Fender 0378203550 Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Fender Affinity Telecaster is an affordable entry-level electric guitar that delivers classic Telecaster tone and playability. This Telecaster model features a solid alder body and maple neck for resonant tone, along with two single-coil Telecaster pickups for that characteristic biting Tele twang. With its butterscotch blonde finish and vintage styling, the Affinity Telecaster invokes the classic looks of Fender's iconic Telecaster models. This is a great choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for an accessible Tele-style guitar. Though the Affinity Telecaster lacks some of the premium appointments of more expensive Fender models, it captures the essence of the Tele design and tone at a budget-friendly price point.

Body & Neck

The Fender Affinity Telecaster features a solid alder body which provides balanced tone and great sustain. Alder is a lightweight wood that helps reduce fatigue during longer playing sessions. The neck is made from maple, which gives a nice bright tone and smooth fast feel. Maple is a dense, hard wood that offers great stability under string tension and environmental changes.

The "C"-shaped neck profile will feel comfortable and familiar, especially for players used to vintage-style Telecasters. It's an easy-playing neck that fits nicely in your hand. The 9.5" radius fingerboard has medium jumbo frets for comfortable chording and bending. Overall the body and neck provide a great balance of playability, lightweight design, and classic Telecaster tone.

When choosing an electric guitar, it's important to consider the body and neck materials and shapes. Different woods, construction methods, and profiles impact the sound, feel, and playability. Solid wood bodies like alder tend to resonate well and provide balanced tone across frequencies. Maple is a common neck wood prized for stability and bright tone. The "C" neck shape with a 9.5" radius fingerboard offers vintage feel and smooth playability. Premium materials and smart design ensure the Fender Affinity Tele is comfortable and familiar for a wide range of playing styles.

While the Fender Affinity Tele is a great choice for the money, more experienced players may want to check out intermediate and pro level models. Upgrades like ash or alder bodies, roasted maple necks, compound radius fingerboards, and contoured heel joints take playability and tone to the next level. Models like the Fender American Professional II Tele offer premium features while retaining the classic Tele design and sound. Players wanting a modern spin can try the Dean Guitars SA FOLK E VB with its eye-catching cutaway arm bevel and mahogany body.

When starting out, beginners will benefit from the quality and value of the Affinity Tele. The comfortable neck and lightweight body promote good technique and reduce fatigue. As playing improves, features like the bridge pickup tone, vintage-style hardware, and range of finishes help inspire creativity. Fender's tried-and-true Tele design ensures even budget models like the Affinity provide that unmistakable Tele twang sought after by country, rock, blues, and indie players.

Pickups & Electronics

The Fender Affinity Telecaster features the classic single-coil Telecaster pickups that produce the bright, punchy tone the model is known for. It has a single bridge pickup and a single neck pickup, allowing for versatile tone shaping.

The guitar utilizes a 3-way pickup selector switch to toggle between the bridge pickup, neck pickup, or both pickups together. This makes it easy to go from bright, twangy tones to smooth, rounded neck tones and everything in between.

For controlling the output, the Telecaster has master volume and tone knobs. The volume knobs adjusts the overall output level, while the tone knob rolls off the high frequencies for a warmer, darker sound when needed. The simple control layout is easy to use while providing a wide tonal palette.

Overall, the Affinity Telecaster's pickup configuration and electronics provide the classic Tele tones players expect in an affordable package. The single coil pickups and 3-way switching offer flexibility, while the volume and tone knobs shape the output for just the right sound.

The Telecaster is known for its bright, cutting tone that works well for country, rock, blues, and more. The bridge pickup provides a twangy, biting sound when used by itself. The neck pickup tones down the treble for a smoother, rounder tone. Using both pickups together creates a balanced tone that has characteristic Tele snap and chime.

While the Telecaster excels at clean tones, the single coil pickups can also overdrive an amp nicely for crunchy rhythms and searing lead tones. The bridge pickup is especially good for aggressive rock and metal tones.

Players looking for classic Tele tone will appreciate the Affinity model's traditional pickup configuration. It's budget-friendly but still captures that signature sparkle and snap associated with Fender's iconic model. The 3-way switching and control knobs offer tonal versatility from country twang to bluesy warmth and overdriven rock riffs.

For guitarists wanting a different take on single coil tone, check out the Alhambra 2C-US. This guitar has two Vintage Alnico V single coil pickups with a 5-way switch for expanded tonal options. The neck pickup has increased output for fatter leads, while the bridge pickup provides chime and clarity. With custom wound pickups and elegant appointments, the 2C-US puts a unique spin on traditional single coil sound.

Hardware

The Fender Player Telecaster features quality hardware that allows for great tuning stability and playability. It has a strings-thru-body hardtail bridge, which provides solid anchoring of the strings and improved sustain. The hardtail bridge is a simple yet effective design that is comfortable and familiar for Telecaster players.

The die-cast tuning machines are smooth and precise, making it easy to keep the Telecaster in tune. Tuning stability is excellent even during heavy use thanks to the high-quality machine heads. The tuning pegs have a nice smooth feel when making adjustments.

Overall, the hardware on the Fender Player Telecaster is dependable and well-suited for a wide range of musical styles. The hardtail bridge and die-cast tuners give the guitar great tuning stability and resonance. Players will appreciate how the hardware positively impacts the tone and playability of this Telecaster model.

Playability

The Fender Affinity Telecaster is known for its great playability right out of the box. The C-shaped maple neck has a smooth satin finish that allows for fast, comfortable playing.

The action on the Affinity Tele is impressively low, thanks to the adjustable truss rod that provides optimal neck relief. This allows for easy string bending and smooth vibrato techniques without any sharp fret ends catching your fingers.

The overall weight balance of the guitar is excellent as well. The lightweight alder body and contoured forearm and body contours allow this guitar to sit comfortably against your body. You can play standing up for hours without fatigue.

The Affinity Tele simply excels when it comes to playability, with its fast slim neck, low action, and balanced weight. It's built for optimum comfort and ease of playing.

Sound

The Fender Telecaster is known for its signature bright, twangy tone that cuts through a mix. The Affinity Tele stays true to the classic Tele sound with its single coil Alnico V pickups. Compared to humbuckers, these single coils have a brighter, crisper sound with enhanced treble and clarity.

The bridge pickup provides that signature twangy Tele snap and bite, especially when played clean. It has an aggressive, piercing treble that allows leads and riffs to poke through the mix. The neck pickup delivers a warmer, rounder tone while still retaining Tele's characteristic chime and sparkle.

When overdriven, the Affinity Tele distorts smoothly and retains note definition even at high gain settings. Chords have a crunchy bite that's perfect for rock rhythms. Fast lead lines come through with articulation and attitude thanks to the crisp treble notes of the bridge pickup. Overall, the Affinity Tele nails that classic Fender tone - crystalline highs, rich mids, tight lows - at an entry-level price point.

Pros

The Fender Affinity Telecaster delivers iconic Telecaster design and sound at an affordable price point. This is a great electric guitar for beginners or intermediate players looking for that classic Tele tone and vibe.

Some of the key pros of the Fender Affinity Telecaster include:

• Classic Telecaster design - The Affinity Tele features the iconic Telecaster single cutaway body shape with contoured edges for comfort. It has the classic Tele headstock and control layout.

• Quality components - While more affordable, the Affinity Tele doesn't skimp on components. It has die-cast tuning machines, a comfortable "C"-shaped neck, and Alnico single-coil pickups. The hardware is durable and intonates well.

• Great value - Considering the Fender name, quality, and classic Telecaster styling, the Affinity Tele offers great bang for your buck. It's a great way to get into the Telecaster design without breaking the bank.

The Affinity Tele combines some of Fender's most classic design cues in an affordable, quality package. For players who love that twangy, articulate Telecaster tone, this guitar delivers excellent value.

Cons

The Fender Affinity Telecaster has a few drawbacks compared to American-made Fender Telecasters.

• Cheaper hardware/electronics: The Affinity uses cheaper electronic components, like generic passive pickups instead of high-quality active pickups, cheaper pots and switches, and a basic hardtail bridge instead of an American Tele's premium bridge. This helps keep costs down but can impact tone and tuning stability.

• Limited color options: The Affinity Tele is only available in a couple of basic finishes, like Butterscotch Blonde and Black. American Teles offer much more variety, like sparkling Lake Placid Blue, Surf Green, Arctic White, and more. If you want a visually distinctive Telecaster, the Affinity's color selection may be disappointing.

Overall, the Affinity Telecaster makes some compromises in parts and aesthetics to meet its beginner-friendly price point. But it retains the classic Tele tone and feel, providing an affordable entry point to Fender's iconic design.

Alternatives

The Fender Telecaster has some comparable alternatives worth considering from other brands.

Squier Classic Vibe/Vintage Modified Tele

Squier, Fender's budget-friendly sibling brand, offers some excellent Tele options like the Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified series. These T-style guitars use quality components like aluminum bridges and Duncan Designed pickups while keeping costs low with paulownia bodies and laurel fingerboards. Many players report the Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified Telecasters playing and sounding nearly indistinguishable from Fender models.

G&L Tribute ASAT

G&L was founded by Leo Fender after he sold Fender, so its ASAT model offers incredible Telecaster-inspired tone and playability. The Tribute ASAT uses a comfortable C-shape neck and dual Blade pickups for incredible snap and twang. The ASAT is a versatile workhorse guitar perfect for country, blues, rock, and more. It's a premium instrument with pro features at an intermediate price point.

Conclusion

The Fender Affinity Telecaster offers players a chance to get an authentic Telecaster experience at a very accessible price point. While it may lack some of the premium features and appointments of more expensive Telecasters, it delivers the core tone and playability that has made the Telecaster an indispensable guitar for over six decades of popular music.

The Affinity Telecaster is built with good quality components and attention to detail, especially for a guitar at this price. The alder body and maple neck provide classic Tele tone and feel. The pickups and electronics allow for that signature spanky Tele twang when clean, and pleasing overdrive when pushed.

For beginners or those on a budget, the Affinity Telecaster is a great way to get started with a real Fender without breaking the bank. More experienced players will also appreciate having an affordable Telecaster option for gigging or as a solid backup. While it may eventually be worth upgrading pickups or hardware down the line, the Affinity Tele represents a fantastic value for the cost.

Overall, Fender's reputation for quality instruments shines through with the Affinity Series. This Telecaster hits all the right notes for those seeking an authentic Telecaster experience at an entry-level price. For tone, playability and value, the Affinity Telecaster is difficult to beat.