup adjustments but they sound fine. There aren't any flaws or things unaligned. It was all perfect when I bought it.

This guitar would be able to handle live playing. The hardware isn't that bad. It probably would last in live playing if it was treated with great care. The finish is fine and so are the strap buttons. What you would need to be careful of is some of the cheap parts like the jack input. The plastic piece that is held down by the nut on the jack has split and is hanging by a thread with the nut keeping it there. I think some of the things like this would need to be replaced with better quality ones but for what you pay it is good. But overall I would be able to depend on it with a few replacement parts that are worth a bit more money. I could use it on a gig without a back after this with no worries.
Another note on durability - i dropped the guitar a couple of months ago and the top edge of the body was bashed on a table leg and I have a couple of bit of paint that have chipped off but it's nothing major and adds to the authenticity. :-)

I haven't dealt with Fender customer support nor have I tried to get my guitar repaired. Simply because my chipped paint would cost almost as much to repair it as getting a new one. The guitar came with a 1 year limited warranty.

I have been playing basically since I got this guitar and as mentioned before I have a Pro Co Rat 2 and they go together fine. I probably would have asked more about the durability of the cheap parts. If it was stolen or lost I would most likely get a new one because I love the sound it gives me. As I said before I just love the bridge pickup and that would have to be my favourite feature. I hate the flimsy jack socket. I didn't really compare it to other guitars simply because my dad has a Fender Deluxe Series Nashville Tele and I absolutely love it! And the the closest thing I could get to it was in fact Squier's cheapest guitar but it stil is great! The only additional thing I wish it had was a middle pickup like the Nashville Telecaster and also better quality electronics.
All up this is a great beginners guitar and I would recommend it to anyone who can't afford anything more expensive. Like me!! :-)

Chinese Tele copy in butterscotch alder with maple neck / fretboard.
Excellent finish although, as stated before, 3 way switch very flimsy.

Very nice Tele sound through my Line6 Spider - a little hum but that`s the price paid for single coil P/ups.
Plenty of output (neck = 6.36k bridge = 6.30k)

Action and attention to detail were horrid however, I expected this since those Chinese factories typically charge around $30.00 a guitar and I bought this Tele as a donor guitar to improve.
Shop bought examples may have been tweaked but I bought mail order so this was new in box.
Action was approaching 1/4" at 12th fret and the strings fitted were ridiculously light to compensate.
Some of the frets were lower than the mean by around 0.010" - not a problem to me as the frets are the first thing I attack.
The truss rod nut was also out of alignment with the hole in the headstock so could not be removed for lubricating.

No opinion re. live playing - I`m a bass player but actual materials and hardware seem pretty good.
The strings fitted (proudly proclaimed as Fenders) were super light gauge and within 10 minutes of Tele-twanging, the thin E string went PING!!! oddly enough, not having snapped but un-twisted at the ball end - weird!!!

Not an issue - I work on my own guitars!

I`ve been playing for around 40 years and currently play bass (4 Warwicks including a custom shop Fortress and Warwick amplification).
Once it has been revamped (probably humbucker at neck a-la Albert Collins), it will probably end up on E-Bay to fund my next project.

Out of the box, even though this is a budget price guitar, without a good deal of attention, there is no way that this was a beginner`s guitar - Anyone considering a Squier Affinity would probably be wise to buy from a shop.

Butterscotch Blond and gorgeous. Top loading bridge, Nice satin finish neck, Standard tuning keys, Cheap tele pickups, Selector switch is garbage, broke the cheap plastic jack plate on the second day. The frets are nicely finished and the action was spot on with no buzzing at all. Walked out the door with no accessories. Slightlt thinner body than a regular Tele.

Bought to see if I liked the Tele as a whole. I played some pretty expensive Fender Teles the day I bought this guitar and this one played the best hands down. The sound was also very good. The pick ups were noisey but useable. I did change to Fender SCN noiseless pickups which enhanced this guitar ten fold. I also changed the tuners to locking tuners and added Strap locks. I will need to change the selector switch soon as the stock one sucks. The jack plate had to be changed to a metal one also. I love the fit and finish on this guitar and am very happy on my decision to purchase.

Well set up. Fit and finish were as good as it gets,far better than one would expect from this price range. Some of the parts such as the jack plate and selector switch could have been better quality. Noisy pickups, although most single coils are unless you have noiseless pickups. Nice butterscotch finish is flawless. I would like to see them go to string thru the body design.

This guitar seems to be built solid. I don't think that the top loading bridge will be too friendly to the ball ends of the strings, but that remains to be seen. I would not gig without a back up guitar.

none

Been playing 20 plus years and own or have owned many nice expensive guitars, this guitar is well worth the $169 I paid for it. With the new upgrades I made this guitar is a real player. Very fun and insprational. It is able to get sounds I can't get from my other guitars. Like I said before a string thru the body bridge would have been the icing on the cake.

Basic Telecaster...
Made in China...
Awesome Butterscotch finish...
3 way switch...
2 single coils...
Nice, thin, maple neck...
Not "string through body"...no big deal.
For the price.....OUTSTANDING!

I wanted a low cost Telecaster.
This fit the bill...
Pickups are slightly noisy...
They are single coils....so, expected.
In the middle position, the hum disappears!
Neck pickup sounds fantastic...
Great for jazz & blues.
Middle position is good for rhythm & chording.
Bridge pickup has plenty of Tele Twang!
Just a bit on the bright side.
With a little overdrive, this guitar sings!
I'm very satisfied with the sound.

Set up was PERFECT right off the rack!
No sharp fret ends...
After tuning it up, it STAYED in tune.
And I bend.....a LOT!
I found no flaws at all.

Seems extremely solid.
Everything was nice & tight.

Got it at Guitar Center....
They were having their Labor Day Sale...
Regular price was $169.99....
On sale for $149.99....
Plus, I had a $25 gift card...
So, I paid $135.00 for a great guitar!!!
Sales people were attentive but not obnoxious or overbearing.

Been playing for close to 30 years...
I have 6 electrics, 1 acoustic, & 3 basses...
I'd get another in a heartbeat.
Great Tele sound...for $135???
YES!

Made in China 2005.
Alder Body.
Maple neck medium C 9.5" radius, 21 medium jumbo frets.
Basic black with white pickguard.
Standard Die-Cast Tuners.
Nothing more to say - its a basic telecaster - just how they should be!

I had a sound gap that needed filling, this fits the bill perfectly.
Mainly blues and country style.
No idea what pickups are used in these models - the bridge is very powerfull, the neck is just how it should be. I must admit I thought that I would need to replace these, but so far they seem better than expected!

Shop bought. Don't know if the shop had done a setup on the guitar or if it was from the factory, but the action is very low, almost perfect for my style. No fret buzz at all.
The neck on this model is simply stunning a perfect satin finish, I did try a couple of others which seemed ok - it seems that you would need to go through some until you find one you like.

This would proberly withstand playing live, but as always never gig with any guitar on its own, no matter how much it costs.

The pickup switch does seem like it might eventually need to be replaced, but thats all really.

The finish is solid Polyurethane Finish, should be able to take a few knocks!

Never had to deal with them.

Would I buy another is lost or stolen? If I could find another one with a neck like this, then yes in a heartbeat!

I have been back playing now for a couple of years. I own a very nice vintage les paul style guitar, which has been around a bit (few dings here and there) circa 2000, but the tone this produces is amazing, also a Strat copy which has been totally striped down and is being rebuilt as a project.

The reason that I chose this guitar was simply that it sounded and felt perfect.

Initialy I went to Dawsons to check out the Farida range of guitars they are now selling.

The FTC-12 was the one I looked at, on the web site is looks quite good. Unfortunatly in person its quite different. The "blond" finish is too thick and sort of edges more to a full butterscotch look.

The biggest turn off though was the neck, it was like it had been dipped like a candle! The finish is way to thick. You would really have to strip the back of the neck to make it playable.

Added to that the pickups compared to the Squire seem thin and weak, possibly to vintage for modern standrds. You would definiatly have to replace them.

If they sorted the neck and pickups this guitar may be worth looking at, but as it is don't bother.

Bought new I think it is a 2007 China made.
It's a standard Tele with vintage feel, Artic White with maple neck and white pickguard.
Ten becouse it has all I need.

I need a '50 look guitar for playing in my new rock 'n' roll band. I love Fender sound (I owned other Fender guitars). The sound is decent, but I've bought it with the idea to replace the pu with a pair I owned, so no other money out of my pocket.

I've played it with a Fender HotRod deluxe, a Fender Champion 600 and a Fender Deluxe 90 Dsp. And always it sounds good. The neck pu is not the best think I've heard but you got a decent sound, the bridge pu is a bit sharp.

The Telecaster is a guitar mainly associated with Blues. Country and Rock 'n' Roll and this sound good for that kind of music.

Bought in a shop (I don't know if someone has set it), It was high playable when tested.
One at home, changed the strings, a short setup of the neck, the action & the pu height and I've played for a couple of hours with great fun.

The finish is very good for a cheap guitar, better than a more expensive one I've tried.

It's a Tele. Squier is a good brand.

No need.

I'm playing since 1970. I own a lot of guitar (Fender '79 Stratocaster, Fender '83 Telecaster, Ibanez Archtop, Acoustic Guild & Daion) ad use Fender amps (modded Blues Junior, modded Champion 600, stock Deluxe 90 dps) and I've found this guitar a great value for the price. It's light, sounds good even unplugged (night playing), has a great action.

I think you must try some in the shop before buy, Some are good and some are bad (It's Fender style). If it were first I cry then I run to the store to buy another. It's a very nice Telecaster. Got it!

Made & bought new in 2007. Butterscotch,,good looking guitar,,basic cheap Squier hardware. Nothing loose or broke yet, but hardware will have to be replaced sooner or later if I'm going keep the guitar playing well. But for right now,,,new,,I give it a 8 because it is a beatuful guitar. Ask next year,,,I may have a different opinion.

Suits my style,,which is blues & classic rock. Bridge pickup is strong & I'll probely keep it, but the neck pickup is a little weak & needs to be replaced. This Tele was bought only to see if I liked the Tele style body & looks. I do on both,,,it is well worth upgradeing. I play this Tele through a Boss GT-6 into a Rickenbacker TR-35 bass amp & all of that gives me more sound than the guitar was built for,,,so soundwise,,,I'm happy,,another 8 for this category.

Action was ok out of the box,,,but I had it set down closer to my 91 USA Strat. No flaws at all in the finish. Other revewers say the paint on the body chips easy,,,I'm not hard on guitars,,but I've only had this Tele for about 6 months & haven't played live or in a studio with it yet,,so all the paint is still there,,no chips, dings or dongs,,,only scratches on the pickguard. Setup was about a 7,,but I have had it reset & am now proud of this little Squier Tele. The hardware is a little on the ragged side,,but when I have the time & $$$,,,this will all change. The way this guitar is set up now,,I give it a 9.

Might survive live playing if you play soft rock meledys, but I'm not that guy. This guitar is really a show piece,,but right now,,out of the box,,,I wouldn't depend on this guitar. I just don't think it's tough enough to be around band people. Just play it at home or in a studio,,,don't trust it around people. They'll either steal it because it's so pretty,,or if it falls on the floor, it's break up like a ice cube. A cigarette in the headstock between the strings would probely set this insturment on fire.

I'll fix it myself,,lol,,,customer support doesn't even know I bought this guitar.

Been playing a long time & seeing this guitar is still new,,,,it sounds great. But how long is this going to last? The hardware is cheap,,,it has to go,,but seeing that I only bought this guitar to see if I liked a Tele style body, I may not do anything to it. I may just go ahead & get a USA tele & leave this one alone. Upgradeing would be the best thing to do I think because this guitar so far has impressed me & with new "real" hardware, a stronger neck pickup on it,,it would be just as good as a real Tele. Damn the paint chips,,release the hounds,,this overall rateing gets next to the best from me,,,a 9

Special Edition Affinity Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde. Alder body, single ply black scratchplate (might go for a tortoiseshell here...Might not, though), maple neck, and maple fingerboard (with one, iddy biddy widdle birdseye. So it's technically "Birdseye maple"...I kid, I kid...). Another reviewer noted that an aged neck would have been sweet. I agree...
Body is a gnats thinner than the original, which my chiropractor likes. Okay, it's more like 1/4". No string through body either, but I don't care.
The selector is a piece of cr*p, and was bent when I got it out of the box.
I'm pretty amazed by this little gem. Finish is gorgeous (an aged neck would be nice), but it was $169!!! Frets are well dressed, and the neck is very playable.
The provided strings are junk (so what if they are Fender?). A new set of .10's and it was twang city.

Rating is a little weird here as it's for features. It's a 1951 design. No real features. It does feature a cr*p selector switch.

I was looking for that Tele sound as it was a hole in my arsenal (no jokes, please). I have an HH guitar (Schecter), a Strat (also a Squier Affinity - I guess I keep getting the good ones! That Strat is never leaving me...) and a bunch of acoustics and basses. There was one or two sounds that I just couldn't replicate. Those sounds seem to be Telecaster sounds. I have them now.
The Pups are not wonderful (what part of $169 is causing you concerns here?). I'll likely swap these for Bill Lawrence or Duncans later. When I'm good and ready...
Nice sound when not plugged in (always a good sign), and just punchy as h.e.double-hockeysticks when plugged in. I've been trying it with a little Epiphone Valve Junior. They are made for each other. $268.00 worth of sweet tone!

A little noisy, but that's part of the single coil mystique.
Bluesy on that front Pup, and delightfully Stax/Motown on the bridge.
The mix is a phenomenal rhythm thang.

Set up was first rate. Strings were not buono.
We'll see how well those magnets hold up to corrosion shall we?

Action is good, very playable out of the box (save the strings, and the selector switch). Nice finish. She's a pretty one.

This thing would stand up to an innings at Lords.
The selector switch might make it into next week, but that's nothing.
I don't gig anymore. However, since I got it I've considered it!

Hmmm.

Been playing for close to thirty years (mostly bass, though). Not a guitar player in the true sense of the word, but I get by.
If stolen....I'd hunt the bugger down and hit him with it.
Something I'd hate to lose.

As I mentioned before, I have an Affinity Strat that's a wonderful instrument (and better than a lot of Strats I've played - "real Fender" and otherwise). Squier have the ability to knock out some real nice guitars. This Tele is no exception.

The Tele was $169, so it's an amazing instrument for the money. My Strat was $99. Same thing. Just because you don't see the "real" brand name at the top doesn't mean it's not a good guitar.

Squier budget Tele, butterscotch Agathis body polyurethane finish, maple neck & seperate fingerboard, top load typical Chinese/Taiwan bridge, Schaller copy tuners standard Tele layout.

Tele sounds basically but with slightly inarticulate and a little noisy pickups. For those on a tight budget you do get the basics of a Tele sound. Twangy bridge, mellow neck and ringy centre position.

This guitar is superbly put together by the Chinese factory making the CY serial number instruments. They're on a very strict budget I would guess leading to serious compromises in the quality of some of the hardware notably the laughable selector switch, and the pickups cheaply made on plastic bobbins and a ceramic magnet slung underneath. Tuners not bad at all, bridge OK once you've filed down the adjusting screws. The woods used are just terrific, the fretwork good /excellent, intonation bang on and playability - top drawer.

The guitar itself will last for years, doubtful areas are the switch which I had to replace immediately and maybe tuners - we'll see.

Forget it!! it's run by Fender

Been teaching guitar playing, gigging for over 40 years. I love Yamaha guitars and hate Fender with a passion, only because they've had me over with some of the rubbish they sell for too much Moolah these days. I didn't want to like this little cheapy, but decided to gig with it just the once. Wow!! I have now installed Alnico pickups, a tortoiseshell scratchplate and a Yankee selector and this little darling is not going back out in the cold - I love it! it's a keeper alongside my ash Mike Stern tele and my high end Pacificas.

All of this in light of the cost: $169 at MF. Guitar has regular tele features; 3-way selector.

Does the trick, though, I'm seriously thinking of replacing the pickups; serious enough to put in Suhrs or Duncans, serious because the body is serious and I'm incredulous that such an inexpensive guitar could feel so thusly. Serious.

I hate to say perfect. Still, I googled Arctic White, and lo and behold, I was ashamed to be ignorant, ignorant of the fact that global warming has had the effect, and still has, of yellowing the earth's snow.

It's made in China; feels like it was made in Kalamazoo circa 1950.

Don't get me started. Seriously.

This is the crack cocaine of electric guitars, accessible ($), and instantly gratifying - it hasn't let me down yet. I do plug it through a Crate tube amp called a Palomino, it doesn' have reverb, and I'm afforded ...well...a tone I've. Not. Heard. Before. I call it the exquisite mullet sound. I remember long, long ago, Adrock on David Letterman doing Sabotage with a Hondo II, how I was completely blown away. Effervescent cheap sounds, treasured be they must.

"Butterscotch" finish, single-ply black pick guard, die-cast tuners, 2 p/u's, selector switch, single volume & tone controls. Neck is satin-finished maple. Made in China.

I wanted a "stock" Tele around, but didn't want to spend a lot of money. This thing fits the bill; it has the standard Tele sound, and sounds clear through my Carvin SX-100, and other amps. The neck p/u is a bit susceptible to pick noise when you hit it, but that's a minor quibble. I wish there was a bit more fullness in the bass sound, but this is after all, a Tele.

I was completely surprised by the quality of this guitar, expecting to find something sub-standard. The guitar was well assembled, the fretwork just fine, and everything was right. Ready to play out of the box, which doesn't happen even with higher-end stuff.

Right now, the only component whose durability I doubt is the selector switch; it feels sloppy and junky. I will probably get a Stew Mac replacement for it. The rest of the hardware appears solid and reliable, especially the tuners. The bridge saddles don't look all that different from the ones on my MIM Tele. I think it's a dependable instrument, and would be OK using it w/o a backup.

I've been playing guitar for more than 30 years, and this is my 3rd Tele. I have everything from jazz boxes to Les Pauls, and I just wanted a cheap Tele around. I'm pleasantly surprised by the fit/finish & quality of this instrument, since some of the Squier stuff my students have is pure junk, and I'd seen some real losers in the music stores as well. It looks cool, plays nicely, and didn't cost a bunch. I feel I really scored, but wonder if all the other ones are equally good, or whether I just got lucky...

Squire Affinity Tele, 2 single coil pickups, Butterscotch Blond, maple neck.

I play classic rock,blues, and a little country. This Tele suits my style. This guitar has a good Telecaster sound, surprising for the price paid.The neck is straight and very playable. The pickups are a little noisy as to be expected.

This guitar was set up pretty well from the factory, but I had the free setup done at Guitar Center anyway. The action on this guitar is pretty good and it stays in tune even after doing a lot of bending. The finish is a very nice Butterscotch Blond color, I didn't notice any major flaws.

I haven't used this guitar live yet, but I would not have any reservations about using it so. The strap buttons are solid and it is very dependable.

Haven't had to deal with the company yet.

I have been playing for 30 plus years, took a break for about 4 years. I bought this guitar to get back into playing and I'm glad that I did. This guitar has a great sound and is very playable.

Butterscotch w/ thin maple neck, strings through bridge and such a sweet tele-sound, especially for the bucks paid ($169.00/Musicians Friend. Would be a total 5 star if the neck was aged. The quality and value of this guitar far exceeded any expectations I had.

I wish I could do it more justice but it sounds great pumped through a Line 6 P.O.D 2.0, even when I push that through a 20w Drive amp. ( I play using headphones and the POD, Digitech or effects loop on my BR600 DAW 90% of the time. I play blues and R&B and this Squier is perfect when played with the switch in the middle position, P.O.D on layered amp position with very little reverb. My next addition will be either a Eppiphone Valve or Crate tube amp (30W)

I took this to my local guitar shop and was told no set up, other than new strings, would be needed. I happened to like the strings it came with so...this baby was ready to go out of the box. Amazing huh?

Since I have yet to start giging again. (last time I played in a band was the mid- '60's)I can't really answer this question. So far everything has worked well for the past 6 months. The guitar stays in tune always.

Have had no need to call

Look as an old guy getting back into playing (as a hobby) I am amazed at the quality of the so called low end guitars out there. Besides the Affinity, I have purchased the Squire '51, a 50's re-issue Strat and an Eppiphone Les Paul and an RX170 Yamaha Bass. Based on todays $ I have less in all 5 guitars I now own than what I had in my Framus Star Bass and Harmony Stratatone, back in the 60's. With amp modeling tech, effects and digital recording (I record with my BR600) the sound doesn't get much better. Maybe my ear isn't as trained as others, but I really don't remember the sound being this good back in the day.

Black body, 2003 guitar. Not much in the way of extras, just a straightforward guitar, but it does everything that I want it to do.

Great trebly sound from the bridge, and a thick warm sound form the neck. Out of phase isn't quite the telecaster sound that you get from fender, but overall it sounds like a tele should.

Great action with no fret buzz anywhere on the neck. Neck is straight and plays like a charm. Pickups are a bit noisier than I would have expected.

Don't think this will damage easily. Like all telecasters it's a solid guitar.

Never called.

Not quite the real thing, but for the price it's a great guitar.

I bought mine secondhand from a shop for 130 because I heard a tone... Mine from 1998, made in china, alder body.
Originally it was surfgreen, but that didn't last longer than a week... I stripped the body till I reached the wood and refinished it with celluloid.
I changed the saddles and the nut for graphtec's because I like the tone you get then, not because the quality of the original was poor ore something.
Furtherwise nothing needed to be changed to get a guitar where all music imaginable can be played with. This really is my homecoming, I've seen and heard many telly's in my life, no other had more character and was yet so versitile . These seem opposites, but this telly one really unites them. Check the picks, they are 'seymourised' when you ask me ;-)

The sound is truly professional. When I bought it I've been thinking what would be a good replacement for my pick, but I don't get an answer because most replacements would be disappointing compared to the sound the original picks give.
I have decided not to replace anything..
The telly gives you the whole entrance to - and feel of any style imaginable.
Connected on a fulltube head on the clean channel, words don't mean anything anymore, but also with full distortion the telly impresses.

The neck is really bluesy/groovy and also detailed with full distortion. The bridge is very bright but also boosts the lower tones with full distortion in amounts that normally only humbuckers do.

I play spanish/flamenco, rock n roll, reggae, pop, wave, grunge, rock, metal (last year I played in a hardcore/metal band, 013 strings tuned in B drop C#, if you like this music you really should try this), blues, jazz, country, singer-songwriter, I don't believe I am ever gonna play anything where the telly can't follow me..

I didn't like the surfgreen, yet it was in perfect state, the finishing of neck is very comfortably playing. (you have to sometimes clean it, but there;s nothing wrong with cleaning a guitar)

The hardware is very good, this guitar get's older than I will.
Like a Telecaster has to be, undestroyable..

One thing that is not professional on the guitar are the tuners, they are good enough for the price, maybe even better, but I replaced them for Jackson tuners which are my favourites of all standard tuners.

When this one fall's out of a plane I wouldn't be amazed when it would survive. There's no guitar which is more reliable than my Telly. Plug and play, not plug and pray.. ;-)

Good guitar's don't need an customer support, so I don't know these guys...

I play for 20 year's, I owe a Jackson Kelly (JS-series), an Epiphone SG vintage, a morris strat (70's) and this Telly. If I had to live on the moon for the rest of my life and only one guitar may come with me it's gonna be the Telly. I can read and write with it.

I am searching the internet for a second(hand) one, I want one with rosewood either, nowadays they are only made with maple necks.

Maybe eventually there will be a third (with maple neck, I haven't tried them yet)

2001 Blue Squire Affinity Telecaster, with Maple Neck
22 Frets-Great Tuning Pegs. Made in China.
Alder Wood..3 Way Switch, Neck and Bridge Pickups[Single Coil]

This guitar is superb, I've had an old Fender Tele for 25 Years, but it was take from our home. So I friend had this Squire Affinity Squire
Tele, so I tried it and could not believe it, so I bought It.
It's Made in Chins, the Neck is Just like my old Tele. I play a lot of Rockabilly/ RnR & Blues. I use a Peavey Encore Vintage Tube Amp
65 Watt and The Tele sounds unreal.But it has One small dislike is the pickups make a little noise. but I'll Rectify that shortly with
some Fender Vintage Noiseless Pickups. And I just purchased a new Fender 3 Position Switch.

There were no flaws in this Guitar, Setup was very good.
Turning Pegs OK,

This has withstood 3 Gigs Now,
Hardware ok but I changed the white Pickguard to Pearloid. As it Blue in Color. One Small Chip Nothing To Worry About. Everything Else is
OK.

Haven't Had To Try

Ever Since I purchased the Squire Affinity Tele, I bought a Squire
Standard Strat HSS Model and That to is a Very Good Guitar.And if these are stolen I would Buy Another/

We all know what a Tele has.
This guitar has a thin C shaped neck, probably a 12" radius, and medium jumbo frets. Modern saddles. I would rather have more vintage appointments, but that is not who this product is aimed at.

Its not a 52RI, but most people would be hard pressed to tell. Its really quite impressive at this price point. I played several different models of teles under $500 and this particular one sounded and played the best. The MIM's and even a Highway 1 that I played weren't as strong as this particular model....which goes to show that there is something to picking agem from the bunch.

Mine was a floor model so its was a little nicked up. I can't count that against Fender. After taking it home I was able to get the action surprisingly low. No sharp edges on the frets. All parts working well.

The pots and switches are clearly not the best value, but the actual guitar is rock solid. If this was going to be a gigging instrument than I would swap out the electronics and upgrade the tuners.

No idea?

For the $115 that I paid I don't think that you can find a better guitar.......Period....but you have to be willing to shop.

Okay, features have been mentioned, I don't have anything to add. Mine came with a gig-bag for free.

I play rock / blues / pop (if I have to) in a covers band. This has a nice treble rock sound when you use the bridge pickup so so you maintain a bit of clarity when playing powerchords. You can hear 4ths, 7ths etc quite well. It has a nice clean sound too, again nice and bright. I would agree and say there is only a little difference between pickup mix and neck alone, I also found the combination of both a fraction quieter than either alone. I play through a Peavey Bandit or a Laney Linebacker - It prob suits the Laney best but I'm biased cos I love that amp.

Finish if fine, frets are a tad on the sharp side but not enough to cause injury. three way switch will have to go though, looks like something from a childs toy in the 70's, oh why such a naff switch Squier? That said, for #150 you can't really complain. The neck has a satin finish and is really fast (my other has a gloss neck, this is better). Strings were rusty but it has probably been well played so no probs there.

I would hazard that any guitar would withstand live playing and I have no reason to believe this guitar would let me down.

Bought mine from a music shop - if I ever had any probs I'd take it to them on a busy saturday and shout until I got what I wanted.

I've been playing for around 9 years, I fondly remember my first guitar a sunburst squier strat, wasn't half bad although suffered from a flexible neck - almost negated the need for a trmolo arm! If it were stolen I wouldn't prob buy another. Like: Fast neck, light, classic, recognisable shape, that bidge pickup. Dislike: it ain't no Fender, sharpish frets, that awful switch

This guitar is made in China. It has 21 frets, bolt on neck, C shape.

Maple neck, Alder body, Candy Apple Red finish

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0310202506

I have small hands and find the neck very comfortable, with good access to all frets

The guitar looks and sounds good and makes we want to play it.

I play rock, some blues. The guitar is good for Rock and acceptable for blues on my Ibanez 15R Amp and GNX3000 effects box.

Not much hum from the single coils, which reduces still further when both coils are on. Sound is very bright from the bridge pickup.

Sometimes I feel there is no tonal difference between the Neck pup only and the "both pups" mode. Maybe individual volume and tone controls on both pups would have been useful. I am sure this is very easy to mod and I might try that myself.

Sometimes there is a slight buzz from the saddle area when I play any fret on the G string. But I am not sure if this comes through the amp and it is mostly noticeable when I play unplugged.

It has sufficient sustain as there is no Floyd Rose.

Action was not so good when I purchased it. It had fret buzz. Then I had to spend two hours in the Fender workshop and also lots of time at home.

Now the action is a bit higher (About 2.5mm at 18th fret) than I like, but I have got used to it.


Current situation is that with this higher action, the fret buzz is almost totally gone. The only remaining problem is that the e string chokes on a 2 fret pull on the 12th fret. I have to consider slightly filing the 13th fret.

The strings were slightly rusty when I purchased it, but the shopkeeper agreed to put in new strings.

Intonation is almost perfect as purchased as shown on my GNX3000's tuner. It would be easy to adjust it even better, but I have not tried that.

Frets are smooth, Guitar is a joy to play.


I wish the output jack on the guitar was somewhere else rather than at the bottom. If you sit down when playing the guitar, there is a chance that the jack will dig into the chair.

Sure it will withstand live playing as long as I dont feel like breaking or burning the guitar on stage.

I could depend on it on stage.

The hardware looks solid enough.

The Guitar does not loose tuning easily. It is also very easy to retune it as there is no Floyd Rose.

It costed me much more than prices in the US !!

I used to play guitar in a Band at University. We did Santana, Smokey etc. Then I did not play for 25 years. Last year someone gave me a Guns and Roses CD. Suddenly I just had to buy a guitar. I was not sure that the "return of the Guitar obsession" would last, so I decided to buy something cheap but not that cheap.

This guitar is miles better than those found in Behringer and Ibanez starter kits. It looks good. The finish is nice, the tone is good. The Neck is comfortable. It does not go out of tune. What else does one want ?

I feel that the Squier range are the best price/performance points in Strat and Tele shaped Guitars. Anything cheaper or from a different supplier is most probably junk. Anything more expensive will look better, have exotic woods, maybe a Floyd Rose if you need it, maybe 3 pups instead of 2, but functionwise and tone wise, will be only incrementally better than the Squier.

All in all, a good enough and serious enough guitar for the serious learner. I know I should just hold on to it and improve my Guitar skills on it.

I know that from the price/performance point of this guitar, Lots more money will need to be spent only for slight technical enhancements or for looks !!

However now after 5 months of the purchase of the Squier Tele, I have some extra money burning in my pockets and will have to go out and buy a USD 1500 MIJ Tokai Guitar. I know the new guitar will not make me magically a better musician. So I will hold on to this Squier Tele as well.

If it gets lost, I wont buy it again as it would have served its purpose as a serious enough guitar for me to check if I was serious enought to play. However if my nephew asked for a guitar to start learning, I would have no doubts about presenting a Squier to him. Anything lesser in quality than this would only help him fight with the guitar and give up after some time.