Always ready for a Grumpy MIke video. Thx buddy.

Thank you for the down to earth non snobbery, honest review. I really enjoyed your take on a cheap guitar and you were spot on. Liked and subscribed.

I’ve just ordered one of these in same colour, I hope I like the colour &the guitar of course. Great review!

Excellent video Mike! I really enjoyed watching it. Very informative and helpful. I was looking for a second Telecaster to practice on and you have made my mind up for me. I just ordered one of these , but in Olympic White. Thank you very much 😀👍🏻 🇬🇧

I'm with you on the darker colored fretboard. I never liked pau ferro. Thanks so much for this video Mike. I was thinking about getting one of these telecasters. Very informative!

hiMike, I'm new to your channel but I'm glad I found it! Great review and I like your no-frills, no BS approach. Thank you!

Hey Mike! Pretty color on that one, and it sounds like a Tele! I prefer rosewood boards on my Tele as well.

Man these Squiers are just fantastic. Sure often they need a nice set up but heck many finer made do too. Some say great bones etc and many buy these and leave them be. Absolutely love the review!!!! I also just watched the whole Godin white tele with the roasted maple ...I'm more strat body but my God that was the reason I fell for the HB fusion. However the HB is cheaper price that Godin was absolutely beautiful. Great reviews. Can't wait for the Paranormal !!! Keep them coming brother !!!

@contactusece7769

Ай бұрын

Piece of junk don’t kid yourself I had to return two of them quality really dropped

Howdy Mike! I bought an Affinity Tele a couple years ago, butterscotch with a maple board for $200. That model is now $259. Mine came with an alder body (no belly cut) and a top load bridge. All else was the same as yours. Setup was fine out of the box, very little fret sprout (about a 4 on the sock test, lol!) It did develop more fret sprout after a very dry first winter here in TX, but a little filing took care of that. I have since upgraded the pickups to Seymour Duncan hotrail humbucker clones from GFS and swapped the pots out for 500K CTS. A set of 9-42 Elixir strings top it off, I don't like trying to play rebar either!🤣🤣

Hi Mike, so nice seeing you doing well and making more great content. I have been looking around atow Left handed Tele style guitars for a long time now. I just haven't pulled the trigger yet. The one you have there dose look like a really great platform to build on. I just love putting my own mojo so to speak, in my guitars. Only then do I feel like Thats My Guitar!!! lol Well Mike thank you again for the great content. I really look forward to yor shows.

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Dennis, I really appreciate that. It's been kind of difficult lately to make videos due to some health issues, but I'm doing much better now and hope to get more content out soon.

I found a Competition Orange Affinity telecaster at a yard sale for $80. Cleaned it, restrung it, and did a simple set up. I wrapped the pickguard and the headstock in "Mossy Oak" wrap, so it looks like you could take it on a hunting trip 🤣. I really love this guitar! It sounds great with distortion. Thanks for the review!

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

Oh man, I'd really dig it if you sent a pic to me. I'd love to see it. You can email me at grumpymike335@gmail.com. I bet it looks amazing. 🤘

Nice review!!!

great guitar great price great video

'Nice review and pretty much the same as my observations of the butterscotch Affinity (maple neck) which arrived two days ago from Guitar Center. Before purchasing I vigorously implored the store to give the guitar a thorough quality control inspection or risk a same-day return. When buying 'Chinese' online the quality control is, from my experience, 50/50 at best. Even when shopping in-store there may be remarkable differences in same model guitars. All that said, I took the low-cost risk, and my Affinity exceeded my expectations. I am replacing the strings with flatwounds and will probably go with HB pickups later since I bought the guitar to use exclusively with the Boss SY-300 and less noise is best. Out of the box it was very playable, and I'll make final adjustments after the flats are on.

Good review

I had a similar experience with a black bound squire tele. Strings were very thick. Found out it was a baritone.

Affinity tele's are always better than the Affinity strats

@voiceofexperience

Жыл бұрын

Best Squiers: Affinity Teles & Classic Vibe Strats.

@lowlevelretro

11 ай бұрын

I think the tele's just... easier for them to get right..

My favourite budget Tele. Love the belly cut. And the ceramic p'ups are not bad at all. Looks like a Tele, plays and sounds like one. If upgrading the p'ups be sure to get decent ones. I've owned alnico V which were horrible and wished I'd kept the ceramics. Cheers, Mike! 🇨🇦

@frankcarter6427

Жыл бұрын

me too adrian, I have an old columbus strat I bought from a charity shop and restored, wasted a bunch of money on replacement parts that made no difference at all. put the ultra cheapo old p/ups back in and sold the replacements, the neck/middle setting sounds so much better, though the bridge is like a headache inducing ice pick.

@adrian_V99

Жыл бұрын

@@frankcarter6427 Yup, Frank, that's how it's done. Recently upgraded a Harley Benton Tele....virtually no improvement. The upgraded pups , 60s - voiced, are now on Reverb and eBay. Never throw good money after bad.

@frankcarter6427

Жыл бұрын

problem is - I've been messing around with guitars for 40 odd years ago, despite knowing its a waste of time and money, I aint gonna stop! good channel

@adrian_V99

Жыл бұрын

@@frankcarter6427 many of us have that bug. 😆

Have had mine for years now and it still rules... surprisingly I haven't changed a thing on it yet.

@grumpymikeguitar

2 ай бұрын

Yup, I actually regret selling this one. Honestly, the only reason I did was because a friend really wanted it. Telecasters just rule. 🤘

I bought one awhile ago , Butterscotch with a Maple neck, from Guitar Center in Long Island and I can't remember what I exactly paid fot it but it was on sale and wasn't much over $149. I set it up and it played pretty good. Since I have so many damn guitars I leave it tuned to G and just use it to play Keith Richards and I anything else I can find in that tuning.

👍🏻👍🏻

I'm relieved to hear your opinion, because I ordered (and paid for) a Squier Affinity Telecaster after reading good some reviews and weighing my tight-budget options for a few months. While I wait for it to arrive in my city, a bunch of bad reviews have showed up on KZread, which made me regret my choice! But now I have hope. I am about to be a beginner, so I'm really relying on the reviews and opinions of others, for now. (BTW, that guitar is $339 before tax in Canada, at this point in time.) Subscribed!

@grumpymikeguitar

6 ай бұрын

Congratulations on beginning your guitar journey. I hope it brings you much joy. I've had a fairly good experience with the Squiers I've purchased. I would, however, recommend that you take it, at some point, to get it properly set up if possible.

@user-lf3kr1nq2d

6 ай бұрын

@@grumpymikeguitar I hope I will be able to do at least some of that myself. I've been doing a lot of research online. On the other hand, the purchase is supposed to come with free set-up, so I guess I should take advantage of it, and learn later. haha!

@grumpymikeguitar

6 ай бұрын

@user-lf3kr1nq2d it makes me very happy that you are also interested in learning to do your own setups. I have 2 recommendations. First, subscribe to Phillip Mcknight's Know Your Gear channel. He has tons of "How To" videos. Second, get a copy of Guitar Players Repair Guide by Dan Erlewine. Both of these are excellent sources of knowledge.

@user-lf3kr1nq2d

6 ай бұрын

@@grumpymikeguitar Thanks, I will look for that guide. I am already subscribed to Phillip's channel, too.

@user-lf3kr1nq2d

6 ай бұрын

It arrived yesterday, and was actually in tune out of the box. (I have a clip on tuner.) Fret ends are not smooth, but it really looks beautiful. I've begun working on developing calluses. (I've also acquired a mystery guitar from a flea-market, practically for free! I haven't been able to learn a thing about it. I just assumed every model ever would appear somewhere online, but nope!)

Nice review. Liked Tele better than hss. ✌️

*eagerly watching every Affinity Tele video on KZread as I painfully wait for a reply from someone selling one on OfferUp for $150*

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

I hope that deal comes through for you. I have to admit, I do regret selling mine, but some things have to go to fund new things coming in. The one I had was fantastic. I hope yours will be too. Thanks for checking out the video. Be good.

@ajs8972

11 ай бұрын

I just bought a used 2019 Affinity Tele on Sweetwater. $125 with a nice gig bag. Deals are out there if you are patient!

I just picked up a 2001 affinity that had been in the box 22 years in someones basement for $150... a pack of strings and 20 minutes of rough setup and it's outplaying all my more expensive guitars...

Seems that Pro Audio Star was blowing these out for $149 last month, and since I'd heard from several sources that the latest edition of the Affinity Telecaster was much improved, I decided to give it a shot (got mine in olympic white) and man, what a pleasant surprise. The fit and finish exceeded all expectations, the neck was straight, no stray fret edges, love the tummy cut on the body (okay purists, let it go already), the unfinished back of the neck has a great feel to it, the intonation was pretty much spot on, and overall, with just a tweak here and there, it was basically one of those guitars that, right out of the box, instantly became one that I just automatically pick up and play all the time. Yeah the electronics and tuners are cheap (not bad, functional), but I have to say, I bought this guitar knowing that I had a set of pickups (Alnico II bridge, Alnico V neck) sitting here, and assumed that I'd pop them in this guitar right away, So far though, the ceramic stock pickups are a lot better than expected. They pretty much do the spank n twang telecaster thing. I don't know when or if they will ever have list these at $149 again, but my advice is, if you see 'em for that price, pounce on it. Admittedly I eventually will put the Alnico pups in, because, hell, I have 'em, so why not? But honestly, if I didn't happen to have those lying around, I'd have no problem rolling with the stock ceramics. A sub $200 guitar that looks good, plays super nice and sounds better than expected. A lot to like here.

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

I know, right? 👍 They really are good guitars at an entry level price. You, my friend, got an excellent deal. Unfortunately, I sold mine to fund another purchase for the channel. The good news is that I got a killer deal on another Squier that I'm super pleased with as well. I'll have a video on that one coming up before too long. Thanks for checking out the video. I'll have more stuff coming soon.

@DisappearingNightly

Жыл бұрын

@@grumpymikeguitar Honestly the only reason I own two Squier Telecasters is the great deals I got from Pro Audio Star. They're an authorized Fender dealer, and their regular prices are pretty much in line with Sweetwater, dealers on Reverb, and all the usual suspects, but I've noticed that occasionally they offer incredible deals with free shipping, and judging from their reviews, seem to be a pretty solidly reliable place to deal with. Aside from the Affinity that I got for $149 (currently $259), I also got a butterscotch blonde 50's Classic Vibe Telecaster from them which was marked down to $259 (currently $419) back during their Labor Day sale. The CV comes with alnico pickups, a classic Fender three saddle bridge and a lot of people claim they're on par with Fender MIM Teles, but honestly both the CV and Affinity are remarkably good guitars for the money I paid for them. No complaints at all in either case. I have no idea how they're able to offer deals like this, but I still check the Pro Audio website periodically on the odd chance of finding another incredible deal, although I really don't actually need another guitar (I know this because my wife tells me it's true). Anyway, just thought I'd pass that along as a place to keep an eye on for those who are on the prowl for sweet deals. Just be patient and wait for a sale price. Oh, and keep the videos coming!

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

Yup, I've bought a thing or two from Pro Audio Star. There are certainly deals to be had if you look for them.

@llengford

10 ай бұрын

You got the cheaper version, the Bullet 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

Nice video grumpy Mike! What do you recommend for an entry level amp?

@grumpymikeguitar

6 ай бұрын

First off, thanks so much for watching the video. I really do appreciate it. I'm glad you liked it. As to your question, I think something like the Positive Grid Spark 40 would be perfect as an first amp. Yes, it might be just a little pricey ($250), but, when you consider you also get all the effects that co.e along with it, it's actually a pretty good deal. There are a few other amps that are similar from Blackstar, NUX, Yamaha, etc, but the Spark is what I am most familiar with. And, if it means anything, I literally use mine every day during practice time. That said, if your heart desires something with tunes, and you have a bit more to spend, I absolutely love my Supro Delta King 10. It sounds good at "bedroom levels," and can also get pretty damn loud. At a slightly higher price point, there are things such as a Vox AC 4 or AC 10, both of which are fantastic. Again, I don't know what your limitations are, but I hope this helps. If you wish to elaborate, I'd be more than happy to help (as best I can) to help narrow down your search. Ease let me know.

first thing I did to mine was replace the knobs for nice heavy ones - I bought it just to mess around with for £100 used but love how it plays, sounds good but weighs over 9 pounds

@adrian_V99

Жыл бұрын

Your Affinity Tele over 9 I.b.?

@frankcarter6427

Жыл бұрын

@@adrian_V99 yeah, weighs a ton

@frankcarter6427

Жыл бұрын

just weighed it again 9 1b 7 oz - heavier even than I remembered, too heavy for long playing on a strap

@adrian_V99

Жыл бұрын

@@frankcarter6427 Man, that is insane. Thanks,

I think that a vintage style real ashtray bridge with compensated brass saddles and a bone nut and better pots and pickups would turn this from a good guitar into a great guitar.

@grumpymikeguitar

10 ай бұрын

Absolutely it would.

Your tele is made in Indonesia mine was built at the Yako. Factory. Zheng zhou China. 2022. Feb. 8/10

My selector switch wiring is awful .. Had to look , because the Pearly gates installed by the previous owner , screwed up the wiring of it .. Plenty of cold solder joints & bad wiring mistakes..

Ihave that one love it🤣

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

It really is a nice guitar. I thoroughly enjoyed playing it. Sadly, I sold mine, along with a few other things, to fund other stuff for the channel. I do miss it, though. Now, I need another Tele. Thanks for checking out the video.

@vbvini

Жыл бұрын

@@grumpymikeguitarsweet I got mine for 150 from reverb

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

That's a pretty good bargain. 👍

REBAR! 😂

Which website did you buy this blue telecaster at ?

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

I'm pretty sure it was Guitar Center.

For ceramic pickups, I find they are very good. They don't seem too loud compared to alnico V pickups. Do you agree ?

@grumpymikeguitar

11 ай бұрын

Yes, I was quite surprised by how good they sounded. I have to admit that I kind of regret selling this guitar.

@Arcade1959

11 ай бұрын

@@grumpymikeguitar Do you think these ceramic pickups are louder than alnico 5 ?

@grumpymikeguitar

11 ай бұрын

@@Arcade1959 I don't think they are louder. To me, I think they seem brighter and a bit more brittle causing the illusion that they are louder. I could be wrong though. I've not really tested the theory.

Weird, my affinity tele doesn't have a cutout at the top, it's definitely just a solid block of wood

@grumpymikeguitar

Жыл бұрын

Is it an older model?

@KRACHDUFE

Жыл бұрын

@@grumpymikeguitar I think I bought it close to 2 years ago, must be a new thing among affinity teles

@lowlevelretro

11 ай бұрын

Mine doesn't have the belly cut either. 2001 model.

You don’t say errrrrrrrr enough.

For some reason the Squier Telecasters seem to be better made than the Stratocaster ,i own a Bullet Tele ,the pickups are hot as is and the neck feels similar to a V baseball bat type the Bullet strat feels cheap in comparison ,i`ve had frets popping up and the high E string coming off the fingerboard and is unplayable really ,maybe there is a production manager who loves Telecasters at the factory !

Heavier?🤣 Springsteen, Page Keith Richard’s Andy summers - Police I’m sure they didn’t whine they played for hours on stage. Anyways Fenders quality has dropped they are starting to suck

@grumpymikeguitar

Ай бұрын

While it is true that briefly, in the post pandemic period, Fenders QC suffered a bit, currently, Fenders quality seems to be just fine. That said, I am currently of the belief that G&L offers better bang for the buck. As for this Squier, it was a really nice guitar that I kind of wish I hadn't sold. I sort of miss it.

Did you hear the commies renamed Squire Bullets ? What’s next, are they going to call Machine Gun Kelly Sonic Pew Pew Kelly 🤷‍♂️

Not made in indo anymore. China. Much better