Fender 0378301565 Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster is an excellent electric guitar for beginners and intermediate players looking for Fender's signature jazzmaster tone and playability without breaking the bank. Part of Fender's budget-friendly Squier Affinity series, this instrument stays true to the original Jazzmaster design while cutting costs on materials and hardware.

The Affinity Jazzmaster features an offset double cutaway body shape with contoured edges for comfort. It has a maple neck and fretboard, delivering brightness and sustain. The pickups and electronics provide the distinctive warm, rich sound Jazzmasters are known for. Overall, this is a quality entry-level instrument for players who want classic Fender style and sound without spending a premium.

Body & Neck

The body of the Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster electric guitar is made from solid alder, which provides a balanced and full-bodied tone with crisp highs and tight lows. Alder is a lightweight wood that helps reduce fatigue during longer playing sessions.

The neck is constructed from maple and has a very comfortable C-shape profile. Maple is known for its bright, snappy tone while also adding stability and sustain. The C-shape allows easy access to the higher frets while providing a substantial feel for chording and rhythm playing. Overall the combination of alder and maple offers a diverse tonal palette suitable for various musical genres.

Another popular electric guitar that features a solid alder body is the Donner HUSH-I EC1783. Like the Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster, the HUSH-I EC1783's alder body produces balanced tone across the frequency spectrum, with articulate highs and tight low end. The HUSH-I EC1783 pairs its alder body with a maple neck that has a comfortable C-shaped profile. This allows for easy playability when soloing on the higher frets. The HUSH-I EC1783's hardware includes a tremolo bridge for expressive effects, and Donner Alnico V pickups for classic electric guitar tones. Overall the HUSH-I EC1783 provides versatile sound at an affordable price point, making it a great option for guitarists looking for quality and value.

When comparing the Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster and Donner HUSH-I EC1783, they have some key similarities and differences. Both feature solid alder bodies and maple necks for well-balanced tone and comfortable playability. The Jazzmaster has a more distinctive offset double cutaway body shape, while the HUSH-I EC1783 uses a classic double cutaway design. The Jazzmaster comes equipped with Fender-designed pickups, while the HUSH-I EC1783 has Donner Alnico V pickups. Both guitars include tremolo bridges for expressive effects like warbling and dive bombs. The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster provides the iconic Jazzmaster style and sound at a budget-friendly price point. The Donner HUSH-I EC1783 also delivers versatile tone and playability at an even more affordable price tag.

Pickups & Electronics

The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster comes equipped with two Jazzmaster single-coil pickups. Jazzmaster pickups have a warmer, smoother tone compared to traditional single-coil pickups, making them ideal for jazz, blues, surf rock, and indie music.

The guitar's pickups can be switched between in three different combinations using a 3-way pickup selector switch. The switch allows you to toggle between the bridge pickup alone, both pickups together, or the neck pickup alone. This gives you a good variety of tones from bright and twangy to thick and throaty.

The volume and tone knobs also allow you to shape and refine your tone further. Overall the pickup configuration offers versatile tonal options well-suited for everything from clean jazz chords to overdriven alt-rock.

If you're looking for an affordable, versatile electric guitar, the Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster is a great option. With its Jazzmaster pickups and 3-way switch, it provides a wide tonal palette for various musical styles. However, for hard rock and metal, you may want to consider a guitar with humbucking pickups like the Washburn DFBACEB. Humbuckers offer a thicker, higher-output sound perfect for distortion.

The DFBACEB comes equipped with a humbucker in the bridge position and a single-coil in the neck. This versatile pickup configuration allows you to get chunky rhythm tones as well as singing leads. The mahogany body also gives the guitar a nice resonant sustain. Other features include a Tune-O-Matic bridge for stable tuning and a set maple neck for bright tone and easy playability.

Both the Jazzmaster and the DFBACEB are quality instruments at an affordable price point. The Jazzmaster leans more towards jazz, blues, surf, and indie rock with its resonant hollow body and mellow Jazzmaster pickups. The DFBACEB excels at hard rock and metal with its dual humbucker/single-coil pickup configuration. Choose the guitar that aligns best with your musical tastes and playing style.

When shopping for an electric guitar, it's important to consider the types of music you want to play and the tones you want to achieve. The pickups and electronics have a huge impact on the overall sound. Test out different pickup configurations to hear the tonal variations for yourself. Solidbody guitars like the Jazzmaster and DFBACEB provide great tuning stability and sustain.

Look for quality hardware like durable bridges and tuning machines. Don't forget to try out the neck to ensure it has a comfortable, playable feel. Pay attention to the fretwork and nut cut. Well-dressed frets and a properly cut nut help optimize playability. Shop for guitars in your budget from reputable brands like Fender, Washburn, Epiphone, and others.

Reading reviews from other players can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of different models. Narrow down your choices by identifying the features most important for your needs. Consider scale length, body shape and weight, neck profile, electronics, and aesthetics. With research and testing, you'll be able to find your perfect electric guitar companion.

Hardware

The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster has quality hardware that gives it great tuning stability and functionality. It features a vintage-style tremolo bridge and tailpiece that allows for expressive tremolo effects and fluttering pitch shifts. The bridge has a smooth and fluid feel that makes it easy to add vibrato to chords and single notes.

Additionally, the headstock is equipped with die-cast tuning machines. These machine heads help keep the guitar in tune through changes in temperature, humidity, and during vigorous playing. They provide precise and accurate tuning adjustment. The tuning pegs have a smooth operation and comfortable rubber knurled knobs.

Overall, the hardware supports the versatile sound of the Jazzmaster and allows for rock-solid tuning and pitch accuracy. It's built to handle energetic strumming and lead playing while maintaining stability. The vintage-inspired hardware also contributes to the classic Jazzmaster aesthetic and vibe.

Sound & Playability

The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster has a bright, punchy tone that's well suited for indie rock. The dual single-coil Jazzmaster pickups provide clear highs and tight low end. There's also a 3-way pickup selector switch, allowing you to blend the bridge and neck pickups to craft your ideal tone.

Despite being an affordable model, the Jazzmaster has easy playability that makes it a great choice for beginners. The slim C-shaped neck profile is comfortable to grip and allows for quick, low-effort fretting. The 25.5" scale length adds snap and resonance too. Overall, the guitar is well balanced and crafted for musical inspiration right out of the box.

Pros

This Squier Affinity Jazzmaster electric guitar offers a lot of value for the price point. Some of the biggest pros include:

• Iconic Jazzmaster design: The Jazzmaster is one of Fender's most iconic and recognizable guitar shapes, with its offset double cutaway body. This Affinity model retains that classic Jazzmaster look and feel at a budget-friendly price.

• Quality components: While there are some cost-cutting measures, Squier didn't skimp on many of the most important components. It has a solid alder body, maple neck and fretboard, and die-cast tuning machines. The two Jazzmaster single coil pickups and controls deliver classic Jazzmaster tones.

• Excellent playability: Once it's set up properly, this guitar plays very smoothly thanks to the comfortable "C"-shaped neck, 9.5" fingerboard radius, and medium jumbo frets. The tremolo bridge also works well for adding shimmer and vibrato to chords and leads.

• Impressive sound: Considering the affordable price point, this Jazzmaster sounds fantastic. The pickups articulate Jazzmaster tones from sparkling cleans to growling overdrive. While not USA-made Fender pickups, these get you close for a fraction of the cost.

• Ideal for modding: The Affinity Jazzmaster is a perfect platform for modding and upgrading over time. The simple circuitry and basic components make it relatively easy to hot-rod this guitar and make it your own.

• Exceptional value: Overall, this Squier offers a remarkable mix of playability, build quality, and iconic Fender design at a very wallet-friendly price. It punches above its class in terms of value for the money.

Cons

Cheaper Hardware and Electronics - Being a budget-friendly model, the Squier Affinity Jazzmaster uses cheaper hardware and electronics compared to more expensive Fender models. This includes generic tuning machines, a basic hardtail bridge, and inexpensive pickups and pots. While serviceable, these components are unlikely to match the quality and durability of upgraded parts. The budget hardware can also affect tuning stability and intonation.

The pickups are Squier's own Alnico single-coils, which some users report as sounding decent but a bit anemic, lacking richness and punch. While the controls offer standard Jazzmaster switching between the neck and bridge pickups, the overall electronics are basic and may not please those seeking premium tones.

Limited Color Options - The Affinity Jazzmaster only comes in three color finishes: black, brown sunburst and daphne blue. Players wanting more unique or eye-catching looks may be disappointed. However, the three stock finishes are classic and versatile. Those seeking more variety will need to upgrade to Fender's Vintera or Professional lines.

Who It's For

The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster is an excellent electric guitar for beginners and intermediate players, especially those interested in indie and alternative rock styles. With its offset double cutaway body shape and unique controls, the Jazzmaster is known for its ability to produce crisp clean tones as well as growly overdriven sounds, making it a versatile guitar to learn on.

The slim neck and narrow string spacing also make this an accessible instrument for new players. The reduced scale length compared to a Stratocaster or Telecaster means less tension on the strings, allowing for easier fretting and bending. This allows beginners to build hand strength and dexterity.

More experienced guitarists will also appreciate the Jazzmaster's distinctive looks and unconventional circuitry such as the rhythm/lead switching. Intermediate players looking to expand into surf rock, shoegaze, or post-punk will feel right at home with the Jazzmaster's jangly tones. It's an affordable way to get classic offset guitar styling without breaking the bank.

So whether you're a total novice or a mid-level player seeking a quirky, cool guitar to upgrade your sound, the Squier Affinity Jazzmaster hits the sweet spot on price and performance. Its comfortable ergonomics and flexible voice make it a player's guitar for everything from classic rock to alternative genres.

Price

The Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster represents excellent value for the price. This electric guitar is very affordable, typically selling for around $229.99 USD brand new. For a major brand like Fender, this is an entry-level price point. Considering the quality of the materials and components, it is quite impressive how inexpensive the Squier Affinity Jazzmaster is. Players on a budget or looking for their first real electric guitar will find this model extremely accessible. The price makes it enticing for beginners not wanting to spend too much on their initial purchase. More advanced guitarists may also appreciate having the Jazzmaster style at such a low cost. Given the features and Fender reputation, the Squier Affinity Jazzmaster provides fantastic bang for your buck.

Alternatives

The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster offers great value for beginners and intermediate players looking for that classic Jazzmaster tone and feel. However, there are a few other comparable alternatives worth considering in a similar price range:

Epiphone Les Paul

Epiphone's Les Paul guitar has many of the same attributes as the Gibson Les Paul, at a more affordable price point. The Epiphone Les Paul has a mahogany body and maple top for a balanced, resonant tone. It comes with Alnico Classic humbucker pickups that deliver a thick, warm sound perfect for blues and rock. The slim taper neck and rosewood fingerboard make it comfortable and fast to play. An excellent choice for everything from metal to jazz.

Ibanez GRG

Ibanez GRG guitars provide incredible quality and playability for the money. They feature a fast, thin Wizard III maple neck with a rosewood fretboard for speed and comfort. The GRG has a solid basswood body with humbucking pickups that can handle both distortion and clean tones very well. Known for playing fast and smooth right out of the box. A top choice for shredders.

Yamaha Pacifica

The Yamaha Pacifica is renowned as one of the best starter electric guitars on the market. It has an alder body with a bolt-on maple neck for great sustain and bright tone. The HSS pickup configuration with coil splitting provides versatility to go from sparkling cleans to high-gain distortion. With a comfortable, fast neck and impressive quality control, the Pacifica excels for beginners and beyond.