Squier Affinity Series Active Jazz Bass

​First Impressions

The bass arrived from Fender safely and efficiently packaged in a standard Squier box. It does not come with a gig bag, but it would fit Fender Jazz Bass cases and bags, as well as most universal options. As I pulled the bass from its padding, I was instantly wowed by the vibrance of the Mystic Sea Foam Green finish. Stock photos show a darker hue, but in reality, it is lighter and more metallic, which only adds to its beauty. As for the neck, the pearloid block inlays bring 1970’s flair with strong contrast against the Indian laurel fingerboard – all design firsts for the Affinity Series. The laurel on the specific bass in this review appears rich, hydrated, and dark, with no need for lemon oil or other wood conditioners.

As I got ready to see if the tone matched its impressive looks, I checked out its action and the feel of the setup. The factory setup consisted of medium action and stock Fender Nickel Plated Steel Roundwound strings (.045-.105). While I generally prefer lower action, I was still pleased that the factory setup was completely playable for most players. When I felt along the fingerboard edges, I did not find anything sharp, but instead, only a few extremely minor spots on the bottom edge toward the 12th fret that could be smoothed out. I found nothing that would impede play, and I am impressed by the sturdy build and quality control on this instrument, especially at this price point. Lastly, I was so happy to find that the bass weighed in at only 8.4 lbs., which is shockingly light and very desirable for a Jazz Bass.

In the Groove

Before I jump into my playing experience, I want to note the potential for confusion about the knob layout on the bass. While the configuration looks like it has the typical two volume knobs and one stacked EQ, it actually functions as a master volume, pickup blend, and a stacked bass/treble boost/cut active 2-band preamp. This means that there is no ability to control the individual volumes of the pickups, but instead, you can adjust pickup proportions alongside your preferred onboard preamp settings. Admittedly, I initially found this design a bit counterintuitive for a Jazz Bass. I had assumed the former, but then I quickly discovered the latter, because this layout is similar to my 2019 Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass (and I am sure other Fender/Squier basses). In a way, the pickup blend keeps things more simple and user-friendly, but it can also mean a potential compromise on tonal flexibility, depending on a player’s preference.

While I generally knew what to expect from this bass in terms of standard Jazz Bass dimensions, my main goal during my play test was to check the effectiveness and reliability of the 9V active preamp and two single Squier Ceramic Noiseless™ pickups. Across all samples, I focused on covering a wide range of genres and 9V preamp settings, because Jazz Basses are used in nearly every style of music. To keep things consistent, I used a super clean Line 6 “Studio” amp and cabinet model for recording into my DAW. Generally, the bass’ volume knob stayed at 100%, then I selected my pickup blend based on the playing style and tone that I wanted to achieve. From there, I tested the preamp by using it to “balance out” my pickup blend. For example, I boosted some of the bass to fill out the bottom end where the tone may have gotten thinner during the bright and funky felt pick sample. Conversely, I also found the active electronics great for doubling down on a tone. For the fat and round sound in my vintage/classic sample, I used the preamp to boost bass on an already neck-heavy pickup blend. The only control that could perhaps get a bit strong was the treble boost, so I used it mindfully and in the proper context to avoid sounding too thin.

No matter which way I stretched the active preamp, I found a superb presence in the tonal performance of the bass. I did not experience any glitches in function, either, so the electronics appear reliable. These claims were further substantiated when I took the bass out to play some live blues and country with a full band. It sat nicely in the mix and I did not have to fight with it to achieve the appropriate tone for the job.

This is where I do not miss the independent pickup volume controls, as the 9V preamp is a strong tone-shaper and settings are fast and easy to dial in. I am already a player that prefers less knobs on the bass, but after spending lots of time with this bass, I think this design is a very smart move for the Squier Affinity Series. I imagine that many players at this price point may seek this kind of accessibility without compromising on excellent tone. Ultimately, with this update, the Affinity Series has been brought up to a level that is more competitive with the beloved and completely passive Squier Classic Vibe basses.

The Bottom Line