What type of pickups does the Squier Affinity Active Jazz Bass use?

It is equipped with Squier Noiseless J Bass pickups. These are designed to deliver classic Jazz Bass tones without the 60-cycle hum often found in traditional single-coil pickups.

Does this bass require a battery to function?

Yes, it features an active 9V preamp system. This requires a standard 9-volt battery to power the onboard EQ and electronics.

What is the neck profile of this model?

The bass features a slim 'C'-shaped neck. This profile is designed for comfort and ease of playability, making it suitable for a wide range of hand sizes.

What are the tonal controls on the Squier Affinity Active Jazz Bass?

It features an active 2-band preamp. This allows the player to independently control and boost or cut the bass and treble frequencies for varied sound shaping.

Is the body of this bass heavy?

No, it is designed with a thin and lightweight body. This is intended to improve comfort and reduce physical strain during long playing sessions.

What kind of tuners are installed on this instrument?

The bass uses vintage-style open-gear tuning machines. These provide a classic look while offering smooth, accurate, and reliable tuning stability.

What visual markers are on the fretboard?

The fretboard features block inlays. These provide a distinct, high-end aesthetic typically found on classic Jazz Bass models from the 1970s.

What is the typical price range for this bass?

The Squier Affinity Series Active Jazz Bass typically retails for approximately £259. Price may vary slightly depending on the retailer and available promotions.

Can this bass be used for professional recording?

Yes, its noiseless pickups make it a good choice for recording environments where electronic interference might be an issue. The active preamp also provides a punchy signal suitable for direct input recording.

How does it compare to the Squier Classic Vibe series?

While the Affinity series is the entry-level range, the Classic Vibe series generally offers higher-end vintage specifications. This Affinity model specifically targets modern players with its active electronics.

Is this bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is explicitly marketed as a great choice for aspiring bassists. The slim neck and lightweight body are designed to make the learning process more comfortable.

What color is this specific model?

This specific model is finished in Olympic White. It is a classic Fender color that provides a clean and professional appearance.

Gear article

Squier Affinity Series Active Jazz Bass

The Squier Affinity Series Active Jazz Bass is a four-string electric bass guitar designed to offer classic Fender aesthetics with modern electronics. It features a lightweight body, a slim 'C'-shaped neck with block inlays, and an active 9V preamp system tailored for aspiring musicians.

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Overview

The Squier Affinity Series Active Jazz Bass represents an accessible entry point into the Fender family of instruments. Finished in Olympic White, this model is specifically engineered for comfort and playability, catering to beginners and intermediate players who require a versatile instrument for various musical genres. It departs from the traditional passive Jazz Bass design by incorporating active circuitry to enhance its tonal capabilities.

Design and Construction

This bass is built with a thin, lightweight body intended to reduce fatigue during long practice sessions or live performances. The neck features a slim 'C'-shaped profile, which is a standard ergonomic design for ease of movement across the fretboard. A notable aesthetic and functional feature is the inclusion of block inlays on the fingerboard, providing a stylish, vintage-inspired look often associated with premium Fender models. For tuning stability, the instrument is fitted with vintage-style open-gear tuning machines, which offer reliable and accurate pitch adjustment.

Electronics and Sound

The primary technical feature of this Affinity Series model is its active electronics system. It is equipped with two Squier Noiseless J Bass pickups designed to provide the classic Jazz Bass 'growl' without the hum associated with traditional single-coil designs. The signal is processed through an onboard 9V active 2-band preamp, allowing the player to boost or cut frequencies for a punchy, modern tone. This configuration makes the bass adaptable to everything from funk and jazz to rock and pop.

Target Audience

The instrument is marketed primarily toward aspiring bassists who want a professional-looking instrument at a budget-friendly price point. Due to its thin body and slim neck, it is particularly suitable for students or smaller players. However, its active electronics and noiseless pickups also make it a viable backup or practice instrument for more experienced musicians who require a clear, noise-free signal for recording.

Market Comparisons

Within the Squier and Fender ecosystem, the Affinity Active Jazz Bass sits between entry-level starter packs, such as those from Visionstring or Gear4Music's Chicago series, and the more vintage-accurate Squier Classic Vibe series. While the Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V offers a five-string alternative, the Affinity model focuses on four-string simplicity. For players with significantly higher budgets, the Fender Player II series or the American Professional II Jazz Bass provide upgraded hardware and tonewoods, though at a much higher price point than the £259 typical of the Affinity range.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of pickups does the Squier Affinity Active Jazz Bass use?: It is equipped with Squier Noiseless J Bass pickups. These are designed to deliver classic Jazz Bass tones without the 60-cycle hum often found in traditional single-coil pickups.
Does this bass require a battery to function?: Yes, it features an active 9V preamp system. This requires a standard 9-volt battery to power the onboard EQ and electronics.
What is the neck profile of this model?: The bass features a slim 'C'-shaped neck. This profile is designed for comfort and ease of playability, making it suitable for a wide range of hand sizes.
What are the tonal controls on the Squier Affinity Active Jazz Bass?: It features an active 2-band preamp. This allows the player to independently control and boost or cut the bass and treble frequencies for varied sound shaping.
Is the body of this bass heavy?: No, it is designed with a thin and lightweight body. This is intended to improve comfort and reduce physical strain during long playing sessions.
What kind of tuners are installed on this instrument?: The bass uses vintage-style open-gear tuning machines. These provide a classic look while offering smooth, accurate, and reliable tuning stability.
What visual markers are on the fretboard?: The fretboard features block inlays. These provide a distinct, high-end aesthetic typically found on classic Jazz Bass models from the 1970s.
What is the typical price range for this bass?: The Squier Affinity Series Active Jazz Bass typically retails for approximately £259. Price may vary slightly depending on the retailer and available promotions.
Can this bass be used for professional recording?: Yes, its noiseless pickups make it a good choice for recording environments where electronic interference might be an issue. The active preamp also provides a punchy signal suitable for direct input recording.
How does it compare to the Squier Classic Vibe series?: While the Affinity series is the entry-level range, the Classic Vibe series generally offers higher-end vintage specifications. This Affinity model specifically targets modern players with its active electronics.
Is this bass suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is explicitly marketed as a great choice for aspiring bassists. The slim neck and lightweight body are designed to make the learning process more comfortable.
What color is this specific model?: This specific model is finished in Olympic White. It is a classic Fender color that provides a clean and professional appearance.