Squier Affinity Jazzmaster HH - Is it a good value??

I give my review and opinion on my new Squire Affinity Jazzmaster HH. I play through the various configurations of the dual humbuckers and do my best to showcase its ability to create various awesome tones! Great guitar at a fantastic price!
Tech Specs
Body Type: Solidbody
Body Shape: Jagmaster
Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
Number of Strings: 6
Body Material: Alder
Body Finish: Gloss
Color: Arctic White
Neck Material: 1-piece Maple
Neck Shape: "C" profile
Radius: 12"
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
Number of Frets: 22, Medium
Scale Length: 25.5"
Nut Width: 1.650"
Nut Material: Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece: 6-saddle fixed bridge
Tuners: Die-cast sealed tuners
Neck Pickup: Fender Standard Humbucker
Bridge Pickup: Fender Standard Humbucker
Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone, 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings: 9-42

[@ivinmckinney5191]

Dont let the sound of his amp with this thing turn you off to it. I just received this guitar, plugged it into my orange and omg its a beast. Really is super good for what you are paying. I got it for the exact same reason he did, im a jim root fanboy and this definitely hits the vibe. Great guitar for metal.

[@Skwisgaarz666]

I just ordered one of these for the same reason. I can’t afford a JIm Root Jazzmaster. I’m going to put some Seymour Duncan Nazgûl’s in it and some locking tuners.

[@paulchun966]

I just got one myself from Reverb. I guess I'm just lucky, the set up was good from right out of the factory. The craftsmanship on my Jazzmaster is spot on. The frets were done like a pro. My jazzmaster was one of the best in terms of quality, as I have a few other Squires that needed a little help.I hope the quality control doesn't change from this factory. Like I found out the guitar attention to detail was excellent.

[@ghostwriter1440]

A friend of mine picked one of these up earlier today and he is loving it. i kind of want one as well being a Jim Root fan. Good review by the way

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Joshua Runs-With-Wolves totally got it because it reminded me of the Jim Root Jazzmaster!

[@alvinortiz275]

I just want to say that sg in the back is 🔥🔥🔥🔥👌

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Alvin Ortiz check out my video on that guitar if you haven’t already!

[@bobsteele3593]

sounds like bees having a sword fight in a glass jar lol

[@ianuppstrom1106]

Have had mine for about two years. Replaced the bridge pickup with a SD JB. Totally agree with the neck. Hands down, THE best money Ive ever spent on a guitar. It's my band guitar. Love this thing.

[@ianuppstrom1106]

OH, and it stays in tune forever.

[@nicekantolstoi]

I don`t want to sound mean but the demo sounds awful. I mean, the audio quality for the rest of the video is good but the demo sucks. Otherwise, great job on the review.

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

nicekantolstoi I won’t disagree with you on that. I’m still new to this and trying to figure out what works best for recording. When I listened back in the editing process I️t was decent, but something weird happened between saving the final cut to a file and uploading to KZbin. Thanks for he honesty though! I’ll try to fix the sound on the next upload!

[@jumpboy29]

The sound on your epi sg review isn't bad. Personally I would fix the sound on this, or better yet, do a demo comparing the two guitars, because the Squier affinity jazzmasters are good. Even made from alder, not basswood like most squiers. I prefer the black ones though. Mine plays really nice, much more comfortable at bending strings than the Squier J mascis, but I do wish it had a tremolo. I wonder if the lack of trem effects playability...

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

taggle waggle totally going to redo the audio demo soon. The way it came out here is terrible.

[@MarceloAnez]

it appears that you had the mono sound of the guitar coming out of 2 tracks (L&R) but one channel was out of phase. Change the phase on one of the channels, or simply erase one of them, and the phase cancellation should disappear.

[@michapolniak8638]

Ol' Surly its because youtube compress quality that much, you must wiggle with file formats and check whats get less compressed by yt standards

[@timmahn4950]

I've got one of these and I totally agree with your assessment. The first time I played it I had to do a double take on where it was made. I must say though, what happened to the audio in your demo portion? It's almost inaudible.

[@mjonheroin]

such a good review thanks alot! Exactly what I needed to know in order to finalize my decision.

[@kyrraf1802]

It's a great review (with a little bit shitty sound) but really detailed and to the point. Keep up the good work!

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

a little bit????

[@Infinite_AM]

I've owned strats mostly, but now I only have a Jazzmaster ('65 Reissue w antiquity P90s), it sounds amazing, plays great, and the asymmetry is perfectly ergonomic. There are a few things I wish they'd do differently, always have to modify a Jazzmaster somewhat, but great guitars. I don't know why this guitar qualifies as a Jazzmaster exactly, but id like to get one just to switch out the pickups and play around w it.

[@larsdahl6594]

Interesting sound. Gives new meaning to lo-fi. Did you listen to it before uploading it?

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

I never listen before I upload anything. Besides, it sounds great to me. I have no idea what you’re talking about. 😜

[@ronstanmonk9027]

very informative review man! thanks heaps

[@Skwisgaarz666]

I just scored one of these off Reverb for a decent price. Debating on Seymour Duncan black winters or Nazgûl’s. Also getting some locking tuners.

[@noodoo19]

Hi. What does the "HH" stand for in the AffinityJazzmaster name? I've also noticed that some models have "IL" in the name. Can you help me with that one as well? Can't seem to find an answer online. Nice review/demo, BTW. Thanks.

[@gahusk6091]

HH is the pickup layout. it has 2 humbuckers. a strat would be SSS because it has 3 single coils

[@noodoo19]

@@gahusk6091 Thanks very much! I was under the impression that Jazzmasters (unless customized) came standard with single-coil soapbar pickups, but upon re-watching the video, I clearly have ADD. Any idea what the "IL" in some models stands for? Thanks again!

[@vegetablestock7471]

Just ordered mine on sale for 197€ Really hyped

[@timothyjames4149]

I own, and love this guitar! You must have the worst amp in the world to make it sound that bad!

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Timothy James nope. Just a shitty upload. The sound was fine when I watched and listened back on the computer

[@thecrankedamps]

Very helpful review, thanks.

[@michaeleastham3868]

Price wise definitely one of the best value guitars around, had mine for a few months and love it.Side note... the trem on a jazzmaster/jaguar is one of Leo's greatest achievements.

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Michael Eastham considering Leo Fender didn’t even play guitar, I would say he was a genius. I don’t doubt the trem system is great and works like a charm, but personally, I just think its design really took away from the overall look of the Jazzmaster shape. Thanks for watching!!

[@nicekantolstoi]

+Ol' Surly I prefer the jazzmaster without the trem too. It looks more modern without it

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

nicekantolstoi agreed!

[@xXEmbracetheMetalXx]

Great video, man. Thanks for the information!

[@BRNFRMJCKL]

Did you record this with a toaster?

[@angelcastellanosmartinez2412]

😂

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Yeah. How’d you guess?

[@mr.dav1d484]

ahahahhaha that made me lough so hard

[@vonicrimson3619]

I usually record my videos on my microwave and my audio on my Samsung smart fridge

[@ironmaidenfan66670]

Ive owned that exact one since they first came out-the black on white has always been a color combo i like,and yes the hard tail bridge is a major factor in how badass this thing really is,you don't have the struggles of the floating trem system of a regular jazzmaster. the only real upgrade I did to mine was swap out the stock bridge pup with a DiMarzio EVO II,as the stock one sounded to thin/trebbly..but now it sounds awesome,and can really zero in on Nirvana-esque tones.Now,I did buy this back when it first came out,so maybe i did get the best of the bunch,but my neck had no sharp edges and the tuners hold tune really well. The selector switch IS cheap though,and I suggest swapping it with a better quality one,but other than that,I LOVE this guitar,and recommend to anyone looking for a jazzmaster style guitar they want to build off of or modify,or use as a beater

[@jaged2048]

do you guys have the same problems with the jack input?

[@benasslick67]

I bought one of those Jazzmasters and I agree with the toggle switch it feels stiff and cheap but my frets were amazing and rounded off no sharp frets or sprouts. I got mine new on eBay for $179 usd 😎

[@kevmendoza308]

I'm about to buy a new guitar and for the price I'm between this jazzmaster or the les paul studio lt I'm intermediate can you recommend me one

[@cauemorellato1744]

I was between this one and a tele. Happened to get a nice deal for this one. I'd go for the jazzmaster

[@jamesr_whiterock_ocmd_3629]

My plan is to get this put jim roots emgs in her and paint the pickguard white and put black hipshot bridge fender locking tuners new 3 way switch and input jack and go with it I can't wait!!!

[@Skwisgaarz666]

Did you end up doing any of this? I’m thinking of doing the same.

[@GrungeIsN0tDead]

Idk but I just want my jazzmaster with a tremolo, u know just the classic jazzmaster

[@AstralBayo]

Fun fact. I'm looking to purchase this Jazzmaster. And I have an other guitar... The exact same Epiphone SG Negative Series.

[@ABC-cw7zv]

My frets were smooth. My imput jack is great nothing wrong with it. The switch doesn't feel cheap to me at all.

[@thewazzaboo9095]

please for the love of god use an audio interface for recording, or a mic to the amp.

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

booiskiboy I used a mic for the amp. Problem during upload.

[@shellydrew100]

i'm tempted to buy one of these to modify :)

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Drew Shelly fuckin do it already.

[@ck2music712]

First off; Great job on the actual review, really helpful and honest... But I think you would've been better off just using whatever mic you used for the dialog, in the room with the cab... Don't take that the wrong way, hoss... Like I said, I think the actual review was awesome! You seem to be very well informed, and have a great "Everyman" type style, and I look forward to your future reviews, but I just think some technical issues held the playing demo back... I don't know if maybe you had a mic out of phase (which is what I suspect, in my totally amaetuer opinion), or it was just a level/mic/interface problem, but I would strongly suggest taking the time to go back and simply re-do JUST the playing part... It really doesn't do justice to the rest of this excellent review, and anything worth doing is worth doing right, and I would love to see you be successful in becoming a respected reviewer/critic... The world could use more people with your independent thinking/easy "Everyman" style... Cheers, best of luck, and hang in there, bud!

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

ParaNatural Podcast agreed

[@79lpcustom]

what's goin on w your guitar sound man?

[@MichaelBrown-ys6tj]

Thicker strings do not improve tone. Check out the Rick Beato video on strings and see for yourself.Many of the best players ever played 8s.

[@gahusk6091]

tony iommi

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

left and right channels are out of phase. wouldn't be so bad but they are then mixed together causing almost total cancellation of the guitar. Looks like you are going into your PC direct maybe off the back of your amp. Try just micing the amp, or just use the same mic you''re speaking into. Don't try to over think this.

[@plattenecho]

This or epiphone sg?

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

PlattenEcho Epi for sure!!

[@ArtzNK]

marshall amp or mosquito farm?

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Artz NK I swapped out the Celestion speakers for generic ones with cones made of wax paper. Love the sound don’t you? Lol

[@shellydrew100]

In the uk £166...thanks for sharing :)

[@A9_Chord]

Hey im new to guitar, can i chance the brigde from that guitar to normal tremolo system like "normal" jazzmaster

[@thorpenator9148]

No...sorry

[@grvty3145]

Does it come with a guitar cable ?

[@TimO-wt9sz]

Thats what that was ease back in the presence and treble that was ear pearcing to hear brutal although cool pos guitar eh mod central

[@jorgearcecofre8024]

How much it weights?

[@ricardodiaz4381]

Also they are all Fender Original manufacture parts www.stratophereparts.com

[@tonivasconcelos8522]

Hi, Weight weise, does it feel to light? Regards

[@benasslick67]

No it has a solid weight.

[@klinkster19]

Bro.... you gotta see what I did what mine. You have social media anywhere? I modded all of it. Worth looking at

[@ironmaidenfan66670]

Mauricio Jara id like to see it-i'm trying to get all the hardware on mine to be blacked out,and havig trouble looking for a pre drilled black stop tail :s

[@carlosaguilar9091]

Mauricio Jara hey man, I'm looking for examples of modded Jazzmaster affinity guitars. Could I take a look at yours and your mods?

[@cliffordsolomon3884]

.an that's real bright can hurt Your ears listening to long to it need to set Your mic. Ampyour video seems good other than a that real bright high frequiencys it's sharp sounding .

[@stephblankenaar1245]

thanks for the review. Why do we ax lovers have to put up with manufacturing short comings? you don buy a car with faults and say öh Iĺl just put in new brakes to make it better"what the hellś wrong with manufacturing? sure you tweak here and there for personal reasons but to rip out pots, pups and the like or to have to file frets????????????

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Steph Blankenaar because it’s not cost effective for them to produce a $200 guitar with all top quality components. They are in business to make profits after all ;)

[@fightsforrights]

Just asking is it possible to add trem?

[@kosmopauc8391]

It is, i actually did it on this exact guitar model. Gotta say its not easy but possible.

[@PakkiNakki]

@@kosmopauc8391 how?

[@kosmopauc8391]

@@PakkiNakki basically you have to fill the string through holes, drill holes for the bridge posts, hammet in the bridge studs, and route the cavity for the jazzmaster tremolo, I sort of messed up, because you havr to be really precise about trilling the holes for the bridge bosts, if the hole is not drilled perfectly straight, then the whole guitar becomes practically useless.

[@PakkiNakki]

@@kosmopauc8391 damn ok. ty for replying

[@javiermoreno3872]

that amp is a potato hahhaha

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

javier moreno the amp is great! It’s KZbin’s shitty upload processing that screwed me!

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

@@NorthernOpsGuy doubtful.

[@stephenmosack4496]

You lost me..... too much idle prattle

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Glad you enjoyed the review! Thanks for taking the time to leave a positive comment! 👍

[@madsplattalot8712]

That sounds like a busted speaker like crap

[@gregkocis]

??? What's up with the sound?

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Greg Kocis something happened between editing and upload. I can’t fix it but I’m going to record a separate sound video very soon.

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

Greg Kocis it sucks because something fucked up during upload. That’s what’s up.

[@siegfriedergenzinger656]

Great guitar, Not really a jazzmaster, gut great for the Money....have the black one...

[@rutiger6901]

I like your review of the Jazzmaster. I guess that really, it's just another stratocaster on an offset shaped chunka scrap wood. But I'm ordering one tomorrow anyway. By the way, it's easy to tell that the guitar audio was not a true reproduction of what your amplifier was "saying". It still sounds 110% nicer than the chainsaw POOKRAP rendition of "while my guitar violently pukes" that most guys are insulting us with. Fact is, I already know exactly what your guitar sounds like anyway. Because there's a million guitar reviews on Tube and Every one of them sounds identical! The difference between the expensive Ripoff guitars and the Monoprice or Affinity sensible units is nothing. Zero. Your video is unique across the whole world of internet because it is stand alone different. So don't change anything. Let them puke and mewl over the audio, you're getting the numbers, right?!

[@79lpcustom]

WTF with the guitar sound? Watch your vid....you need to mic that guitar or fix the levels in your computer

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

79lpcustom it sounds great in the computer. It was during upload. I didn’t fix it because I didn’t expect 20 views let alone 20,000+

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

@@NorthernOpsGuy it sounds ok in the computer because the out of phase audio is separated with your left and right speakers. Push them side by side and see if the audio level drops off substantially.

[@GreenLeaf5656]

this guitar looks pretty much identical to a jagmaster

[@gentleman1s319]

Jagmaster? Do you mean a jaguar?

[@JoshBattershell]

Gentleman Covers no, a Jagmaster

[@andrewkoastephens210]

The jagmaster has a Floyd Rose trem. This one has a fixed bridge, thru body strings. ...and I just noticed your post was 2 years ago.

[@MattIlDruido]

didn't uploaded anymore? so bad!

[@dusdincorleone]

Is this like the affinity mustang ? I have the mustang and it is legit trash. It doesn’t stay in tune you can’t play regulars chords on it because it sounds like shit and it feels like a toy. Seems like it’s only a quarter pound in weight. Feels like a toy.

[@albertgein3082]

It supposedly weighs alot more.. Hopefully it's not trash mine is Coming on Tuesday

[@FxOviCorua]

wtf

[@jamesdomus]

A LOT of fret buzz.

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

James Butler it actually doesn’t, the sounds just came out fucked for some reason. Can’t believe this video has hit over 20,000 views! Lol

[@Mistergorehound]

Damn dude, turn up the bass and treble on that amp, for fuck sake.

[@slinkycrown8757]

Demo sounds very very bad.

[@NorthernOpsGuy]

slinky crown hmm. I hadn’t noticed.

[@rudth5497]

sescucha delano

[@Daniel71molgrand]

xD

[@jorgejunior2898]

joke!??? Sound terrible

[@justinTime077]

Christ, what the fuck is that sound?

[@registosecoisas448]

Man i am sorry to tell you this but you have an horrible guitar sound!! The video was great but the the equalization of your amplifier is horrible man. I have seen other reviews of this guitar and the guitar really sounds good. Your not setting your amplifier straight.