Squier Affinity vs Bullet Electric Guitars: The Differences

If you’re looking for an entry-level electric guitar then the Squier range is a great place to look. Many new players struggle to make the choice between the Affinity and Bullet series, so in this article I’ll highlight all the similarities and differences so you can decide if the Affinity model is worth the extra money.

I’ll start with an overview and then move onto specific comparisons between the Squier Strat and Tele models.

Squier Affinity vs Bullet Series

There have been many iterations of Squier guitars over the decades, but in this article we will just look at the models available in 2022.

Squier Affinity guitars generally cost between $30-$50 more than Squier Bullet guitars. The Squier Affinity models have a thicker body so weight slightly more and have upgraded bridges, tuning machines and pickups. The Affinity series also offers more color options and has some left-handed guitars.

• Squier Bullet guitars typically cost between $200-$220 in the USA and £120-£140 in the UK.
• Squier Affinity guitars typically cost between $230-$290 in the USA and £200-220 in the UK.

Here is a table showing the different models available in each Squier series. The table includes model variants which have different pickup configurations (single coil or humbucker). RH = right-handed version available, LH = left-handed version available.

Model	Squier Bullet	Squier Affinity
Stratocaster (SSS)	RH	RH
Stratocaster (HSS)	RH	RH
Stratocaster (HH)	None	RH
Telecaster (SS)	RH	LH/ RH
Telecaster (HH)	RH	RH
Mustang	RH	None
Jazzmaster	None	RH

Now let’s take a look at the Strat and Tele models individually to highlight all the differences and similarities between the two Squier variants.

Squier has recently replaced the Bullet series with the new Sonic series. Check out my comparison between Squier Affinity and Sonic electric guitars.

Stratocaster Models

The Squier Bullet Stratocaster is available in HSS and SSS pickup configurations, the Affinity Stratocaster is also available in a HH configuration. The Affinity Strat has a 2-point tremolo bridge whereas the Bullet Strat comes with either a hardtail or 6-saddle tremolo bridge. Neither models have a left-handed version available.

In terms of feel, the Affinity model is slightly heavier which makes it feel more like a premium model due to its thicker body. You’ll get a fairly slim C-shape neck on both models which feels comfortable for most players.

Check out this YouTube video to hear both guitars played back-to-back. The Affinity is the green guitar and the Bullet is the purple guitar.

Here is a table to show the differences between the two Squier Stratocaster models.

Feature	Squier Bullet Strat	Squier Affinity Strat
Fretboard Wood	Laurel	Laurel/ Maple
Inlays	Pearloid Dot	Pearloid Dot/ Black Dot
Pickup Configuration	SSS/ HSS	SSS/ HSS/ HH
Bridge	6-Saddle Tremolo/ Hardtail	2-Point Tremolo
Tuning Machines	Standard Die-Cast	Sealed Die-Cast w/ Split Shafts
Pickguard	1-Ply	3-Ply
Stripe on the Neck	Yes	No
Body Profile	42 mm	45 mm
Weight	6 lbs	6.5 lbs
Headstock	Traditional	Oversized
Colors	Arctic White Black Brown Sunburst	3 Color Sunburst Olympic White Black Lake Placid Blue

Here are Amazon links to the different versions so you can compare the current prices:

• Squier Affinity Stratocaster
• Squier Bullet Stratocaster

Here is a table showing the features seen on both Squier Strats.

Feature	Specification
Body Wood	Poplar
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Wood	Maple
Neck Finish	Satin
Neck Shape	C-Shape
Scale Length	25.5”
Fretboard Radius	9.5”
Nut Width	1.65”
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Number of Frets	21
Nut Material	Synthetic Bone
Pickup Material	Ceramic
Pickup Selector	5-Way
Controls	2 x Tone, 1 x Vol
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Neck Plate	4-Bolt
Strings	Nickel Plated Steel, 9-gauge

Images link to Amazon

Considering other Stratocasters? Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option.

Telecaster Models

The Squier Affinity Telecaster has better pickups, and an upgraded bridge and tuning machines compared to the cheaper Squier Bullet Telecaster. The Affinity model is available with either a HH or SS pickup configuration whilst the Bullet is only available in the SS configuration. Only the Affinity offers a left-handed version.

With regards to how these Telecasters feel, the Affinity model is slightly heavier which makes it feel more like a premium model due to its thicker body. The only other notable difference is that the Affinity has medium jumbo frets whilst the Bullet has narrow tall frets which make it easier to press down on the strings. You’ll get a fairly slim C-shape neck on both models which feels comfortable for most players.

Check out this YouTube video to hear both guitars played back-to-back. The Affinity is the orange guitar and the Bullet is the blue guitar.

Here are Amazon links to the different versions so you can compare the current prices:

• Squier Affinity Telecaster
• Squier Bullet Telecaster

Here is a table to show the differences between the two Squier Telecaster models.

Feature	Squier Bullet Tele	Squier Affinity Tele
Fretboard Wood	Laurel	Laurel/ Maple
Fret Size	Narrow Tall	Medium Jumbo
Inlays	Pearloid Dot	Pearloid Dot/ Black Dot
Pickup Configuration	SS	SS/ HH
Bridge	6-Saddle Hardtail	6-Saddle Strings-Through
Tuning Machines	Standard Die-Cast	Sealed Die-Cast w/ Split Shafts
Pickguard	1-Ply	3-Ply
Body Profile	38 mm	40 mm
Headstock	Traditional	Oversized
Left-Hand Available	No	Yes
Colors	Black Brown Sunburst	Butterscotch Blonde 3 Color Sunburst Olympic White Lake Placid Blue

Here is a table showing the features seen on both Squier Strats.

Feature	Specification
Body Wood	Poplar
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Wood	Maple
Neck Finish	Satin
Neck Shape	C-Shape
Scale Length	25.5”
Fretboard Radius	9.5”
Nut Width	1.65”
Number of Frets	21
Nut Material	Synthetic Bone
Pickups	Ceramic
Pickup Selector	3-Way
Controls	1 x Tone, 1 x Vol
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Neck Plate	4-Bolt
Strings	Nickel Plated Steel, 9-gauge

Images link to Amazon