Fender 0378253506 Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster is an excellent electric guitar for beginners or intermediate players looking for that classic Telecaster twang on a budget. As an affordable version of the iconic American-made Fender Telecaster, the Squier Affinity Telecaster packs many of the key specs and design elements of the original into a value-focused package.

This solidbody electric guitar features an alder body with a gloss polyurethane finish. It has a maple C-shaped neck with a laurel fingerboard and 21 medium jumbo frets. The hardware includes two single-coil Telecaster pickups, a 3-way pickup selector switch, master volume and tone controls, and strings-through-body bridge with 6 saddles. Overall the Squier Affinity Telecaster combines classic Tele design and appointments with beginner-friendly playability at an accessible price point.

Appearance

The Squier Affinity Telecaster has the iconic solid Telecaster body shape that Fender is known for. The double cutaway design provides easy access to the higher frets, making it comfortable to play.

The Affinity Telecaster is available in a variety of eye-catching finishes, including 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Butterscotch Blonde, and Race Red. The polyester finish gives the guitar a smooth, glossy look. Some models feature a matching headstock, which provides a cohesive look.

The contoured body with its deep belly cut feels comfortable against the player's body. The smooth finish on the back of the neck also promotes comfort during long practice or gigging sessions. Overall, the Affinity Telecaster has a stylish, vintage-inspired design that looks fantastic on stage.

The Telecaster's simple yet elegant design has inspired many other guitar makers over the years. One such company is Luna Guitars, who make uniquely designed electric guitars with eye-catching semi-hollow bodies. Their ARTV JE model features an art deco design with a vines and leaves graphic on a translucent black background. This stunning look sets it apart from other more traditional electric guitars.

While the Squier Affinity Telecaster opts for a glossy solid color finish, the Luna ARTV JE has a transparent finish to showcase its graphic artwork. This allows the wood grain to show through for an organic, natural look. The Luna guitar has a slightly rounded silhouette compared to the Squier's angular silhouette. Both designs are appealing in their own way.

The Squier keeps hardware such as tuners, bridge, and electronics chrome for a vintage vibe. Luna however goes for an aged gold look on many models like the ARTV JE. This warm, antique gold tone complements the ornate art deco styling. While the Squier aims for a retro feel, the Luna has a more modern, artsy look.

When it comes to craftsmanship, both companies produce good quality instruments at reasonable prices. The Affinity Tele is known for great playability for an affordable guitar. Luna's eye-catching designs showcase excellent attention to visual details. Players looking for traditional electric guitar looks may prefer Squier, while those wanting a bolder artistic statement can turn to Luna.

The ARTV JE's vine graphic gives it an earthy, organic vibe suiting many music genres. The Tele's glossy finishes in standard colors like blonde, black and sunburst have wide appeal. Both guitars offer their own unique styling that will attract different players.

Squier's no-frills approach focuses on nailing the classic Telecaster formula which has worked for decades. Luna pushes boundaries with unusual shapes and graphics to stand out. There's room for both designs, traditional and contemporary, in today's guitar market.

While the Affinity Tele aims to emulate Fender's iconic models, Luna expands the design horizons of electrics. This shows how diverse electric guitar aesthetics have become, no longer confined to standard shapes and colors. Players today have many options to find a look that suits their musical vision.

The Squier Affinity Telecaster and Luna Guitars ARTV JE represent two design philosophies - vintage reproduction and modern artistry. Their unique styling, craftsmanship and pricing have earned both companies a strong following. Which you prefer comes down to your personal taste and playing style.

Hardware

The Squier Affinity Telecaster features quality hardware that enables great sound and playability.

Bridge

The Affinity Tele comes equipped with a 6-saddle top-load bridge with bent steel saddles for precise intonation adjustments. This durable bridge allows for easy string height adjustments and provides solid tuning stability. With its quality construction, the bridge facilitates great tone and sustain.

Tuners

The guitar has die-cast tuners with sealed tuning machines to keep the strings in tune. The tuners are smooth and accurate, making it easy to keep the guitar properly tuned before and during playing sessions. Reliable tuning performance is essential for any guitar, and the Affinity Tele's tuners deliver.

Pickups

It has two single coil Telecaster pickups that produce the classic bright, crisp Tele tone. The bridge pickup delivers bite and twang, while the neck pickup has a smoother, warmer sound. Together they offer a versatile tonal palette. While basic, the pickups capture that authentic Fender Tele tone. The pickups are a key component that give the Affinity Tele its archetypal sound.

For guitarists seeking the iconic Telecaster design and sound, the Fender 371005532 is an excellent choice. This Made-in-Mexico Fender Telecaster offers fantastic quality and value in a genuine Fender model. It features an alder body, maple neck, and two single-coil Telecaster pickups for that unmistakable Tele twang. The thin, fast-playing "Modern C" neck profile provides comfort and speed. With its classic looks, great feel, and authentic Fender tone, the Fender 371005532 is ideal for country, blues, rock, and more. Its affordable price makes this Tele accessible to budget-conscious players. For an authentic Fender Telecaster experience that won't break the bank, the Fender 371005532 is a top contender.

Neck

The Telecaster's neck is crafted from maple, giving it durability while retaining a smooth, comfortable feel during play. It has a modern "C"-shaped profile that provides a slim grip without being too thin.

The fretboard is rosewood, which looks great aesthetically and enhances sustain and warmth. It has 21 medium jumbo frets for easy, smooth transitions when bending notes. The rosewood fretboard doesn't dry out or crack like cheaper maple counterparts. It also produces a sweet, singing tone.

The neck is designed for fast play across its 25.5” scale length. It has a natural gloss finish on the back for speed. Overall, the neck offers a great combination of smooth play, speed, and classic Tele twang.

Sound

The Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster produces the bright, twangy tone that Telecaster guitars are known for. The two single-coil pickups provide a focused midrange and detailed high-end that cuts through a mix nicely.

While the Affinity Telecaster may not have quite the richness and warmth of Fender's more expensive Telecasters, its sound is still versatile enough for country, blues, rock, indie, and more. The bridge pickup delivers that classic Tele bite - great for rock rhythm and leads. The neck pickup smooths out the tone a bit for mellower cleans and bluesier leads.

There's plenty of output and sustain thanks to the six-saddle top-load bridge. While affordable, the Affinity Tele doesn't feel lacking in sound or playability. The tone is authentic and highly usable for a wide range of musical styles. Players looking for that iconic Telecaster twang will find it with the Squier Affinity model at a fraction of the cost of an American-made Fender.

Playability

The Squier Affinity Telecaster is designed for comfortable playability right out of the box. The C-shaped neck profile will feel familiar to most players, with smooth contours that fit nicely into the palm.

Many buyers comment on the Affinity Telecaster's fast, slim neck that allows for easy movement up and down the fretboard. The 25.5” scale length along with narrow 1.65” nut width contribute to the smooth playability. There's plenty of room between strings for clear articulation and bends.

The medium jumbo frets are finished nicely and add to the overall playability. The action is set up well from the factory so chords and leads can be played with ease. Intonation is reliable across the fretboard thanks to the quality control from the Squier factory.

While the pickups and hardware are certainly entry level, they perform well enough to provide a responsive and enjoyable playing experience. From fast lead runs to rhythmic strumming, the Affinity Telecaster aims to offer versatile playability right out of the affordable package.

Build Quality

The Squier Affinity Telecaster has excellent build quality for an entry-level electric guitar. The body is made from solid alder wood, which provides a balanced and resonant tone. Alder is known for being lightweight yet durable, making it a popular choice for many Fender guitars.

The hardware and electronics are very solid. The bridge is chrome-plated for smooth performance and sustain. The pickups and controls feel sturdy and road-ready. The inclusion of die-cast tuners provides precise and reliable tuning stability.

Overall craftsmanship is impressive, with clean fretwork, wiring, and soldering. The polyurethane finish is evenly applied. Visually inspecting and playing the Telecaster reveals excellent attention to detail.

Considering its accessible price point, the Squier Affinity Telecaster punches above its weight in terms of build construction. The use of quality tonewoods and hardware results in a reliable, roadworthy instrument that can handle years of playing.

Value

When considering any guitar purchase, value is an important factor. You want an instrument that gives you great bang for your buck - solid performance without breaking the bank.

The Squier Affinity Telecaster represents excellent value for a few key reasons. First and foremost is the price. Squier guitars are Fender's budget line, meaning you get Fender design and quality at an accessible price point. This Telecaster can readily be found new for under $200. For a brand new, quality electric guitar, that is an excellent deal.

Beyond just the low price, the Affinity Telecaster gives you a surprising amount of guitar for the money. The overall build quality is quite respectable, especially considering the cost. Fit and finish are nice, hardware is decent, and the playability is very good. While it doesn't match USA-made Fenders, it far exceeds other guitars in this ultra-affordable tier.

When you add up the classic Telecaster sound, comfortable feel, and Fender pedigree, the value proposition gets even stronger. Yes, you can find cheaper guitars, but the drop-off in quality would be significant. For the aspiring guitarist on a tight budget, it's hard to beat the mix of quality and value offered by the Squier Affinity Telecaster. It lets you get into a real Fender for the cost of a beginner instrument.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Classic Fender Telecaster design and styling at an affordable price point
• Smooth modern C-shaped neck profile is comfortable to play
• Two single-coil pickups provide that signature Tele tone
• Versatile enough for country, rock, blues, and more
• Quality hardware including die-cast tuning machines stay in tune
• Light and balanced feel makes playing effortless

Cons

• Pickups may lack richness and warmth for some players
• Controls are basic - just one volume and one tone knob
• May require a professional setup out of the box for best playability
• Not a high-end instrument, some compromises in fit and finish
• Won't stand up to abuse as well as more expensive models
• Electronics may introduce some unwanted hum or noise

Conclusion

The Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster is an excellent entry-level electric guitar that provides impressive quality and playability at an affordable price point. With its iconic Tele design and comfortable C-shaped neck, this guitar is an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players looking to emulate the timeless tone of Fender's famous Telecasters.

The Affinity Tele punches above its weight class in terms of components and hardware. The combination of the laminated agathis body, maple neck, die-cast tuners and two single-coil pickups produces the authentic twang and bite that Telecasters are loved for. While more expensive Telecasters certainly exist, the Affinity holds its own with classic Fender Tele tone and feel.

In terms of playability, the Affinity Tele provides a smooth and enjoyable playing experience. The slim, fast C-shaped neck profile allows for easy fretting and chording while the 6-saddle bridge offers solid tuning stability. The lightweight, contoured body is comfortable for extended practice sessions.

Overall, the Squier Affinity Telecaster is a phenomenal value for the money. As an affordable Fender-designed Tele, it's an excellent choice for beginners learning on their first electric, intermediate players seeking that iconicTele tone on a budget, or as a mod platform for more advanced guitarists. For under $200, the Affinity Tele provides impressive quality that belies its price tag. It's hard to find a more versatile, fun, and downright playable electric guitar in this range.