Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ Maple Fingerboard Black

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.

I've had about a dozen Fender basses throughout the last few years, and the American Performer is the top tier of P Bass I've played. I've owned Ultra and Elite lines of instruments (I miss the 21st fret and truss rod adjust wheel, but oh well), but my American Performer feels better than all of the others I've played. I like the stock pickups, but my preference is EMG Geezer Butlers, so I replaced the stock ones with the EMG P/J set. If you're thinking about grabbing one, just do it. They look good, feel good, and sound good. P.S. If you get one and want to replace the pickguard, DO NOT get the standard 13-hole pickguard as the holes for the pots aren't cut the same. You'll need to look up pickguards specific to the American Performer series (I used WD Music).

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!