I got a 94 squire bullet for Christmas of 94. I still have it and it plays great. Yeah it’s a little different than a standard strat. The body shape isn’t 100% accurate but it still looks good. I think the biggest improvements they’ve made has been in being set up well from the factory and electronics have gotten better.
My first electric in 84’ was a Flying V with a nameless headstock bought new at a music store. Years later I found out it was made by Ibanez. It was as good as any lower priced guitar today.
My first electric guitar in the late seventies was a czech made Jolana Star VII, a horrible guitar. Goes out of tune after playing two chords. You could throw an elephant between strings and fretboard. 😁 A real nightmare!
Finally! A good comparison with not just heavy rock nonsense. This has helped a lot, specially the clean funk/soul bits. Thank you. I was blindly going for the affinity, but I want the Classic Vibe now. There's a huge difference to my ears, the CV sounds like the real deal.
Affinity is darker l/muddier and the CV is more cutting, open, sparkling, and precise. All this time I thought it was the Strat sound I was after, only to learn the Tele was the one that stole my ears' heart. ,😍
More clarity in the 50s, more bass and boomieness to the affinity. Both good instruments just for different tastes. The 50s one seems to have more classic jangle. The affinity seems to be a more modern take on the sound.
Exactly what I hear, CV 50s is more resonant than the CV 60s and CV 70s also btw. Affinity is a bargain but does sound a bit cheap and tinny however that can be a good thing for some!
Bro ive played these and the classic vibe mops the floor with the affinity. These are good guitars for kids and beginners. Thats it. Never buy an Affinity if you are doing anything other than just playing in your bedroom
I've got a '21 affinity that has the string through, belly cut, full width nut and split shaft tuners. I've upgraded the pickups to tex mex and have the s1 switching in it. It's seriously all the tele I'll ever need.
I remember being mortified that my les paul that my poor suffering parents bought me was a Hondo that I covered the brand with gaff tape. It was an awesome guitar, and these days probably would be sought after. Guitar snobbery, meh. a good guitar is a good guitar regardless of brand. I've never played a bad Squire.
Excellent story! I've played plenty of bad Squiers though - plenty. Plenty of bad Fenders too. Honestly, I think Squier and many bargain brands are more consistently good today than they were in the past. Most cheap guitars are playable nowadays. I'm not at all sure the brand names like Fender and Gibson are higher quality than they used to be. The gap seems smaller.
@@MarkZabel I have a 2002 Squier Affinity Strat that's nearly perfect except for one major flaw, the neck is way too thin and is hard to play chords on.
Great video! Just a suggestion: please for the future compare directly Guitar 1 Bridge Pickup with Guitar 2 Bridge Pickup (and so on) so that it is easier to understand immediately the difference without going back and forth in the UA-cam video. Thank you so much.
Hi Mark, without a doubt the Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster's the superior instrument of the two as stock, but I have say that the Affinity makes a great mod platform, something I've done to mine!... 🙂
Totally agree. But you've got to like the core instrument to do it. (Neck and body ... which I do). New pickups, bone nut, new tuners, new bridge or maybe just brass saddles, maybe a 4-way switch and new electronics. All good. But if you're like me and have your favorite Seymour Duncans or Fralins or whatever. Anyway, can't go wrong IMHO. I have a different Affinity just as a "beater" for travel. And it works for that too! Thanks for watching!
@@coreyfelipe5679 Changed out the stock pickups for Fender Gen4 Noiseless ones, swapped out the stock neck for a Squier Vintage Modified 22 fret neck and upgraded the control loom, so quite extensive but well worth it as it now feels and plays more like a Fender Player Plus model... 🙂
I do think the most obvious is the more punch in the sound of the pickups. They both could use different tuners, but the ones they come with work. If one were buying just to keep it as is the Classic 50's wins. If I were going to upgrade pick ups and tuners the affinity wins. Nice video. We all have our differences in thought. I myself have been tinkering with building a guitar and doing set ups. As is the best deal is different as to buy and upgrade.
Thanks for your well thought out comment! In watching a video sound will be the most obvious difference. Feeling, fit and finish, quality of switches and knobs - that is more difficult to convey in a video. I don't disagree with your analysis, except that the tuners are not comparable. The CV's tuners are good, while the Squier's are bottom of the line. If you don't like Kluson style tuners, then the point is moot, but they're pretty good tuners. I think if you're modifying the biggest difference is the body. If you want a full-size string-through body, the Squier isn't an option. Unless you mod the body (i.e., replace) it won't be full-size. Personally, I believe that's a huge *positive* in the Affinity's side. It makes for a lighter guitar. But for many people it's a deal-breaker, so I'm mentioning it. The other thing in modifying is that I don't believe anyone should get the CV Tele and change the pickups. They sound exactly like what a vintage Tele should sound like. Even Seymour Duncan Antiquities aren't really better for that vintage sound IMHO. If you're not going for the vintage thing, then absolutely - get a different Tele! (And the Affinity is a great choice IMHO) All-in-all, both are really good choices!
Just stumbling onto this great comparison review. Happen to be a fan of both. In my experience I've found cheap ceramic pick-ups to be amazing tools for creating. Love my Affinity for that and no desire to upgrade it. Love Alnico too, just saying. Beginner guitars these days play plenty well enough to save a buck or two. Really dug your video thanks.
My Affinity Tele Deluxe has a string through body. I replaced the nut with a 5042 Tusq, and Ratio tuners. I was impressed with the electronics. It had full size pots and a "switchcraft style" switch. Much better inside than the bullet. I was told that the 2021 Affinity series has been upgraded from the previous years though. I was going to replace the humbuckers with a set of SD Pearly Gates I've had for awhile. So far, the Squier humbuckers sound pretty good, so the upgrade may not happen...for now. In my experience, what Fender calls a synthetic bone nut is actually plastic. Maybe I'm wrong. It doesn't really matter to me because a nut is one of the cheapest things you can change on any guitar. The bottom line is though, both guitars are made by Squier and one of them costs $100-$150 more. They're not charging more for one of them for no reason. Everyone gives the Classic Vibe series great marks. They're budget guitars that you can play professionally...out of the box. Some will need a setup, but so do $1000 guitars. The Affinity series is better than they used to be, and if you do some of your own work, they're a great platform to start from. I went with Affinity this time because all they had was the 70's CV. I don't like the big CBS headstocks.
Yes, right on! I think the Affinity Tele replaced the "Standard Tele" from Squier. I top-load my Teles and prefer the smaller body, so the thicker body is a minus for me. But ... sounds like they "upped" their game with the electronics. Yes, "synthetic bone" is plastic, but so is TUSQ - just another type of plastic - high density. Works great though! Bottom line is that if you like the neck of the guitar and its body feels comfortable to you (and okay, if you like the vibe/looks/whatever) then you can make it a great guitar.
@@MarkZabel I blocked the trem on my strat. It did work fine and stayed in tune though. The affinity is a $100 guitar sold for $229. The CV is a $500 guitar sold for $400. I got one for $175. I’m about to buy another used CV 50’s strat for $175. I like the maple fretboard. The affinity felt like a very cheap guitar. The CV fees just like a Fender to me. Blindfolded I couldn’t tell the difference. You’d never fool me with a affinity. It a $200 turd.
@@petemitchell6788 Well, I disagree with you on the Affinity. For $50 to $100 you can drop in new pickups and it'll sound like what you want it to sound like. The neck is sound and the body is light. Everything else is replaced easily if you want to and does little to nothing for the sound and playability. You got a great deal on the CV Strat, but don't kid yourself - the CV Tele is a $250 guitar for $400 at most. All guitars are marked up a huge amount. The more expensive, the more the mark up. The cheapest are usually the least marked up and provide the least margin to the retailer and manufacturer.
I agree with @@MarkZabel . I got a great deal on a mint condition, old Affinity FSR Tele, the top loader ones. This is my first Squier tele, and was really surprised at the quality. (I mainly own Fender) The only thing i didn't like was the raw neck feeling (subjective preference ), and the pickups. The neck thickness was lovely and thick-C .
Great overview - agree 100%. I think a used Classic Vibe is the way to go... IF you can find one. Most people who own them keep them. Lotta people sand the gloss off the Classic Vibe neck - I wonder why Squier hasn't offered it with a satin back? Affinity is a great line for the money.
From Leo: After many guitars over many years I have come to prefer the vintage Kluson style tuners. No string ends to poke your fingers, snag on clothes or tear the inside of a gig bag. Easy to string, easy to restring if you need to take the guitar apart. I have a CV Strat and am so happy with it I would certainly entertain a CV Telecaster.
Very interesting!! I'm not a fan of Kluson style on Fenders - but only because of the shape of the pegs. But I like how they do what you say! Didn't know Leo said that, thanks!
@@MarkZabel Hi Mark, That is not a quote from Mr. Fender. I am just one of 146,000 Americans named Leo: I write "from Leo: " when I am sharing a laptop with my wife for social media use. Sorry for any confusion.
Thanks Mark, your review is spot on and one of the best I've seen, really helpful. Squier are so good, something for everyone. The CV is undoubtedly the superior instrument of these two, but the new Affinity models have some pluses. 3-ply pickguard, skunk stripe on neck (for 2021), flat standard jack socket (much better than the wobbly vintage sockets they insist on keeping in the higher spec Teles including Fenders) and I've just realised they have now introduced a body sculpt on the back of the Affinty body (controversial but some will love it, me included - no more bruised ribs). I have a Squier CV 70s custom Tele in sunburst and an Affinity Tele in graffiti yellow with white pickguard. The CV is awesome, Affinity is great too. It all depends what you're looking for, I guess. Im just bedroom jamming, so the Affinity is perfect and can be upgraded. But if I ever do gigs with friends, the CV custom has all the power and it's so responsive, a tone machine. I do fancy the butterscotch Affinity Telecaster though, please help me out of this guitar rabbit-hole!!! Peace.
Thanks for the comment and info Max! The one "improvement" I don't like is the Affinity going to the full-size body. It adds weight to the guitar and IMHO that was a big selling point. I know most people want a full-thickness body. Everything else is a plus!
I have an affinity tele I’ve upgraded the pickups from a fender player tele and changed the tuners to button klusons! She’s the most tele sounding tele I’ve ever heard amazing instrument!!! And I love this neck!
If you love the neck on a guitar, modifying is totally justified! To me, playability is everything. Sound is secondary and can easily be improved. Great that you love your guitar!!
I'm totally into Squier for several years now. I have/had Classic Vibes, standards, vintage modifides, and Affinities. I love my CV Strat, CV Starcaster, standard HSS Strat... But between the Affinity Tele and the CV Tele - I really liked the Affinity Tele much better. Felt better in my hands, the neck was very comfortable and the pickups very useable. The CV Tele just seemed real clunky and uninspiring to me. I wish I would have kept the Affinity Tele. Plus I only paid $110 new for the Affinity at the time!
That's interesting. I understand the "feel" - especially of the neck, which is satin vs gloss for the CV. (Many people don't like glossy necks). The CV Tele's pickups are definitely closer to actual Telecaster pickups, whereas the Affinity's ceramics are okay. But if you like them that's what you should go with. I think for most people they'd buy a CV for exactly that - Classic Vibe. And the pickups in a CV are definitely going to get you close to the classic Telecaster sounds.
Ya know ppl think I'm crazy when i say that. I've owned multiple of both and altho I've had some pretty bad affinitys (made in China moreso than Indonesia) and the CV is pretty consistent, the "good" affinitys I've had I just liked more. I play blue's, but kinda dirtier with alot of gain, and alot of rock and grunge so maybe the ceramic pickups just work for me. But my current everyday player is an affinity with a horrible homemade paint job, that I just can't put down. My last classic vibe I had less than two weeks, they are well worth the money and I love the squier line period, but me personally I would take the affinty
I have the same model affinty as the one he's playing. Its a fantastic guitar for beginner or professional I really like the feel of the neck no issues with fret sprout, makes no difference to me whether its string through or not had both never heard any difference in sound or playability. Of course it needed setting up when I bought it as do expensive guitars. Top loading strings are pain in the arse when changing new strings
Both colors are nice. I prefer the Vintage Blonde over Butterscotch, but I know many prefer the Butterscotch. The tint on the neck definitely *does* make a difference in the looks!
I was going to buy a Baja Tele but bought a Classic Vibe to see how I got on with it first. Loved it so much I never bought the Baja Tele (which I sorta regret because I think that model is discontinued). The classic vibe is a perfect Tele apart from the neck being a bit slim compared to most Teles I’ve played.
I feel similarly (except for the Baja, which I never really was into ... don't know exactly why). The skinny, glossy neck isn't completely to my taste. Everything else is fabulous though!
Yes it is worth it as long as its made in Indonesia. Im 72 been playing since i was 13,when i pluged it in i had to turn the volume down,pickups are more powerful and clear as a bell and its lighter i got the cv classic thinline,i dont regret it.
I've owned a lot of teles. Fender standard us and Mexico. My favorite is a classic 50 séries upgraded with seymour jerry donahue and 4 way switch. Pure magic
Your a Legend mark, I'm new to guitars and just git my first acoustic and now I'm also loving the electric and this video helped me out more than you know . thanks mark, Your the Rockstar in my book 👑
I have the same CV from the video, the white one, the CV is an absolutely amazing guitar for its price, the sound, the smoothness of the neck, it is very comfortable and has a lot of sonority, i love it!!
i tried out both of these at a guitar center today, and i gotta say that i love the affinity. the CV was nice, but the affinity felt perfect to me, like it melted into my hands. i plan to buy one, swap out the bridge pickup for a DiMarzio chopper, put on some graphtech string saver saddles, and refinish it in bright mustard yellow. i can't wait.
Bought an Affinity HH , Alder body, maple neck,Indian loral fretboard, all black hatdware, orange/copper body with matching headstock. 9 1/2 " radius. Found all the black too much so changed out the scratch plate for
Triage comes down to a two criteria AFAIC. 1. Budget, affected by Fender regional price gouging and price fixing depending upon where in the world you live/are buying, and 2. whether buying as a beginner, intermediate or > player. Sticking with just this Squier and Telecaster either-or choice parameter, no question the Classic Vibe (CV) for intermediates who can afford it or are willing to pay its premium. Absolute beginners? Stick with the Affinity for a myriad of reasons as the probability of quitting within the first 12 months is 90%. Spend the change on a better/best you can afford within budget amp. Bear in mind that the premium for a CV is considerable outside the continental USA. Was > double in my country at the time this vid was made, but since a price hike of the now Indonesian made _string through_ body Affinity in 2022, has narrowed. As of 01/2023 the realistic best street price not Fender RRP premium for an Classic Vibe is an additional 55%, so now a much better buy than it was, but still a relatively expensive proposition for a guitar vs its performance rated competition. e.g. Ibanez, Yamaha, and lesser profile but superlative brands Cort and SX. That Affinity in this review is very likely of Chinese manufactured origin. IMPE Chinese craftsmanship is AAA, but lacks some features/changes made in the 2022 now Indonesian manufactured Affinity Tele, the most notable being the change from top load to string through bridge & body and cheapest tuner mechs to cheap tuner mechs = ]
Great review Mark!! I like your playing as well. I have a heavily modified affinity tele I put in hip shot locking tuners, Dimarzio twang king pickup set with Dimarzio solderless control plate so all of the pots and wiring is Dimarzio. The reason that I got the affinity is it was a solid tele platform. I am a drummer that plays guitar to write music (can't write music on drums)!!:) anyway the reason that I did it that way is because my wife and daughter both have very serious health issues that keep my budget very tight. I bought parts a month at a time for the affinity now it's a really quality instrument, in fact I went out to jam with some guys I know from my area and the guitarist/singer had an American standard telecaster he played mine all night cause he said the feel and sound better. I got the affinity a few years back so with a 15% discount it cost me about $162. In total with what I added the guitar coast me about 500 bucks ball park but I'll put it up against ANY tele now. However the CV that you are playing I'm very interested in the antique white cause that has alnico 3 pickups as opposed to my alnico 5 pickups for a difference in tone the CV are great and I am saving for the antique white one!! The reason that I originally went with the affinity was I couldn't afford the CV but I needed a guitar right away to record with and I love Telecasters. Anyway now that I wrote you a novel!!:) I subscribed so I look forward to more great demo's
Thanks Frank! Yes, modding the Affinity is a great idea because the core of the guitar is good. Sure, the tuners stink, but you can modify those easily. I appreciate being on a tight budget too! For the CV, the only thing I would mention is the gloss neck. Lots of people don't like that. You can sand it down or use a Scotch pad, but with a new guitar that's always painful. And you can use the bridge as a top-load also if you like the "slinkier" action (instead of going through the body). I also love the sound out of those Alnico 3's. Really snappy clean sound and classic "dirt" as well. No worries about writing a novel! Any time!!
In 2023 there is a larger price gap between these two teles than in 2020. The Classic vibe lines are value-packed but much more expensive now. There is also one tele much cheaper than the affinity series ( squier sonic ) if someone on a tight budget wants to buy their 1st and hotrod it.
For the money, manufacturers have indeed come a long way from budget guitars back in the 60's, 70's and beyond. The Affinity is almost their least expensive, one step away from the Bullet or the newer Sonic models...while the Class Vibe is top of the line for Squier, either way they seem to be the go to for modding.Certainly a budget friendly instrument. Personally if I were going to spend over $430 for a new (2023) 50's CV Squier, I would rather purchase a $400 Sire T3 or a G&L ASAT for $450. Knowing that it's a personal, subjective preference... I have a Classic Vibe Custom Baritone which I enjoy....
Yes. When I made this video, there wasn't a Sire T3, though the G&L Tribute series were available and are quite good. I have a T3 (In the middle of a giveaway for it!) and it's fantastic IMHO.
Bought the affinity race red. What can I say? It's fantastic. It sounds terrific in my opinion. Ok the knobs are really "cheap", but it is a telecaster guys. I have some guitars, from Harley Benton to Gibson Les Paul Artisan an Strato American Standard. I bought the 2018 version of tele affinity, it is not a "through body string": don't mind if you are not a purist, it is perfect: clear as a telecaster. I think I will not change the pick ups. Probably just some work for the noise of pick ups!
The Classic Vibe might be the best sounding Tele of the whole Gender range. I'd like to see the stock pickups compared to Tex-Mex. I believe that the Fender Tex-Mex pickups are still the go-to upgrade for these cheaper guitars? Nice comparative review!
I picked up a Affinity in 2006-2007 for a bargain from a friend I could not refuse. Now I picked up the CV 50’s 2 weeks ago and there is absolutely no comparison imho. The CV kicks the Affinity’s butt! Hey, it turns out that many 50’s Telecasters actually had a radius around 9.25.
I have a white 2020 affinity. String thru. Full thickness poplar body. Nut width is 1 5/8ths. 9.5 radius. Almost a soft V shape. Neck is really nice. Stock pots, switch and pups are total junk. But expected. Replaced the pups with alnico 5 flat poles , new 300k CTS pots with a 4 way switch and it flat out gets it.
I currently have Yamaha PAC012 and am eager to upgrade to fixed bridge guitar. Was torn between the Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster and the ESP LTD EC256 for a blues tone, cleans and soft rock. I think I will end with the Telecaster 🥰🥰
I have an affinity telecaster. Functionally, it's great out of the box (I had to replace the nut on mine, because it didn't sit right but whatever), but the pickups suck. I switched them out for fender Tex mex pickups which have alinico 5 magnets and some new pots, and it now sounds like a darn good telecaster. $200 + $100 ish in parts plus 45 minutes of time for a great guitar is well worth it in my book
I've been racking my brain about what electric to buy. I bought a nice acoustic for around 200 pounds during the 1st UK lockdown. Used to play when I was younger (self taught) but that was over 10 years ago. So its almost like starting over. I try and practise like 3 or 4 times a week (life and work permitting). I want to invest in quality but I'm now leaning towards getting an affinity and nice amp. Then saving up for a couple of years to get a proper player series tele down the line, I love the classic vibe look but feel like a player series or mim tele for an extra 2 or 300 hundred is worth it for me. So I'm going to invest in a decent amp and get an affinity for now.
Excellent demonstration, next time I think you should put back to back the same positions on each guitar to make clearer the sound differences. Maybe a little more of work on editing the video. Of course in these ones tonal differences were clear as a bell :)
I really dig the 50's because of the pine body that can go up to 10 lbs -- I like heavier guitars. And the pickups -- Alnico all the way. Strings-through body is what I would like to see on a Tele-like guitar. I think both guitars are good for what they do, 50's is just a bit more like the classic, which makes sense just based on the name of the guitar. And classic is hard to beat when it comes to vintage-styled guitars. Cheers, everyone!
Excellent comment. You and I look for different things - but that's kind of a key point. For many, the Affinity would be a fine guitar. I love the CV, but I looked for a lighter one (7.5 lbs) and string mine as a top-loader. But it's a quality guitar and the pickups are sweet!
Good video! I bought 2 Affinity teles about 12-13 years ago, I gutted them and modded them with string thru bridge plate and saddles, Replaced the ceramic pups with Texas Blues Pups (overwound Texas Special type). Fender ping tuners and the guitars are great but still a little jangly. I think I’ll put in a .047 Cap and see if that ground out the jangle (highs). I skipped the CV’s and went straight to MIM Standard (excellent guitar!). Going to get the MIM player Strat and Tele next but my whole point was that you can upgrade/mod the affinities and have a pretty good guitar.
You went to a lot of trouble and expense to upgrade your Affinity guitars. I wonder how your modded Affinities sound compared to a stock Classic Vibe??!!
Hi Mark, that was a really good demonstration. I've owned a CV Tele for 4-5 years, and it's a great instrument. Mine is the butterscotch blonde, and the finish is much more transparent than either of the guitars you displayed. It's quite a good looking, and good playing instrument. I did not like the glossy neck, gave it a 5 minute light sanding, and it's fine. Now, here is where I will complicate things. I also purchased a G&L ASAT Classic Tele. It is about the same price as the CV Tele, and in my opinion, an even better instrument. Something you may wish to check out.
Absolutely no contest. The Classic Vibe sounds far superior to the Affinity. It has more clarity, more bite, more soul, more feel, more dynamic range. I don't know how much of this is down to the pickups, the quality of the woods, quality of the hardware etc....The only thing that puts me off the Classic Vibe series is the glossy back of the neck. In my hands it gets sticky and uncomfortable to play. If that is not a problem to someone - then the quality improvement you get for around £150 (or less) between the two guitars is WELL worth paying. MAYBE if you bought an Affinity and could source some superior pickups for not too much and get them installed for free or very little money - you might get as good a sound as the Classic Vibe or close to it. But if you spent more than around £50 doing this - then I doubt if it would be worth it.
Thanks for this. I have a ton of guitars but I bought the Affinity just because it was cheap and I had a serious case of GAS. It really plays great and I'm not worried if it gets banged up. No regrets. It's not the string through model.
I am limited due to location but I did get a chance to play an affinity . It felt great but I there was a fret buzzing and electronics were suspect. I know the vibe is better built but I can get an affinity for under 250 and then put in my own pups. Still undecided, I’m assuming classic 60 is better because much harder to find. Resonance is king
I wish Fender/Squier would do a 'Relic' Classic Vibe Tele w/brass saddles and include a gig bag for $499. Even with a $100 price increase I think they would sell a lot. Nice video, the Classic Vibe wins hands-down with tone and looks!
That would be cool! I doubt they'd price it there though. Here's an interesting option. Not Fender/Squier, but pretty okay. www.guitarfetish.com/Slick-SL51-Aged-Vintage-Cream-Pickups-Fits-Telecasterreg-_p_19671.html I tried one of these out years ago and it was good. ua-cam.com/video/LXsmg-bqPKo/v-deo.html
My cv came with brass saddles. This was about 3 years ago in the UK, although offset replacement saddles ( slightly better intonation ) are readily available .
@@MarkZabel Yes, ideally they should come as as standard but I suspect Fender are going for 'authenticity' , hence the tuners! Still excellent guitars. Incidentally, one of the first things I learned on this guitar was from your led zeppelin video stairway to heaven so thanks!
Rub some very fine wet/dry sandpaper or steel wool across the back of the neck if you think the CV neck is too sticky.I do this if the neck becomes too sticky after playing a while. I do it to my Reverend necks as their necks tend to polish up after playing for a while too. Satin necks never remain satin.
Both are very good guitars. It will be dependent on the sound you want. Frankly, it's the Affinity for me. I like the CV as well but it got a more piercing sound.
Got an Indonesian-made Affinity two years ago. I love this guitar but I can't say that it is a super beginner-friendly instrument. Sharp frets, the nut wasn't cut very well and the pickup switch petered out in less than 6 months of playing. The pickups are on the smoother side - I wouldn't call them very dull - but it's not something that an EQ pedal can't fix 😄 Despite all that, in true Tele fashion, it's a very versatile instrument and it's a lot of fun to play. I sometimes consider upgrading the tuners and the electronics, but then again, why not simply get a Classic Vibe?
Thanks for your comment. The improperly cut nut (assuming it's the depth that is the issue) is a definite problem for beginners. The sharp frets should be a 5-minute fix or a $10 job for a shop. (Use a 3M foam sander ... this is not a showcase guitar) Dark/smooth pickups and the sound shouldn't be on the beginner's mind at all, and as you say an EQ pedal or twiddling knobs on the amp will fix it. Pretty much everything should be centered around playability for beginners. Should you upgrade your Affinity or go Classic Vibe (or Fender Player or ...). That's a personal decision. I would say if you really like how your Affinity plays it's worth the $50-$100 for the upgrade. A guitar you've bonded with is worth the effort! If you're looking for a 2nd T-Style guitar, then the CV is worth a look.
Very informative video, I would choose the Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster. Thirty years ago I wouldn't have imagined owning any guitar that didn't have Fender or Gibson on the headstock, today I couldn't care less. Now it's all about the feel, sound, and value. I guess that's what happens when you have a mortgage and you're helping your kid pay back her student loan. 😀
@@MarkZabel It would be way easier for us viewers if you'd edit the video this way. As is we have to keeping jumping back and forth to compare them each position.
Yes big difference. The classic vibes are a bit better in quality and parts. Affinity is lowest priced. Some exceptions. The frets snagged ends. Fret size thickness. Switches. But I can’t complain about the play I always have it set up string ga. , intonation , string height, one I’ve grown to like. The Lavender mist w upgraded to real fender pickups. Plays and sounds good🎸
I had Affinity and Classic Vibe 60's. The only thing I didn't like about CV was the sticky neck finish. Of course, CV is better in everything, you can just buy and play, while in Affinity you will want to change something over time (pickups, nut, tuners). Changing something on the guitar is fun and experience too. Affinity is also much cheaper. It would be interesting to compare made in Mexico Player tele and Classic Vibe.
Thanks for watching. I totally agree and maybe someday I'll compare the MIM Tele (I think "The Player" series now) and the CV. I had a MIM in the days when it had the ceramic pickups. While I liked that guitar, it was really not much better than the Affinity. Better tuners and a neck with gloss finish on the fretboard (satin on back), but plastic nut, ceramic pickups (hotter ... but hotter isn't better IMHO), and noisy as all get out. It became a very good guitar, but only after I switched the pickups, nut, added a string tree, shielded the pickguard and cavity. You get the picture. I hear the new ones are better though.
You said the Vibe has a pine body? I was amazed to hear that - pine being a soft wood, certainly not known for tonal qualities. On the other hand, what timber was the Affinity body? Cosmetic wise, I didn't like the colour of the Vibe body, nor the pallor of the Affinity neck. The butterscotch body finish and the honey tone look of it's rival's neck would look magnificent together. It'd be interesting to peek inside too, to see what the difference is in wires and components. Great video. Thanks.
Thanks! Appreciate the comments! I'm not at all into the "tonewood" theory, so I personally think wood doesn't matter from a tonal perspective. However, pine was used on early Tele-style guitars, so Leo must've thought it okay. They changed to using hardwoods soon afterward. Supposedly it was because the perception of using pine was cheap. The main issue with pine as I see it is that it's easy to dent. The Affinity Telecaster's body is alder according to Squier. The neck finish is very thin and light. The complaint of how it looks on Butterscotch is common. It's probably why Fender/Squier leaves it that way and uses the tinted glossy neck on the CV - they're channeling people who really want a certain look to more expensive guitars with better margin. Butterscotch vs. Vintage Blonde - totally subjective I think. Everybody and his brother has a butterscotch finished Tele, which is probably why I dig the Vintage Blonde.
I wish there was a Fender with the same neck as the Affinity.. I love the Affinity neck more than any other neck out there, and I own an Epiphone, Gibson and Fender.. The Affinity neck is so nice, soft and smooth to play.. The only option seems switching all the electronics, pickups and the nut. The nut is just awful..
That would be cool. I understand, though I don't share your love for the Affinity neck. (It's fine, but not my favorite.) I *love* the neck on my Squier 1970s Vintage Modified Strat. But Squier seems not to repeat necks from year to year, and I've not found another like it. So yeah, get the Affinity and gut the thing or just strip the neck from it (or just buy the neck if you can). Totally worth it to have a neck that works for you!
I have a classic vibe telecaster which I modified by leveling the frets and replacing the bridge with a Wilkinson compensated one that makes intonation spot on. The classic vibe is miles above the Affinity, there’s no comparison. The Affinity necks are awful and fret finishing is terrible.NEVER let anyone convince you that Squire is poor quality. They are excellent!
Both nice guitars! The classic vibe is leaps better than the affinity and is said to be better than the Comparable fender model as well. Thanks for sharing Mark!
I'm feeling a touch of pain here. I went into Guitar Center to buy a Squier Tele because I played one before and liked it. The butterscotch Affinity was at my price point. I rather like the neck, but the sound difference displayed here is huge.
There is, BUT ... sound is easily remedied. IMHO the neck that's right for you on the body of a guitar that feels good means much more. For a $150 - $250 or so you can put the pickups of your choice in and it'll sound like a million bucks!
I actually prefer the sound and feel of a top loader bridge. I had an Affinity for many years that was one of my all time favs. After doing a lot of fret work, new PU, new tuning machines, new Tusc nut. But the guitar had good bones. And I hate gloss necks. Nothing a (new, clean) kitchen green scrubbie pad can't cure, but I hate to do that to a new guitar. I do like slotted head tuning machines.
Hi Donald. I'm with you on the feel, but I can't tell 1% of difference in the sound. (Either myself or in the videos I've watched to compare.) Usually you hear about the "great tone and sustain" from going through the body, but every test I've done shows no difference. But the slinkier feel and easier bends are there because you've got lower string tension and a smaller break angle on the saddles. The Affinity is a great guitar at its core - great neck. As you did, put in a new nut (bone or TUSC) and better pickups and voila! A great sounding guitar. New tuners aren't necessary, but they make it more enjoyable. The frets on the first Affinity I got were pretty good ... on the 2nd pretty poor, so it must vary quite a bit. I know what you mean on the CV's neck. I don't mind gloss, but many do. BTW, the CV's bridge can be used as a top loader, so that's an easy option for you if you prefer top-load. That's actually how I have mine strung right now.
I have a tight budget and I can't really afford the Classic Vibe. I've played acoustic for about 3 years and want to upgrade to a Tele. Would the Affinity Tele be a good starting point ?
Not just the sound quality that can make the difference but the build quality and how it feels is the ultimate goal that counts. There's a reason for a price difference when it comes to the Indonesian builds
Absolutely. The sound samples are done because it's what people expect. Put great pickups in any solid body guitar and it'll sound like $1,000,000. But get the balance and feel of the neck right ... that's a different story.
I've had the Classic Vibe 60's Custom Telecaster in sunburst with binding (Chinese era). I got in 2010 and it's been one of my main players since. Super solid guitar.
Great playing man! The sounds you are using really showcase the instuments accurately. The Classic Vintage Vibe really stands out with punch and clarity! Great review. Regards and happy gigging (because obviously you do I would hope) Cheers😊
I believe the slightly thinner neck and body is great for the small-handed beginner. You also save a little cash. I gave my daughter my affinity for that reason. The ceramic magnets are a bit muddy. I chanced an Amazon buy of an Eart Tele, which is loaded with high-end features, and $269. Roasted maple, steel frets, can't say enough about it. Wouldn't trade for Any fender classic vibe.
My lefty CV Tele should be here tomorrow by 2pm... Can't wait to compare with my USA/Japanese teles.... I expect good things. Got my player-son the CV Custom Baritone earlier this week....he likes it...great for noodling and inspiration.
Looks could be deceiving. The guitars are cool. But in the hands of a great virtuoso, you won't know the difference unless if you were told. Thanks to Fender Company for both availabilities. 👍
Thank you for this video. It saved me from almost buying a cheaper guitar when a little further investment clearly gets you real Telecaster, just like you described it.
To be perfectly honest there isn't such thing as a bad guitar anymore. They are all superior to the guitars I learned on.
You and I know. Dang! Remember the action on your first guitar once you got past the 4th fret??
I got a 94 squire bullet for Christmas of 94. I still have it and it plays great. Yeah it’s a little different than a standard strat. The body shape isn’t 100% accurate but it still looks good. I think the biggest improvements they’ve made has been in being set up well from the factory and electronics have gotten better.
I rember my first guitar was a Lafayette
My first electric in 84’ was a Flying V with a nameless headstock bought new at a music store. Years later I found out it was made by Ibanez. It was as good as any lower priced guitar today.
My first electric guitar in the late seventies was a czech made Jolana Star VII, a horrible guitar. Goes out of tune after playing two chords. You could throw an elephant between strings and fretboard. 😁
A real nightmare!
Classic vibe
Clean
8:50 neck
9:24 middle
9:46 bridge
Affinty
Clean
10:04 neck
10:35 middle
10:57 bridge
Classic vibe
Dirty
11:15 neck
11:41 middle
12:07 bridge
Affinty
Dirty
12:32 neck
12:58 middle
13:25 bridge
More helpful
Much thanks!
thanks!
Thanks, I don't understand why this man make the video comparation too dificult to ear
Thanks a lot!
Finally! A good comparison with not just heavy rock nonsense. This has helped a lot, specially the clean funk/soul bits. Thank you. I was blindly going for the affinity, but I want the Classic Vibe now. There's a huge difference to my ears, the CV sounds like the real deal.
You're welcome. I'm glad the comparison helped you. Thanks for watching and commenting.
MY THOUGHT EXACTLY!!! I despise distortion during a comparison. Clean and smooooooooth.
Affinity is darker l/muddier and the CV is more cutting, open, sparkling, and precise. All this time I thought it was the Strat sound I was after, only to learn the Tele was the one that stole my ears' heart. ,😍
Wow, that's awesome! Thanks for stopping by!
More clarity in the 50s, more bass and boomieness to the affinity. Both good instruments just for different tastes. The 50s one seems to have more classic jangle. The affinity seems to be a more modern take on the sound.
Makes sense.
Exactly what I hear, CV 50s is more resonant than the CV 60s and CV 70s also btw.
Affinity is a bargain but does sound a bit cheap and tinny however that can be a good thing for some!
@@johncollins5552 whenever looking for a lighter guitar... the affinity line (or their bodies at least) are a nice option. 🌝
Yes CV is much better for 50s sound.
Bro ive played these and the classic vibe mops the floor with the affinity. These are good guitars for kids and beginners. Thats it. Never buy an Affinity if you are doing anything other than just playing in your bedroom
The cv just sounds better everywhere. The affinity wasnt too bad, but the cv was better. Plus, i have trouble with the narrow nut necks.
I have the exact affinity ...I put on new strings, locking tuners, new tusk nut and new string trees ...plays like a dream.
Cool!
There's something magical about the classic vibe sound. Planning to own my 1st telecaster. Really nice playing Mark. Subbed.
Thank you!! I agree, the CB is quite nice, especially clean.
I've got a '21 affinity that has the string through, belly cut, full width nut and split shaft tuners. I've upgraded the pickups to tex mex and have the s1 switching in it. It's seriously all the tele I'll ever need.
Sounds like a dream guitar to me 😊.
The classic vibe telecaster is just a nicer guitar. Period. Nice review and great playing btw.
Hey, thanks!
how do you feel about it many months on? I adored mine but since passing the honeymoon period, the pickups just don't feel up to scratch
I remember being mortified that my les paul that my poor suffering parents bought me was a Hondo that I covered the brand with gaff tape. It was an awesome guitar, and these days probably would be sought after. Guitar snobbery, meh. a good guitar is a good guitar regardless of brand. I've never played a bad Squire.
Excellent story! I've played plenty of bad Squiers though - plenty. Plenty of bad Fenders too. Honestly, I think Squier and many bargain brands are more consistently good today than they were in the past. Most cheap guitars are playable nowadays. I'm not at all sure the brand names like Fender and Gibson are higher quality than they used to be. The gap seems smaller.
@@MarkZabel I have a 2002 Squier Affinity Strat that's nearly perfect except for one major flaw, the neck is way too thin and is hard to play chords on.
Great video! Just a suggestion: please for the future compare directly Guitar 1 Bridge Pickup with Guitar 2 Bridge Pickup (and so on) so that it is easier to understand immediately the difference without going back and forth in the UA-cam video. Thank you so much.
Thanks and great suggestion!
Totally agree with your suggestion.
Go Affinity for that satin neck feel. When you can get it upgrade to Fender Player and then just keep it forever, modding anything to your liking
Thanks for your input! That thinking probably makes sense for a good many people.
Hi Mark, without a doubt the Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster's the superior instrument of the two as stock, but I have say that the Affinity makes a great mod platform, something I've done to mine!... 🙂
Totally agree. But you've got to like the core instrument to do it. (Neck and body ... which I do). New pickups, bone nut, new tuners, new bridge or maybe just brass saddles, maybe a 4-way switch and new electronics. All good. But if you're like me and have your favorite Seymour Duncans or Fralins or whatever. Anyway, can't go wrong IMHO. I have a different Affinity just as a "beater" for travel. And it works for that too! Thanks for watching!
what modification have you done?
@@coreyfelipe5679 Changed out the stock pickups for Fender Gen4 Noiseless ones, swapped out the stock neck for a Squier Vintage Modified 22 fret neck and upgraded the control loom, so quite extensive but well worth it as it now feels and plays more like a Fender Player Plus model... 🙂
I do think the most obvious is the more punch in the sound of the pickups. They both could use different tuners, but the ones they come with work. If one were buying just to keep it as is the Classic 50's wins. If I were going to upgrade pick ups and tuners the affinity wins. Nice video. We all have our differences in thought. I myself have been tinkering with building a guitar and doing set ups. As is the best deal is different as to buy and upgrade.
Thanks for your well thought out comment!
In watching a video sound will be the most obvious difference. Feeling, fit and finish, quality of switches and knobs - that is more difficult to convey in a video. I don't disagree with your analysis, except that the tuners are not comparable. The CV's tuners are good, while the Squier's are bottom of the line. If you don't like Kluson style tuners, then the point is moot, but they're pretty good tuners.
I think if you're modifying the biggest difference is the body. If you want a full-size string-through body, the Squier isn't an option. Unless you mod the body (i.e., replace) it won't be full-size. Personally, I believe that's a huge *positive* in the Affinity's side. It makes for a lighter guitar. But for many people it's a deal-breaker, so I'm mentioning it.
The other thing in modifying is that I don't believe anyone should get the CV Tele and change the pickups. They sound exactly like what a vintage Tele should sound like. Even Seymour Duncan Antiquities aren't really better for that vintage sound IMHO. If you're not going for the vintage thing, then absolutely - get a different Tele! (And the Affinity is a great choice IMHO)
All-in-all, both are really good choices!
Just stumbling onto this great comparison review. Happen to be a fan of both. In my experience I've found cheap ceramic pick-ups to be amazing tools for creating. Love my Affinity for that and no desire to upgrade it. Love Alnico too, just saying. Beginner guitars these days play plenty well enough to save a buck or two. Really dug your video thanks.
Thanks! And I totally agree that ceramics can be great too - their own unique sound.
My Affinity Tele Deluxe has a string through body. I replaced the nut with a 5042 Tusq, and Ratio tuners. I was impressed with the electronics. It had full size pots and a "switchcraft style" switch. Much better inside than the bullet. I was told that the 2021 Affinity series has been upgraded from the previous years though. I was going to replace the humbuckers with a set of SD Pearly Gates I've had for awhile. So far, the Squier humbuckers sound pretty good, so the upgrade may not happen...for now. In my experience, what Fender calls a synthetic bone nut is actually plastic. Maybe I'm wrong. It doesn't really matter to me because a nut is one of the cheapest things you can change on any guitar. The bottom line is though, both guitars are made by Squier and one of them costs $100-$150 more. They're not charging more for one of them for no reason. Everyone gives the Classic Vibe series great marks. They're budget guitars that you can play professionally...out of the box. Some will need a setup, but so do $1000 guitars. The Affinity series is better than they used to be, and if you do some of your own work, they're a great platform to start from. I went with Affinity this time because all they had was the 70's CV. I don't like the big CBS headstocks.
Yes, right on! I think the Affinity Tele replaced the "Standard Tele" from Squier. I top-load my Teles and prefer the smaller body, so the thicker body is a minus for me. But ... sounds like they "upped" their game with the electronics. Yes, "synthetic bone" is plastic, but so is TUSQ - just another type of plastic - high density. Works great though!
Bottom line is that if you like the neck of the guitar and its body feels comfortable to you (and okay, if you like the vibe/looks/whatever) then you can make it a great guitar.
Sold my affinity Tele. Too many things I didn’t like. Got a used CV strat for $175. OMG! Now I’m looking at the CV Tele. 😁
I liked the CV Tele. But it would depend on what you didn't like about the Affinity Tele. For example, if you wanted a trem ... :)
@@MarkZabel I blocked the trem on my strat. It did work fine and stayed in tune though. The affinity is a $100 guitar sold for $229. The CV is a $500 guitar sold for $400. I got one for $175. I’m about to buy another used CV 50’s strat for $175. I like the maple fretboard. The affinity felt like a very cheap guitar. The CV fees just like a Fender to me. Blindfolded I couldn’t tell the difference. You’d never fool me with a affinity. It a $200 turd.
@@petemitchell6788 Well, I disagree with you on the Affinity. For $50 to $100 you can drop in new pickups and it'll sound like what you want it to sound like. The neck is sound and the body is light. Everything else is replaced easily if you want to and does little to nothing for the sound and playability.
You got a great deal on the CV Strat, but don't kid yourself - the CV Tele is a $250 guitar for $400 at most. All guitars are marked up a huge amount. The more expensive, the more the mark up. The cheapest are usually the least marked up and provide the least margin to the retailer and manufacturer.
I agree with @@MarkZabel . I got a great deal on a mint condition, old Affinity FSR Tele, the top loader ones. This is my first Squier tele, and was really surprised at the quality. (I mainly own Fender) The only thing i didn't like was the raw neck feeling (subjective preference ), and the pickups. The neck thickness was lovely and thick-C .
My Classic Vibe arrived yesterday and I love it! This was a very useful comparison video, so thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I just bought my kid the affinity tele as his first electric guitar. Great beginner guitar. This video helped a lot. Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Great overview - agree 100%. I think a used Classic Vibe is the way to go... IF you can find one. Most people who own them keep them. Lotta people sand the gloss off the Classic Vibe neck - I wonder why Squier hasn't offered it with a satin back? Affinity is a great line for the money.
Thanks! Yes, agree on all counts.
I agree. I luckily could buy a used cv on eBay that barely got played
They both sound good. But the more expensive Squier sounds much better to my ears. Sounds brighter and sharper.
From Leo: After many guitars over many years I have come to prefer the vintage Kluson style tuners. No string ends to poke your fingers, snag on clothes or tear the inside of a gig bag. Easy to string, easy to restring if you need to take the guitar apart. I have a CV Strat and am so happy with it I would certainly entertain a CV Telecaster.
Very interesting!! I'm not a fan of Kluson style on Fenders - but only because of the shape of the pegs. But I like how they do what you say! Didn't know Leo said that, thanks!
@@MarkZabel Hi Mark, That is not a quote from Mr. Fender. I am just one of 146,000 Americans named Leo: I write "from Leo: " when I am sharing a laptop with my wife for social media use. Sorry for any confusion.
@@barbmelle3136 You could just make another user account and not sound like douche
@@barbmelle3136 😂
Thanks Mark, your review is spot on and one of the best I've seen, really helpful. Squier are so good, something for everyone. The CV is undoubtedly the superior instrument of these two, but the new Affinity models have some pluses. 3-ply pickguard, skunk stripe on neck (for 2021), flat standard jack socket (much better than the wobbly vintage sockets they insist on keeping in the higher spec Teles including Fenders) and I've just realised they have now introduced a body sculpt on the back of the Affinty body (controversial but some will love it, me included - no more bruised ribs). I have a Squier CV 70s custom Tele in sunburst and an Affinity Tele in graffiti yellow with white pickguard. The CV is awesome, Affinity is great too. It all depends what you're looking for, I guess. Im just bedroom jamming, so the Affinity is perfect and can be upgraded. But if I ever do gigs with friends, the CV custom has all the power and it's so responsive, a tone machine. I do fancy the butterscotch Affinity Telecaster though, please help me out of this guitar rabbit-hole!!! Peace.
I forgot to say, the 2021 Affinity model also appears to come with string-through body.
Thanks for the comment and info Max! The one "improvement" I don't like is the Affinity going to the full-size body. It adds weight to the guitar and IMHO that was a big selling point. I know most people want a full-thickness body. Everything else is a plus!
The classic vibe comes in Butterscotch Blonde as well
I have an affinity tele I’ve upgraded the pickups from a fender player tele and changed the tuners to button klusons! She’s the most tele sounding tele I’ve ever heard amazing instrument!!! And I love this neck!
If you love the neck on a guitar, modifying is totally justified! To me, playability is everything. Sound is secondary and can easily be improved. Great that you love your guitar!!
I'm totally into Squier for several years now. I have/had Classic Vibes, standards, vintage modifides, and Affinities. I love my CV Strat, CV Starcaster, standard HSS Strat... But between the Affinity Tele and the CV Tele - I really liked the Affinity Tele much better. Felt better in my hands, the neck was very comfortable and the pickups very useable. The CV Tele just seemed real clunky and uninspiring to me. I wish I would have kept the Affinity Tele. Plus I only paid $110 new for the Affinity at the time!
That's interesting. I understand the "feel" - especially of the neck, which is satin vs gloss for the CV. (Many people don't like glossy necks). The CV Tele's pickups are definitely closer to actual Telecaster pickups, whereas the Affinity's ceramics are okay. But if you like them that's what you should go with. I think for most people they'd buy a CV for exactly that - Classic Vibe. And the pickups in a CV are definitely going to get you close to the classic Telecaster sounds.
Ya know ppl think I'm crazy when i say that. I've owned multiple of both and altho I've had some pretty bad affinitys (made in China moreso than Indonesia) and the CV is pretty consistent, the "good" affinitys I've had I just liked more. I play blue's, but kinda dirtier with alot of gain, and alot of rock and grunge so maybe the ceramic pickups just work for me. But my current everyday player is an affinity with a horrible homemade paint job, that I just can't put down. My last classic vibe I had less than two weeks, they are well worth the money and I love the squier line period, but me personally I would take the affinty
I have the same model affinty as the one he's playing. Its a fantastic guitar for beginner or professional I really like the feel of the neck no issues with fret sprout, makes no difference to me whether its string through or not had both never heard any difference in sound or playability. Of course it needed setting up when I bought it as do expensive guitars. Top loading strings are pain in the arse when changing new strings
Hi Mark....not really close for me....The CV blows the Affinity away. Nice demo.
Thanks! I agree about the CV ... especially the sound ... and especially the clean sounds. The CV sounds great clean IMHO.
If the classic vibe had the butter scotch color while still having the neck that comes on it, now that would be a cool looking rig.
Both colors are nice. I prefer the Vintage Blonde over Butterscotch, but I know many prefer the Butterscotch. The tint on the neck definitely *does* make a difference in the looks!
I was going to buy a Baja Tele but bought a Classic Vibe to see how I got on with it first. Loved it so much I never bought the Baja Tele (which I sorta regret because I think that model is discontinued).
The classic vibe is a perfect Tele apart from the neck being a bit slim compared to most Teles I’ve played.
I feel similarly (except for the Baja, which I never really was into ... don't know exactly why). The skinny, glossy neck isn't completely to my taste. Everything else is fabulous though!
Yes it is worth it as long as its made in Indonesia. Im 72 been playing since i was 13,when i pluged it in i had to turn the volume down,pickups are more powerful and clear as a bell and its lighter i got the cv classic thinline,i dont regret it.
Well the Classic Vibe is $204 more than the Affinity, at least here in southeast asia. Very much contented with my affinity.
I've owned a lot of teles. Fender standard us and Mexico. My favorite is a classic 50 séries upgraded with seymour jerry donahue and 4 way switch. Pure magic
Nice!
I was surprised at how much clearer sounding the Classic Vibe was
I agree. Its pickups are very articulate.
Your a Legend mark, I'm new to guitars and just git my first acoustic and now I'm also loving the electric and this video helped me out more than you know . thanks mark, Your the Rockstar in my book 👑
Wow, thanks!!
I have the same CV from the video, the white one, the CV is an absolutely amazing guitar for its price, the sound, the smoothness of the neck, it is very comfortable and has a lot of sonority, i love it!!
Couldn't agree more!
I love those vintage style tuners, so much so that I've replaced the standard tuners on my USA Tele with the vintage style tuners!
Can't say I have your taste in tuners, but yeah man! Love it. Gotta do what works for you!
i tried out both of these at a guitar center today, and i gotta say that i love the affinity. the CV was nice, but the affinity felt perfect to me, like it melted into my hands. i plan to buy one, swap out the bridge pickup for a DiMarzio chopper, put on some graphtech string saver saddles, and refinish it in bright mustard yellow. i can't wait.
Thanks for sharing!
How did the modifications work out for you ? What. Was the final cost difference between the two ?
I agree, the CV has more bright sound, which is for me, more Tele. Great video.
Cool, thanks!
Bought an Affinity HH , Alder body, maple neck,Indian loral fretboard, all black hatdware, orange/copper body with matching headstock. 9 1/2 " radius. Found all the black too much so changed out the scratch plate for
THIS IS THE BEST COMPARISON VIDEO I´VE SEEN. THANKS VERY MUCH. NOW I KNOW WHICH ONE. CV!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Triage comes down to a two criteria AFAIC. 1. Budget, affected by Fender regional price gouging and price fixing depending upon where in the world you live/are buying, and 2. whether buying as a beginner, intermediate or > player.
Sticking with just this Squier and Telecaster either-or choice parameter, no question the Classic Vibe (CV) for intermediates who can afford it or are willing to pay its premium. Absolute beginners? Stick with the Affinity for a myriad of reasons as the probability of quitting within the first 12 months is 90%. Spend the change on a better/best you can afford within budget amp.
Bear in mind that the premium for a CV is considerable outside the continental USA. Was > double in my country at the time this vid was made, but since a price hike of the now Indonesian made _string through_ body Affinity in 2022, has narrowed. As of 01/2023 the realistic best street price not Fender RRP premium for an Classic Vibe is an additional 55%, so now a much better buy than it was, but still a relatively expensive proposition for a guitar vs its performance rated competition. e.g. Ibanez, Yamaha, and lesser profile but superlative brands Cort and SX.
That Affinity in this review is very likely of Chinese manufactured origin. IMPE Chinese craftsmanship is AAA, but lacks some features/changes made in the 2022 now Indonesian manufactured Affinity Tele, the most notable being the change from top load to string through bridge & body and cheapest tuner mechs to cheap tuner mechs = ]
Great review Mark!! I like your playing as well. I have a heavily modified affinity tele I put in hip shot locking tuners, Dimarzio twang king pickup set with Dimarzio solderless
control plate so all of the pots and wiring is Dimarzio. The reason that I got the affinity is it was a solid tele platform. I am a drummer that plays guitar to write music (can't write music on drums)!!:) anyway the reason that I did it that way is because my wife and daughter both have very serious health issues that keep my budget very tight. I bought parts a month at a time for the affinity now it's a really quality instrument, in fact I went out to jam with some guys I know from my area and the guitarist/singer had an American standard telecaster he played mine all night cause he said the feel and sound better. I got the affinity a few years back so with a 15% discount it cost me about $162.
In total with what I added the guitar coast me about 500 bucks ball park but I'll put it up against ANY tele now. However the CV that you are playing I'm very interested in the antique white cause that has alnico 3 pickups as opposed to my alnico 5 pickups for a difference in tone the CV are great and I am saving for the antique white one!! The reason that I originally went with the affinity was I couldn't afford the CV but I needed a guitar right away to record with and I love Telecasters. Anyway now that I wrote you a novel!!:) I subscribed so I look forward to more great demo's
Thanks Frank! Yes, modding the Affinity is a great idea because the core of the guitar is good. Sure, the tuners stink, but you can modify those easily. I appreciate being on a tight budget too!
For the CV, the only thing I would mention is the gloss neck. Lots of people don't like that. You can sand it down or use a Scotch pad, but with a new guitar that's always painful. And you can use the bridge as a top-load also if you like the "slinkier" action (instead of going through the body). I also love the sound out of those Alnico 3's. Really snappy clean sound and classic "dirt" as well.
No worries about writing a novel! Any time!!
In 2023 there is a larger price gap between these two teles than in 2020. The Classic vibe lines are value-packed but much more expensive now. There is also one tele much cheaper than the affinity series ( squier sonic ) if someone on a tight budget wants to buy their 1st and hotrod it.
For the money, manufacturers have indeed come a long way from budget guitars back in the 60's, 70's and beyond. The Affinity is almost their least expensive, one step away from the Bullet or the newer Sonic models...while the Class Vibe is top of the line for Squier, either way they seem to be the go to for modding.Certainly a budget friendly instrument. Personally if I were going to spend over $430 for a new (2023) 50's CV Squier, I would rather purchase a $400 Sire T3 or a G&L ASAT for $450. Knowing that it's a personal, subjective preference... I have a Classic Vibe Custom Baritone which I enjoy....
Yes. When I made this video, there wasn't a Sire T3, though the G&L Tribute series were available and are quite good. I have a T3 (In the middle of a giveaway for it!) and it's fantastic IMHO.
Thanks...I'm saving for a T7@@MarkZabel
Bought the affinity race red. What can I say? It's fantastic. It sounds terrific in my opinion. Ok the knobs are really "cheap", but it is a telecaster guys. I have some guitars, from Harley Benton to Gibson Les Paul Artisan an Strato American Standard. I bought the 2018 version of tele affinity, it is not a "through body string": don't mind if you are not a purist, it is perfect: clear as a telecaster. I think I will not change the pick ups. Probably just some work for the noise of pick ups!
Congrats! Yeah, great guitars. The thinner body with the top-load bridge is my favorite now. Lighter weight!
The Classic Vibe might be the best sounding Tele of the whole Gender range. I'd like to see the stock pickups compared to Tex-Mex. I believe that the Fender Tex-Mex pickups are still the go-to upgrade for these cheaper guitars?
Nice comparative review!
Thanks!
I picked up a Affinity in 2006-2007 for a bargain from a friend I could not refuse. Now I picked up the CV 50’s 2 weeks ago and there is absolutely no comparison imho. The CV kicks the Affinity’s butt! Hey, it turns out that many 50’s Telecasters actually had a radius around 9.25.
Interesting! Didn't know that about the radius. I prefer 12", but that's a different story. Definitely a big difference between 7.25" and 9.5".
I have a white 2020 affinity. String thru. Full thickness poplar body. Nut width is 1 5/8ths. 9.5 radius. Almost a soft V shape. Neck is really nice.
Stock pots, switch and pups are total junk. But expected. Replaced the pups with alnico 5 flat poles , new 300k CTS pots with a 4 way switch and it flat out gets it.
Yep. Good core to the guitar.
I currently have Yamaha PAC012 and am eager to upgrade to fixed bridge guitar.
Was torn between the Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster and the ESP LTD EC256 for a blues tone, cleans and soft rock.
I think I will end with the Telecaster 🥰🥰
Good choice! The CV 60's Vibe is good too!
At first i didn't like the looks of the tele but now I'm starting to admire the tele and it's looks
*The* classic solid body guitar look.
Like some other things in life, the Telecaster is a guitar that most people only come to really appreciate as they get older.
I have an affinity telecaster. Functionally, it's great out of the box (I had to replace the nut on mine, because it didn't sit right but whatever), but the pickups suck. I switched them out for fender Tex mex pickups which have alinico 5 magnets and some new pots, and it now sounds like a darn good telecaster. $200 + $100 ish in parts plus 45 minutes of time for a great guitar is well worth it in my book
I know it seems a lot, but now I have an awesome Tele that is just so smooth to play and has still cost me less than $400.
That's great!
I gotta Affinity Standard (made in Indonesia) bought off 1st owner for about US$ 150 with Seymour Duncans in it... and I ain't gettin rid of it....
Wow! Score!!
Affinity is a great value for the price differential I can change out my pickups and I will be content! I like the narrow Affinity neck
There you go. It's all about what works for each player!
I've been racking my brain about what electric to buy. I bought a nice acoustic for around 200 pounds during the 1st UK lockdown. Used to play when I was younger (self taught) but that was over 10 years ago. So its almost like starting over. I try and practise like 3 or 4 times a week (life and work permitting). I want to invest in quality but I'm now leaning towards getting an affinity and nice amp. Then saving up for a couple of years to get a proper player series tele down the line, I love the classic vibe look but feel like a player series or mim tele for an extra 2 or 300 hundred is worth it for me. So I'm going to invest in a decent amp and get an affinity for now.
Excellent demonstration, next time I think you should put back to back the same positions on each guitar to make clearer the sound differences. Maybe a little more of work on editing the video. Of course in these ones tonal differences were clear as a bell :)
Good idea!
Excellent review. Likeable guy, great player. I got a 2008 CV50 Strat myself. Best guitar I've ever played.
Thank you! The CV 50s Tele is a great guitar. I've never played the CV 50s Strat, but I would guess it's great as you say.
I really dig the 50's because of the pine body that can go up to 10 lbs -- I like heavier guitars. And the pickups -- Alnico all the way. Strings-through body is what I would like to see on a Tele-like guitar. I think both guitars are good for what they do, 50's is just a bit more like the classic, which makes sense just based on the name of the guitar. And classic is hard to beat when it comes to vintage-styled guitars. Cheers, everyone!
Excellent comment. You and I look for different things - but that's kind of a key point. For many, the Affinity would be a fine guitar. I love the CV, but I looked for a lighter one (7.5 lbs) and string mine as a top-loader. But it's a quality guitar and the pickups are sweet!
Good video! I bought 2 Affinity teles about 12-13 years ago, I gutted them and modded them with string thru bridge plate and saddles, Replaced the ceramic pups with Texas Blues Pups (overwound Texas Special type). Fender ping tuners and the guitars are great but still a little jangly. I think I’ll put in a .047 Cap and see if that ground out the jangle (highs). I skipped the CV’s and went straight to MIM Standard (excellent guitar!). Going to get the MIM player Strat and Tele next but my whole point was that you can upgrade/mod the affinities and have a pretty good guitar.
Yes, you can upgrade them, definitely!
You went to a lot of trouble and expense to upgrade your Affinity guitars. I wonder how your modded Affinities sound compared to a stock Classic Vibe??!!
Hi Mark, that was a really good demonstration. I've owned a CV Tele for 4-5 years, and it's a great instrument. Mine is the butterscotch blonde, and the finish is much more transparent than either of the guitars you displayed. It's quite a good looking, and good playing instrument. I did not like the glossy neck, gave it a 5 minute light sanding, and it's fine. Now, here is where I will complicate things. I also purchased a G&L ASAT Classic Tele. It is about the same price as the CV Tele, and in my opinion, an even better instrument. Something you may wish to check out.
Thanks! I had a G&L ASAT and I thought it was pretty decent.
Absolutely no contest. The Classic Vibe sounds far superior to the Affinity. It has more clarity, more bite, more soul, more feel, more dynamic range. I don't know how much of this is down to the pickups, the quality of the woods, quality of the hardware etc....The only thing that puts me off the Classic Vibe series is the glossy back of the neck. In my hands it gets sticky and uncomfortable to play. If that is not a problem to someone - then the quality improvement you get for around £150 (or less) between the two guitars is WELL worth paying. MAYBE if you bought an Affinity and could source some superior pickups for not too much and get them installed for free or very little money - you might get as good a sound as the Classic Vibe or close to it. But if you spent more than around £50 doing this - then I doubt if it would be worth it.
Thanks for the comment Mike! The CV 50's is a great guitar for the money spent. Not everyone wants to mod a bunch of things on their guitar.
Thanks for this. I have a ton of guitars but I bought the Affinity just because it was cheap and I had a serious case of GAS. It really plays great and I'm not worried if it gets banged up. No regrets. It's not the string through model.
My pleasure. It's a good, basic guitar. Nothing wrong with it. Fun to play, good to tinker with.
I am limited due to location but I did get a chance to play an affinity . It felt great but I there was a fret buzzing and electronics were suspect. I know the vibe is better built but I can get an affinity for under 250 and then put in my own pups.
Still undecided, I’m assuming classic 60 is better because much harder to find.
Resonance is king
Thank you so much. Both are great. But I think have a preference for the classic vibe and its clear tone. :)
You're welcome. I agree that the classic vibe is better all around.
Bullets have a string through body, satin neck, they are great value at less than half the price of the CV.
Good option.
Yes I put Tonerider pups in mine plus a 4 way wiring setup with all cts and quality parts, did a fret job on it and now it sounds amazing!
I wish Fender/Squier would do a 'Relic' Classic Vibe Tele w/brass saddles and include a gig bag for $499. Even with a $100 price increase I think they would sell a lot. Nice video, the Classic Vibe wins hands-down with tone and looks!
That would be cool! I doubt they'd price it there though. Here's an interesting option. Not Fender/Squier, but pretty okay. www.guitarfetish.com/Slick-SL51-Aged-Vintage-Cream-Pickups-Fits-Telecasterreg-_p_19671.html
I tried one of these out years ago and it was good. ua-cam.com/video/LXsmg-bqPKo/v-deo.html
Make your own?!
My cv came with brass saddles. This was about 3 years ago in the UK, although offset replacement saddles ( slightly better intonation ) are readily available .
@@simonevs020 They should just come with the compensated brass saddles. The additional cost would be tiny and the love would be great!
@@MarkZabel Yes, ideally they should come as as standard but I suspect Fender are going for 'authenticity' , hence the tuners! Still excellent guitars. Incidentally, one of the first things I learned on this guitar was from your led zeppelin video stairway to heaven so thanks!
Rub some very fine wet/dry sandpaper or steel wool across the back of the neck if you think the CV neck is too sticky.I do this if the neck becomes too sticky after playing a while. I do it to my Reverend necks as their necks tend to polish up after playing for a while too. Satin necks never remain satin.
I don't mind the gloss, but I've used the 3m Scotch Brite pads too. Definitely easy to do sandpaper too if the gloss is bothersome.
Both are very good guitars. It will be dependent on the sound you want. Frankly, it's the Affinity for me. I like the CV as well but it got a more piercing sound.
I'd love to see Affinity with Gen 4 Noiseless pickups vs classic vibe standard. Roughly same money.
Got an Indonesian-made Affinity two years ago. I love this guitar but I can't say that it is a super beginner-friendly instrument. Sharp frets, the nut wasn't cut very well and the pickup switch petered out in less than 6 months of playing. The pickups are on the smoother side - I wouldn't call them very dull - but it's not something that an EQ pedal can't fix 😄 Despite all that, in true Tele fashion, it's a very versatile instrument and it's a lot of fun to play. I sometimes consider upgrading the tuners and the electronics, but then again, why not simply get a Classic Vibe?
Thanks for your comment. The improperly cut nut (assuming it's the depth that is the issue) is a definite problem for beginners. The sharp frets should be a 5-minute fix or a $10 job for a shop. (Use a 3M foam sander ... this is not a showcase guitar) Dark/smooth pickups and the sound shouldn't be on the beginner's mind at all, and as you say an EQ pedal or twiddling knobs on the amp will fix it. Pretty much everything should be centered around playability for beginners.
Should you upgrade your Affinity or go Classic Vibe (or Fender Player or ...). That's a personal decision. I would say if you really like how your Affinity plays it's worth the $50-$100 for the upgrade. A guitar you've bonded with is worth the effort! If you're looking for a 2nd T-Style guitar, then the CV is worth a look.
Very informative video, I would choose the Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster. Thirty years ago I wouldn't have imagined owning any guitar that didn't have Fender or Gibson on the headstock, today I couldn't care less. Now it's all about the feel, sound, and value. I guess that's what happens when you have a mortgage and you're helping your kid pay back her student loan. 😀
The sound difference is huge, the 50s vibe sounds great, I would compare it with the fender tele.
I agree. The sound is great on the CV.
Clean
8:50 - CV neck
10:03 - AF neck
9:24 - CV neck+bridge
10:35 - AF neck+bridge
9:46 - CV bridge
10:56 - AF bridge
Dirty
11:14 - CV neck
12:31 - AF neck
11:41 - CV neck+bridge
12:58 - AF neck+bridge
12:06 - CV bridge
13:24 - AF bridge
Thanks
@@MarkZabel It would be way easier for us viewers if you'd edit the video this way. As is we have to keeping jumping back and forth to compare them each position.
Love to see a comparison of these two plus the Bullet! Great video!!
Thanks Tim!
Easy, no contest.... Just bought a 50's classic vibe tele. Brilliant
They're quite nice.
Yes big difference. The classic vibes are a bit better in quality and parts. Affinity is lowest priced. Some exceptions. The frets snagged ends. Fret size thickness. Switches. But I can’t complain about the play I always have it set up string ga. , intonation , string height, one I’ve grown to like. The Lavender mist w upgraded to real fender pickups. Plays and sounds good🎸
I had Affinity and Classic Vibe 60's. The only thing I didn't like about CV was the sticky neck finish. Of course, CV is better in everything, you can just buy and play, while in Affinity you will want to change something over time (pickups, nut, tuners). Changing something on the guitar is fun and experience too. Affinity is also much cheaper.
It would be interesting to compare made in Mexico Player tele and Classic Vibe.
Thanks for watching. I totally agree and maybe someday I'll compare the MIM Tele (I think "The Player" series now) and the CV. I had a MIM in the days when it had the ceramic pickups. While I liked that guitar, it was really not much better than the Affinity. Better tuners and a neck with gloss finish on the fretboard (satin on back), but plastic nut, ceramic pickups (hotter ... but hotter isn't better IMHO), and noisy as all get out. It became a very good guitar, but only after I switched the pickups, nut, added a string tree, shielded the pickguard and cavity. You get the picture. I hear the new ones are better though.
@@MarkZabel I've heard the new Mexican Fenders are good. At least there are 22 frets and alnico pickups. It would be interesting to compare.
@@glebbochkarev4097 Yep. Maybe some day I'll pick one up.
You said the Vibe has a pine body? I was amazed to hear that - pine being a soft wood, certainly not known for tonal qualities. On the other hand, what timber was the Affinity body?
Cosmetic wise, I didn't like the colour of the Vibe body, nor the pallor of the Affinity neck. The butterscotch body finish and the honey tone look of it's rival's neck would look magnificent together. It'd be interesting to peek inside too, to see what the difference is in wires and components.
Great video. Thanks.
The first Telecasters had pine bodies.
Thanks! Appreciate the comments!
I'm not at all into the "tonewood" theory, so I personally think wood doesn't matter from a tonal perspective. However, pine was used on early Tele-style guitars, so Leo must've thought it okay. They changed to using hardwoods soon afterward. Supposedly it was because the perception of using pine was cheap. The main issue with pine as I see it is that it's easy to dent.
The Affinity Telecaster's body is alder according to Squier. The neck finish is very thin and light. The complaint of how it looks on Butterscotch is common. It's probably why Fender/Squier leaves it that way and uses the tinted glossy neck on the CV - they're channeling people who really want a certain look to more expensive guitars with better margin.
Butterscotch vs. Vintage Blonde - totally subjective I think. Everybody and his brother has a butterscotch finished Tele, which is probably why I dig the Vintage Blonde.
Nice job using just a little bit of dirt for the overdrive (rather than over-saturating it)-really let the guitars’ tone shine through.
Thanks!
Affinity for the Win! Cheaper thinner lighter satin neck faster and a top loader makes it easy for the bends
And easier for string changes too! Personally, I much prefer the CV's clean sounds, but ... if you're willing to put in new pickups, there you go!
I wish there was a Fender with the same neck as the Affinity.. I love the Affinity neck more than any other neck out there, and I own an Epiphone, Gibson and Fender..
The Affinity neck is so nice, soft and smooth to play..
The only option seems switching all the electronics, pickups and the nut. The nut is just awful..
That would be cool. I understand, though I don't share your love for the Affinity neck. (It's fine, but not my favorite.) I *love* the neck on my Squier 1970s Vintage Modified Strat. But Squier seems not to repeat necks from year to year, and I've not found another like it.
So yeah, get the Affinity and gut the thing or just strip the neck from it (or just buy the neck if you can). Totally worth it to have a neck that works for you!
The Classic Vibe seems to have more bite, but also serms to have a higher output. So definetly a difference in pickups
I have a classic vibe telecaster which I modified by leveling the frets and replacing the bridge with a Wilkinson compensated one that makes intonation spot on. The classic vibe is miles above the Affinity, there’s no comparison. The Affinity necks are awful and fret finishing is terrible.NEVER let anyone convince you that Squire is poor quality. They are excellent!
Hi Rob! I agree with you on everything but the Affinity necks. I think they're terrific necks.
Great review! Thank you, very informative !!
Glad it was helpful!
Both nice guitars! The classic vibe is leaps better than the affinity and is said to be better than the Comparable fender model as well. Thanks for sharing Mark!
Thanks!
I'm feeling a touch of pain here. I went into Guitar Center to buy a Squier Tele because I played one before and liked it. The butterscotch Affinity was at my price point. I rather like the neck, but the sound difference displayed here is huge.
There is, BUT ... sound is easily remedied. IMHO the neck that's right for you on the body of a guitar that feels good means much more. For a $150 - $250 or so you can put the pickups of your choice in and it'll sound like a million bucks!
I actually prefer the sound and feel of a top loader bridge. I had an Affinity for many years that was one of my all time favs. After doing a lot of fret work, new PU, new tuning machines, new Tusc nut. But the guitar had good bones. And I hate gloss necks. Nothing a (new, clean) kitchen green scrubbie pad can't cure, but I hate to do that to a new guitar. I do like slotted head tuning machines.
Hi Donald. I'm with you on the feel, but I can't tell 1% of difference in the sound. (Either myself or in the videos I've watched to compare.) Usually you hear about the "great tone and sustain" from going through the body, but every test I've done shows no difference. But the slinkier feel and easier bends are there because you've got lower string tension and a smaller break angle on the saddles.
The Affinity is a great guitar at its core - great neck. As you did, put in a new nut (bone or TUSC) and better pickups and voila! A great sounding guitar. New tuners aren't necessary, but they make it more enjoyable. The frets on the first Affinity I got were pretty good ... on the 2nd pretty poor, so it must vary quite a bit.
I know what you mean on the CV's neck. I don't mind gloss, but many do. BTW, the CV's bridge can be used as a top loader, so that's an easy option for you if you prefer top-load. That's actually how I have mine strung right now.
I have a tight budget and I can't really afford the Classic Vibe. I've played acoustic for about 3 years and want to upgrade to a Tele. Would the Affinity Tele be a good starting point ?
Yes. You can find them used on Reverb.com too.
Ah - those ceramic pickups are a touch darker than the alnico. You've helped me make up my mind. Thx!
Glad to help!
Not just the sound quality that can make the difference but the build quality and how it feels is the ultimate goal that counts. There's a reason for a price difference when it comes to the Indonesian builds
Absolutely. The sound samples are done because it's what people expect. Put great pickups in any solid body guitar and it'll sound like $1,000,000. But get the balance and feel of the neck right ... that's a different story.
I've had the Classic Vibe 60's Custom Telecaster in sunburst with binding (Chinese era). I got in 2010 and it's been one of my main players since. Super solid guitar.
Absolutely!
Great playing man! The sounds you are using really showcase the instuments accurately. The Classic Vintage Vibe really stands out with punch and clarity!
Great review.
Regards and happy gigging (because obviously you do I would hope)
Cheers😊
Rock on!
I believe the slightly thinner neck and body is great for the small-handed beginner. You also save a little cash. I gave my daughter my affinity for that reason. The ceramic magnets are a bit muddy. I chanced an Amazon buy of an Eart Tele, which is loaded with high-end features, and $269. Roasted maple, steel frets, can't say enough about it. Wouldn't trade for Any fender classic vibe.
Thanks for sharing!
My lefty CV Tele should be here tomorrow by 2pm... Can't wait to compare with my USA/Japanese teles.... I expect good things. Got my player-son the CV Custom Baritone earlier this week....he likes it...great for noodling and inspiration.
Very cool. Enjoy!
Thanks for you video! I was looking to get a Squier Telecaster. I wasn't sure which to n to get. Your video was extremely helpful! Thank you!
Glad I could help!
I like the bridge better on the affinity and the neck on the classic vibe
God Bless! amazing review! thanks very much :)
Thanks so much! Glad you found it helpful.
I love the sound of the classic vibe but I prefer the look of the affinity’s pale neck!
Looks could be deceiving. The guitars are cool. But in the hands of a great virtuoso, you won't know the difference unless if you were told. Thanks to Fender Company for both availabilities. 👍
Thank you for this video. It saved me from almost buying a cheaper guitar when a little further investment clearly gets you real Telecaster, just like you described it.
Glad it helped.