Check out the review I did of the Squier Classic Vibe Strat: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fd2Ji5pjuMy8oWg.html Check out more gear reviews here: kzfaq.info/sun/PLNaLwTdlpQNFGz5Eesm0Ey_pDAL1F5y21

I've been using this for 10 years. It's worth every cent.

This guy actually care about his community. You can tell by how he likes and replies to comments months after this video is uploaded. Cheers

Him: this doesn't sound good Me a noob:👁👄👁

The Squire line - both guitar and bass - seems great for beginners, but also players looking for an affordable and reliable instrument they can keep for some years if they want. Great video!

Like my teacher used to say; “it’s not alway about the price of the guitar, it’s how you make use of it.”

Bought one in 2011, and it's still playing strong. It's fantastic. Love it. Great look, great tone. I'd say with 100% certainty, I got my $200 worth from it.

Most definitely have had my eye on this guitar. I've been playing acoustic for a while but really want to try my hand at the electric guitar and this one seems like a good starter. Thanks for the awesome video!

I have an Affinity HSS and it's my main guitar right now. Keep putting my Les Paul Studio Light back in the case and playing the Squire. I have it set up low and fast, polished the frets and tightened the tuners. It stays in tune and plays like a dream. I didn't even feel the need the upgrade pickups, but I think its the humbucker that makes me happiest!

I could literally watch and listen to Elmo all day long. Literally.

I’m watching this after I bought one sooooo hopefully he likes it😂

This is the old model now. The new Affinities from 2021 are massively upgraded and don't have narrow necks anymore.

As far as sound goes, it sounds exactly like my fender strat. That's really impressive!

I like how you mention the looks because I think it's important as a begginer to feel kind of attracted to the instrument for more comfortability

Yes, The Animals! My dad used to play that all the time on his acoustic when I was young. It's the song that made me want to pick up the guitar.

I've been playing guitar for 23 years and I think you may have sold this to me! :D

I agree with you Elmo, the appearance of the guitar is important! Finally we have the courage to say it clearly! I follow your videos with pleasure and this squier looks nice!

I think it's great that you pointed out a lot of things that a beginner would need to know . Great video. Very nice playing BTW.

The thing about the Affinity is the neck is different than almost anything else. Narrow nut at 40.5mm. I bought 3 of them second hand (under $100 each) and upgraded everything on them. I even refretted two of them. I also like the thin body. They sound fantastic. But that neck is something you have to try first.

Just bought a 2005 affinity strat for $90. Looking forward to modding it up. Thanks for the recommendations.

Dude...your playing is incredible. Hypnotic.

For a beginner guitarist, I would suggest budgeting, saving a bit and getting the best guitar and amp that you can comfortably afford. It's worth it if you are serious about learning to play. You'll be more creative and have more fun if you like your gear. 🤘🏻

I got an affinity in a pack called "stop dreaming start playing", came with an Indonesian made strat, bag and frontman amp for $199. I've been looking at newer squire strats that come with poplar bodies and laurel fretboards, whereas mine has an alder body and rosewood fretboard. Safe to say, I got a killer deal. Have some locking tuners and new strings on the way as I'm typing this. Nice video, I would suggest checking out an Indonesian made as someone else commented.

I believe many guitars in this price range and even costing more are meant to be individualized (set-up) by the new owner...action is personal as are other small issues or seemingly larger ones ...I've many entry level guitars and I really feel that a $325 guitar is getting up near mid-range for many people including myself... Great review thanks alot

HI Elmo I love your channel your playing is outstanding to my ears Keep doing what you're doing thanks i appreciate your opinion you have swayed me on a few great guitars i have a Black metallic Squier for 2001 it's a Beast

I got the same guitar but surf green for my birthday last year. I love it. Great Video!

I just picked one up today, this review was really fun and worth the listen, thank you !

I'm genuinely surprised you only have 16 k subs, u deserve millions. Great Tutorial :)

needed a leftie guitar for me and someone to share (we’re both lefties, i would be fine playing right but other person can’t) it also had to be cheap since we’re both starting out. this was perfect, i just wish they’d offer it in another color where i ordered it from, otherwise its great

It’s a great guitar when it’s set up right. I’m getting one next. I’ve been playing for years.

Brilliant understanding of dynamics mate. I'm looking at one of these right now. I had to sell my Double Fat Deluxe because of hard times and now I have to buy a cheaper guitar. Your video was very informative and answered all of my questions. Bravo.

I was just about to buy this guitar when I found this video, great content keep up the good work!

I got a Squier Affinity Stratocaster in 1997 (I believe the first year of the Affinity series) and it was quite a different beast. First, a full sized body, not the slimmer versions now from Squier, a small headstock, a 12" fretboard radius. Over the years I've modded it out drastically, better tuners, a bone nut, new pickups, pots, pickup selector switch, bent steel saddles, a full sized steel block and for the hell of it, a mint green pickguard. So now, it's essentially a partscaster, but it originally was a nice guitar to begin with. One thing, originally, when I first got it, you could get pinch harmonics all up and down the neck quite easily. Had it set up professionally and that went away. Have never been able to get it back.

Those guitars go for between 200 and 230 without tax in the usa. Id save up for a 300 to 500 new or used guitar. Great video as always.

Thanks for all your demos Elmo. I really enjoy it when you test those whammy bars, you are a master at it :)

Ive been watching vid reviews of this squier for jst about two weeks and this has been THEE most practical! The others were dope but focused on the sound more so than anything else 🤷🏽‍♂️

The first what I’m looking for is probably the sound of the guitar, the playability and lastly the looks;-;

This is a wonderful review right here. To answer your question, I have to say yes and they are very good affordable electric guitars. I definitely should know this because I own 3 of those Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters that were made in Indonesia back in the 2000s decade. I have always preferred the older Fender Squier models instead of the new ones that we have today. Basically, I am very sorry to have to say this but I do not like today's brand new Fender Squier models that are currently being made and so forth. What I don't like about today's Fender Squier models is that they have been massively upgraded and the logos on the headstock of the neck have completely changed. I have always loved the older Squier By Fender logos instead of the newly upgraded versions of them. It would be great if the Fender company could go back to making the Fender Squier models the old way like they used to way back in the good old days. All 3 of my Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters that I own from the 2000s decade are still playing great and they are all still going strong no matter what. I definitely miss the older Fender Squier models when they were made with the original Squier By Fender logos and what not. When I bought 3 of my Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters that were secondhand and what not, I definitely got my money's worth and they were all worth every cent. One thing that I can tell you as a guitar player myself is that buying any kind of secondhand Fender Squier Stratocaster models for a cheap price is way better than spending a thousand plus dollars on any brand new electric guitars out there that are very expensive. I have a bunch of videos on my KZfaq channel where I play all 3 of my Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters on various cover songs. To me, the Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocasters are very versatile as you can play any musical genres and styles on them. They all look right when you play country, blues, pop, jazz, rock, heavy metal, adult contemporary, soul, folk and so many among others. Otherwise, this is my story and so forth. Great video and review.

My Affinity Strat has had no problems after 5 years, I did think it was a lot better with nicer strings, I took of the standard 10's and put on some D'addario 11's, nice fret board and neck, pick ups sound a bit tinny. It was perfect for a beginner guitar but now I'm thinking of upgrading to a classic vibe Strat or the Fender player Strat if I scape enough money together. I think the Jaguar is the best guitar in this series if set up right.

Elmo, I have a 2006 Affinity, Candy Apple Red, with matching painted headstock, dude, I love it. Keep 'rock'in man .👍

My touring colleagues are actually buying affinity strats for tours! They swap the pickups out and bring it on tour because it's cheap and reliable

This was my first guitar and I hated it until I played it through something other than the 10 watt amp it came with. Now it's had all the typical Strat upgrades and plays as well as any strat

Mine is a Fender Squire Strat Affinity Series Sunburst 2003 model

A minor, its a hell of drug. And it's got at tight grip on my man Elmo

I got a affinity strat, 2 years ago it has great tone great for funk I guess I was lucky with the one I received 👍

I think it's a great value for the money. An Alder body plus Anico V single coil pickups. That's really nice for $200....especially the Race Red. If you can't afford a Fender, this is a great second choice.

You really know what you are talking about, motivation is a very important thing...playing a guitar or any other instrument! Thank you. Cheers!

Just bought a 2000 Affinity Strat, excited !

I've had a HSS natural finish one for 5 years, I like the flatter neck radius and it stays in tune quite nicely. I'm about to upgrade the pickups to a set of Seymour Duncans for even better sound. Overall, I found this a great axe for the money.

I have a 2002, a commemorative edition of Squier's twentieth anniversary. It's a good guitar, I'm going to install Malagoli mini humbuckers (made in Brazil) and Manara steel block (made in Brazil) Hugs!

I've had at least 5 affinity strats, all black with white pick guards, I'm still looking for a sunburst one.

These guitars are great not only for playing but also learning how they work... learn how to use a soldering gun (that alone can be a life changing skill) and turn it into more than what you started with...you can change out just about everything on these guitars ( bridge, pickups, nut, machine heads, pots and switches, etc...) just be sure to take detailed pictures of the wiring for future reference...I still have my 1990 something Squire “FrankenStrat” and use it when I play out at questionable bars on jam nights...as always Thank-You Elmo for showing us that it isn’t how much you spend on a guitar, it’s how much time you spend playing it...Peace Brother!!! 🎸🔊🎶🤘🏻

Really liked your break down on what to look for to ensure a guitar is in good condition. Plus I think your other advice was very good an helpful. Thanks a lot for the video!

I really enjoyed the content and how above and beyond you went. New subscriber here man. Keep up the great work!

My 04 squier is still my favorite, I’ve had several fenders come and go but my first Strat is still with me

Personally I think learning to fix the flaws in a budget guitar can be valuable.

I bought one second hand the other day and its a pretty good guitar

I'm a Gibson guy, I have one and a couple Epiphones. I bought a black one for $150 marked down because of some light scratches on the body. I also picked up a loaded red tortoise pickguard with ( hopefully upgraded) pickups, and new output jack and ferrule. They all come in two days. Might add some new tuners as well. Seems like a decent guitar.

Just bought this for my little brother (huge CCR fan). Thank you very much for the review

Been seriously considering picking one of these up for about a month now. I think I'm finally going to grab one.

I'm looking to get a CV Strat,but these are more than good,even for someone who's played for a long time. My best strats are cheap ones, especially when I can mod them without being afraid to break a €1500-2000 k guitar I usually fix my feet ends myself,living in Sweden with hot/cold weather it's a must

I have a 2010 Squire Strat (not Affinity) and it is a beautiful guitar to play with a gorgeous range of sounds, very close to a real Fender. Bought S/H for £70 the only mod on it is that the bridge is locked down for tuning stability (I am not a fan of whammy bars). Despite being able to afford a real Fender I have never felt the need to upgrade. Same with my Squire Tele which I bought for £30 - needed about £20 spent on it including strings :) . All I lack is you talent and skills Elmo !

This is amazing! This is helping me lots pick my first guitar!!!

Have been learning with new Affinity through a Champion 20 for 6 months now but has still been an enjoyable process. Just trying to focus on learning and playing. Can always go up in quality from here but so far its been fine experience for the money. The plexi amp definitely gives it another level also so perhaps an upgrade before the guitar in future.

Affinity series strats are roughly 230 in the states, can be had for as low as $70 used on Craigslist or the FB marketplace.

That could be any guitar he's playing like that and it would sound great.

I have a red & black hss affinity and it's still holding solid after all these years. it's apart of the many reasons why I stick with fender. everything I've owned from them has been nothing but reliable.

I’ve got a squier and it’s an amazing guitar plays amazing sounds amazing bought a fender player series after 1 year of playing amazing guitar as well off course tunning stability is better etc but still I love my squier and it’s an amazing guitar for the price I’m going to keep it forever amazing guitar :)

I have one but its a hss and i love the tone especially the humbucker position...still i want a fender jaguar...maybe one day!

Hah, I want this guitar because Jimmy from the movie Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms plays it.

I have a squier strato Affinity I love it but dream on a telecaster by fender

I had one of these as my first guitar in '99, nothing wrong with it really and I regret getting rid of it(gave it in trade to get a bigger amp).It was a beautiful looking guitar in white too.

The very same problem with the frets as on mine. Fixed but very annoying, the guitar came with an ultra high action and the neck was tightened dead straight. Not good, we are talking about huge tensions and it seems to be a very common setup in these days not just Squier but most makers.

Ima get one of thes and just get it set up really well from the guitar store

May, 2022. The Squier Affinity strat is $300 Cdn today at Long & McQuade. Not very affordable but cheap compared to sooo many other strats. Recently I bo't one for $40 and another today for $60. Kijiji. Both are chipped, etc. But headstocks are perfect and they run like new. I zero in on these Affinities because they're terrific value. Good reputation. I REFINISH them as my hobby. They're Squier which means they were made RIGHT in the first place. I don't upgrade parts USUALLY unless broken. A dead waste because stock stuff is good. They're a pleasure to work on and well worth the fun. I don't sell. I accumulate.

i've had this exact guitar (even same color) for a at least 4-5 months and it is like the day i bought it. even though i spent 200 EUR on it i dont regret it one bit i am a sucker for strats xD the only thing i would complain about is the neck is a little too close to the strings, and the low E string buzzes at the 2-3 fret, but thats an easy fix. frets are perfect no sticking out of the fret board

got one of these on its way, can't wait, thanks for your reviews man

I just bought a Mini Squier and it has a great, great sound, its a real ringer, but it does not want to stay in tune so I'm going to get some better tuners. I understand why Jack Pearson( A Real Pro ) uses these Squier's as his main guitars.

I have black Affinity from 2000 that I bought new. I've replaced the electrics, pickups (Texas Special clones), pickguard and the entire tremolo assembly. I even managed to find a 38mm solid steel block so I can get rid of the lightweight one in there. Love that guitar!

Don't let fret buzz bug you plug the guitar in if you no longer hear it just ignore it going forward unless it's audible plugged in it makes no difference I set my strings so low that the weight of my pinky seats the string lots of buzz but can't hear it thru the amp so no problem

I have the affinity butterscotch tele. It’s my #1.

I'm actually going to be buying a stratocaster pretty soon, so I hope I can find a good

At last I finished the hesitation and today I've ordered an Affinity. Although that is a two single coils and humbucker mixed. This video was a great help to me to decide and choose it. Another option was an Ibanez GRG 140. Anyhow, couple of days and it will be mine. Telling the truth my wife does hunch nothing yet, but I hope I can stay in my house after the guitar arrives to me:-)

Dude I got this guitar for 30 quid from so guy on gumtree and I have to say after replacing the strings it sounds great. Only gripe is my intonation is slightly off. BTW great Review!

I like that funky sound you do I used to be able to do that when I was younger now that I'm alot older it's tough plus I haven't played that much I which it makes it worse

Yes! The look of the guitar is essential. I don't want to play a cucumber with strings. The time spent fixing a guitar is never a big thing. The real reason against it is that beginners will often not dare doing it. And if a guitar has fret buzz, maybe it's because it cannot be set-up without, which is then a serious issue.

I don't have any problem with the frets sticking out at all I have about three years don't seem to have problem I have been playing for 48 years singer guitar player I the last guitar I got was from Amazon LYX telecaster 109 dollars it great even has telecaster vintage bridge I love it great sound finished maple neck

Great review my friend, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm after a strat/squire to add to my collection. Bit sick of humbuckers and they don't really give that Yngwie tone at all.

Incredible sound

Well I finally bought one exactly like this second hand about a month ago and got a good deal on it. I recently had a very thorough professional setup done on it, I mean every little thing possible and while I was at it I had fender tex mex pickups and bournes pots put in and it's playing like a real strat now. It sounds great, the pickups it came with weren't terrible at all but the new ones are just amazing, especially with the better tone controls. The next step will be a tusq nut fer sure and I might put on new tuners but the ones it comes with actually hold tuning really well so I'm not sure yet. I don't use the wigglestick at all and have the bridge down tight so that helps with stability too and if I do change tuners I might go for the vintage style because I love how they look. And who knows, maybe a better bridge and block too just because I can! These guitars are pretty decent just the way they come although often need a little tlc but that's to be expected in this price range, and they're awesome modding platforms because the bodies and necks are quite nice. All in I'm at right around $450 invested so far and it plays and sounds like twice that much and I've got exactly the ingredients that I want. I let a buddy play it the other day and he was incredulous that it's a squier at all, he said it felt and sounded better than his mim standard. I couldn't be happier with it!

very good guitar, have one with hs-3 s, neck is especially comfortable since it is very narrow compared to Ibanez (43 mm width at nut) or Standart Stratocaster (42 mm nut) - Squier is 40.8mm width at nut... very good guitar indeed, I wouldn't scallop it however since I am not sure about neck stability ...

I have an Affinity HSS out of a set with a Fender 15 Amp. I started guitar playing with this set last year. The Amp is trash, but the Affinity is quite well for the money. But I also needed some time to tune the neck and string adjustment. Of course it´s not the best guitar on the market, but it´s not bad either. I compared it with a friend´s Fender Mexico Strat. The differences were not really big. Last week I got a brand new Epiphone Les Paul Modern and here I see - or better I hear the difference (the Epiphone was nearly perfect directly out of the box). But it´s 200,- Euros vs 700,- Euros. Now I like playing with both guitars and I´m really happy with this two. If you have completely no idea what to buy, take a good measure of time and go into a good guitar shop.

I suggest you try one of those affinity series indonesian made. That is definitely a big difference.

I like the 70’s Hendrix headstock and control knobs.

Love your videos, Elmo ! I'm hoping, some day, to make a cheap guitar sound as good as you can. Peace, friend.

The Looks ....the first great advice!

Got one for 81 bucks , looking forward to playing it once it arrives

Great review. Some really great tidbits of information. Did not know noise can be cancelled by using 2 pickups at the same time. Helped me understand why humbuckers have less noise. Wood not readily available anymore? A reflection of what we are doing to our planet.

Reminded me of Tower n SRV in parts. You definitely rock bud.

I have and affinity, it's great, I've not had fret end issues but mines older (2002 model) so has dried out by now. Also it did need a full setup and the nut cutting down to get it really nice!