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Squier by Fender Affinity Series PJ Bass, Laurel Fingerboard, 3-Color Sunburst, Rumble 15 Amp

TLDR Review: Squier Affinity Series PJ Bass

Item: Squier Affinity Series PJ Bass
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: December 20th, 2024

Pros

•Excellent starter instrument perfect for beginners or those returning to bass playing.
•Offers versatile sound options thanks to dual pickups with individual volume controls.
•Capable of producing a wide range of tones, from booming bass to overdriven distortion.
•Impressive Fender pickups, particularly the thunderous split coil pickup.
•Attractive and classic appearance with a smooth, comfortable neck.
•Suitable for both practice and gigs, especially as a reliable backup instrument.
•Comes as a complete starter kit with an amp, cords, and a strap.
•Affordable and allows for customization without worry.
•Rosewood fingerboard and quality strings add to the instrument's appeal.
•Includes highly praised Fender Play lessons for quick learning progress.

Cons

•Setup may require minor adjustments such as fret work and pickup/bridge height tweaks.
•Strap and cable provided are of poor quality and need replacement.
•Amp is underwhelming with distortion issues at higher volumes.
•Gig bag offers minimal protection with insufficient padding.
•Some quality control issues like fret sprout and sharp fret ends.
•Neck might feel wide for those who prefer a jazz neck.
•Back of the neck can have a rough, unfinished feel.
•Potential tuning peg and screw tightening issues.

Bottom Line

The Squier by Fender Affinity Series PJ Bass is a fantastic entry-level bass guitar for beginners or those looking to get back into playing. It offers great versatility in sound, a classic appearance, and comes with a complete starter pack, making it convenient and cost-effective. While some minor setup and quality issues may arise, these are common in budget instruments and can often be addressed with upgrades or professional adjustments. Overall, it's a solid choice for those not yet ready to invest in a higher-end bass but who still want a reliable and stylish instrument.

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$379.99 at Amazon