How Good is the Squier Affinity Telecaster Compared to the American Pro II Telecaster? - VERSUS

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 13. 07. 2024
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    ---
    👏 Credits
    Host: James Gilliland
    Director: Ryan Hopson
    Producer: Brad Tarpley
    Writer: James Gilliland
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    ---
    Intro 00:00
    Overview 00:17
    Demo 03:04
    Conclusion 08:21
    ---
    #fender #guitar #electricguitar #telecaster
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Komentáƙe • 238

  • @eljefeguapobarbon
    @eljefeguapobarbon Pƙed rokem +60

    That really highlighted the quality of the pickups! The Affinity is a beginner/beater/modder the other is what you get when you have "arrived"đŸ€™đŸŒ

    • @compucorder64
      @compucorder64 Pƙed 5 měsĂ­ci +1

      Yes, you're right - the tone of the American Pro II was just much more complex and full. It is a good modder though. Because of all things, you can easily change the pickups. So, if there's an area I don't mind cost cutting, it's that. But the weight, neck profile, finish, body shape and colour are all nice. I got one for 150 second-hand. Plan to spend 250 on better pups, bone nut, tuners, upgrade electronics/pots/switches and get a pro setup. And this comes in at about 450 and would probably give a Fender Player series a good run for it's money; and I honestly prefer the satin neck to the Classic Vibe one, and this is also lighter, with a belly cut. Only thing is that non-traditional bridge/saddle arrangement.

    • @adamsholar8919
      @adamsholar8919 Pƙed měsĂ­cem

      My first guitar is the new tele american professional 2 deluxe dark knight.

  • @richardwhitehead4684
    @richardwhitehead4684 Pƙed rokem +84

    Both sound remarkably like a telecaster.

  • @gdstout
    @gdstout Pƙed rokem +146

    At five times the price, I'll take the Squire and just put in some work to make it play better. The sound is really not that much different to me, and I don't use distortion or overdrive. I'm 77, maybe that's why. :)

    • @adamzapple67
      @adamzapple67 Pƙed rokem +8

      I'm 57 and I'm thinking along the same lines.

    • @ToddSauve
      @ToddSauve Pƙed rokem +11

      @@adamzapple67 I'm 65 and I preferred the Squier. It actually sounded better to me. And that overdrive unit does _not_ sound good. Or maybe it is the amplifier. I heard a bit of distortion in it. It was not a clean sounding overdrive unit. In any event, I own a Squier Standard Stratocaster and put a bit of elbow grease into it. Bought a fine grit dry wall sand paper block with foam rubber core and used it to round the fret ends off and round the the edges of the finger board. Total cost was less than $5.00. Then I spent $80.00 on "genuine" Fender locking tuners and paid for a set up. I'm perfectly happy with it. There is _no_ way a Fender Strat is worth five times what I paid for my Squier Strat, even with my newer better parts included. Fender is grossly overpriced. đŸ€”đŸ€·â€â™‚đŸŽž

    • @marcel_2cv
      @marcel_2cv Pƙed rokem +3

      46 and thinking the same.

    • @thecentralscrutinizer1758
      @thecentralscrutinizer1758 Pƙed rokem +13

      @@marcel_2cv I'm 58 and I'm a bedroom player. I'm only coming to realise that I've been sucked in by the marketing for decades. For what I do a Squier and a custom shop Fender are identical.

    • @rkdynamics9994
      @rkdynamics9994 Pƙed rokem +13

      I’m 23 and my dog died yesterday

  • @Dave-PL
    @Dave-PL Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci +10

    The sound of both are great! I'm big fan of Squier series products. They are really great.

  • @rofflestomp684
    @rofflestomp684 Pƙed rokem +25

    That was a good side by side comparison.
    If you can set up your own guitar and dress your own frets, then get a set of Joe Barden - Danny Gatton Tele-Style Pickups, and just buy the Squire.
    Even if you replace all the hardware, you'll still be close to a thousand bucks ahead and have a great guitar. But that's just what I would do.

  • @flux1968
    @flux1968 Pƙed rokem +16

    I have a 2021 Squier Affinity Tele, installed Fender Texas Specials and it sounds great.

    • @andr3spcc
      @andr3spcc Pƙed 2 měsĂ­ci

      Dang man might do this

  • @stealthbum34
    @stealthbum34 Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci +31

    Haha crazy- I thought the Affinity sounded much nicer 😂 not as harsh and mellower. Not having that draggy gloss finish on it is also a bonus. Some new tuners, a graph tech tusq nut, obsidian wireless electronics and you’d be set with this thing. An extra 200 max to upgrade it.

    • @ronaldwiggins3226
      @ronaldwiggins3226 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci +2

      I play semi pro use affinity, just changed machine heads only, sounds great.

    • @qua7771
      @qua7771 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci +2

      I sent my kid one. I figured, if he gets serious, I'll get him something elas. It's good to hear that these are solid. It would suck to be a beginner on an insturment that fights you. I didn't know it came with cheap tuners. That can be an issue constantly playing out of tune.

    • @starlight1958
      @starlight1958 Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci +2

      Right? I am not crazy then.

    • @astorgaluthier
      @astorgaluthier Pƙed 15 dny

      *bone nut and a better bridge.

    • @Paul.in.Ireland
      @Paul.in.Ireland Pƙed 13 dny

      ​​@@ronaldwiggins3226which Machine heads did you put on Ronald? Cheers ☘

  • @bubbaburleson6067
    @bubbaburleson6067 Pƙed rokem +5

    Absolutely agree on the fret filing/polishing job(s) done at that factory.... Several years ago.... I actually sliced the inner portion of my left ring finger on a fret burr (sp?) and needed more filing on a New Fender Squire....

  • @raphaelarribas3886
    @raphaelarribas3886 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci +7

    I am 43 and I played guitar since I was 14 years old. This is just my own opinion. Why is it I like the sound of Squire Affinity than the American Pro? 😅

  • @93greenstrat
    @93greenstrat Pƙed rokem +19

    Fret size is mostly a matter of preference. American Standard/American Series as well as the US made Highway One/American Performer guitars used to be fitted with medium jumbo frets. I believe starting with the American Pro (version 1) they switched to the narrow tall frets

    • @ChoppaWhoppa1
      @ChoppaWhoppa1 Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci

      Highway one, Special and Performer has Jumbos.

  • @jhonnyx9104
    @jhonnyx9104 Pƙed rokem +12

    Nice comparison. I have bought and sold/returned several Teles in recent years: Fender American Performer Tele Hum, Fender Player, Squier CV 50s, Squier CV 70s Custom and Squier Affinity. The two guitars that feel and play the best are the Squier Affinity and Squier 70s Custom. I can't quite put my finger on it but I feel the most expressive on those two guitars, which also cost the least money! Bends are easier. Necks feel nicer. Dynamics are better. Anyone else find Squiers are a pleasure to play?

    • @RaviLogan86
      @RaviLogan86 Pƙed rokem +2

      Same here, had a MIM Fender Tele, a Vintage v52, a Sx and now a Squier Affinity Tele, which feels better than all the previous.

    • @BG-xn5ni
      @BG-xn5ni Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

      Best playing Strat I’ve ever owned was a 2002 Squier Affinity . I still have it over the years I installed Texas Specials, a better block/saddles and Gotoh Tuners. The point is that for playability it was and still is a great playing instrument.

    • @legman1476
      @legman1476 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

      The basses are very good too. Personally, I feel the money is better spent on recording gear, i.e. anything that helps you achieve the sound you want. A piece of wood with metal on it isn't going to change all that much. That may matter on acoustic guitars but not electrics.

  • @rhykko77
    @rhykko77 Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci +2

    Excellent demo ! I own that Affinity , and several other higher priced ......that Affinity (after fret end work and set up)
    is my favourite ......superb for the money .

  • @KevinMillard68
    @KevinMillard68 Pƙed rokem +12

    i think the squier is better and its way less money in fact i have the newest model of the affinty and its fantastic compared to the older the versions of it. and i have owned the classic vibe and i did have a MIM one for a short time i ended up back with the affinty in the end it was better for less money and i do own several hi end guitars but you know its all preference in the end really

  • @patrickjosephtobin8014
    @patrickjosephtobin8014 Pƙed rokem +5

    Just got an affinity Olympic white . Got some nice in 1952 reissue pick ups. To go in .
    Polish the frets & some other bits .
    Overtime it will be a killer guitar .
    All good . Great review

    • @tactik5903
      @tactik5903 Pƙed 26 dny

      I’m really into both the Affinity and Contemporary Squier series of guitars. Affinity for a budget Fender sound, Contemporary for a real Fender competitor.

  • @rhykko77
    @rhykko77 Pƙed rokem +1

    Well done comparison Sir ! ......re tone.......a bit more clairity in neck and middlle positions ......but ....a small amount .....
    by the way, I own the Squire, and one difference with the copy I have is that I had to do substantial work on the
    frets (fret sprout) and all 6 tuners were very loose (simple tightening with a socket wrench which solved its
    tuning stability) For me it comes down to the difference in tone (adjustable to some extent by tweaking one's
    amp) but , as you pay a lot more for the Fender version, you do get an overal higher level of craftmanship.......
    so you pay to have it all done right to start with.

  • @user-mc5bl2se6y
    @user-mc5bl2se6y Pƙed rokem +6

    Excellent review. One of the best I have seen. I felt the solidness of the one. I also have the affinity. I think it boils down to a good guitar player can make a lesser guitar sound great. You have done the best and honest review I have seen

    • @patl9404
      @patl9404 Pƙed 5 měsĂ­ci

      You right ,if you can play,,you can ,
      Make a no name axe sound excellent 😊

  • @p.rvictorin5932
    @p.rvictorin5932 Pƙed rokem +6

    at home on PC w/ headphones I did not hear 5X the difference in sound, however I have played both and the feel is at least 5X different. Tons of videos here on how to improve the feel on a Squier, maybe pick up a little better quality pickups and tuners, I bought a pickup/wiring set with the control plate from an American Pro II and added that to my Mex partscaster tele and it sounds great. I am tempted to do the same to a used squier and start by adding new tuners and pickups

    • @jamesgmusic
      @jamesgmusic Pƙed rokem

      Great feedback, that's the beauty of guitars!

  • @tanerkurt01
    @tanerkurt01 Pƙed 5 měsĂ­ci +2

    I bought Square infinity second hand $160. It’s pretty good guitar. Easy to play.

  • @voiceofexperience
    @voiceofexperience Pƙed rokem +5

    Is there a difference?
    Yep, the Squier has a bridge capable of proper intonation.
    (The ceramic pups sound fine to me - I quite like that tone in a Tele)

    • @peterwilson8039
      @peterwilson8039 Pƙed rokem +3

      It's impossible to get the setup right with a vintage bridge.

  • @jonmagillmusic
    @jonmagillmusic Pƙed rokem +3

    AMAZING job James! You're a rockstar!

  • @jackplace5665
    @jackplace5665 Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci +2

    I have a squire affinity John 5 with humbuckers. Sounds better than my expensive American deluxe strat

  • @tonyharley5230
    @tonyharley5230 Pƙed rokem

    I have the old 2007 Affininty. Modded with CTS 250k pots, .068uf cap, Alnico 5/2 hybrid pups and vintage style 18:1 tuners.
    I earned thousands of ÂŁ gigging with it.
    The last mod is to ditch the thin 41mm maple neck. Ive just bagged an unused RW (Laurel) neck from a 2022 Affinity Deluxe Tele. Cant wait to get it on.

  • @davidgerlach1132
    @davidgerlach1132 Pƙed rokem +5

    I like not only the price of beautiful Squire, but the independent more modern bridge saddles vs the original T-style compensated BDE bridge. Good Tele. One minor difference, you have an extra fret with the Pro, same scale length. The Pro seems to have more midrange, obviously pickups factor into it.

    • @Arcade1959
      @Arcade1959 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

      This is corrected on the amp. A lot of people don't know how to adjust an amp (I'm not saying that for you). There is no point in buying a lot of pedals. I just have an equalizer and the reverb on the amp is enough for 85% of the time.

  • @whhitestallion
    @whhitestallion Pƙed 14 dny +1

    The price difference isn’t totally all about sound. It’s things like but not limited to pots, locking tuners, and most important to me is the feel in the hands. Obviously all of this can be addressed to the squire.

  • @peterwilson8039
    @peterwilson8039 Pƙed rokem +6

    I can hear the difference between the two guitars, and I prefer the sound of the Fender, but it is still remarkable to me how good the Affinity sounds, and how much value it represents for the money. I bought my Affinity Tele in 2019. I loved it, but about six months ago I saw that Fender Tex/Mex pickups were very reasonably priced. Now my Affinity Tele sounds amazing. Prior to the upgrade I was thinking of upgrading to a Player series Tele, (not a huge Classic Vibe fan), but frankly now, I'm don't know that it would be much of an upgrade. I would upgrade if I were a professional guitarist, but only because I know, in the professional milieu, the Fender decal on the headstock is very important.

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem

      You're definitely paying a little bit extra for tha Fender decal.

    • @peterwilson8039
      @peterwilson8039 Pƙed rokem

      ​@@tarpley-music If I were a making money with my guitar, it would probably be a worthwhile investment.

    • @miguelangelcolon1345
      @miguelangelcolon1345 Pƙed rokem

      Hi, did you make the work by yourself?

    • @Arcade1959
      @Arcade1959 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

      Do you think these ceramic pickups are louder than alnico 5 ?

    • @peterwilson8039
      @peterwilson8039 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

      @@miguelangelcolon1345 if you can solder, pickup upgrades are quite easy to do.

  • @michaelalubarsky
    @michaelalubarsky Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci +1

    The most honest and straight forward review I’ve ever seen of guitars. How about Epiphone v Gibson next?

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci

      Would love too, but we’re not a vendor for Gibson. Only Epiphone.

  • @superhotbread
    @superhotbread Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci +2

    I prefer the squier sound. Plus Fender pricing is crazy now $.

  • @firehosediy7507
    @firehosediy7507 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci +1

    When you picked up the American Pro to play I immediately saw it was a better guitar and as you played I could see the workmanship in the fret board. Now I'll have to watch again and pay attention to the sound.

  • @anodyneforever3996
    @anodyneforever3996 Pƙed rokem

    What was the weight of each guitar. ??? I have heard the cheaper models use cheaper heavier woods.

  • @robertpennington1019
    @robertpennington1019 Pƙed rokem +2

    I wonder if the distortion really closed the gap that much for the Squire or was it just CZcams/phone compression. Honestly, that iconic Tele sound came out of the American model run strait through the amp.
    The Squire is definitely good enough for new players though from a sound perspective. Especially now with the prices. Comfort is important while playing, but if you really want “that Strat/tele look” and don’t want to break the bank for a first guitar I think I’d go squire today. Luckily when I started playing the MX models were cheaper than the Squires today lol

  • @user-dp2ih6ck2l
    @user-dp2ih6ck2l Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

    すごく戆かりやすいです🎉

  • @ronaldwiggins3226
    @ronaldwiggins3226 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci +2

    I am semi pro use affinity, great sound, nuanced, responsive, warm and transparent
.

  • @SoundtheTrumpet2023
    @SoundtheTrumpet2023 Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci

    Would live to hear the Fender Telecaster Player Plus in this mix.

  • @Rulon-bo1ig
    @Rulon-bo1ig Pƙed 26 dny +1

    But if you installed the same pickups in the squire that would be interesting. On the whole I’m very happy with my squire standard 2005 strat, I wouldn’t change the stock Duncan designed pickups on them, they’re that good to me.

  • @loupascarelli
    @loupascarelli Pƙed rokem

    I like the brass barrels in the bridge ..

  • @robbaskerville253
    @robbaskerville253 Pƙed 14 dny

    I reccomend putting a set of Tonerider Hot Classic pickups in an Affinity. Quite cheap but massive upgrade.

  • @hanomag251
    @hanomag251 Pƙed rokem +3

    Just bought the affinity cause I wanted to try a telecaster. The store had to ask their luthier to redo all the fret end because there was too much sprout everywhere. Sound-wise, there is a difference but since I only have one, it doesn't matter to me. I won't hear the difference.
    Tips for your next comparison: when you play one after the other, just don't talk. I had my headphone and tried to keep the tonality of the Squier in my head, waiting for the sound of the Fender, but when you did talk during switching, I could not remember the sound, therefore, was really hard to hear the difference between the 2 sounds. Next time you do that, edit the video so there is no time between the two takes.

  • @sgtpilko5428
    @sgtpilko5428 Pƙed rokem +2

    Hmm preferred the squire clean and the Fender with overdrive.

  • @nieko3038
    @nieko3038 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci

    I have a tele for on the side. A 2015 modded affinity. It is a great playing instrument. No need to buy an expensive Fender. That Squier gets more playtime than my Japanese Fender Strat.
    People (especially those) on a budget need to learn how to do frets and setup.
    Sharp frets can be smooth with 15 minutes of work.

  • @grahamherbert3612
    @grahamherbert3612 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci +4

    Never in a million years is the Pro II a 5X$ superior instrument. There reaches many points, where a subjective opinion, and snobbery, begin to bend reality, and this is a classic example.

  • @svitlanaostapchenko5642
    @svitlanaostapchenko5642 Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci +3

    The American!! Great sound


  • @zerokoolTV
    @zerokoolTV Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci +1

    For some reason I like the Squier better. Wow that's crazy. Both are great guitars.

  • @bobcabo4509
    @bobcabo4509 Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci +3

    I'd take the Squier.

  • @Fernando-zd9uz
    @Fernando-zd9uz Pƙed měsĂ­cem +2

    The main difference between one and the other is the same as that between ceramic magnets and alnico magnets

  • @AndrewAHayes
    @AndrewAHayes Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

    I prefer the 3 brass saddle bridge and with the compensated saddles, are the American Pro II models equipped with compensated saddles?
    I liked the tone of both guitars and am pretty sure that I could match the tone of the US model with an EQ pedal on the Squier, that's the recipe for another video!

    • @thiscorrosion900
      @thiscorrosion900 Pƙed 7 měsĂ­ci

      Fewer problems with the goddamned saddle screws etc. on the brass Vintage saddles (barrel style).

  • @johnwelch557
    @johnwelch557 Pƙed rokem +4

    Pickup blend heights on the Squier sound wrong. Adjust the bridge pup to get that middle switch position better voiced.
    Also, use undisturbed single note riffs to properly demo tone differences.
    Corded rhythms don't demo a guitars voice well, just an 'in tune and voiced percussive sound to some extent.
    Any statement about guitar methods and tone is only one persons preferences, as is mine here....😁
    Thanks!!

    • @jamesgmusic
      @jamesgmusic Pƙed rokem +1

      Great feedback John thank you! Always look to improve. Thanks!

  • @normanbfifteen3468
    @normanbfifteen3468 Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci +1

    That affinity is great in its own way, even up against the champ of telecaster. I'm thinking the cost difference is more about the craftsmanship./stability which is so time consuming. If someone doesn't have the money, they still can go places with that affinity. They will just wear out the cheap tuners but will become excellent at tuning by ear.

  • @lellegrolle9495
    @lellegrolle9495 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci +1

    I like the brighter sound of the squier , it sounds like a tele to me. The more darker sparklier sound of the pro sounded like a strat, tele most have the brighter sound, to me te squaier was the best sounding.🙃

  • @user-blaster_2012
    @user-blaster_2012 Pƙed rokem +1

    They sound remarkably similar clean tone, but the Affinity sounds muddier over driven. I would say the Pro 2 sounds better, but is it 5x better? 5x the price, after all. Of course you have to take into account fit and finish, and quality of materials. I suspect also you're paying a premium for having "Fender" on the headstock, but more than that, US workers need US pay.

  • @lellegrolle9495
    @lellegrolle9495 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci +1

    I baught the squier affinity telecaster orange competition made in indonesia, the gitar is good😼

  • @RobfromNorCal
    @RobfromNorCal Pƙed rokem

    my affinity stays tuned no prob, but i have a couple dead/buzzing fret spots. g one low e and 8th fret high e string.

    • @peterwilson8039
      @peterwilson8039 Pƙed rokem

      You need a little bit of fret work. It won't be expensive, and the store you bought it from should be happy to do it for you for free. I had the same issue on one of my guitars and the store fixed it for me for free. It took about ten minutes.

  • @thiscorrosion900
    @thiscorrosion900 Pƙed 7 měsĂ­ci

    I have a Squier lefty and it's great, minus the crap bridge/saddles they put on it. I kept having the high E saddle screws come loose for no apparent reason the past
    year or more, so finally after a setup and other work on it this week, I have to bring it back yet again to the tech. at Guitar Center with a tube of Loctite thread cement,
    that he didn't even have on hand (??????), so the tech. can hopefully stop that from occurring. Annoying! I would buy a Squier, but put a better bridge/saddle on it
    immediately.

  • @joeblankenship377
    @joeblankenship377 Pƙed rokem

    The American is a lot more crisp and clear, while the Squier is a bit more muddy. But of course, you would roll that bass knob back for the Squier if this weren't an A/B comparison. And used American Fenders can be had for reasonable prices if you look for them.

  • @mrbesserwisser7447
    @mrbesserwisser7447 Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci +1

    I think most of the difference in sound is in the pickups. They both sound good, but in differnt ways

  • @georgeszweden9497
    @georgeszweden9497 Pƙed rokem +1

    Great video, its so annoying when reviewers just shred and you can't tell what a chord sounds like

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem +1

      Absolutely, that’s why James has taken the approach he has in these videos. Thanks for watching, George.

  • @WizardsDoMagic
    @WizardsDoMagic Pƙed měsĂ­cem

    I think the pro is a bit warmer and not as digital sounding, but the affinity still sounds good. How much is the player and setup though?

  • @mr1bienvenu1
    @mr1bienvenu1 Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci +1

    The law of diminishing returns never fails. 😎

  • @stuartmenziesfarrant
    @stuartmenziesfarrant Pƙed rokem +1

    The affinity neck plays ‘faster’ with a more modern slimmer ‘c’ shape.

  • @jean-danieldumas1171
    @jean-danieldumas1171 Pƙed 5 měsĂ­ci +1

    lol they are practically the same TBH, small difference in sound. I think I would take the budget one for sure. American Pro II Telecaster still get advantage on overdrive side.

  • @chriss2452
    @chriss2452 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

    I find it strange that the Fender is equipped with the compensated saddle when it's well known for it's intonation issues. What is the reason for this?

  • @benhotchkiss235
    @benhotchkiss235 Pƙed rokem

    Put some Alnico V pickups in the Squire, change the nut and work on the neck


  • @siegriedroy6467
    @siegriedroy6467 Pƙed rokem

    The funny thing is that i like the Affinity bridge PU for Rock or Metal much more than any other Tele PU. The Neck PU is a different Story.

  • @superguitarstar1300
    @superguitarstar1300 Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci +1

    The affinity sound a little more ‘in tune’ to but maybe just because the individual saddles

  • @mountainbearoutdoors
    @mountainbearoutdoors Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci +1

    it is quite reassuring to know that the affinity series guitars are actually pretty good and are accessible to most people. In no way can I justify an american made fender when my skills would not do it justice.

  • @DinosaurDillon1776
    @DinosaurDillon1776 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

    What stops you from buying a fender neck for the squire? Are they interchangeable? Would it make it nearly as playable at a much more reasonable cost?

    • @carlhungus2521
      @carlhungus2521 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci +1

      i thought the same thing. the necks were a bit more $ than I expected ...like$ 600

    • @DinosaurDillon1776
      @DinosaurDillon1776 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

      @@carlhungus2521 it’s my band member that has a tele but it’s a squire and he wants to upgrade the neck and keep the light body. I wonder if you can use a Stratocaster neck as well. Somebody has to know

    • @carlhungus2521
      @carlhungus2521 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

      @@DinosaurDillon1776 your band member should be good to go if he wants to use a strat neck. It will play fine and should fit quite well. There will be a small gap near the corners of the neck and body if you flip the guitar over and look....but should look fine from the front and the actual connection of the neck to the body should be strong and tight .

  • @KillerKev1961
    @KillerKev1961 Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci

    Im a Gibson guy. Having said that, the Squire sounded fine for a lot less. Think Ill check out the Strat. Both of those sound equally bad.

  • @Hammerman48
    @Hammerman48 Pƙed rokem

    The American pro will have a nitro paint finish so will age nicely over time. Some people love that
..sounds wise you could upgrade pickups and pots over time
.even the tuners and bridge as you can afford it.

    • @wpopopolo
      @wpopopolo Pƙed rokem +2

      American Professional series have poly finishes, same as previous American Standard models

    • @Hammerman48
      @Hammerman48 Pƙed rokem +2

      @@wpopopolo oh yes, I forgot the American pro was the USA starter guitar!

  • @johnf.r6658
    @johnf.r6658 Pƙed rokem +3

    the Squier it's not worse in clean tones, it's just more quiet, I feel if you boost the volume and compafe they would sound pretty close, I have the Squier tele and sounds a bit low volume than my strat, i don't know if this is common or mine has something wrong anyone experienced this ?

    • @karlobluesman
      @karlobluesman Pƙed rokem +6

      Try adjusting the pickup heights. Makes a huge difference in sound and output.

    • @jamesgmusic
      @jamesgmusic Pƙed rokem

      I agree, that's why we try not to adjust or do anything extra out the box so you guys can really hear that. Excellent suggestion and comment! Thanks!

    • @jamesgmusic
      @jamesgmusic Pƙed rokem

      @@karlobluesman Good suggestion as well

    • @peterwilson8039
      @peterwilson8039 Pƙed rokem

      In my experience Strats are usually hotter than Teles. That's based on a limited sample so it may not be representative.

  • @Dude13450
    @Dude13450 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

    At $200-$250 versus $1800, this is a clear case of buy cheap and modify to suit. The only real advantage is the Fender name over the Squier
 $1600 is quite a bit of mods. Pickups, quality controls, buying a replacement neck that says “Fender” on it (if you really don’t want to be associated with a Squier). Hell, you can make the Affinity play just as good (if not better) and still have PLENTY of money leftover to buy a decent amp.

  • @markuskreuzinger3250
    @markuskreuzinger3250 Pƙed rokem

    Do you recommend the pro for a beginner? It sounds so much warmer and thicker and better to me even on Phone speakers

    • @petermartin1967
      @petermartin1967 Pƙed rokem

      I would go in between and get the Squire 50s Classic Vibe. Excellent guitar at a very good price. You got a lot for your money. It’s a real workhorse.

    • @93greenstrat
      @93greenstrat Pƙed rokem

      An American Pro II would be an amazing "starter" guitar. Fortunately, you don't have to spend that much on a first guitar to get a quality instrument.

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem

      Getting the American Pro II for a beginner would be an incredible start to their guitar playing journey.

  • @mk8530
    @mk8530 Pƙed 2 měsĂ­ci +1

    I just replaced the Pickups ($285) + locking Tuners ($19.00) Boom.

  • @tonyharley5230
    @tonyharley5230 Pƙed rokem +1

    During the clean comparison, the Squier didnt sound better, it sounded SIGNIFICANTLY better than the Fender.
    The Fender sounded slightly better with drive.
    As a clean reggae guitarist id have to choose Squier.

  • @AlexP1235
    @AlexP1235 Pƙed rokem +1

    Does the Affinity need to be tuned more often because it has different strings?

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem

      No, the strings are fine. It's the tuners that struggle with the tension. It's probably one of the first upgrade I would do to the guitar.

    • @guarddog318
      @guarddog318 Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

      @@tarpley-music - I just bought a Squire Affinity Telecaster back in August, and it stays in tune just fine. The only thing I've done to it other than play it is put new strings on it.
      So...luck of the draw?

  • @deanmccaskill5495
    @deanmccaskill5495 Pƙed rokem +2

    I’d like to know the Diff between an Affinity and a Classic Vibe.

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem +2

      Noted, we’ll write that down as a video idea for the future.

    • @peterwilson8039
      @peterwilson8039 Pƙed rokem

      The pickups are better on the Classic Vibe. I don't know if they're as good as Fender pickups, but I don't think there's much in it. On the downside the neck finish on the Classic Vibe will get sticky if and when your fingers start to sweat. I don't sweat much so it's not much of issue for me, but for some people it's very annoying. The vintage bridge on the Classic Vibe Tele is also harder to set up properly, and some people don't like the vintage style tuners. I'd say your money is probably better spent upgrading the pickups on an Affinity, especially if it's the newer style Affinity that came out in 2020, that already has the string through bridge, and much improved finish quality. If you put Fender pickups in your Affinity, nobody can claim that they're inferior to Fender pickups. Also since the new Affinities no longer have the Affinity label on the headstock, you can tell people it's a Classic Vibe and they won't know the difference.

    • @deanmccaskill5495
      @deanmccaskill5495 Pƙed rokem

      @@peterwilson8039 thanks for that reply! I have a bunch of American Strats and also Mex. But I just scored a Classic Vibe on Facebook. Long story short when I’m away working I have a couple cheaper guitars to play with a little Katana. Anyway I got this CV I think it was a bit older. The fret sprout was awful and the original plastic was welded to the pickguard. I was able to correct all of it and 
. Great little guitar. While I have you though
. I just landed an American Vintage 2. Oh M G! Bro. That thing is Devine!
      Hey thanks for the answer. I may pick up an Affinity just for fun sometime

  • @mathewfoley1531
    @mathewfoley1531 Pƙed rokem

    What would be the best pickups to put in the affinity

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem +1

      That’s the fun part of researching the sound you want to obtain, because the options are seemingly endless! If you’re wanting traditional Fender tones, then Fender pickups are the only way to go. Texas Specials, Original ‘57/‘67s, Pure Vintage, Noiseless, TexMex, and CuNiFe to name a few.
      You can also venture out into what brands like Seymour Duncan, EMG, and DiMarzio have to offer.
      What kind of tone are you looking for?

    • @SoundtheTrumpet2023
      @SoundtheTrumpet2023 Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci

      Seymour-Duncan

    • @MBSGAMES_
      @MBSGAMES_ Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci

      A hotrail in the bridge 😅

  • @deanmccaskill5495
    @deanmccaskill5495 Pƙed rokem +2

    I’ve got a Pro 2 Strat. It’s nice.

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem +1

      Great guitar!

    • @deanmccaskill5495
      @deanmccaskill5495 Pƙed rokem +1

      I’m two seconds away from ordering an American Vintage 2. 61 Strat Olympic White.
      Great video btw.

  • @jayteesgear
    @jayteesgear Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci +2

    Man! These affinity’s stand TALL!!!

  • @jgalloway01
    @jgalloway01 Pƙed dnem

    what about the strings?

  • @caseysniper308
    @caseysniper308 Pƙed rokem +3

    yes there is a difference. have both and more but the american comes out when i need it, it's great but i hate to wear it out so i practice on the others and when i go back to the pro 2 i can tell the difference. plus there is a $1000 plus difference. i give all tele's a thumbs up.

    • @jamesgmusic
      @jamesgmusic Pƙed rokem

      Hard to argue that lol thank you for the comment.

  • @garethmccash5986
    @garethmccash5986 Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci +1

    The fender does sound better but not 5x better. For the money you could get the squier sounding like it’s more expensive sibling & still have change left over.

  • @surrenderpark
    @surrenderpark Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

    The Squier looks bigger, am I wrong. Look at the start when both guitars are side by side, is the Squier Affinity bigger than the American Pro II ?

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

      It’s just perspective in relation to the camera position. He’s sitting at a slight angle to accommodate getting the amp into frame. They’re the same size.

  • @cutmemick4949
    @cutmemick4949 Pƙed rokem +3

    Of course there is a difference, but is it a $2k difference if you just want to make music and you don't have the scratch? I say no. Get that squire and rock out if you can

  • @orcaflotta7867
    @orcaflotta7867 Pƙed 4 měsĂ­ci

    Did I like then Squier better?

  • @kulayatkaisipan1135
    @kulayatkaisipan1135 Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci +1

    Finest Affinity.

  • @Paulo-ov4yo
    @Paulo-ov4yo Pƙed 6 měsĂ­ci +1

    Fender Pro for me all the way, much superior. Squier Affinity is excellent for a beginner, though.

  •  Pƙed rokem +1

    Fender se ha metido en un gran problema, mĂĄs que la diferencia de calidad de sonido esta la gran diferencia de precio, y es que los materiales no es lo Ășnico sino el encarecimiento de los costes y la mano de obra de producir en EE.UU, por lo demĂĄs, esta claro que tiene que tener diferencias de lo contrario seria una estafa. Pero repito que Fender se ha metido en un problema al hacerse ella misma la competencia, circunstancia que tenemos que agradecer los consumidores, ya que han puesto sus mĂ­ticas guitarras al alcance de todos los bolsillos. Por cierto, la configuraciĂłn del tipo de cuerda de ambas guitarras, se nos ha ocultado, ya que es muy importante y dependiendo de su tipo o, marca, nos puede cambiar el sonido, y este dato se oculta.

  • @geoffreylogan5121
    @geoffreylogan5121 Pƙed rokem

    The only real difference i can hear is that the fender sounds louder than the squire. Tone is pretty similar to my ear.

  • @bravo0105
    @bravo0105 Pƙed rokem

    Gibson and US Fender prices make me gag. I can afford them but I’d feel guilty spending that much under present economic conditions given what’s available from Epiphone, Squier, and StewMac; the latter allows me to assemble a guitar or modify the former to be closer to Gibson and Fender.

  • @LuisHamiltonDaSilva
    @LuisHamiltonDaSilva Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci

    Would be awesome if he started to do crazy solos when playing with the american fender 😂

  • @josephfigueroa3527
    @josephfigueroa3527 Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

    Get the squire from a pawnshop, throw in a graphtec nut, set it up, have the neck worked over, boom. You've got a better guitar than the Fender.

  • @carlob95
    @carlob95 Pƙed rokem

    You can buy the squier and that amp for the price of the Fender!

  • @jeffjordan4280
    @jeffjordan4280 Pƙed 7 měsĂ­ci +4

    Squier sounds better.

  • @Arcade1959
    @Arcade1959 Pƙed 7 měsĂ­ci

    It will be very interesting to compare the Squier Affinity Stratocaster 2021 to an American Por II like in this video.

  • @lohsemichael6398
    @lohsemichael6398 Pƙed měsĂ­cem +1

    For me, the Squier Sounds a little better.

  • @metalhead_1996
    @metalhead_1996 Pƙed 10 měsĂ­ci

    Squier just mod with Fender pickups win 🎉

  • @AllenBethea
    @AllenBethea Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci

    Up to 6 minutes in, I heard no difference. Maybe a little more volume from the American Pro II. If I could afford it, however, I would get the Fender.

  • @darkstrandvisuals
    @darkstrandvisuals Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci +1

    Is it bad that i prefer how the Squire sounds? Lol

  • @mikewhelan9561
    @mikewhelan9561 Pƙed rokem +4

    i can make any guitar sound bad, it's all in the hands

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed rokem

      100% and James will be the first admit that about this video too! Thanks for watching, Mike.

  • @stancoleshill8925
    @stancoleshill8925 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci

    There is a difference, about $2000. Unless you are up on stage every night, I can't justfy the added expense especially when in the U.S.A. the wages are significantly higher.

  • @dominator9833
    @dominator9833 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

    Ironically does the Squire not have a better bridge? The American Tele features 3 saddles whilst the Affinity has 6; I imagine 6 saddles are better for intonation

    • @tarpley-music
      @tarpley-music  Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci +1

      6 saddles are much better for intonation, and the 3 saddles are much better for sustain and the twangy tone that Teles are known for.
      Neither are wrong, and is all up to player preference.