Man, I don't need another guitar, but here we go. It would be rad if now and then Cooper would spend a few minutes in these videos to teach us some of those sweet licks. That whole demo was so fun and sounded so good.
I just bought a Squire classic vibe thinline natural telecaster with humbuckers for $449 and I couldn't be happier. I bought my first Squire classic vibe Stratocaster from Alamo in 2019 and another great guitar. My son came over and said Squire , oh Dad,. I told him play either one and he was stoked, lol. So I'm happy to see even the cheapest Squiers are getting better. Thanks guys.
When I started learning guitar after retiring five years ago there was nothing like this guitar around - guitar shop salesmen would say 'the Telecaster purists would freak out if someone manufactured a Telecaster with a humbucker and belly relief'. So I bought a Squier Bullet and installed an SD 'Seymourised' mini humbucker in the neck position and an SD Little '59 in bridge position. I also cut belly relief in the body with an angle grinder fitted with a flapper abrasive disc and fitted Fender locking machine heads. I will never get back the money that I invested in that guitar, but it is one the most favourite guitars that I own. I prefer the Mocha with maple fingerboard and black pickguard - I'm already planning a visit to our local guitar dealer (when the wife isn't looking) - thanks guys.
@thorinbane they are ok yes, but the fender sq is superior in my opinion. I know a few guys who have the harley benton and they both sold them off shortly afterwards
@@matthewjdouglas6471 Depends because the range is pretty wide as is the price. I had a bullet mustang and got rid of it after 3 months. It was pretty garbage for 200 USD at the time. They are better now, that was almost well over 7 years ago. And the main reason is they needed to up their budhet guitars with the likes of HB Firefly and other cheap brands that are reasonably playable for such a small investment. I would say the "fit and feel" matters. And perhaps your friends didn't like neck profile or something else. I am pretty fussy about the few necks I seem to like because my hands are small, and my one buddy is REALLY fussy because he has big hands.. SO yeah it might not be the instruments fault as much as your own taste in neck/body contours.
Awesome demo and review. Visually, the white binding on the red is such a simple but very nice touch. It sounds great overall especially for its price point. Once I finish modding my project guitar, I'm definitely going to snag that Red Affinity Tele.
I own one of the new Affinity Teles. I also own two Classic Vibe Teles. The tuners on the Affinity Tele are smoother and more consistent than the faux-vintage tuners on the Classic Vibes. I like that the six saddle bridge on the Affinity allows a more accurate setup. I very much prefer the matte finish on the neck of the Affinity Tele to the sticky necks on the Classic Vibes. To their credit, the Classic Vibe guitars do sound better. I've been wanting an HS tele for a while, and I might have to check these out.
I have the mocha one....pros and cons For the money ( bought a blemish one) a good guitar.... light (7.5 lbs) , 9.5 radius neck.... Cons : humbucker is muddy, replacing the nut took time ( I replaced the nut on my 🇺🇸 strat and Mex tele in less time) , it was glued big time..... I replaced with a tusq nut on all 3 guitars....it enhanced the sound
I was searching for a reviewer because I just bought one unknowingly at a shop. Picked it up just cuz it looked nice and it played better than most of the player series there. It was also 299. Wild
I want one in blue. Squier is knocking it out of the park. Really wish Epiphone was more committed to delivering more value at the lower end of their range like Squier and PRS SE.
Great video! I have a FMT Sienna burst Affinity HSS Strat and it is GORGEOUS and plays like a dream. You don't see it much in this video but man, that flame on the top veneer on mine is really pretty and makes it look much more expensive than it is. It definitely stands out against a typical flat poly color or even a two-tone burst. Two other things I noticed that these share is the flat block style chromed saddles - They are super comfy and don't seem to collect dirt or rust like the bent style do. Second - the split tuners are fantastic. I won't buy another guitar that doesn't have these type of tuners. So clean and insanely easy to change your strings. I'm going to go play mine right meow!
Appreciate the insight as always, would have loved a little more time spent on how this guitar is improved vs previous Affinity series Telecasters. Lot's of "wow this guitar is great" but not a lot of specifics about how/why it's great as compared to other Squires, or the competition from Sire/etc.
I really appreciate that you have some actual experience and intelligence with playing and critiquing guitars. It's so annoying to try to watch beginners trying to bang away some bad out of tune chords and obviously have no real experience. Nice job. I will buy an Affinity tele for my stable of guitars. For one thing, they sound way better than Harley Benton's mud pickups. I crave the bite that a tele gives you, much more so than a strat.
Great video. Okay I've been collecting expensive guitars over the years but this red cheap guitar really intrigues me because from the video the body shape and binding look almost identical to my fender American ultra telecaster, minus the neck carve out that the ultra has. I rather have the top plain than with a fake veneer flame in top. But since I've always wanted a guitar with a neck humbucker and single coil bridge just to mess with at home without buying another expensive USA American performer or similar I think I may buy one of these cheap ones. I'll laugh if when I get this it compares favorably to my ultra...But I wouldn't be shocked. I've had an affinity in butterscotch before and it never stayed in tune, looked cheap and the pick-ups were terrible. I already had a 50's classic vibe which was significantly better in every way but the pickups were too bright. From the videos these look even better than the CV... but I guess I'll find out when I see and play one in person. If they really feel and sound as good as they say that would be a great surprise... maybe then I'll stop forking out the big bucks on expensive guitars that I mostly just okyay at home anyways these days. The problem is a lot of the import guitars look and feel cheap and don't sound that great compared to USA guitars... but there are definitely exceptions to this...
Didn't realise how beautiful that Mocha finish is until this video. May get one as I've been tempted to buy a cheap Tele as I only own Strats and an LTD EC-1000.
It seems that the Affinity line for Squier ranked up to what used to be the Standard line for Squier. The older Affinity guitars seemed to be more in line with today's Bronco series. I know that the Classic Vibe line took over the top line for Squier but it used to be the Standard series.
Is this a good upgrade from a fender squier strat? I got the guitar/amp kit from guitar center a while back and i’m looking to upgrade. I love the tele especially in that crimson red 😮💨
I have been playing my Bullit every day. Sounds very tele. Fender makes the best necks in the businesd, so save your money for a good amp. The pickups are fine in these imho
What a stark contrast with Epiphone who has done cool things but has made their guitars so expensive that most people cant afford them anymore...whoever thought Epi would be getting to the 1600 range niw you have these at 300 bucks? Wow
Not sure if you guys can answer but since the Squire CVs get a lot of positive reviews do you believe they are worth the extra money or does idepend more on what specs you prefer? For example, I prefer these 6 saddle bridges over the traditional "ashtray" style only because I find those a challenge for subtle palm muting techniques. But other than that how do these hold up to CVs or even MIM...?
Love classic vibes. They are a vibe! 😉 if you like the vintage look and aesthetic on a budget they are hard to beat. These impressed us while we were also playing new Player II models. That’s why Cooper said it was top 10 up to $1kz
Great review! Nice mix on those pickups and looks great. Are you guys going to review the new Tele Troublemaker? Would be cool to see Edit: Just checked the site and saw it there, excited for the video
I am a novice guitarist so this question may not seem valid to you. I recently bought one of these guitars and when you say that the setup is great out of the box does that also mean the intonation is perfect across all notes or does a great setup just need a tweak here or there?
Intonation is almost never perfect after shipping and changing climates etc. in my experience. Should be easy to setup for anyone with a screwdriver and internet connection, no need to be afraid of ruining anything
i‘ve been looking for a telecaster. I know they might not be comparable like that. But can anyone rather recommend a Fender Player series or the Squier?
I don’t understand guitars with a humbucker in the neck and a single coil in the bridge. I want more output when I flick to my bridge pickup, not less!
But on a Tele the bridge pickup is as powerful as a humbucker but with that signature twang. It is a massive single coil, not the same size as a Strat single coil. So in most cases yes, but Teles would be the exception. - Chris
Lower end Epi sounds like shit out of the box. The Humbucker is nice. Is a twangy guitar which you expect. It's nice to get something in tune out of the box. Treble is set to high on your playing for me taste. You can open g on that sucker and play like Keith.
Squire has a way to go. Every one I've ever had needed fret work. There are lesser "name" brands coming out of the same factory regions with so much better wood and hardware. For half the price point, I can mod one and have a much better playing and sounding guitar. That's just what it is now.
Man, I don't need another guitar, but here we go. It would be rad if now and then Cooper would spend a few minutes in these videos to teach us some of those sweet licks. That whole demo was so fun and sounded so good.
That dude sure does have a nice touch!
Slow the video down, go full screen, and watch his fingers as they work their magic.
🫢
I reckon these guitars look absolutely beautiful did you know what I'd like I would like the maple neck on the red body
@@123elvislives I agree!
Love it when you review affordable gear!
I agree... lots of reviews of the high end stuff, but a lot of folks can't afford that. It's nice to see all price points.
@@dxcman1 I think at this point these affordable guitars are leaps better the the people playing them...
I just bought a Squire classic vibe thinline natural telecaster with humbuckers for $449 and I couldn't be happier. I bought my first Squire classic vibe Stratocaster from Alamo in 2019 and another great guitar. My son came over and said Squire , oh Dad,. I told him play either one and he was stoked, lol. So I'm happy to see even the cheapest Squiers are getting better. Thanks guys.
Squier
When I started learning guitar after retiring five years ago there was nothing like this guitar around - guitar shop salesmen would say 'the Telecaster purists would freak out if someone manufactured a Telecaster with a humbucker and belly relief'. So I bought a Squier Bullet and installed an SD 'Seymourised' mini humbucker in the neck position and an SD Little '59 in bridge position. I also cut belly relief in the body with an angle grinder fitted with a flapper abrasive disc and fitted Fender locking machine heads. I will never get back the money that I invested in that guitar, but it is one the most favourite guitars that I own.
I prefer the Mocha with maple fingerboard and black pickguard - I'm already planning a visit to our local guitar dealer (when the wife isn't looking) - thanks guys.
That Mocha is gorgeous with the deep dark color. I have the natural color but with the clear and looks good but the Mocha is bad ass.
Sounds like a serious case of GAS!
Squier have been knocking it out of the park recently, really nice lines, great prices.
Leo created the Tele to be simple and mass produced, it's amazing to see Fender and Squier getting them in the hands of so many players at every level
Harley Benton is almost half the price and all accounts amazing.
@thorinbane they are ok yes, but the fender sq is superior in my opinion. I know a few guys who have the harley benton and they both sold them off shortly afterwards
@@matthewjdouglas6471 Depends because the range is pretty wide as is the price. I had a bullet mustang and got rid of it after 3 months. It was pretty garbage for 200 USD at the time. They are better now, that was almost well over 7 years ago. And the main reason is they needed to up their budhet guitars with the likes of HB Firefly and other cheap brands that are reasonably playable for such a small investment.
I would say the "fit and feel" matters. And perhaps your friends didn't like neck profile or something else. I am pretty fussy about the few necks I seem to like because my hands are small, and my one buddy is REALLY fussy because he has big hands.. SO yeah it might not be the instruments fault as much as your own taste in neck/body contours.
Thanks for the shout out Chris and Cooper! You guys rock!
Awesome demo and review. Visually, the white binding on the red is such a simple but very nice touch. It sounds great overall especially for its price point. Once I finish modding my project guitar, I'm definitely going to snag that Red Affinity Tele.
I own one of the new Affinity Teles. I also own two Classic Vibe Teles. The tuners on the Affinity Tele are smoother and more consistent than the faux-vintage tuners on the Classic Vibes. I like that the six saddle bridge on the Affinity allows a more accurate setup. I very much prefer the matte finish on the neck of the Affinity Tele to the sticky necks on the Classic Vibes. To their credit, the Classic Vibe guitars do sound better. I've been wanting an HS tele for a while, and I might have to check these out.
I have the mocha one....pros and cons
For the money ( bought a blemish one) a good guitar.... light (7.5 lbs) , 9.5 radius neck....
Cons : humbucker is muddy, replacing the nut took time ( I replaced the nut on my 🇺🇸 strat and Mex tele in less time) , it was glued big time..... I replaced with a tusq nut on all 3 guitars....it enhanced the sound
Chris holds up flat bladed shovel with no strings, hands shovel to Cooper, Cooper performs mind-melting blues.
I was searching for a reviewer because I just bought one unknowingly at a shop. Picked it up just cuz it looked nice and it played better than most of the player series there. It was also 299. Wild
Sam here.i just picked one up now I'm looking for reviews on it to see if my decision was good
Cooper's demo was too short! That sounded great.
You guys are getting very comfortable and funny. Enjoyed this one!
Thanks guys! Great review... nothing wrong with a great bang for the buck. I've owned Fender and Squier teles, but none this cool.
I want one in blue. Squier is knocking it out of the park. Really wish Epiphone was more committed to delivering more value at the lower end of their range like Squier and PRS SE.
Some seriously wicked and tasty playing by Cooper. Think Imma get me one of these soon 🔜
Cooper should include a clean tone as well so we can determine if the squires are well-rounded musically.
Great video! I have a FMT Sienna burst Affinity HSS Strat and it is GORGEOUS and plays like a dream. You don't see it much in this video but man, that flame on the top veneer on mine is really pretty and makes it look much more expensive than it is. It definitely stands out against a typical flat poly color or even a two-tone burst. Two other things I noticed that these share is the flat block style chromed saddles - They are super comfy and don't seem to collect dirt or rust like the bent style do. Second - the split tuners are fantastic. I won't buy another guitar that doesn't have these type of tuners. So clean and insanely easy to change your strings. I'm going to go play mine right meow!
Got the red one today. Perfectly finished, and the fretwork is awesome.
I would love to know how they compare against the Offset Telecaster and the CV series.
1:36 I believe the official color is "Crimson Red Transparent". My brother-in-law just bought one and loves it... crazy value for the money
Ordered the red last night. Now patiently waiting for it. 🎸
Finally a video on an affordable guitar,,,,thanks Guys.!!
I’ve gotta say this is the nicest axe I’ve seen / heard at this price point. Great video as always boyz! 🤙
Growing my beard out along with you guys! These Squiers are pretty sweet and I might have to order one once I choose the color. Nice Spurs cap too!
What a fun video! Thanks so much, guys!
Question: some of the cheaper telecasters are being made with a light body wood, which is great but causes neck dive. Is there any neck dive on these?
Those look great and sound better! They are blues machines! Great guitars, I want to see a deep Blue FMT!!!
Really nice playing Cooper!
Appreciate the insight as always, would have loved a little more time spent on how this guitar is improved vs previous Affinity series Telecasters. Lot's of "wow this guitar is great" but not a lot of specifics about how/why it's great as compared to other Squires, or the competition from Sire/etc.
Good point. Everything is basically an improvement. The neck feel, fretwork, options is all better.
300 bucks or 3 k , they all sound good when Cooper plays 'em ! Great demo .
I really appreciate that you have some actual experience and intelligence with playing and critiquing guitars. It's so annoying to
try to watch beginners trying to bang away some bad out of tune chords and obviously have no real experience. Nice job. I will
buy an Affinity tele for my stable of guitars. For one thing, they sound way better than Harley Benton's mud pickups. I crave the
bite that a tele gives you, much more so than a strat.
Another great presentation! And a great showcasing of an entry level tele. It sounded really good. Was it run through a Blues Jr.?
Yes it was!
What a great channel!!!
Great video. Okay I've been collecting expensive guitars over the years but this red cheap guitar really intrigues me because from the video the body shape and binding look almost identical to my fender American ultra telecaster, minus the neck carve out that the ultra has. I rather have the top plain than with a fake veneer flame in top. But since I've always wanted a guitar with a neck humbucker and single coil bridge just to mess with at home without buying another expensive USA American performer or similar I think I may buy one of these cheap ones. I'll laugh if when I get this it compares favorably to my ultra...But I wouldn't be shocked. I've had an affinity in butterscotch before and it never stayed in tune, looked cheap and the pick-ups were terrible. I already had a 50's classic vibe which was significantly better in every way but the pickups were too bright. From the videos these look even better than the CV... but I guess I'll find out when I see and play one in person. If they really feel and sound as good as they say that would be a great surprise... maybe then I'll stop forking out the big bucks on expensive guitars that I mostly just okyay at home anyways these days. The problem is a lot of the import guitars look and feel cheap and don't sound that great compared to USA guitars... but there are definitely exceptions to this...
Didn't realise how beautiful that Mocha finish is until this video. May get one as I've been tempted to buy a cheap Tele as I only own Strats and an LTD EC-1000.
I have a Squire Cabronita Thinline Tele and it's beyond amazing!
It seems that the Affinity line for Squier ranked up to what used to be the Standard line for Squier. The older Affinity guitars seemed to be more in line with today's Bronco series.
I know that the Classic Vibe line took over the top line for Squier but it used to be the Standard series.
This might be the one I’d pick to get the Keith Richards type tele at an affordable price.
Thanks for the heads-up! It's in my cart!😃
These guys should be getting a cut on all the sales across the nation and beyond....
They do the best demos 😎🎸🎶💙
Lol well looks like I'll be purchasing one really soon.. excellent reviews and playing as always 👍👍
These are very cool guitars. Will they come in other colors?
At the start of the video (1:25) you say they are $299, but then at 2:10 you say they are $399, so which is it?
would love to see you guys talk about the new squire starcaster deluxe. i can’t decide between that and a tele like these
Nice looking guitars. How might it compare to a G&L ASAT Tribute with humbucker in the neck? Obviously it has an MFD bridge but still...
Is this a good upgrade from a fender squier strat? I got the guitar/amp kit from guitar center a while back and i’m looking to upgrade. I love the tele especially in that crimson red 😮💨
I have been playing my Bullit every day. Sounds very tele. Fender makes the best necks in the businesd, so save your money for a good amp. The pickups are fine in these imho
The tuners have vintage style split posts? Might have to get a red one, since i already have a mocha 40th anniversary.
I would like to see the new squier jazz basses . They will be released on September.
You guys are being extra diplomatic.
..to bad they don't come optional with the Classis Vibe neck
Brilliant playing!
So, why don't they offer maple fretboards on the red one? It'd be an easy thing to do at the factory. That'd be the one I'd, personally, like.
I don’t have an electric guitar. 7 acoustics, what would be an affordable amp to go with it?
Look at the Fender Mustang or Boss Katana amps for huge bang for buck power. Good sounds, Effects on board options that can go very loud if needed.
I'm from Guyana 🇬🇾, can Alamo ship guitar to Guyana? Thanks.
Loved this review even though it quickly went to a dark place toward the end. 🤣
How does this compare to the player 2 teles?
If price is irrelevant, this or a CV60s custom? Thanks.
Please review the Squier Paranormal Troublemaker Telecaster Deluxe and/or Squier Affinity Telecaster Thinline.
At 1:28 you say $299. Then at 2:12 you say $399.
🤔
could you recommend nice amp for that set up?
What a stark contrast with Epiphone who has done cool things but has made their guitars so expensive that most people cant afford them anymore...whoever thought Epi would be getting to the 1600 range niw you have these at 300 bucks? Wow
Not sure if you guys can answer but since the Squire CVs get a lot of positive reviews do you believe they are worth the extra money or does idepend more on what specs you prefer? For example, I prefer these 6 saddle bridges over the traditional "ashtray" style only because I find those a challenge for subtle palm muting techniques. But other than that how do these hold up to CVs or even MIM...?
Love classic vibes. They are a vibe! 😉 if you like the vintage look and aesthetic on a budget they are hard to beat. These impressed us while we were also playing new Player II models. That’s why Cooper said it was top 10 up to $1kz
Great review! Nice mix on those pickups and looks great. Are you guys going to review the new Tele Troublemaker? Would be cool to see
Edit: Just checked the site and saw it there, excited for the video
this or the new fender player II series?
I am a novice guitarist so this question may not seem valid to you. I recently bought one of these guitars and when you say that the setup is great out of the box does that also mean the intonation is perfect across all notes or does a great setup just need a tweak here or there?
Intonation is almost never perfect after shipping and changing climates etc. in my experience. Should be easy to setup for anyone with a screwdriver and internet connection, no need to be afraid of ruining anything
Awesome guitars, but i want the red with Maple 😢
100% agree!
i‘ve been looking for a telecaster.
I know they might not be comparable like that.
But can anyone rather recommend a Fender Player series or the Squier?
Full size 1-3/4" thick body?
What's a "Really Nice Weight" what do they Weigh?
Indian lorel vs maple?
Yes
@@markcaserta1367 helpful
HS would be bucket in the bridge. Fender describes their Performer Tele Hum as an SH. It’s 4 times the price by the way lol!
You/i would think so but thats not what these are called anyway
What is an "entry level" guitar?
Gotta kill off those no name brands competing on Amazon
Some of them have been coming on strong too. I just watched a video yesterday on a knock off tele that was only $249, and it sounded great!
Affinitys are currently a great price on Amazon, that's where i bought mine
I’d like to see Cooper perform Texan Love Song 🎶
I don’t understand guitars with a humbucker in the neck and a single coil in the bridge. I want more output when I flick to my bridge pickup, not less!
But on a Tele the bridge pickup is as powerful as a humbucker but with that signature twang. It is a massive single coil, not the same size as a Strat single coil. So in most cases yes, but Teles would be the exception. - Chris
I got a G&L with a hummock in the neck
I wish Squier would bring back the John 5 Telecaster. Or make a new "Ghost" Tele.
Cooper, who taught you how to play guitar?
the Squire stuff is killer
The heavy set young man talks to damn fast..In the intro it sounds like he said we are here in 'Sa ee toe tx
Lower end Epi sounds like shit out of the box. The Humbucker is nice. Is a twangy guitar which you expect. It's nice to get something in tune out of the box. Treble is set to high on your playing for me taste. You can open g on that sucker and play like Keith.
Prefer the colors to the Player II Teles.
so is it 299 or 399
Quote of the day: “When a fan rushes the stage you can hit them with a Tele and it stays in tune.” 😂
Beard reviews are in order.
I haven't seen any cool color choices like these for leftys. 😢
Cooper has never sounded better!
Nice... gotta be maple 👌
Chris is starting to look like a leprechaun with the long beard. All ya need his a green leprechaun hat. 😉😁🍀
Cooper is getting that beard into Zach Wylde territory. Give us some diary of a mad man Cooper. Not diarrhea of a madman diary.😁
Sires and others have 22 frets!
Very nice
Squire has a way to go. Every one I've ever had needed fret work. There are lesser "name" brands coming out of the same factory regions with so much better wood and hardware. For half the price point, I can mod one and have a much better playing and sounding guitar. That's just what it is now.
You guys tricked me into watching a video about some Affinity Squiers! As a Classic Vibe snob I’m greatly offended.😠
Ok, not really. Cool guitars.😉👍
You guys are hilarious😂
Squier does it again 👍 except for Lefties 😒
Yep, we're the red-headed stepchild, gettin' the leftovers
The Cooper's murder nightmares and Chris in his underwear was 😟😟😱🤣