Is this guitar suitable for left-handed players?

Yes, this specific model is purpose-built for left-handed guitarists. The body shape, electronics layout, and hardware are all mirrored to accommodate southpaw playing styles.

What does 'MN' stand for in the product name?

'MN' stands for Maple Neck. This indicates that the guitar features a maple fingerboard rather than rosewood or laurel, which typically offers a brighter tone and a distinct light-coloured aesthetic.

What bridge system does the Affinity Telecaster use?

It features a six-saddle top-load bridge. This design allows for precise intonation of each individual string, which is often considered an upgrade in accuracy over vintage-style three-saddle bridges.

What is the neck profile of this model?

The guitar features a 'C-shaped' neck profile. This is a slim, rounded shape designed to be comfortable for a wide variety of hand sizes and playing techniques.

What kind of pickups are installed?

The guitar is equipped with two Squier single-coil Tele pickups. These are designed to provide the classic biting bridge tone and smooth neck tone associated with the Telecaster lineage.

What controls are available for tone shaping?

The instrument includes a three-way pickup selector switch, a master volume knob, and a master tone knob. These allow players to switch between the bridge, neck, or both pickups simultaneously.

How does the tuning stability compare to other budget guitars?

The guitar uses sealed die-cast tuning machines. These are designed to be more reliable and precise than the open-gear tuners often found on very low-end entry instruments.

Is the Butterscotch Blonde finish transparent?

Butterscotch Blonde is traditionally a semi-translucent finish that allows some of the wood grain to show through, though the opacity can vary. It is the most iconic colour associated with the early 1950s Telecaster.

Can this guitar be used for heavy metal?

While it can be used for any genre, its single-coil pickups are better suited for rock, country, and blues. Players seeking high-gain metal tones might prefer a model with humbuckers, such as the Jim Root Telecaster.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Squier Affinity Telecaster Left Handed typically retails for approximately £232. This makes it one of the most affordable official Telecaster models on the market.

Does it come with a case or gig bag?

Standard Squier Affinity models typically do not include a case or gig bag. These accessories usually need to be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.

How does the Affinity series differ from the Squier Bullet or Mini series?

The Affinity series is a step up from the Bullet/Sonic series, offering better hardware like sealed tuners and often more traditional body thicknesses. The Mini series, such as the Mini Stratocaster, features a reduced scale length for children, whereas the Affinity is a full-sized guitar.

Gear article

Squier Affinity Telecaster Left Handed MN Butterscotch Blonde

The Squier Affinity Telecaster Left Handed MN is a budget-friendly electric guitar designed to offer the classic aesthetics and tonal characteristics of the Fender Telecaster to left-handed players. Finished in the iconic Butterscotch Blonde, it features a maple neck and dual single-coil pickups to deliver the traditional 'twang' associated with the model.

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Overview and History

The Squier Affinity Series serves as the entry-level gateway to the Fender family, providing accessible versions of legendary instrument designs. The Affinity Telecaster Left Handed MN specifically targets southpaw guitarists who require the functionality of a professional instrument without the high cost of American-made models.

Historically, left-handed versions of classic instruments were often difficult to source or significantly more expensive. The Affinity line addresses this by utilising modern manufacturing techniques and cost-effective materials, such as maple fingerboards and polyurethane finishes, to maintain the spirit of the 1950s originals while keeping the price point around £232.

Design and Key Features

This model is built around a traditional Telecaster body shape, featuring a 'C-shaped' neck profile designed for ergonomic comfort and smooth playability. The 'MN' designation indicates a Maple Neck and fingerboard, which contributes to the instrument's bright attack and visual cohesion with the Butterscotch Blonde finish.

Key hardware components include: * Six-Saddle Bridge: Unlike the vintage three-saddle designs, this bridge allows for individual intonation adjustment for each string, ensuring better tuning accuracy across the fretboard. * Sealed Die-Cast Tuners: These provide stable tuning and durability for live performances or practice sessions. * Electronics: The guitar is equipped with two Squier single-coil Tele pickups, a master volume control, a master tone control, and a three-way selector switch.

Sound and Character

The Squier Affinity Telecaster is characterised by its 'searing tonal flavour' and 'Telecaster personality.' The dual single-coil pickups are voiced to provide the classic 'twang' and clarity that the model is famous for.

Using the three-way switch, players can access the bright, biting bridge pickup for lead work, the warm neck pickup for rhythm and jazz, or a combination of both for a balanced, percussive chime. The instrument is marketed for its versatility, capable of handling genres ranging from country and blues to rock and pop.

Market Positioning and Alternatives

Positioned as an affordable alternative to the Fender Player Series or American Professional II ranges, the Affinity Telecaster offers a significant value proposition. While it lacks the premium hardware found on a Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic or the high-output specifications of a Jim Root Telecaster, it provides the essential 'Tele aura' for beginners and intermediate players.

Compared to other entry-level options like the Stagg SES-30BK or the Squier Mini Stratocaster, the Affinity Telecaster is a full-scale instrument that offers a more traditional playing experience and robust hardware suitable for adult learners and gigging musicians on a budget.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this guitar suitable for left-handed players?: Yes, this specific model is purpose-built for left-handed guitarists. The body shape, electronics layout, and hardware are all mirrored to accommodate southpaw playing styles.
What does 'MN' stand for in the product name?: 'MN' stands for Maple Neck. This indicates that the guitar features a maple fingerboard rather than rosewood or laurel, which typically offers a brighter tone and a distinct light-coloured aesthetic.
What bridge system does the Affinity Telecaster use?: It features a six-saddle top-load bridge. This design allows for precise intonation of each individual string, which is often considered an upgrade in accuracy over vintage-style three-saddle bridges.
What is the neck profile of this model?: The guitar features a 'C-shaped' neck profile. This is a slim, rounded shape designed to be comfortable for a wide variety of hand sizes and playing techniques.
What kind of pickups are installed?: The guitar is equipped with two Squier single-coil Tele pickups. These are designed to provide the classic biting bridge tone and smooth neck tone associated with the Telecaster lineage.
What controls are available for tone shaping?: The instrument includes a three-way pickup selector switch, a master volume knob, and a master tone knob. These allow players to switch between the bridge, neck, or both pickups simultaneously.
How does the tuning stability compare to other budget guitars?: The guitar uses sealed die-cast tuning machines. These are designed to be more reliable and precise than the open-gear tuners often found on very low-end entry instruments.
Is the Butterscotch Blonde finish transparent?: Butterscotch Blonde is traditionally a semi-translucent finish that allows some of the wood grain to show through, though the opacity can vary. It is the most iconic colour associated with the early 1950s Telecaster.
Can this guitar be used for heavy metal?: While it can be used for any genre, its single-coil pickups are better suited for rock, country, and blues. Players seeking high-gain metal tones might prefer a model with humbuckers, such as the Jim Root Telecaster.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Squier Affinity Telecaster Left Handed typically retails for approximately £232. This makes it one of the most affordable official Telecaster models on the market.
Does it come with a case or gig bag?: Standard Squier Affinity models typically do not include a case or gig bag. These accessories usually need to be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.
How does the Affinity series differ from the Squier Bullet or Mini series?: The Affinity series is a step up from the Bullet/Sonic series, offering better hardware like sealed tuners and often more traditional body thicknesses. The Mini series, such as the Mini Stratocaster, features a reduced scale length for children, whereas the Affinity is a full-sized guitar.