Squier Affinity Series Precision PJ Bass: A Comprehensive Review
The Squier Affinity Series Precision PJ Bass takes that classic shape and combines it with a Jazz Bass pickup for added versatility. For students and medium-level players, it‘s an affordable entry into great-sounding and playable bass tones. It has that classic Fender look but now offers modern playability features to suit all playing styles and genres.
Specifications
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with a satin finish
- Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
- Scale Length: 34 inches
- Frets: 20 medium jumbo
- Pickups: Precision Split Single-Coil (middle), Jazz Single-Coil (bridge)
- Bridge: 4-saddle standard
- Controls: Volume (neck), Volume (bridge), Master Tone
- Finish: Gloss polyurethane
Design and Build
The first thing to impress one is the modern, practical design of the Affinity PJ Bass. The poplar body of this bass is lightweight and can resist time loads, thus providing comfort during long practice or performance sessions. In addition, its body contours perfectly rest against the performer‘s torso, thus improving the playing experience.
The maple neck, with a satin finish, provides an extremely smooth feel of the grip, adding to it an Indian Laurel fingerboard that adds warmth to the tonal characteristics. Furthermore, this C-shaped neck profile also makes this guitar accessible to players of every tier, be they beginners or pros. A gloss polyurethane finish protects this guitar from wear and tear.
Aesthetically, the Affinity PJ Bass is available in a few snazzy finishes that really set it off, like Black, 3-Color Sunburst, and Race Red-all offering a timelessly classic appearance to suit any number of tastes.
Electronics and Sound
There’s a Precision Split Single-Coil in the middle position and a Jazz Single-Coil at the bridge. Both of these pickups work to deliver a broad tonal palette that makes the bass incredibly versatile.
- The Precision pickup lends well to a full, punchy tone perfect for rock, punk, and blues.
- The Jazz pickup, on the other hand, provides clarity and brightness, more suitable for funk, jazz, or melodic runs.
- The two volume knobs permit an easy blending of pickups, hence providing the range of control over your sound.
- The master tone knob controls treble frequencies and allows further tonal tuning.
This bass suits the style of a player, whether he plays thick grooves or intricate melodic lines.
Playability
The Affinity PJ Bass does well in terms of playability, which is usually an important issue for beginners and intermediate players. With a scale length of 34 inches and medium jumbo frets, it is easy to move fluidly up and down the fretboard. The bass is also light in weight, comfortable to hold up when playing for a very long period of time.
Its C-shaped profile neck feels comfortable in your hand, accommodating any possible playing techniques that range from fingerpicking to slapping. Furthermore, the satin-finish neck will promote smooth transitions that are sure to guarantee speed and accuracy.
Tone Versatility
By and large, what sets the Affinity PJ Bass apart from its brethren is its tonal range. In all, this bass nails anything from warm, bass-heavy tones to bright, articulate highs.
For example,
- Rock players will be relying on the Precision pickup for driving basslines anchoring the mix.
- Serious jazz players are sure to love the clarity of the bridge pickup in melodic runs and solos.
- By combining the two pickups, funk players can achieve sharp and punchy tones.
This makes it suitable for nearly any genre and lets the player experiment with and develop his/her sound.
Hardware and Durability
The Affinity PJ Bass has solid, dependable hardware for heavy use. The 4-saddle standard bridge delivers stable intonation, and string adjustments are easily accessible. The tuning is fairly solid, thanks to chrome tuners.
In addition, the polyurethane gloss finish gives this guitar a good look and protection. The wear and tear for this bass are pretty good since it’s used daily, so it works just fine during practice, gigs, or on the road.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile Tone: The PJ configuration allows for a wide range of sounds.
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight and ergonomic, suitable for players of all sizes.
- Affordable: Offers great value for money.
- Durable Build: Reliable construction ensures longevity.
- Classic Look: Fender-inspired aesthetics with modern finishes.
Cons:
- Basic Electronics: While functional, the pickups lack the depth of higher-end models.
- Tonewood Limitation: Poplar is affordable but may not resonate as richly as alder or mahogany.
- Bridge Simplicity: The standard 4-saddle bridge lacks advanced features seen in premium basses.
Ideal Audience
The Affinity PJ Bass by Squier would be most suitable for a number of players, including the following:
- Beginners: It is rather cheap and very easy to use; it makes for a very good starting instrument.
- Intermediate Players: The quality build with tonal versatility caters to the advancing musician.
- Genre Hoppers: With this PJ pickup configuration, this bass fits into a wide range of musical genres.
- Economical Buyers: This gives Fender-inspired quality at a much affordable price.
Comparisons
Pitted against the competition, the Affinity PJ Bass compares as follows:
- Compared to the Ibanez GSR200, the Squier leans toward a classic build, while the Ibanez is more modern.
- The Yamaha TRBX174 fills the same economic niche but with a heavier and more aggressive tone.
- While the Fender Player Precision Bass will provide better tone and build quality, it will come with a much higher price.
Overall Value
For what you get, the Squier Affinity Series Precision PJ Bass is quite an outstanding tool. It opens up access to the legendary Fender bass sound and gives room for versatility in many different styles of music. Classic design, modern features, and affordability make it an outstanding choice for both novice players and professionals.
Final Thoughts
Conclusion: The Squier Affinity Series Precision PJ Bass is an all–round instrument that aims at players striving to feel confident on stage but does not want to go overboard with expenses. Its unique two-pickup configuration makes this bass a trusted workhorse for comfort and playability, durable in construction for practice, gigging, and recording sessions alike.
The Affinity PJ Bass would be worth looking into for anyone either starting into bass or just wanting to add to their collection an option that is versatile and very affordable. With a Fender-for-inspired design and a plethora of practical features, it is one of the front-runners in today’s entry-level bass market.
