Which Squier Should I Buy- Sonic, Affinity or 40th Anniversary?

Squier Sonic HSS Strat
www.fender.com/en-US/squier-e...
Squier Affinity Tele
www.fender.com/en-US/squier-e...
Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Strat
www.fender.com/en-US/squier-e...

[@jc_nilsson]

My Squier Affinity Stratocaster gave up yesterday (big crack under the bridge). I've had it for 15 years and I haven't been careful with it all the time so I'm really not surprised that it happened. And now I'm thinking about buying a Sonic Mustang after I tested a Mustang Bullet a year ago but also considering buying a Stratocaster Affinity/Sonic again. Many people said it's time for me to buy a "real" guitar like a Fender. But I've borrowed a Fender for a time and I couldn't really feel any difference. Actually hated the feel of the neck for some reason and the pickups were to weak 🤔 But that's just my opinion. I'm sure it's a real difference somewhere but I certainly don't feel it's enough to make me pay that much more for an instrument. This video was very informative, thank you!🙏

[@ernestschultz5065]

I just got a Squier Sonic Stratocaster and I am blown away by the fit and finish and the all-around build quality of these guitars. Haven't had a chance to really play it yet but just by the little I have it sounds pretty damn good for a 200 dollar guitar.

[@ricklodewell6012]

I did, too. Mine is great and stays in tune and sounds good. I love it. I used to own a regular Strat back in the 80s, and frankly, this seems about as good as that one.

[@robphillips8351]

Just got a sonic esquier and couldn't agree more with you.. changed out pickup for a Wilkinson hot wound alnico,the pots and bridge saddles all cost about 60 and the guitar kicks some expensive guitar's to the curb..

[@cdavidlake2]

You are absolutely correct about how comfortable an Affinity is. Played one for the first time today and was stunned at the difference a slightly smaller body made. I might even prefer it to full-size Strats.

[@danserogermusic104]

Thanks man! Nice presentation that will be useful in my pre-buying process!

[@DonaldShaffer-di3xs]

Thank you, very useful information for sure. You went and explained the differences and I appreciate that. We can learn something "new" everyday. Thank you so much. Helped me out for sure.

[@adikirk481]

Thanks for this video. It was exactly what I was looking for to compare Sonic and Affinity for a complete beginner. Very concise.

[@AJgeartalk]

Thank you for watching.

[@unhealow]

just what I was looking for. Thank you for your help

[@alans7793]

Thanks for your meticulous attention to detail regarding neck shapes, weight, etc. like its so hard to find a youtuber that covers this stuff, most of them are so vague and misinforming. but your channel is the next best thing to walking into a store and trying the guitars out myself lol. Keep up the good work!

[@AJgeartalk]

Thanks for the kind words, and watching Alan. Be well my friend!

[@jameswebster8105]

excellent presentation on these guitars. Simple and straight forward on the descriptions. I watch a handful of these videos and get a negative vibe. Others seem to want to talk over your head . to be impressive. Any guitar will need a few adjustments. Thanks again.

[@stoufenatz3728]

Nice review ! Thanks

[@juansalvo2374]

Thanks a lot for your video!

[@lilymae4131]

I ordered the Sonic soon as I seen the color, it reminded me of one I seen decades ago that was a coral color, but is was a Fender and didn't have the money to buy it. I wasn't concerned about the electronics as they can be replaced if I didn't like the sound. I had to wait months for it since it was a preorder, but very happy with it and since I have no intention of gigging the sound is fine for me.

[@AJgeartalk]

I bought it because of the color , as well, Lilymae. Looks great with the maple board.

[@georgemoore7231]

Joe, as he always does, did a really nice job of describing each of these entry level guitars and their differences. He then leaves it to the new player to decide which is the best value for themselves. I would encourage anyone considering these guitars to get the very best one they can even if they have to stretch their budget. So many new players opt for the most economical guitar but often get frustrated or stop playing when they find they have outgrown their cheaper choice.

[@AJgeartalk]

Well said George! Absolutely agree.

[@wingedrhino33]

For about 50$, you can buy Made-in-China Wilkinson Alnico V single coils (in a set of 3). They are about 20$ each if you get singles (there's also ceramic humbuckers, ceramic single coils, and soapbar bass pickups). I upgraded my cheap no-brand Chinese Strat style HSS guitar (that I picked up second hand) with these and it sounds GLORIOUS. The pickups were shrill and hollow sounding initially. Something to think about when buying a cheap guitar!

[@uncledrew2430]

Awesome video you just saved me some money 🙏

[@petezamora3522]

Thank you Great information

[@morganbelk5917]

Fantastic review

[@chessrootslove9916]

With all the overstock issues these are all getting very close in price, the 40th Anniversary model would be my choice - though I really wish that neck was roasted. I could do without all the bling too, but I get it. Those Sonic colors are great and they will be in most stores so you can actually put your hands on it first. I'm sure they have all the other models in these 40thA. versions too if players are looking for offset bodies.

[@stgoa4848]

I don't know about Bullet or affinity bur i own a 40th anniversary and it' great. I really love it, as much as my MIM Stratocaster. And now it's under 300 € in France!

[@joshhenly]

Thanks Joe -- nice overview of the differences between these models. Personally I appreciate the different characteristics between them, and enjoy playing them all. No doubt the fretwork will make the 40th Anniversary model more comfortable to play, and its pickups will sound better to most, and the overall quality of the components is higher. But it's still fun to play the lightweight Sonic/Bullet models, even if the fret ends may be a little rough, and the ceramic pickups uninspiring. As an owner of waaaaay too many budget model strats and teles (Donner, Squier, and others), I decided to splurge a little on the 40th Anniversary Tele when it dropped down to Affinity-level prices (sub $300). When on sale, the street prices of these guitars are all very appealing, and there is no wrong answer -- it just depends on your budget and preferences.

[@AJgeartalk]

Well said Josh. They all fit a "purpose". Be well my friend.

[@eertje01]

Nice vid! I owned classic vibes, affinities and sonics. The neck on the sonic is indeed thicker. My sonic tele is made in China as well. The sonic and affinity are nice modding platforms. The classic vibe is good to go

[@bwyou812]

The coral is a nice color, that were only available on earlier Fender Strat models. Nice to see they added more color options in the new rebranding. To me the Sonics are just what were offered on the original Bullet line having a tremolo system. Now all your lowest end Bullets are hard tails.

[@bluwng]

The Coral one has a tremolo.

[@bwyou812]

I said lowest end bullets are now hardtails. The coral is a sonic.

[@joepetrosky3411]

Excellent opinion

[@Dimar.Siregar]

The 2023 Affinity has the Indonesia made version I believe, when I checked on an online local store in Indonesia.

[@kennyg63]

On the limited edition Tele bullets at GC they were designed with string through bridges. Those are still available for less money than the Sonic.

[@worthmoremusic]

Missed within the affordable Squier line are the "Contemporary" & "Paranormal" models. By the way, all Classic Vibes have a tinted glossy neck, except the lake placid blue 50s strat, which has a maple neck in clear glossy not yellowish. the Vintage modified strats and teles also have a glossy neck, but they are not tinted, all maple for the teles, rosewood for the strats.

[@TooPunkToBeAPodcast]

On the affinity strat it is a two point bridge for the trem which ive seen people say they like a lot

[@thebenefactor6744]

The one I plinked on yesterday (SSS hardtail) actuaally impressed me with the pup tone. I know they're cheap and ceramic, but they had their own nice thing going on. Assuming I can find a left handed hardtail bridge, does anyone know if there's enough wood underneath to facilitate the removal of the trem bridge for the mounting of a hardtail one?

[@mfcanal88]

Are the shield holes compatible with other shields? I want to change the pickguard and pickups on this guitar, but I'm not sure if they will be compatible. I'm going to add a Fleor kit from Aliexpress.

[@sjbrockhurst65]

Take a normal diameter Whammy Bar and see if it actually fits in the Bridge of any one these; that's the 1st thing I do when looking at "Strat-almost-ers". The Cheap ones have crap Bridge gear, and / or are gutted at the Store level before being hung on a wall for Sale. Actually going out today to buy a replacement Bridge for a $339 / 4 cm thick / Squier Affinity. The really good ones are actually 4.4 cm thick.

[@vernhanna4399]

That 40th anniversary guitar is beautiful

[@DrFeelgood1127]

I got the bullet for my first guitar. I think the only difference between it and the sonic is its SSS and has a HT. I figured i wont be using a tremelo for a long time. I love it.

[@Barbarapape]

The 40th anniversary would be my choice, the other two will be available at low prices if you wait for them on a deal. The 40th's are probably based on the Classic Vibes and should be better guitars than the Sonic or the Affinity. The only Affinity i bought went back the same day.

[@dabiededoo]

from this.. i would love the 40th or 70th ads. but i think i gofor the fazley sherif outlaw

[@musingsofrock]

Do you think the bullet vs sonic is a good comparison? I got the bullet for $150 I think because the sonic replaced the bullet? Does a bullet weight less than the sonic? The weight is a big concern for me. I bought the affinity and it was heavy and bulky.. the bullet was slimmer and light weight for me. Now I'm considering the sonic or maybe just stay with the bullet.. lol

[@nilaymehta4705]

Squier affinity FMT or sonic? Which one is better choice?

[@MBSGAMES_]

So youre saying if i dont care about the string trough and the belly cut. I might as well just get the sonic tele vs the affinity ?

[@AJgeartalk]

I personally like Affinity tele (neck, belly carve etc.) This video was comparing the various Squier lines in general - not specific guitars.

[@thebluesrockers]

I ordered my Sonic on the 5th of Aug. Here it is the 15th and my guitar finally came today, all the way from AZ. I live in Indiana. So I'm going to have to wait until tomorrow or Friday to open the box. The humidity in Glendale AZ is like 19%. The Humidity here is around 90% today. So I need to let the guitar slowly adjust, to the huge change humidity. They call it decompression time. But waiting to open that box is killing me, Joe." hahaha..

[@AJgeartalk]

Hope you get a good one brother! Enjoy. Anticipation 🎵🎶

[@thisisvideo9075]

Fret string action ?

[@RebeccaHindle]

I have many guitars But I'm after a sonic H found one for £149 and free delivery and free professional setup

[@mistgaming7136]

I could get a possible deal that includes either fender squier sonic or fender squier affinity either with an amp but there’s a £70 difference between the sonic and the affinity, I just wanted to know if it’s worth the extra money?

[@AJgeartalk]

The Affinity is slightly better made and has better pickups.

[@mistgaming7136]

@@AJgeartalk thank you so much

[@michaelbond6186]

I'd go with an Affinity. The body is larger and probably easier to modify. My Affinity Tele is really tight. The Sonic Strat HT needed some setup, but it has more tone variations. The guitar strings on my Sonic were getting changed in the coming weeks. The Sonics seemed more difficult to mod.

[@carpathus]

Sonic over the others for it's light weight and interesting color.

[@AJgeartalk]

I'm really liking mine! Thanks for watching.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

His weights are way off. It doesn’t weigh anywhere near 8 lbs lol. Then he said the 40th weight 2 or 3 lbs more. Not even close to accurate. How ya gonna do a video by guessing what you think is right?

[@nellayema2455]

Does the Sonic have a thinner body like the Bullet's did?

[@AJgeartalk]

Yes.

[@kjl291]

Yes

[@Guitars-N-Guns]

I have a 2018 Affinity Telecaster same color as yours, only made in Indonesia and top load instead of string through...love it. I also have a 2023 Sonic Esquire H (also Arctic White) made in Indonesia (I believe 'so far' the entire Sonic series is Indonesia)...love that one too, although I put a MUCH hotter Wilkinson Humbucker in it and a coil split switch---but stock was perfectly fine too. I can't speak for the 40th. Anniversary because I've never had my hands (or ears) on one; but the Affinity, Sonic, my Bullet Strat, my Mexican Strats and Tele, my American Strat, my Korean Harmony Strat copy all sound and play just fine. I think it boils down to two things 1). How much you wanna spend, and 2). If you know how to do a good setup or know someone that can. I have ALWAYS been able to make a guitar at ANY price point play and sound great.

[@bluwng]

Pickups are just metal and wire there is no such thing as a cheap magnet that is all marketing and brain washing techniques.

[@SimonArmiger]

It’s definitely very subtle and most people wouldn’t hear any difference. There are clearly huge differences between pickups and pickup design - number of winds, strength of magnet and overall inductance and resonant peak of the pickup - which can be influenced by the magnet, but you can probably tweak with bleed capacitors and resistors and height of pickup to achieve similar sound. But yes - there’s a huge amount of snake oil marketing in electric guitar spec - woods, tremolo block material, pickups, pots etc.

[@frag4007]

But the pickups and their placement are the one thing that affects tone.

[@onefatstratcat]

Debut and mod it the way you like :)

[@Masterbro1972]

Answer: Classic Vibe !!!

[@valueofnothing2487]

It might be better to get the cheapest guitar - if it plays well - and then mod it over time. I usually replace the pickups in any guitar, as well as the saddles, after a time.

[@Earthshaker1965]

Get the Telecaster.❤

[@ricardofigueiras6453]

Harley Benton st62

[@Giovanni_Amaro]

Affinity is better?

[@AJgeartalk]

40th Anniversary is the best of this bunch. Also the most expensive.

[@koffiefilter]

Basically you get what you pay for

[@TheCleaner6969]

Totally agree the wood myth & so many other myths need to stop. I could give anyone a $6K guitar to a $200.00 guitar with the same setup & no one will tell the difference without seeing them. People hear with their eyes. You're paying more for the time spent in finish.

[@TheCleaner6969]

I bet all have the import switch instead of the blade & even if the 40th Anniversary has the blade it won't have the spring blade.

[@Dreamdancer11]

I see all these types of guitars as the same....very nice affordable strats that just have crappy zinc parts....its stupid to even attempt to decifer which zinc parts of which model are better than others....they are all the same quality...so where does that leave you?Just find the cheapest one and buy it.....dont even bother with the newer models..there are countless bullets or affinities that you can get half price or less so you can easily find one of these under 100 bucks....now do what you would have done even with the newer models....throw away the cheap zinc parts(crappy tuners,crappy bridge block,crappy soft plastic nut etc etc etc) and replace them with quality ones...the pickups can stay and instead of replacing them(which is a good move anyway) you can just lower them more to compensate for the more power the ceramics have.....you really dont need to do more than that....

[@theblytonian3906]

None of the above. All made in either Indonesia or China, and far too expensive for what they are outside the USA because marketing, distribution, region blocking and pricing is conducted by Fender Corp. Far better available for less from brands like Cort, Yamaha, SX, Harley Benton, Ibanez, and even PRS SE (made for them by Cort) also made in Indonesia and China for less. With Squier segmentation from Fender, paying for a buying a second rate decal, not even Fender's prestigious one. Squier have lifted their game of late, but that said of 19 guitars I own and play, just a single 'too good to refuse' opportunity buy is a Chinese manufactured Squier.

[@larryburwell8550]

ill take the anniversary one. i dont like teles and the sonic in that color is a no.