Squire Affinity PJ Bass vs 90's Japanese Fender PJ

[InhumanResource]

If it's one of the Japanese made JV squiers heck yeah! I picked up one last year and it's an awesome axe.

Typically though, MIJ Fenders are my go-to. I prefer them over the US models any day (though I haven't tried many of the brand-brand new ones).

 

[S-Bigbottom]

But if Fender makes it, how can it be a knock-off?

The market is saturated with knock-offs of Fender products, but I've never considered a Squier to be one of them

It is a joke about the misspelling of the brand name Squier.

squire
ˈskwī(ə)r/
noun

1. 1.
   a man of high social standing who owns and lives on an estate in a rural area, especially the chief landowner in such an area.
   "the squire of Radbourne Hall"
   synonyms: landowner, landholder, landlord, lord of the manor, country gentleman
   "the squire of the village"
2. 2.
   historical
   a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself.
   synonyms: attendant, courtier, equerry, aide, steward, page boy
   "his squire carried a banner"

verb

1. 1.
   (of a man) accompany or escort (a woman).
   "she was squired around Rome by a reporter

Versus the musical instrument company spelling.

 

[KickingBass]

Squier Affinitys just feel like toys to me but hey sometimes that's all you can afford. You should see my incredibly cheap guitar. I just think it's a little silly to compare something that is intended for beginners and purposefully made cheap to something that is made with more quality in mind. JMO...

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Squier Affinitys just feel like toys to me but hey sometimes that's all you can afford. You should see my incredibly cheap guitar. I just think it's a little silly to compare something that is intended for beginners and purposefully made cheap to something that is made with more quality in mind. JMO...

The only reason it costs less than say a Vintage Modified is the lack of gloss poly finish on the neck, no shielding whatsoever, and generic pickups. The wood is different too, I believe. It's not purposefully made cheap (cheap meaning of crappy quality), it's purposefully made affordable. There is a difference.

A First Act bass (which can be purchased at Sears or Walmart), for example, is something intended for beginners and purposefully made cheap.

 

[KickingBass]

The only reason it costs less than say a Vintage Modified is the lack of gloss poly finish on the neck, no shielding whatsoever, and generic pickups. The wood is different too, I believe. It's not purposefully made cheap (cheap meaning of crappy quality), it's purposefully made affordable. There is a difference.

A First Act bass (which can be purchased at Sears or Walmart), for example, is something intended for beginners and purposefully made cheap.

Affinitys aren't made for beginners?

 

[mdogs]

Affinitys aren't made for beginners?

Of course they are no matter what the Squire minions would try to make you believe.

 

[KickingBass]

Of course they are no matter what the Squire minions would try to make you believe.

Whew, thought I might've been mistaken this whole time. Like maybe only my local GC gets all the lame Affinitys.

 

[Lownote38]

Affinity basses are the cheapest bass you can buy for a reason. Fender Japan is awesome! Some of the newer MIM stuff is getting really good, too.

This^^^. A MIJ 90's Fender will wipe the floor with a Squier. It's a matter of craftsmanship.

 

[Lee Kirkham]

The MIJ Fenders have a great sound to them...until the electronics crap out on you a few years down the road. That's always been the downfall of the MIJ basses, the wood is great, the hardware is great, the electronics...meh.

 

[Malak the Mad]

The MIJ Fenders have a great sound to them...until the electronics crap out on you a few years down the road. That's always been the downfall of the MIJ basses, the wood is great, the hardware is great, the electronics...meh.

I dunno, Lee. I've owned a few MIJ/CIJ Fenders. Chief among them is a 2007 Aerodyne and nothing's gone wrong with it's original electronics…or for that matter, any of the others. But in case I should keep an eye out for some imminent breakdown, what exactly do you mean by "crap out"?

 

[GK Growl]

Of course they are no matter what the Squire minions would try to make you believe.

Oh crap. How have I been fooling everyone by gigging my 5 string affinity three times a week. You think all these seasoned musicians I play with have just kinda given me a pass on this one? Maybe the audience played along too. You've got me scared now. I think I'll leave it at home tonight. Not.

 

[Lee Kirkham]

I dunno, Lee. I've owned a few MIJ/CIJ Fenders. Chief among them is a 2007 Aerodyne and nothing's gone wrong with it's original electronics…or for that matter, any of the others. But in case I should keep an eye out for some imminent breakdown, what exactly do you mean by "crap out"?

What I've seen most often was failure of pots and caps, and just wiring in general. No issues with pickups though, which considering all the other components have had issues seems a little weird. Any MIJ I see pass through for myself, I usually change out the wiring, pots and caps, which in most cases has improved their already nice tone and output.

That's the bummer for me, if the electronics hadn't withered away or failed, the basses typically had a really nice sound to them, though not your "typical" Fender tone, but nice nonetheless.