Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ - Maple Fingerboard - Olympic White

I really like the Affinity Series PJ Bass, for a host of reasons. First of all, it's got both P-Bass and Jazz Bass pickups, which lets you customize a bit. Secondly, the fingerboard feels very comfortable to me. Though some of the frets are a bit far apart, which will probably give smaller hands a hassle, there is not a lot of problems with the shape and feel of the bass.Secondly, the tone is very good. Customizing it, I find that I like having both pickup knobs turned all the way up, because it has a plunky sound that I really like. However, you can also give it a Beatles-bass consistency with some customization. There's really not that many limits to what you can make the bass sound like. (Though personally I play on a Marshall DSL40, which could make things ... MoreI really like the Affinity Series PJ Bass, for a host of reasons. First of all, it's got both P-Bass and Jazz Bass pickups, which lets you customize a bit. Secondly, the fingerboard feels very comfortable to me. Though some of the frets are a bit far apart, which will probably give smaller hands a hassle, there is not a lot of problems with the shape and feel of the bass.Secondly, the tone is very good. Customizing it, I find that I like having both pickup knobs turned all the way up, because it has a plunky sound that I really like. However, you can also give it a Beatles-bass consistency with some customization. There's really not that many limits to what you can make the bass sound like. (Though personally I play on a Marshall DSL40, which could make things skewed.)And third, the Fender Rumble 15G Amp that is provided is quite a good beginner bass amp. There's usually minimal crackle, but the main con for me though is that the amp has no overdrive settings, so you'll have to spend money on a pedal for that. Other than that though, I highly recommend this pack and I think most people will have considerable fun playing it.

As the headline says...it's very enjoyable to play. I've even made several recordings using it instead of my Fender USA Pro 2 Precision. It does a decent job on the P pickup; the J has lower output. To my surprise I'm really digging the "raw" feel of the neck; it's bare, tho sanded well. Another surprise: neck profile width and taper is like a J bass, yet the depth/shape feels more like a P! Huh!? Hey, works for me! With its black body and pickguard and the maple fingerboard it looks like it means BUSINESS! Point removed for the too-stiff tuner action. And then...I've managed to get the action very low, just where I like it. (FWIW, even on my USA Pro 2 I had to shim the neck to be able to get the level of low action that I prefer.) Yes, ladies n gentleman, I really ... MoreAs the headline says...it's very enjoyable to play. I've even made several recordings using it instead of my Fender USA Pro 2 Precision. It does a decent job on the P pickup; the J has lower output. To my surprise I'm really digging the "raw" feel of the neck; it's bare, tho sanded well. Another surprise: neck profile width and taper is like a J bass, yet the depth/shape feels more like a P! Huh!? Hey, works for me! With its black body and pickguard and the maple fingerboard it looks like it means BUSINESS! Point removed for the too-stiff tuner action. And then...I've managed to get the action very low, just where I like it. (FWIW, even on my USA Pro 2 I had to shim the neck to be able to get the level of low action that I prefer.) Yes, ladies n gentleman, I really appreciate this Affinity PJ. I am considering using it for punk and classic rock parts of the band's gigs; not out of the question at all!

Sound:Been playing guitar for 30 years and have now started focusing on Bass. This is my step up from a beginner bass. Has Ibanez 300. It was ok but getting good tones wasn't so awesome. This bass nails the tone. Never have a problem being heard in the mix.Features:Had to Balance the cost of a Fender Player series vs this bass. Frankly the maple neck with block inlays and the bordered neck is just a great look that wasn't available in the Player series. What I wish I had was the heavier bridge with the through body string mounting and the tuners could be better quality. My goal was getting the Fender J bass tones and it certainly has that. I don't mind the glossy neck in the least.Quality:I had to adjust the neck significantly. Action was obviously too high. ... MoreSound:Been playing guitar for 30 years and have now started focusing on Bass. This is my step up from a beginner bass. Has Ibanez 300. It was ok but getting good tones wasn't so awesome. This bass nails the tone. Never have a problem being heard in the mix.Features:Had to Balance the cost of a Fender Player series vs this bass. Frankly the maple neck with block inlays and the bordered neck is just a great look that wasn't available in the Player series. What I wish I had was the heavier bridge with the through body string mounting and the tuners could be better quality. My goal was getting the Fender J bass tones and it certainly has that. I don't mind the glossy neck in the least.Quality:I had to adjust the neck significantly. Action was obviously too high. I would say for a beginner level know that you may need to take this to someone to have it adjusted to a more playable condition. It was playable out of the box but was stressing my hand the longer I played.Value:Not gonna get a better classic sounding bass at this price point.The Wow Factor:Squire certainly nailed the look of this bass and it comes with all the pleasing curves of a Fender J bass. Plays and sounds great.Overall:Great looking bass. I got the blonde. Bordered maple neck with block inlays. It has a more "roasted" color than my blonde strat, I really like the look and it plays very well after some adjustment. I did have one dead note high up on the neck that may require some fret work. Tomes cant be beat at this price.