Squier electric guitars are a great option to look at if you want an iconic shape but without a big price tag. The Affinity and Classic Vibe series are two of the most popular series on offer, but which is best for you?
In this article I’ll compare the Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe versions of the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster models so you know all the similarities and differences between them.
The Quick Answer
Guitars in the Squier Classic Vibe series have narrow tall frets, alnico pickups, a bone nut, and gloss neck compared to the guitars in the Squier Affinity series which have medium jumbo frets, ceramic pickups, a synthetic bone nut and satin neck.
The alnico pickups on the Classic Vibe models are better quality than the ceramic pickups on the Affinity models.
The medium jumbo frets on the Affinity models make it a bit easier to slide up and down the neck compared to the narrow tall frets on the Classic Vibe models. Both guitars have a C-shape neck however the finish is satin on the Affinity models which means it feels a bit faster compared to the gloss finish on the Classic Vibe models.
There are also some model specific differences including the pickup configurations, body woods, color options, controls, and left-handed version availability.
Squier Affinity guitars are approximately $150 cheaper in the USA and £130 cheaper in the UK compared to Classic Vibe guitars.
Here is a table showing the differences between Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe models which are consistent across all the shapes (Strat, Tele and Jazzmaster).
| Feature | Squier Affinity Guitars | Squier Classic Vibe Guitars |
| Body Wood | Poplar | Nyatoh/ Pine/ Poplar |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Narrow Tall |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Bone |
| Pickups | Ceramic | Alnico |
| Average Price (USA) | $290-$340 | $460-$490 |
| Average Price (UK) | £200-£220 | £320-£360 |
Squier make 5 main electric guitar shapes:
- Stratocaster
- Telecaster
- Jazzmaster
- Jaguar
- Mustang
The Jaguar and Mustang shapes are only available in the Classic Vibe series, whilst the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster shapes are available in both the Classic Vibe and Affinity series.
Now let’s compare these models in more detail.
Contents:
- Stratocaster Models
- Telecaster Models
- Jazzmaster Models
There are three types of classic vibe models, the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s which all have slight variations. In the comparisons below I’ll group the features together for simplicity, but make sure you check out my Squier Classic Vibe ’50s vs ’60s vs ’70s article for a breakdown of the key features.
Stratocaster Models
The Classic Vibe Stratocaster has upgraded pickups and a better tremolo system which stays in tune more than the tremolo system on the Affinity Stratocaster. Only the Classic Vibe Stratocaster has a left-handed version, whereas only the Affinity Stratocaster has a HH pickup configuration option.
Check out this YouTube video to hear a tone comparison of the HSS versions of the Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe Stratocaster.
Here is a table comparing the differences between the Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe Stratocaster.
| Feature | Squier Affinity Strat | Squier Classic Vibe Strat |
| Body Wood | Poplar | Nyatoh/ Pine/ Poplar |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Narrow Tall |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Bone |
| Pickups | Ceramic | Alnico |
| Pickup Configurations | SS/ HSS/ HH | SSS/ HSS |
| Control Size | Miniature | Miniature |
| Bridge | 2-Point Tremolo | 6-Saddle Tremolo |
| Hardware Finish | Chrome | Nickel |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 1-Ply/ 3-Ply |
| Tuning Machines | Sealed Die-Cast | Vintage Style |
| Left-Hand Available | No | Yes |
| Colors | 3 Color Sunburst (SSS) Olympic White (SSS and HH) Black (SSS) Lake Placid Blue (SSS) Sienna Sunburst (HSS) Black Burst (HSS) Burgundy Mist (HH) Charcoal Frost Metallic (HH) | 2 Tone Sunburst White Blonde Black Fiesta Red 3 Colour Sunburst Lake Placid Blue Candy Apple Red Purple Metallic Olympic White Natural Walnut |
Affinity
Classic Vibe
Images link to Amazon
Check out the Squier Affinity and CV Stratocaster models on Amazon for current prices:
- Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
- Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster
- Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Stratocaster
- Squier Affinity Stratocaster
The Classic Vibe and Affinity Strat models do share many of the same features including the neck wood and shape, scale length, fret number, controls and string gauge.
Here is a table to show the similarities of the two models.
| Feature | Specification |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Scale Length | 25.5” |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” |
| Nut Width | 1.65” |
| Fret Number | 21 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Pickup Selector | 5-Way |
| Controls | 2 x Tone, 1 x Vol |
| String Gauge | 9 |
| Fretboard | Maple/ Indian Laurel |
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 a slightly thinner body making it lighter than the Classic Vibe Telecaster. The Classic Vibe Telecaster has better quality pickups, upgraded tuners, bridge and a bone nut compared to the cheaper Affinity Telecaster.
Both models have a left-handed version available and are available with SS and HH pickup configurations, however only the Classic Vibe Tele has a SH version as well.
Check out this YouTube video to hear a tone comparison of the SS versions of the Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe Telecaster.
Here is a table comparing the differences between the Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe Telecaster.
| Feature | Squier Affinity Tele | Squier Classic Vibe Tele |
| Body Wood | Poplar | Nyatoh/ Pine/ Poplar |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Narrow Tall |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Bone |
| Pickups | Ceramic | Alnico |
| Pickup Configurations | SS/ HH | SS/ SH/ HH |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle String Through | 3-Saddle String Through |
| Hardware Finish | Chrome | Nickel |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 1-Ply/ 3-Ply |
| Tuning Machines | Sealed Die-Cast | Vintage Style |
| Colors | Butterscotch Blonde (SS) Lake Placid Blue (SS) Olympic White (SS) 3 Colour Sunburst (SS) Burgundy Mist (HH) Charcoal Frost Metallic (HH) Black (HH) | Butterscotch Blonde (SS) White Blonde (SS) Metallic Purple (SS) 3 Tone Sunburst (SS) Black (SH and HH) 3 Colour Sunburst (SH) Olympic White (HH) |
Affinity
Classic Vibe
Images link to Amazon
Check out the Squier Affinity and CV Telecaster models on Amazon for current prices:
- Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
- Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Telecaster
- Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster
- Squier Affinity Telecaster
Although the Classic Vibe Tele has many upgraded features compared to the Affinity Tele, they do share some key features including the neck shape, neck and fretboard woods, scale length, fret number and control layout.
Here is a table to show the similarities of the two models.
| Feature | Specification |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Scale Length | 25.5” |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” |
| Nut Width | 1.65” |
| Fret Number | 21 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Pickup Selector | 3-Way |
| Controls | 1 x Tone, 1 x Vol |
| String Gauge | 9 |
| Fretboard | Maple/ Indian Laurel |
| Left-Handed Available | Yes |
Jazzmaster Models
The main difference between the Squier Classic Vibe and Affinity Jazzmaster is that the Classic Vibe model has a rhythm/ lead circuit which allows you to achieve more tones as well as upgraded alnico pickups compared to the more basic Affinity Jazzmaster. Additionally, the CV model has a vintage-style tremolo unlike the Affinity model.
Other differences include the nut material, neck finish, hardware finish, cololr options and fret size. The Affinity model is also slightly lighter due to it’s thinner body.
Check out this YouTube video to hear a tone comparison of the Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe Jazzmaster.
Here is a table comparing the differences between the Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe Jazzmaster.
| Feature | Squier Affinity Jazzmaster | Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Narrow Tall |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Bone |
| Pickups | Ceramic | Alnico |
| Rhythm/ Lead Circuit | No | Yes |
| Bridge | 2-Point Tremolo | 6-Saddle Tremolo |
| Hardware Finish | Chrome | Nickel |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 4-Ply |
| Tuning Machines | Sealed Die-Cast | Vintage Style |
| Left-Hand Available | No | Yes |
| Colors | Lake Placid Blue Burgundy Mist | 3 Color Sunburst Olympic White Sonic Blue |
Affinity
Classic Vibe
Images link to Amazon
Check out the Squier Affinity and CV Jazzmaster models on Amazon for current prices:
Although the Classic Vibe Jazzmaster is an upgrade compared to the Affinity Jazzmaster, they share many of the same features including the pickup configuration, neck shape, scale length, number of frets and fretboard material.
Here is a table to show the similarities of the two models.
| Feature | Specification |
| Body Wood | Poplar |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Scale Length | 25.5” |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” |
| Nut Width | 1.65” |
| Fret Number | 21 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Pickup Selector | 3-Way |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| String Gauge | 9 |
| Fretboard | Indian Laurel |
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