Squier SE vs Affinity Strat – Which Budget Strat Is ACTUALLY Better?
???? Squier SE vs Squier Affinity – Which Budget Strat is Better? | Thrifty Tones ????
Welcome to Thrifty Tones, where we help you get the best tone for the least cash! In this video, we’re putting two iconic beginner guitars head-to-head: the Squier SE Stratocaster and the Squier Affinity Stratocaster.
Both of these Fender-designed guitars are budget-friendly Strat-style workhorses — but which one truly delivers the better bang for your buck? Whether you’re a beginner, a modder, or a tone-chaser on a budget, this in-depth comparison will help you make the right choice.
???? What we cover in this video:
Build quality & tonewood differences
Neck shape & playability
Pickups & electronics breakdown
Hardware & tuning stability
Modding potential – which is the better platform?
Which Strat gives you more value for money in 2025?
Perfect for fans of Fender, Squier, Harley Benton, Ibanez, Jackson, and Gibson, this shootout is all about maximizing performance without draining your wallet. If you’re into upgrading guitars or building the perfect mod platform, one of these might just be your next project.
???? Let us know in the comments – are you Team SE, Team Affinity, or do you have another favorite budget Strat?
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#SquierSE #SquierAffinity #BudgetGuitarBattle #StratShootout #ThriftyTones #GuitarComparison #BestCheapStrat #FenderSquier #GuitarMods #ToneOnABudget #ModdingGuitars
Timestamps
00:00 – 01:30 – what’s a Squier SE?
01:31 – 02:30 – what’s a Squier Affinity?
02:31- 06:44 – Differences between the guitars
06:45 – 9:30 – Neck Comparison
09:31 – 11:35 – More comparison points
11:36 – 15:00 – Tone Comparison
15:01 – 18:20 – Final Verdict (for me)
18:21 – 20:30 – Final Verdict (for a beginner)
20:31 – 21:19 – Final thoughts
#Squier #Affinity #Strat #Budget #Strat
Originally posted by UCw2jtCTXRenriMw9EmENsTQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gs3NZWdng8
I think you've got issues with the audio – I'm only getting sound on one side of my headphones.
I had an Affinity that I modded the heck out of. The only things left stock were the body and neck. Later on I came across an SE and it's a much better guitar. I gave the Affinity away to a kid who wanted to learn, modded the heck out of the SE and I've still got it.
I love it. It's not as good as my old American Standards but it was never meant to be, however, if one of my Standards ever needed a new neck I could easily put the SE neck on it and call it a day. It feels great.
the early china/yako made affinitys have full size body,small headstock,said alder body,current affinitys have smaller poplar body,laurel board,but slightly better electronics.so squier spec have g one up and down over the years.the early chinese/farida made classic vibes are higher spec than the current indonesia/cortek ones.i quite liked the old now discontinued standard series
Just a follow up: whilst rehearsing for my wedding band I used both of these for a while and tuning stability across both was noticeably great! Well played Squier, tuning stability is probably the most important aspect of a beginner guitar.