Today’s quick review will focus on the Squier Affinity Starcaster – one of the most underrated cheap Squiers out there. I had the pleasure to test it out on several occasions and I can say it with total honesty – it’s a bang for the buck.
The truth is that Squier Affinity Starcaster is a great looking and great sounding guitar. Although it has its own flaws, it’s definitely one of the best cheap semi-hollow body guitars available on the market right now.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this Starcaster so interesting. Firstly, we’re going to take a look at the specs of that guitar. We will also investigate the strengths of that model to see who is it for. Of course, there will also be a sound demo included too!
Hopefully, today’s review will help you to understand if this axe is the right fit for you. We’ll also compare it with a bit more expensive Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster, which is also very popular.
Specs & Pricing
Squier Affinity Starcaster is an affordable semi-hollow body guitar. It’s one of the cheapest guitars of that type that are made by this brand. What’s important, this particular model is manufactured in Indonesia.
The guitar features a body made of laminated maple and a very comfortable C-shaped maple neck with maple fingerboard. The use of that wood makes this guitar really lightweight and it’s definitely not as heavy as some of the Telecasters or Stratocasters. In addition, the guitar also has the iconic Starcaster headstock, which is one-of-a-kind.
Squier equipped this guitar with a set of two really good humbucking pickups, which are perfect for both punchy rock riffs and mellow jazz tones. That being said, it’s a really versatile guitar, so it should work in a lot of different genres.
What’s important, there’s a few different color versions of that guitar. Apart from the black model visible above, you can also find Candy Apple Red, 3-Color Sunburst and Olympic White models.
When it comes to pricing, it’s the lowest Starcaster model offered by Squier and Fender. It’s a bit more affordable than the Classic Vibe Starcaster, which is also a very popular semi-hollow body model.
Here’s the sound demo. Sounds pretty good, right?
Who Is It For?
Squier Affinity Starcaster is a perfect guitar for both amateur and more advanced guitar players who are looking for a reliable piece of gear. Whether you’re just starting out or if you frequently rehearse and play gigs, this guitar should be an excellent fit.
Since it’s a semi-hollow body guitar, it tends to be pretty loud even without using an amp. As a result, it’s also a great option for people who don’t have an amp. It also allows you to practice without setting everything up. Nevertheless, using an amp is definitely recommended, because the humbuckers in that guitar sound pretty good too!
The Affinity Starcaster will also be a great guitar for guitarists on a tight budget. It’s the cheapest semi-hollow body guitar offered by Squier, so if you’re specifically looking for a semi-hollow body model, you won’t be able to find anything with a better price.
I have no hesitation in recommending this model to anyone who’s looking for a great guitar. Of course, it’s still a budget guitar, so it’s not the best instrument in the world, but it does the job extremely well.
Here’s an another demo.
Major Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great Value For The Money
- Looks Fantastic
- Really Well Made
- Significantly Less Expensive Than The Classic Vibe Starcaster
Cons
- Gig Bag Is Not Included
- No Pickup Covers (But That’s Subjective)
Affinity Starcaster vs Classic Vibe Starcaster
I’m sure that a lot of guitarists wonder if the Squier Affinity Starcaster is better than a bit more Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster. The truth is that both of these guitars are great, but there’s a few major differences that you should consider.
Firstly, the CV Starcaster has a gloss finish on the neck, while the Affinity Starcaster has the satin finish. As a result, both of these guitars feel a bit different. Still, it all comes down to your own preferences. Personally, I prefer the satin finish, but I know that there are a lot of guitarists who like the gloss finish more.
In addition, the Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster has a different set of humbuckers. To be honest, if you’re a beginner, you probably won’t notice the difference. But if you’ve been playing for a while, you’ll most likely enjoy the sound of the Classic Vibe Starcaster a bit more.
If you’d like to read more about the Classic Vibe Starcaster, I wrote a separate article about it – feel free to check it out here.
What’s more, here’s the direct comparison of these two guitars – I encourage you to watch it as well.
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the look or the sound of the Starcaster mentioned today – don’t worry! There’s a lot of other great and affordable instruments out there. Here’s a few models that are definitely worth checking out.
Firstly, I highly recommend checking out the Ibanez AS-53. I own that guitar and I can totally recommend it to any guitarist who’s looking for an inexpensive and reliable semi-hollow body guitar. Although it doesn’t have the cool offset body shape like the Starcaster, it’s definitely a very cool option for a lot of musicians.
Here’s my video review of Ibanez AS-53 in case you’d like to check it out.
If you’re not looking specifically for a hollow body guitar, you should also check out the Squier Affinity Stratocaster. It’s a cheap, classic Strat that offers a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. Three single coil pickups are perfect for a lot of different genres, so whether you’re into country, blues, rock or indie – it’s a great choice.
Here’s my video review of Squier Affinity Strat in case you’d like to check it out.
Still, the Squier Affinity Starcaster is truly special. If the only thing that limits you is your budget, I definitely recommend saving up a bit more in order to eventually get the Starcaster. This guitar is one-of-a-kind and although it’s not as popular as all the Stratocasters, Telecasters and Jaguars, it’s still an awesome guitar!
FAQ
Where is Squier Affinity Starcaster made?
Squier Affinity Starcaster is currently manufactured in Indonesia.
Who uses a Starcaster?
There are a lot of great musicians who are using the Starcasters during their live gigs and recording sessions. Johnny Greenwood or Novo Amor are great examples of guitarists who are using this type of guitar!
What’s the difference between the Starcaster and the Stratocaster?
The main difference between the Starcaster and the Stratocaster is the fact that the Starcaster is a semi-hollow body guitar, while the Stratocaster is a solid body guitar.
What’s the history of the Starcaster?
If you’d like to read more about the history of the Starcaster model, there’s a great article about it on Fender’s official website.
Summary
As you can see, Squier Affinity Starcaster is a really interesting guitar. Considering its price, it’s definitely one of the coolest semi-hollow body guitars available on the market right now. I’m sure that whether you’re a beginner or a more intermediate player, you’re going to absolutely love it.
What do you think about this guitar? Would you add it to your own personal collection of guitars? I’m really curious to hear your thoughts, so make sure to leave a comment in the comments section under the article.
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