Fender intros new Squier Affinity Telecaster Deluxe, Stratocaster HH and Jaguar Bass models

08 Jul 2021 by Jef |

5,0 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 3 Minutes

Squier Affinity Series 2021 · Source: Fender

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It looks like Fender is looking to shore up its position at the budget end of the market. After last week’s news of Fender dealers across Europe showing a new Squier Affinity Jazzmaster model, Fender has expanded the series further with new Stratocaster, Telecaster and bass models – including a Jaguar.

Squier Affinity

Following on from the new Jazzmaster models we covered last week, UK and European Fender dealers are currently listing more new models for the Squier Affinity Series, including HH Stratocasters, HH Telecasters and Jaguar Bass models. All the old favourites, such as the Stratocaster, Telecaster, P Bass and Jazz Bass models, are still there, too.

The new lineup consists of slim, poplar-bodied instruments with C-shape maple necks, and either 9.5″ radius maple or Indian Laurel fretboards (where once you would have seen rosewood). The pickups and hardware throughout are Squier-branded on all models.

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Black Burst · Source: Fender

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Sienna Brown · Source: Fender

New Finishes

What’s good to see is the range of new colours on offer. You now have the choice of Lake Placid Blue, Charcoal Frost Metallic and Burgundy Mist finishes. This is a huge update on previous Affinity models, which were often just solid black or white, so it’s great to see some classic ’60s Fender custom colours creep into this budget range. If you look around, you will also spot a few flamed maple tops amongst the Stratocaster and Telecaster models. The standard black, white and three tone sunburst models are still there, but finally they’ve added all these nice colour combinations. I think was a good move on Fender/Squier’s part, as players like to have some colour choices, even with budget instruments.

Squier Affinity Jazz Bass Burgundy Mist · Source: Fender

Squier Affinity P Bass Lake Placid Blue · Source: Fender

Below are three brand new models that have been added to the series for 2021. Each one offers a lot of bang for the buck, plus you have some great colour options on all three.

Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe

With Burgundy Mist, Black or Charcoal Frost Metallic finishes, the new Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe is a real looker. You get the same specs mentioned above, plus a pair of humbuckers. These are wired via twin Volume and Tone controls, and a three-way switch. This sweet ’70s-style Tele should be able to deliver plenty of useable tones.

RRP – GBP 269

Source: Fender

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HH

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HH comes in either Olympic White, Charcoal Frost Metallic and Burgundy Mist, each with a black pickguard. It’s a good-looking model and I can see this twin humbucker Strat being popular with a lot of players. It has a single volume and tone control, plus a three-way switch. You also have a standard 2-point trem system as well.

RRP – GBP 239

Source: Fender

Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass H

This humbucker-equipped bass has a 32″ scale length and should be perfect for anyone wanting something a little different to the usual P Bass and Jazz Bass models we all know and love. You can get the new Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass H model in Lake Placid Blue, Charcoal Frost Metallic or Black finishes. The single humbucking pickup is controlled by a master volume and tone control.

RRP – GBP 219

Source: Fender

Refreshed Range for summer

Overall, I would say that this new refreshed colour palette for the Squier Affinity Series models will do nothing but boost sales. The new finishes look great and the introduction of new models is also more than welcome. It’s nice to see the old favourites get new colour choices as well.