Squier Affinity Vs Standard: Which Is Better? [2023 Guide]

If you’re curious about Squier Affinity vs Standard guitars, check out this post!

I’m no expert on Squier guitars, but I have played the guitar since 2003 and know a bit about the instrument.

So let’s get to it!

Squier Guitars

Some decades ago, you had to put aside a lofty sum to get a good Stratocaster or a Telecaster. But we’re fortunate enough to live in times when you can get a cheap but great Strat.

Over the years, we got some pretty awesome yet affordable Strats and Teles by Squier. Since they’re Fender’s subsidiary, they collaborate closely with the company. They also have plenty of different series. And some of them get pretty close to genuine Fenders.

Of course, there are some variations to these guitars. But they all come with classic visual features, hardware, and even materials. Sure, the wood quality is not the same as with Fenders.

However, you still have the classic headstock, contoured body, and sometimes even a maple fretboard.

Squier Affinity Vs Standard

From all of their instruments, the Affinity and Standard series really stand out. They’re not the low-end cheapest ones, but they’re still of decent quality. And at the same time, they’re still pretty affordable.

So how do these two series compare? And which one is better? I’ll try to answer these questions in the following sections.

Squier Affinity

Affinity is one of Squier’s longest-lasting series of guitars and basses. Sure, some of their features have changed over the years. But you can easily identify most of their Strats.

Affinity Strats have 70’s-style headstocks. They’re noticeably larger compared to classic ones. It’s a unique visual characteristic that can make them stand out.

These days, the Affinity series has a total of 16 guitar and bass models. There are Strats, Teles, Jazzmasters, and even a Starcaster variant. Two new models stand out, Stratocaster FMT HSS and a Telecaster Deluxe. I would call them flagship models of the series.

FMT for the Strat stands for flamed maple top. These guitars have poplar bodies with a flamed maple top. This makes them a real rarity. It’s even hard to find a Fender with such a trait. Along with a maple fretboard and an HSS pickup configuration, you’re in for a treat.

The Deluxe Telecaster has two humbuckers and four knobs. There’s an Indian laurel fingerboard and a fixed bridge. The guitar sounds great and has some cool finishes.

But their regular models are also neat. For their price, you really can’t go wrong.

Also, 6 of the aforementioned 16 models are bass guitars. They have Jazz, Jaguar, Precision, and Bronco variants. There’s also a 5-string Jazz bass that’s pretty cheap for its specs.

Squier Standard

Squier’s Standard series is a discontinued one. But it had a solid run from 2001 until 2019.

Of course, just like the Affinity series, it has changed a lot over the years. These days, some of the older models fetch a decent price on the used instrument market. And rightfully so. The early to mid-2000s Strats are great.

To my knowledge, about a couple of dozen models were released over the years. And some were innovative. This is especially true for some of the finishes. The series also had its Strats with flamed and quilted maple tops.

Standards were also diverse. Later releases might not have been good as the older ones. But you can’t expect Squier to sell near-Fender quality stuff at lower prices for that long.

Below, you can check out a brief clip of a Sunburst Squier Strat Standard. You will notice the crispiness in the tone. If it weren’t for that logo, I’d think that this was a high-end Fender ’60s-inspired model.

Squier Affinity Vs Standard: Which Series Is Better?

Now, the biggest issue here is that the Squier Standard series is discontinued. This means that you’ll only be able to find a used one. While the guitar is certainly awesome, this gives it a huge disadvantage in this comparison.

But then we have the Squier Affinity series. These days, they have a wide variety of models. Not to mention different pickup and hardware configurations.

You can even find some awesome Starcasters. These are semi-hollow-body guitars with two humbuckers and a unique double-cutaway design.

But in practical terms, both of these are great. And both of these series are one class higher than Squier Bullet guitars.

What’s also awesome about Affinity and Standard guitars is that they have options with maple fingerboards. This is one of the highlights, making these guitars and basses closer to classic Fenders.

It gets kind of hard to compare electronics here. Both Affinity and Standard series changed their features and quality. And both offered a lot of variety in terms of pickup configurations.

However, if you do manage to find some of the unique Standard Strats, you’re in for a treat. Some of the best ones were manufactured back in the mid-2000s. Honestly, I’ve never tried a Strat that was so close to actual Fenders.

But that’s only if you happen to stumble upon one. These old Squier Standards are somewhat obscure. Meanwhile, Affinity models are all over the place.

So they’re a much more realistic option. There are some great Standards. But unless it’s a very specific model, it’s just too much of a hassle.

Besides, most Affinity guitars and basses are more than a great choice. They’re officially labeled as beginner guitars. But honestly, they’re more than just that. Check out some of the Affinity guitars in action below.

Squier Affinity Vs Standard: Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you think through the Squier Affinity vs Standard models and which might be best for you.

And as usual, please let me know in the comments if you have questions about this or another guitar topic!

And if you want to read more about Squier guitars, check out my Starcaster vs Squier article!