Squier Sonic vs Affinity Stratocaster and Telecaster Models

Squier have recently released a new series of electric guitars, the Sonic series. The Squier Sonic series replaces the previous Bullet series and offers the most affordable entry-level guitars. The next step up, is the Affinity series which has slightly more expensive guitars. But is the price difference worth it?

In this article I’ll be directly comparing Squier Sonic and Squier Affinity electric guitars including the most popular models, the Telecaster and Stratocaster.

Squier Sonic and Affinity guitars have different pickup configuration options, fret sizes, bridge designs, color options and left-handed options. Squier Sonic and Affinity guitars have the same ceramic pickups, tone woods, neck shapes, tuners and controls.

Key Specification Differences

There are several key differences between Squier Sonic and Affinity electric guitar models:

Pickup configurations
Fret sizes
Bridge designs
Color options
Left-handed options

Squier Sonic Series	Squier Affinity Series
SSS/ HSS/ H Stratocaster pickup configurations	SSS/ HSS/ HH/ H Stratocaster pickup configurations
SS/ H Telecaster pickup configurations	SS/ HH Telecaster pickup configurations
Hardtail or 6-point tremolo bridge	2-point tremolo Stratocaster bridge
Top-loader Telecaster bridge	String-through Telecaster bridge
Narrow tall frets	Medium jumbo frets
Left-handed Stratocaster model available	Left-handed Telecaster model available
$200 on average	$220-$250 on average

Squier Sonic vs Affinity series electric guitars

Pickup Configurations

Traditionally, Stratocaster models have a three single-coil pickup configuration (SSS), and Telecasters have a two single-coil pickup configuration (SS). However, there are several models in the Affinity and Sonic series which have different pickup configurations.

Model	Sonic Series Options	Affinity Series Options
Stratocaster	SSS HSS H	SSS HSS HH H
Telecaster	SS H	SS HH

“S” means single-coil pickup
“H” means humbucker pickup

Single coil pickups sound brighter but thinner than humbucker pickups. Humbucker pickups sound full and warm and are less susceptible to feedback and buzzing when using very loud or distorted amp settings.

Check out this comparison between pickup types to learn more.

Both the Squier Sonic and Affinity models use the same ceramic pickups, so when comparing the tones of say an SSS Sonic Stratocaster and an SSS Affinity Stratocaster, they will be identical. It’s only the pickup configuration options which differ.

Fret Sizes

The second key difference between Sonic and Affinity series guitars is the fret size. This is the only specification difference that affects how the guitar actually feels, as they both have the same neck profile, scale length, number of frets, body shapes and overall weight.

The fret size on a guitar (e.g. narrow tall or medium jumbo), refers to the width and height of the fret wire, not the space in between the frets as is sometimes confused.

Squier Sonic models have narrow tall frets
Squier Affinity models have medium jumbo frets

Narrow tall frets make hammer ons/ pulls offs/ bending easier, however they make it more likely to push notes out of tune. Medium jumbo frets make the fretboard feel smoother and are better for players with a heavier touch.

Check out this article comparing fret sizes for more info.

Bridge Designs

The bridge designs also differ between Squier Sonic and Affinity models. Since Strats and Teles have different bridge designs, I’ll split this section into two.

Stratocaster Bridge

Squier Affinity Stratocasters have a synchronised tremolo bridge, whereas Squier Sonic Stratocasters come with either the option of a synchronised tremolo bridge, or a fixed hardtail bridge.

Tremolo bridges have a tremolo arm which allows you to change the pitch of the strings by pushing or pulling on it. The disadvantages of this compared to a hardtail bridge are that it makes it more likely for the strings to go out of tune, and more difficult to change the strings.

Check out my comparison between fixed and floating bridges to learn more.

Even if you just compare the synchronised tremolo bridge version of the Sonic Stratocaster with the Affinity, you’ll notice that they do have different constructions.

Squier Sonic Stratocasters have a 6-point tremolo bridge
Squier Affinity Stratocasters have a 2-point tremolo bridge

A 2-point tremolo bridge is easier to set up and makes it easier to adjust the guitar’s action compared to a 6-point tremolo. A 6-point tremolo makes the guitar more resonant, although the difference is minimal. Check out this article to learn more about the pros and cons.

See the difference below by looking at the number of screws.

2-Point vs 6-Point Tremolo Bridge

Telecaster Bridge

Both the Sonic and Affinity Telecaster models have a 6-saddle fixed bridge, however the design does vary.

Squier Sonic Telecasters have a top-load bridge
Squier Affinity Telecasters have a string-through bridge

With a string-through bridge, there is about 3-4cm of extra string underneath the bridge, and the break-angle of the string is sharper. Some players find top-load bridges make it easier to bend strings, and feels less like you are fighting the strings.

However, in my opinion, it’s one of those things you only really feel when playing the two types of bridge back-to-back. The vast majority of players will get used to either feeling after an hour or so of playing.

Color Options

Again, the color options vary for the Strat and Tele models, and there are also different color options depending on which pickup configuration you choose, so I’ll split this section up.

In general, both series have the basic color options (black and sunburst), however the Sonic series also has some bright, non-traditional options. The Affinity series models have plenty of classic colors, and the addition of some unique looking transparent finishes which have a more premium look. You should also keep your eye out for limited edition colors.

Stratocaster Colors

Here are all the standard colors available at the time of writing. Check the Fender website to see the product images for every color option.

Stratocaster	Sonic Series Options	Affinity Series Options
SSS Pickups	Black 2-Color Sunburst Ultraviolet California Blue	Black 3-Color Sunburst Olympic White Lake Placid Blue Sapphire Blue Transparent Crimson Red Transparent
HSS Pickups	Black Tahitian Coral	Olympic White Black Burst Transparent Sienna Sunburst Transparent
H Pickup	Black Flash Pink	Black
HH Pickups	Not available	Olympic White Charcoal Frost Metallic

Telecaster Colors

Here are all the standard colors available at the time of writing. Check the Fender website to see the product images for every color option.

Telecaster	Sonic Series Options	Affinity Series Options
SS Pickups	Black Butterscotch Blonde Torino Red California Blue	Black Butterscotch Blonde 3-Color Sunburst Olympic White Lake Placid Blue
HH Pickups	Not available	Black Silverburst Charcoal Frost Metallic
H Pickup	Ultraviolet Arctic White	Not available

Left-Handed Options

There are different options for left-handed players in both series.

Stratocaster Left-Handed Models

The Squier Sonic Stratocaster (SSS pickup configuration) model comes in a left-handed version. There are no Affinity Stratocasters which have a left-handed option.

Telecaster Left-Handed Models

The Squier Affinity Telecaster (SS pickup configuration) model comes in a left-handed version. There are no Sonic Telecasters which have a left-handed option.

Similarities

There are way more similarities compared to differences when it comes to comparing the Sonic and Affinity series. Here’s a list of them.

Neck Specifications:

Maple neck wood
Maple or Indian laurel fretboard options
C-shape neck
Satin neck finish
9.5″ fingerboard radius
21 frets
1.65″ nut width
Dot fingerboard inlays

Body Specifications

Poplar body wood
Gloss polyurethane body finish
Tone and volume controls
Pickup selector positions

Hardware, Electronics, and Strings:

Ceramic pickups
Chrome hardware finish
Die-cast sealed tuners
0.009-0.042″ string gauge