I REALLY hope my response doesn’t come across as argumentative or dismissive, but I believe this issue is being exaggerated unnecessarily. I understand your desire for vintage-spec Jaguars at every level. However, criticizing entry-level guitars that are not intended for vintage accuracy, while Fender continues to offer vintage-spec models, seems somewhat misleading. Offsets are more popular than ever, and the fact that beginners can start with an Affinity Jaguar and have numerous options to progress in their musical journey is quite impressive, in my opinion. While I acknowledge that Fender is not without its flaws, your argument appears to misrepresent them by omitting some crucial details. I agree with the sentiment “if you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” However, the assertion that these new, simplified versions are replacing vintage-accurate models is not accurate and somewhat dismisses the fact that Fender currently produces vintage-spec instruments within both the Squier and Fender lines. A concern, which I share, is the absence of a vintage-spec Jaguar in the American Vintage II line, a gap keenly felt by offset enthusiasts like ourselves that would love an American-made vintage-spec Jaguar. Thats an issue. I always thought it was kind of obvious that Fender employs a naming convention similar to Gibson and PRS. For instance, Gibson uses nomenclature like Les Paul Standard and Classic for vintage reissues, Special, Tribute, or Junior for more stripped-down affairs, and Modern for contemporary takes. PRS categorizes their models into Private Stock, Core, S2, and SE, each with varying features. Similarly, Fender’s hierarchy includes Affinity, Classic Vibe, Contemporary, Player II, Blacktop, Vintera II, American Performer, and American Professional. Moreover, it is inaccurate to claim that Fender has not modified the Telecaster or Stratocaster. Examples include the Tom Delonge, Jim Root, Noventa, Cabronita, 80s Elites, Parallel Universe, Alternate reality, etc. offset examples include the blacktop series, the Vintera Modified, American Performer, American Professional, Squier Contemporary, Affinity, Paranormal, Johnny Marr Jaguar, Kurt Cobain Jaguar, and the Thurston Moore/Lee Ranaldo Jazzmasters. Modern interpretations of these models remain popular, as evidenced by the 60th Anniversary Ultra Luxe Jaguar, which sold out and now commands a higher resale price. Dude, I appreciate your content despite its sometimes trolling nature and hope you continue to make videos like this because constructive dialogue, especially on subjects we are passionate about, should always be welcomed.
Completely agree with you. And it’s about time that there is an entry-level price point for beginners to start their journey on Jags rather than Strats, Teles, Mustangs, and Jazzmasters. Because you first guitar becomes your reference point of comparison hopefully it will drive sentimentality for the Jag and it will help sustain and increase the popularity of Jags so that it doesn’t fall out of the lineup as happened in the past. I see nothing but positives here. Yes, they tinkered with the formula but the most important parts were retained: Jag body shape, 24 inch scale, and most importantly the Jag trem system. Everyone has different opinions but for me personally, even as a traditionalist, some experimentation and different configurations are refreshing. Things like this Affinity Jag and the Paranormal series are one thing that Fender unambiguously has over Gibson: a willingness to play with the formula to welcome new adherents into the fold without abandoning the core traditionalists.
@@apocalypsevoyeur😅 Funny you said that. I’ve been pretty negative about Fender’s pricing and QC for the American and Mexican lines over the past couple of years. But been much happier with Squier.
I agree with that as well to a certain extent, but when you change too many specs, then that's when it might get a little more muddy. I used to own a Squier contemporary Jag and as cool as that guitar was, two humbuckers, a three way switch, and a stop bar/tuneomatic style bridge, I would hesitate to call that a Jag anymore at that point
@@reneebear3641Same thing, then it gets into what kind of Tele deluxe are we talking? Cause I've seen some with the typical Tele bridge setup and others with the stop bar/TOM style bridge setup as well
if you wondered how boomers ended up the way they are, watch this video. In ten years this dude will be hysteric when his favorite guitar is not sunburst finish. I mean really, this vid is massive LOL. For you all, THEY HAVE FIXED THE TREMOLO ISSUES WITH THIS CORRECT NEW PLACEMENT. Buy that guitar, mod it, and laugh at those struggling with the classic tremolo location and the issues it brings. it's a JM trem plus strat pickups, do you know many guitars with that combo? Buy them, use them, and sound NEW with them.
This is not a trolling comment, but a genuine question; What did they change on the 299 Jag trem/vibrato unit in comparison to the original, let's say the, '62? Looks exactly the same to me, except the bridge is possibly a mustang-like saddle-bridge. I have got myself a VM Squier Jag and I see that the vibrato on that one has been differently placed to have a shorter/steeper break angle from the bridge. But I do also have one that is original Fender, and I must say, with the right setup, it just rocks. Like any other trem (can't do Van Halen style divebombs, but it works and stays in tune). I would like to know what Fender Squier changed on the 299 version that this guy in the video haven't spoken of, please?
Same here, and I'm excited to mod an affordable guitar. I'm stoked to see a JM/Jaguar trem system on an Affinity series as well, unlike the Affinity JM
The purpose of the difference in where the vibrato is placed is to put more of a break angle on the bridge. The traditional jaguar has always had issues with keeping the strings on the bridge saddles, with the bridge closer it helps to keep them it place. On the older player series jazzmaster they moved the vibrato closer to the bridge for that reasons
These might make good mod projects for people who want a kurt-esc jag since they can put hotrail pickups in the neck and bridge, or they can go the extra mile and route for full size hums.
I've been saying for years that they need to at least do MORE jaguars and jazzmasters with the rhythm circuit. That's one of the really defining features that set them apart from other models besides the shape. It's not really the same without it. Pickups being different on the cheaper models doesn't bother me as much. Especially here where a strat and jaguar pickup really aren't that different from each other.
I agree with you for the most part, 100% with that it's not true to vintage spec jaguars due to the pickups and switching, I had a classic vibe and still regret selling it, seen this come up and what caught my eye was the maple neck on a jaguar and the brown color, the upper switche/roller knobs isn't that important to me, and could over look it and the 3 way switch, I've always loved the 3 switches on the plate and will miss that on this big time, and having strat pickups would be a deal breaker if I was a diehard jaguar fan, and I hate seeing a change same as seeing a jag, jazz or even mustang with 2 humbuckers. I think the reason they did these changes was for 3 basic reasons, it's easier to upgrade strat pickups, because there arenmore option's on the market, jaguar pickups are for the most part usually the same, so it would be easier to upgrade pickups, even though I think the basic jaguar sound will still be ther(close) because the pickup.locations appear to be the same, 2nd reason is some people just don't use all the switching even on jazzmasters, and it's more of a bare bone approach like the sonic mustang having the 3 way switch instead of 2 sliders, and 3rd just something different to catch your eye or for people that may like the jaguar body but not pickups, but to sum up my opinion, I definitely agree with you, however, I did order one off of fenders website, absolutely love that brown for some reason! May upgrade to a vintage jaguar setup (pickups and controls) later on if it plays good but sound right, thanks for making this video, good info, I subscribed!
I am OK with change especially if it suites my needs. I like the configuration on the Affinity as I am not bonded to classic specs so it is relative to the individuals needs.
I completely agree with you, when I first saw this I thought this would be a nice upgrade to my Squier Classic Vibe but when I saw it didn’t have the correct pickups, no rhythm circuit, no strangle switch, and just a 3 way switch I thought what’s the point? My Squire has excellent build quality, and yes I’ve had American built Fenders and other guitars. It used to be you had to do a bit of work to a Squier to make it playable, like filing sharp fret ends, but that’s not the case with mine, all I did was lower the action to my liking and put a little heavier gauge strings on it and I love it. Of course I’ve had people tell me "you’re lucky, you got a good one" which may be true but I’ve tried out different more expensive guitars of the same model and there’s good and bad at that level also so try before you buy. IMHO the Classic Vibe is a steal for the price and I even got mine for $100 off on sale.
I’d also add that the Squier Affinity Series Jaguar is a good deal for basically the same guitar as the Fender version for less than half the price and as cheap as it is I would have no problem using it as a base to mod.
Common! They don’t call it ‘Jaguar’. They call it either ‘Jaguar Anfinity’ or ‘Jaguar Player II’. There was ‘Jaguar Player Classic’. I bought Player II and I am very happy with purchase. Quality is great. I needed this Jaguar specific sound and tremolo bar. I liked how they moved Tremolo closer to the bridge. I’m heavily using glide technique, and guitar stays in tune for a very long time! Regarding vintage look, I will put upper blank chrome plate, angled Johnny Marr switch and tortoise pickguard. This is not mine main guitar btw. However, for the price Player II is a great guitar. Anfinity is a very affordable guitar for beginners who wants Jaguar, but cannot afford it
Domestically, Fender's focus is the ease-of-entry. Their primary focus is the person who's never played guitar before and you really see this with how hard they push their lessons. This is why so many of their guitars are simplified and why the more traditional models are few and far between. Squier, traditionally, has been aligned with what Fender Japan is doing (probably by virtue of its [Squier's] history), which is why you have stuff in that "mid-range" of Squier products that are more traditional and feature the traditional control schemes on Jaguars, Mustangs, etc. But this doesn't translate to Fender proper, so a lot of their catalogue are modernized (simplified), as it were, versions of guitars. It also makes production a lot simpler and quicker when you only have to install a single 3-way switch or something. You occasionally get stuff like the Vintera-II, which are nice, but when you really look into them, definitely feel like afterthoughts especially when compared with the traditional and limited edition models that Fender Japan are putting out. Fender Japan's focus seems to be more on producing models of traditional instruments largely because that seems to be the interest of the Japanese market, so I often go MIJ when I'm looking to get a Jaguar, Mustang, etc. I just recently got an MIJ Jaguar in LPB with matching headstock and it's really nice. I do wish Fender would focus more on traditional models the way Japan does, but that's probably not going to happen, so. I didn't intend for this to be such a long comment, so I apologize for that.
My player 2 jazzmaster feels incredible in my hands and sounds So fucking good , A little sharp but nothing the tone knob can’t manage , Might make a video soon if I can put this thing down but haven’t been able to stop playing it since I got it , Do note , I tried a CV jazzmaster at guitar center , it felt and sounded more airy, I am bummed about the placement of the term but man after hearing how good the guitar is I can’t bring myself to trade it in for the Squier this thing is just so beautiful in person
I think they try to make things more basic and more one size fits all for less money = for more novice or beginner players who what they like is the look of the offset jaguar- but makes it simple to control and uses more familiar to everyone sounding strat pickups. It’s just if someone likes the fender squier sound but likes the shape and look. They don’t get into the sonic difference they want to reach the widest audience sound wise and offer a different look. Someone starting out might love the look but be hesitant of the switches and sounds compared to what they are more familiar sounding fender Stratish sound that the whole world knows more. Especially for a first guitar. This could be a first guitar and the person later moves on to a more proper jag if they reach your level of wanting the more true jag history electronics and sound.
While I can understand the points the naysayers make, the affinity does it's own thing. It also happens to be something I like from the sound to the metallic brown paint job. Oh and with way less hassle than classic vibes out of the box. Not stupid but different and in some important ways, actually better.
what sets it apart from the player 2 is that the strangle switch is built in to the tone of the single coils by default. whereas the affinity is just simply a glorified tele with a different body. Although I get being disappointed at the lack of a rhythm circuit
Finding I prefer 24 inch scale and wanted something other than the mustang I have to play and I had also concluded a used classic vibe for a couple dollars more is a no Brainer over the affinity
The name of the guitar is related to the body shape, not the hardware(/hardware placement) or pickups. This is the case for Fender, Gibson and essentially all other guitar manufacturers. Hence why the Telecaster, Nashville Telecaster, Thinline Telecaster, Telecaster Deluxe and Telecaster Custom are all Telecasters, despite having different hardware and pickup combinations, and the Gibson Les Paul, SG, Explorer and Flying V are all distinct guitar lines despite having essentially identical hardware. This is a Jaguar because it's a Jaguar body shape. We can argue that it'll likely be a shitty Jaguar with poor quality control, and that people should just save up an extra hundred bucks to get a CV Jaguar and get what is almost certain to be a vastly superior instrument, but it's still a Jaguar.
CV Jags are cheap and plentiful. If you couldn't get a "proper" Jag at that end of the cost spectrum, I could see the complaint, but this is just a different flavor. Did people get angry when the Tele Deluxe showed up with Wide Ranges and a hardtail Strat bridge?
No, because the base model Tele was still a Tele with traditional controls, pickups, design, etc and the Deluxe didn’t replace it. If they’d named the Player II the “Jaguar Lite”, “Jaguar Jr.”, etc, then it would be more forgivable. Just as “Deluxe” is a designation on the Tele Deluxe to indicate it isn’t a vanilla Tele, Fender should have added a tagline to the model name of the incorrect Player II Jaguar.
@@BigJakeMusic Would “player” not signify that it is a stripped down instrument with simplified controls & changes to make setup slightly easier? Same deal for “affinity”, these are both signifiers for instruments to have simplified designs in Fender’s lineup. Like the player 2 tele having 6 block saddles. Or whatever.
I like the Player II, but I feel like the strangle should have been implemented as a push/pull. And parallel/series as the other push/pull, Marr style. The rhythm circuit is unnecessary, and I think performance is better with the shorter trem placement. I also kind of like the plain jazzmaster style pickguard. If I wanted a chromed out Jaguar I'd either get the Squier Classic Vibe, or the Squier Contemporary Jaguar. In fact I did get the Contemporary. I'll probably add the Player II as well, but I'd want those knobs updated to push/pull functionality. Oddly enough the main selling point of the Player II are the pickups. From all accounts they're some of the best Jaguar pickups ever produced, simply in general, and that's exciting. As for the Affinity... Eh. The pickups are wrong. The metallic brown is great. I think they should have expanded upon the Affinity Jazzmaster instead. That was an awesome guitar that was held back by it's terrible finish selection. If they ever made one in a color I liked I would have grabbed the Affinity Jazzmaster. It had proper Jazz pickups and a strat trem, which is awesome. I'm worried about the offset trem on an Affinity model not working well. It's so weird they discontinued the Affinity JM in favor of this odd Jaguar. Why can't we have both? I was waiting for better finishes!
I don’t have a dog in this fight, but I fend it telling that any criticism of these models is met with basically “oh, you don’t like it, then just get a real one” which is basically the same thing as saying “lol, suck it, poors!”
@@AkaSnugD yeah you’re right. It’s funny how many in the guitar public are like “why did fender remove features??” And the RUclipsrs are like “wow what a MODERN interpretation of a Jaguar! Thanks for the free guitar BTW”
@@Lomoholga2...no he didn't. I just read that thread. He said that the Vintera (...and layer ine he also said the Classic Vibe) had the features you wanted. He didn't tell you to buy shit.
@@Lomoholga2 the really telling part was when he put out a video a week or so after that playing and discussing an actual jaguar (and jazzmaster) and talking about how cool and fun they are, without once referencing the player 2 version
They should at least clearly define and rename the differences between the similar model's,should be called something like the " jaguar lite" "jaguar junior"" jaguar inferior " etc to signify difference👍🏻
The player II is not right . The affinity is ok for beginners who want a Jaguar shaped object, I had the CV but i hated the nickel hardware which oxidized all the time after i cleaned it and the sticky neck poly . So ill have to get a Fender Jag with all the correct parts😏
Not sure why this came up on my feed, but I'm fairly certain that the folks over at Fender don't give a damn what you think about this version of the Jaguar. They're interested in whether it sells or not. With only 2.5K subs ya just don't have enough pull to make a difference in that area.
Since they arent strat pickups this whole thing is just stupid. Just shows that its a good idea to have the product in hand before reviewing. These are affinity jaguar pickups that are taller than strat pickups and with a brass baseplate.
Squier Affinity has thin bodies. Also, you're right about the cheaper Jag and Jazzmaster offerings are not vintage specced. I'm not too bothered by it like you are though. I think they can get away with it because no other brand makes cheap Jags and Jazzmasters. Could it be copyright related? Like other brands make teles and strats but not Jags and Jazzmasters... Weird isn't it
I want a jaguar in left handed, but they are so expensive. There are knockoffs jaguars in left handedness, still pricey. How hard is it to convert a jazz master to a jaguar?
I’ve got a Squier Bullet Telecaster their cheapest model, a step below the Affinity, it’s very much a real Tele imho. I love it as much as I do my American Professional Tele. Why the frick can’t they do that with the Jaguar….?!?!?! The answer is they could, but they won’t.
squires are made for beginners, the budget market, and aftermarket mods. i believe that the jaguar was created to use up the surplus of jazz master parts in the 1960's, and every reissue of the jaguirte since then have been too much trouble to source new parts. i dont know how true that is but thats what ive heard on the grapevine
I don't think the Affin Strats have full thick bodies still. I see this one is looks like has Strat PUs??? It's "stupid" but it's also only $300? I mean, you're getting offset body and trem in the place where ye want, so maybe can upgrade some?
This guit is definitely more for beginners than people who know or want that specific Jag sound and features. They might like the body shape and not care about the rest. Or the scale length. We assume the neck is basically the same on the all other models, but don't forget that the less expensive models will have the horrible fret ends even if the older Squiers have the nice-looking binding
Yeah, but an original Jag was also a $5000 guitar in today's dollars or something. I don't have that kind of money to get a custom version, so I guess if I'm spending less than $1200 I should expect more corners cut even if I don't really like the end result. I do agree that some of the eliminations are, as I said in the last vid and already, for people who don't know or care because their parents weren't even born yet in the 60s or whatever.
Yes, like I said, I have that $500 version and I'm pretty happy with it and I don't know how much longer they will offer such things, but it also has the bar that doesn't lock or screw in place and the fret ends are about the worst ever.
I think the affinity jaguar is fine, proper jaguar pickups and electronics legitimately are expensive so I’m fine with the strat pickups and 3 way switch on the affinity. Also to your point about Gibson adding a signifier on their models with single coils. Fender has done this too except with 2 times as many signifiers: Squier and Affinity. If anything this makes the player 2 series look even dumber than before. I truly see no reason to ever not buy a squier over a fender. Especially with the classic vibe series being available at half the price of base model fenders
You can’t say they didn’t get it right if they did it that way on purpose. I know several guitarists that love Jaguars/jazzmasters and they never touch the rhythm circuit.
I have a '97 Affinity Strat, first year of Affinitys. Has a full size body and a number of other elements that are closer to Mexican specs. I believe they started making them slim bodied in 2000.
Hate to break it to you but Affinity models are not full size thickness. I have a new 2023 Affinity Strat from Indonesia w/2-pt trem & it only has a 40mm thick body. I would expect the Affinity Jaguars also still have a thinner body.
There is a technical reason they move the vibrato closer to the bridge on a lot of modern offsets. Because Jazzmasters and Jaguars were originally intended to be used by jazz musicians, they were designed to have a raised floating bridge with a shim in the neck to get the appropriate action, but because they no longer use shims (at least in all the modern ones I've looked at) the bridge needs to be lowered, which causes the break angle over the bridge to be shallow. It's the same reason people put mustang bridges in them instead of the vintage style ones. With the bridge lowered, there isn't enough downward force to keep the strings seated in the slots while you're playing. They move the tailpiece closer to the bridge to create a more desirable break angle. Of course they wouldn't need to do this if they just shipped them out with shimmed necks...
@@Tomas.P I know. I’m not saying it’s a good solution or anything. I mean shims cost nothing and can be made out of virtually anything and programming their cnc machines to cut the neck pockets at an angle seems like it’d be even easier. There has to be some reason why they haven’t considered these things.
@@_yoursleepparalysisdemon_ in my opinion, they trying to leave as much vintage specs as possible to the custom shop. They need to sell these expensive guitars.
@@Tomas.P And that moving of the vibrato only adds like a degree to the break angle. Not enough to make any real difference, except that it messes up the behind the bridge sounds. I re-routed the neck pockets of the offsets that I've bought to have 1.5 degrees of angle, and do the same with the guitars I build from scratch. String it up with a set of 11's, and the strings have no problem staying put on vintage style saddles with a traditionally placed vibrato unit.
This is a cool guitar. Back in the 90's when i was young this price wouldn't have got you a plywood guitar. People are going to pick these up and mod them with great results. I'm all for it. Let's not moan about the amazing choice we have.
You don’t get it- it’s about Fender deliberately controlling their products to shift consumers towards a higher priced model in order to get what they want- NOT because what they want is inherently too expensive to be offered at a lower price model (it IS!), but because they want to artificially differentiate the models in order to maximize their profit Why oh why do we get so many corporate simps????
Yes, let’s accept the removal of features and increasing prices as a positive thing and just accept whatever corporations offer us- after all people were worse off in the past JFC this mentality…
@@Lomoholga2 it's not really an increasing price if the model didn't exist before. You can still go and buy any of the previous incarnations, or choose or ignore this model at your leisure. I don't even know why I'm defending it. I don't really even care.
@@Ian_sheridanuk you are defending it likely because unconsciously you know these points are complete reasonable, yet you wish to discredit them for some reason only you know. This other ‘argument’ of - “well you shouldn’t care that Fender doesn’t make proper entry-level Jaguars- just go out and buy the older ones that are out there” is again bizarrely reasoned Again, the concept is quite easy to understand here- Fender is deliberately dumbing down the entry level Fender Jaguar model by removing features- one can only assume the motivations of doing this- to steer consumers towards the more expensive Vintera models? To boost the sales and future marketing credibility of Squier via the Classic Vibe lineup??
it’s like costume jewelry, cosplay, LARPing, etc… has its place in the world… but yeah the same crap been going on in most of their product lines, those who know the difference have to pony up to find satisfaction and that’s intentional. Fender is not sorry, and probably immune to this video’s call to resist… they have clever people figuring out how to sell the maximum quantity of product to the planet, to the know nothings and to the in the know. Guitar aficionado wish fulfillment is really not their biz. I WISH i could get that Vintera Mustang bass for that Squier CV price… not happening though… so I spring for the Vintera… and 1000’s of folks who don’t care buy the CV… math… Peace
It takes a bit of hunting but there are places online where you can buy an MIJ Jaguar for around $500-650 with all the traditional specs plus the amazing QC of Fender Japan.
@@Daz912 I’m basing my statement on what I’ve read in forums and other places online. I think people make the assumption based on the fact that they’re made for the domestic market so they’re pumping out fewer units and can take more time assuring the quality of the instrument.
@@wesleykoch550 it’s simply not true, the only place you’re going to see good QC in Japan is in custom shop level instruments. The rank and file guitars there are nothing special. Even my Ibanez Pia had some glaring issues and that’s supposed to be fujigens top of the line team working on those.
unlike the player series this new squier jag has the switch positioned correctly. The way you strum is the way the switch moves. I like this new guitar. It probably sucks quality wise like most fender and squier guitars in the last 10 years but it looks cool andf we all know looks are everything today ;D And yeah, stop bitching, if you want real jag features get something else
Bruh, at this entry price point you’re expecting a fully kitted jag, go for a cv. The point of the player is and affinity is entry and affordability. You can visually compare the two but you know the materials are entirely different, reflected on the cost. Even then it’s not just the materials being used
You clearly haven't even played the guitars you are comparing, so it is not 'proof of my argument' at all that there is a Classic Vibe Jaguar with 'vintage correct specs'. What if the pickups and overall playing experience is more Jaguar-like on a Fender Player II than a Classic Vibe? Well, here's the thing... it is.
So basically what you are saying is a Telecaster with a Bbender or a Bigsby is not a Telecaster. Any modification disqualifies it from being what it is. Total nonsense!
The sad thing is the brainwashed people who INSIST on parroting back fender’s marketing copy and claim these are *modern* jaguars lol For some reason the stupid guitar public has been easily convinced that the REMOVAL of features = modern The only modern feature of the player II is the rolled fingerboard edges The degree of rationalization by the ‘defenders’ of Fender in this is quite strong 60-Cycle Hum who is a surf guitar aficionado and supposed Jaguar lover posted a positive video on the Player II, and when pressed at the complete reduction in features he got defensive, claiming ppl are ‘outraged’ (lol no dude we just want an entry level Fender with Jaguar features), and he again parroted ‘go buy a Vintera’ It’s weird how some members of the guitar public roast Gibson endlessly for quality issues and others just let Fender get a pass on a very stingy ‘fuck you’re to the consumer
You are showing the last resort of someone who does’t have anything valuable or worthwhile to say regarding someone’s argument or idea- Dude relax and go do something else! You’re taking it too seriously!!! Always the personal insults or this version which amounts to basically “look at this guy getting all worked up over this insignificant thing! Lol”
@@Lomoholga2 This video should be called "The Squier Affinity Jaguar Looks STUPID.", that connotates that this guy has a personal opinion and he is expressing it. That would also mean that I would not watch the video. He's talking about a budget/entry level Squier (he hasn't even played it in his hands yet) and ripping it to shreds. Let me quote you: "You are showing the last resort of someone who does’t have anything valuable or worthwhile to say regarding someone’s argument or idea- Dude relax and go do something else! You’re taking it too seriously!!!" What you wrote is basically what I wrote, and should be directed at the guy who made this video. The CV series exists if someone is looking for something closer to a "traditional" Jag on a budget.
@@petevadelnieks “who cares, pick up the guitar and make music” It is something to care about you goddamned fool. I don’t speak for him but I find it absurd that a very reasonable opinion about how Fender is eliminating Jaguar features in their entry level Jaguars elicits such reactions from others I’m sure buddy who made the video isn’t losing sleep and waking his kids up at 3am by shaking them and saying “DONT’T YOU REALIZE WHAT FENDER IS DOING!!!!” He makes valid points and you dismiss them out of hand by implying he is wasting his time talking about it and should just go play the guitar You know damn well it is possible to have reasonable opinions about consumer products where features are deliberately eliminated. What’s the actual push back on the topic? So strange. His thoughts on the Affinity are 💯 in line with the overall idea that Fender is fucking over the consumer and eliminating features It’s getting *worse* with the Affinity- you could make a reasonable argument that for the price they can’t do a full Jaguar. Ok fine. But they don’t even have Jaguar pickups lol THAT is one of his several ideas in the video- you don’t need to have the goddamned guitar in your hand to make that observation and statement lol News goddamned flash- the overwhelming majority of guitars made today (especially by the big brands) are all going to be just fine. The real question is the *feature set* not the goddamned quality lol
As a Jag aficionado, I concur, the Affinity Jaguar sucks. As far as I'm concerned, it's a Jaguar in name only. Quite literally, the only things truly Jaguar about it, are the body shape, and the scale length. Just save up another $160 and buy a Classic Vibe or find a used Vintage Modified. The one thing that bugs me about the higher end Squier Jags though, is the lack of the lock button on the vibrato. It would only cost them a few dollars to machine a slot in the baseplate, and put a lock button on it.
Lol because you don’t like it Fender isn’t allowed to make this? Stand up against them 😂 Just another youtuber with an opinion. Fender doesn’t care as ling as things sell. I bought one for the 24” scale. Can do without the switches. I am a Les Paul guy. There are different types. Different pickups. Even with a floyd rose trem. Would I buy that? No. Should I bash a company about it because I prefer a different setup? No.
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
I REALLY hope my response doesn’t come across as argumentative or dismissive, but I believe this issue is being exaggerated unnecessarily. I understand your desire for vintage-spec Jaguars at every level. However, criticizing entry-level guitars that are not intended for vintage accuracy, while Fender continues to offer vintage-spec models, seems somewhat misleading.
Offsets are more popular than ever, and the fact that beginners can start with an Affinity Jaguar and have numerous options to progress in their musical journey is quite impressive, in my opinion. While I acknowledge that Fender is not without its flaws, your argument appears to misrepresent them by omitting some crucial details.
I agree with the sentiment “if you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” However, the assertion that these new, simplified versions are replacing vintage-accurate models is not accurate and somewhat dismisses the fact that Fender currently produces vintage-spec instruments within both the Squier and Fender lines. A concern, which I share, is the absence of a vintage-spec Jaguar in the American Vintage II line, a gap keenly felt by offset enthusiasts like ourselves that would love an American-made vintage-spec Jaguar. Thats an issue.
I always thought it was kind of obvious that Fender employs a naming convention similar to Gibson and PRS. For instance, Gibson uses nomenclature like Les Paul Standard and Classic for vintage reissues, Special, Tribute, or Junior for more stripped-down affairs, and Modern for contemporary takes. PRS categorizes their models into Private Stock, Core, S2, and SE, each with varying features. Similarly, Fender’s hierarchy includes Affinity, Classic Vibe, Contemporary, Player II, Blacktop, Vintera II, American Performer, and American Professional.
Moreover, it is inaccurate to claim that Fender has not modified the Telecaster or Stratocaster. Examples include the Tom Delonge, Jim Root, Noventa, Cabronita, 80s Elites, Parallel Universe, Alternate reality, etc. offset examples include the blacktop series, the Vintera Modified, American Performer, American Professional, Squier Contemporary, Affinity, Paranormal, Johnny Marr Jaguar, Kurt Cobain Jaguar, and the Thurston Moore/Lee Ranaldo Jazzmasters. Modern interpretations of these models remain popular, as evidenced by the 60th Anniversary Ultra Luxe Jaguar, which sold out and now commands a higher resale price.
Dude, I appreciate your content despite its sometimes trolling nature and hope you continue to make videos like this because constructive dialogue, especially on subjects we are passionate about, should always be welcomed.
People love to bitch
I'm gonna mod the shit out of mine
Completely agree with you. And it’s about time that there is an entry-level price point for beginners to start their journey on Jags rather than Strats, Teles, Mustangs, and Jazzmasters. Because you first guitar becomes your reference point of comparison hopefully it will drive sentimentality for the Jag and it will help sustain and increase the popularity of Jags so that it doesn’t fall out of the lineup as happened in the past. I see nothing but positives here. Yes, they tinkered with the formula but the most important parts were retained: Jag body shape, 24 inch scale, and most importantly the Jag trem system. Everyone has different opinions but for me personally, even as a traditionalist, some experimentation and different configurations are refreshing. Things like this Affinity Jag and the Paranormal series are one thing that Fender unambiguously has over Gibson: a willingness to play with the formula to welcome new adherents into the fold without abandoning the core traditionalists.
@@randrothify Fender, give this man a job!
@@apocalypsevoyeur😅 Funny you said that. I’ve been pretty negative about Fender’s pricing and QC for the American and Mexican lines over the past couple of years. But been much happier with Squier.
in my mind the names are only about the body shape. but its honestly great to see someone so passionate
I agree with that as well to a certain extent, but when you change too many specs, then that's when it might get a little more muddy. I used to own a Squier contemporary Jag and as cool as that guitar was, two humbuckers, a three way switch, and a stop bar/tuneomatic style bridge, I would hesitate to call that a Jag anymore at that point
@@MHChang2014
Would one not be able to say a tele deluxe isn’t a tele for the same reason?
@@reneebear3641Same thing, then it gets into what kind of Tele deluxe are we talking? Cause I've seen some with the typical Tele bridge setup and others with the stop bar/TOM style bridge setup as well
I agree with you wholeheartedly and militantly
Yep otherwise a Strat with humbuckers or a missing trem arm isn't a Strat. Which we all know is bollocks.
if you wondered how boomers ended up the way they are, watch this video. In ten years this dude will be hysteric when his favorite guitar is not sunburst finish. I mean really, this vid is massive LOL. For you all, THEY HAVE FIXED THE TREMOLO ISSUES WITH THIS CORRECT NEW PLACEMENT. Buy that guitar, mod it, and laugh at those struggling with the classic tremolo location and the issues it brings. it's a JM trem plus strat pickups, do you know many guitars with that combo? Buy them, use them, and sound NEW with them.
This is not a trolling comment, but a genuine question;
What did they change on the 299 Jag trem/vibrato unit in comparison to the original, let's say the, '62? Looks exactly the same to me, except the bridge is possibly a mustang-like saddle-bridge.
I have got myself a VM Squier Jag and I see that the vibrato on that one has been differently placed to have a shorter/steeper break angle from the bridge. But I do also have one that is original Fender, and I must say, with the right setup, it just rocks. Like any other trem (can't do Van Halen style divebombs, but it works and stays in tune).
I would like to know what Fender Squier changed on the 299 version that this guy in the video haven't spoken of, please?
@@janzelf its position relative to the bridge
@@duotonguitars The affinity looks exactly the same as the original '62 position, as pictured in the video?
I'm planning to buy Affinity Jaguar and put the lipsticks in it. I think it will sound awesome.
Same here, and I'm excited to mod an affordable guitar. I'm stoked to see a JM/Jaguar trem system on an Affinity series as well, unlike the Affinity JM
The purpose of the difference in where the vibrato is placed is to put more of a break angle on the bridge. The traditional jaguar has always had issues with keeping the strings on the bridge saddles, with the bridge closer it helps to keep them it place. On the older player series jazzmaster they moved the vibrato closer to the bridge for that reasons
These might make good mod projects for people who want a kurt-esc jag since they can put hotrail pickups in the neck and bridge, or they can go the extra mile and route for full size hums.
But I can understand your point where the target market is beginners
CV all day long brother! Very fair review. I got a CV Jazzmaster and it's got all the correct circuitry.
My new favorite gear channel.
I've been saying for years that they need to at least do MORE jaguars and jazzmasters with the rhythm circuit. That's one of the really defining features that set them apart from other models besides the shape. It's not really the same without it.
Pickups being different on the cheaper models doesn't bother me as much. Especially here where a strat and jaguar pickup really aren't that different from each other.
I agree with you for the most part, 100% with that it's not true to vintage spec jaguars due to the pickups and switching, I had a classic vibe and still regret selling it, seen this come up and what caught my eye was the maple neck on a jaguar and the brown color, the upper switche/roller knobs isn't that important to me, and could over look it and the 3 way switch, I've always loved the 3 switches on the plate and will miss that on this big time, and having strat pickups would be a deal breaker if I was a diehard jaguar fan, and I hate seeing a change same as seeing a jag, jazz or even mustang with 2 humbuckers. I think the reason they did these changes was for 3 basic reasons, it's easier to upgrade strat pickups, because there arenmore option's on the market, jaguar pickups are for the most part usually the same, so it would be easier to upgrade pickups, even though I think the basic jaguar sound will still be ther(close) because the pickup.locations appear to be the same, 2nd reason is some people just don't use all the switching even on jazzmasters, and it's more of a bare bone approach like the sonic mustang having the 3 way switch instead of 2 sliders, and 3rd just something different to catch your eye or for people that may like the jaguar body but not pickups, but to sum up my opinion, I definitely agree with you, however, I did order one off of fenders website, absolutely love that brown for some reason! May upgrade to a vintage jaguar setup (pickups and controls) later on if it plays good but sound right, thanks for making this video, good info, I subscribed!
Moan moan moan. People love to moan!
I am OK with change especially if it suites my needs. I like the configuration on the Affinity as I am not bonded to classic specs so it is relative to the individuals needs.
I completely agree with you, when I first saw this I thought this would be a nice upgrade to my Squier Classic Vibe but when I saw it didn’t have the correct pickups, no rhythm circuit, no strangle switch, and just a 3 way switch I thought what’s the point? My Squire has excellent build quality, and yes I’ve had American built Fenders and other guitars. It used to be you had to do a bit of work to a Squier to make it playable, like filing sharp fret ends, but that’s not the case with mine, all I did was lower the action to my liking and put a little heavier gauge strings on it and I love it. Of course I’ve had people tell me "you’re lucky, you got a good one" which may be true but I’ve tried out different more expensive guitars of the same model and there’s good and bad at that level also so try before you buy. IMHO the Classic Vibe is a steal for the price and I even got mine for $100 off on sale.
I’d also add that the Squier Affinity Series Jaguar is a good deal for basically the same guitar as the Fender version for less than half the price and as cheap as it is I would have no problem using it as a base to mod.
Common! They don’t call it ‘Jaguar’. They call it either ‘Jaguar Anfinity’ or ‘Jaguar Player II’. There was ‘Jaguar Player Classic’. I bought Player II and I am very happy with purchase. Quality is great. I needed this Jaguar specific sound and tremolo bar. I liked how they moved Tremolo closer to the bridge. I’m heavily using glide technique, and guitar stays in tune for a very long time! Regarding vintage look, I will put upper blank chrome plate, angled Johnny Marr switch and tortoise pickguard. This is not mine main guitar btw. However, for the price Player II is a great guitar. Anfinity is a very affordable guitar for beginners who wants Jaguar, but cannot afford it
Domestically, Fender's focus is the ease-of-entry. Their primary focus is the person who's never played guitar before and you really see this with how hard they push their lessons. This is why so many of their guitars are simplified and why the more traditional models are few and far between. Squier, traditionally, has been aligned with what Fender Japan is doing (probably by virtue of its [Squier's] history), which is why you have stuff in that "mid-range" of Squier products that are more traditional and feature the traditional control schemes on Jaguars, Mustangs, etc. But this doesn't translate to Fender proper, so a lot of their catalogue are modernized (simplified), as it were, versions of guitars. It also makes production a lot simpler and quicker when you only have to install a single 3-way switch or something. You occasionally get stuff like the Vintera-II, which are nice, but when you really look into them, definitely feel like afterthoughts especially when compared with the traditional and limited edition models that Fender Japan are putting out. Fender Japan's focus seems to be more on producing models of traditional instruments largely because that seems to be the interest of the Japanese market, so I often go MIJ when I'm looking to get a Jaguar, Mustang, etc. I just recently got an MIJ Jaguar in LPB with matching headstock and it's really nice. I do wish Fender would focus more on traditional models the way Japan does, but that's probably not going to happen, so. I didn't intend for this to be such a long comment, so I apologize for that.
I’ll buy this because I like every wacky new design fender/squier cooks up with their offsets.
My player 2 jazzmaster feels incredible in my hands and sounds So fucking good ,
A little sharp but nothing the tone knob can’t manage ,
Might make a video soon if I can put this thing down but haven’t been able to stop playing it since I got it ,
Do note , I tried a CV jazzmaster at guitar center , it felt and sounded more airy, I am bummed about the placement of the term but man after hearing how good the guitar is I can’t bring myself to trade it in for the Squier this thing is just so beautiful in person
I think they try to make things more basic and more one size fits all for less money = for more novice or beginner players who what they like is the look of the offset jaguar- but makes it simple to control and uses more familiar to everyone sounding strat pickups.
It’s just if someone likes the fender squier sound but likes the shape and look. They don’t get into the sonic difference they want to reach the widest audience sound wise and offer a different look. Someone starting out might love the look but be hesitant of the switches and sounds compared to what they are more familiar sounding fender Stratish sound that the whole world knows more. Especially for a first guitar. This could be a first guitar and the person later moves on to a more proper jag if they reach your level of wanting the more true jag history electronics and sound.
While I can understand the points the naysayers make, the affinity does it's own thing. It also happens to be something I like from the sound to the metallic brown paint job. Oh and with way less hassle than classic vibes out of the box. Not stupid but different and in some important ways, actually better.
I feel like the blade switch is the most egregious feature. The pickups might actually sound good, who knows. Like an extra jangly offset.
what sets it apart from the player 2 is that the strangle switch is built in to the tone of the single coils by default. whereas the affinity is just simply a glorified tele with a different body. Although I get being disappointed at the lack of a rhythm circuit
Finding I prefer 24 inch scale and wanted something other than the mustang I have to play and I had also concluded a used classic vibe for a couple dollars more is a no Brainer over the affinity
The name of the guitar is related to the body shape, not the hardware(/hardware placement) or pickups. This is the case for Fender, Gibson and essentially all other guitar manufacturers.
Hence why the Telecaster, Nashville Telecaster, Thinline Telecaster, Telecaster Deluxe and Telecaster Custom are all Telecasters, despite having different hardware and pickup combinations, and the Gibson Les Paul, SG, Explorer and Flying V are all distinct guitar lines despite having essentially identical hardware.
This is a Jaguar because it's a Jaguar body shape. We can argue that it'll likely be a shitty Jaguar with poor quality control, and that people should just save up an extra hundred bucks to get a CV Jaguar and get what is almost certain to be a vastly superior instrument, but it's still a Jaguar.
Hey Brother good to see you are doing great. I have also had SSHNL recently and having tinnitus. How are you managing this now?
At this point a jag is an offset shot scale. The whole fender line has different pickup and circut variables.
CV Jags are cheap and plentiful. If you couldn't get a "proper" Jag at that end of the cost spectrum, I could see the complaint, but this is just a different flavor. Did people get angry when the Tele Deluxe showed up with Wide Ranges and a hardtail Strat bridge?
No, because the base model Tele was still a Tele with traditional controls, pickups, design, etc and the Deluxe didn’t replace it. If they’d named the Player II the “Jaguar Lite”, “Jaguar Jr.”, etc, then it would be more forgivable. Just as “Deluxe” is a designation on the Tele Deluxe to indicate it isn’t a vanilla Tele, Fender should have added a tagline to the model name of the incorrect Player II Jaguar.
@@BigJakeMusic
Would “player” not signify that it is a stripped down instrument with simplified controls & changes to make setup slightly easier? Same deal for “affinity”, these are both signifiers for instruments to have simplified designs in Fender’s lineup. Like the player 2 tele having 6 block saddles. Or whatever.
The Telecaster Deluxe is a major upgrade over the standard and custom Teles. LOL.
This junk is called "De-contented"
Common in consumer goods.
I like the Player II, but I feel like the strangle should have been implemented as a push/pull. And parallel/series as the other push/pull, Marr style. The rhythm circuit is unnecessary, and I think performance is better with the shorter trem placement. I also kind of like the plain jazzmaster style pickguard.
If I wanted a chromed out Jaguar I'd either get the Squier Classic Vibe, or the Squier Contemporary Jaguar. In fact I did get the Contemporary. I'll probably add the Player II as well, but I'd want those knobs updated to push/pull functionality.
Oddly enough the main selling point of the Player II are the pickups. From all accounts they're some of the best Jaguar pickups ever produced, simply in general, and that's exciting.
As for the Affinity... Eh. The pickups are wrong. The metallic brown is great. I think they should have expanded upon the Affinity Jazzmaster instead. That was an awesome guitar that was held back by it's terrible finish selection. If they ever made one in a color I liked I would have grabbed the Affinity Jazzmaster. It had proper Jazz pickups and a strat trem, which is awesome. I'm worried about the offset trem on an Affinity model not working well. It's so weird they discontinued the Affinity JM in favor of this odd Jaguar. Why can't we have both? I was waiting for better finishes!
I don’t have a dog in this fight, but I fend it telling that any criticism of these models is met with basically “oh, you don’t like it, then just get a real one” which is basically the same thing as saying “lol, suck it, poors!”
💯 I posted on 60 cycle hum’s video on the Player II that it was a huge swing and miss and he responded defensively and said just go buy a Vintera
@@Lomoholga2 Have to toe the company line if you want to keep the fear rolling in
@@AkaSnugD yeah you’re right. It’s funny how many in the guitar public are like “why did fender remove features??” And the RUclipsrs are like “wow what a MODERN interpretation of a Jaguar! Thanks for the free guitar BTW”
@@Lomoholga2...no he didn't. I just read that thread. He said that the Vintera (...and layer ine he also said the Classic Vibe) had the features you wanted. He didn't tell you to buy shit.
@@Lomoholga2 the really telling part was when he put out a video a week or so after that playing and discussing an actual jaguar (and jazzmaster) and talking about how cool and fun they are, without once referencing the player 2 version
my 86 mustang gt fast back had a hatch and i loved that car
Go for classic vibe guys, i love my fsr
Classic Vibe, and arguably the Paranormal series, are the "right" Squiers to get, imho.
Liked and subd. Where can I find a used SCV 70s Jag for $200? Not on Reverb or eBay that I can find.
They should at least clearly define and rename the differences between the similar model's,should be called something like the " jaguar lite" "jaguar junior"" jaguar inferior " etc to signify difference👍🏻
its literally called Affinity ahahahah
At least as a right handed player you can even buy one...as a lefty I can go eff myself I guess.
The player II is not right . The affinity is ok for beginners who want a Jaguar shaped object, I had the CV but i hated the nickel hardware which oxidized all the time after i cleaned it and the sticky neck poly . So ill have to get a Fender Jag with all the correct parts😏
Not sure why this came up on my feed, but I'm fairly certain that the folks over at Fender don't give a damn what you think about this version of the Jaguar. They're interested in whether it sells or not. With only 2.5K subs ya just don't have enough pull to make a difference in that area.
Since they arent strat pickups this whole thing is just stupid. Just shows that its a good idea to have the product in hand before reviewing. These are affinity jaguar pickups that are taller than strat pickups and with a brass baseplate.
Looks ace, not everything has to be 'vintage spec'.
I have vintage jags and I just bought one of these today in brown sparkle because they’re awesome and cheap
classic vibes are pretty sweet...
Don't like the switch position other than it seems fine
I love my 2003 classic vibe 70,s Jaguar no shims just a setup and 11,s it kicks ass . sheck it out much better than that affinity
Dunno what you're looking at, but on Fender's Aus website, it's showing the Affinity for $599AU, and the Classic Vibe 70s for $899AU....
In my opinion, not having Jaguar pickups with the claws is a deal breaker.
Those are just strat pickups.
No thanks.
Squier Affinity has thin bodies. Also, you're right about the cheaper Jag and Jazzmaster offerings are not vintage specced. I'm not too bothered by it like you are though. I think they can get away with it because no other brand makes cheap Jags and Jazzmasters. Could it be copyright related? Like other brands make teles and strats but not Jags and Jazzmasters... Weird isn't it
I want a jaguar in left handed, but they are so expensive. There are knockoffs jaguars in left handedness, still pricey. How hard is it to convert a jazz master to a jaguar?
Dude, the original Les Pauls were equipped with single coil pickups!!! P90s, dude! Humbuckers didn't come out for a few years.
yeah but they've mostly had humbuckers in them for almost 60 years
I’ve got a Squier Bullet Telecaster their cheapest model, a step below the Affinity, it’s very much a real Tele imho. I love it as much as I do my American Professional Tele.
Why the frick can’t they do that with the Jaguar….?!?!?! The answer is they could, but they won’t.
I would buy the classic vibe seems to be the best value and features.
squires are made for beginners, the budget market, and aftermarket mods. i believe that the jaguar was created to use up the surplus of jazz master parts in the 1960's, and every reissue of the jaguirte since then have been too much trouble to source new parts. i dont know how true that is but thats what ive heard on the grapevine
Literally just get a classic vibe jag. It’s like $150 more and is full vintage spec.
I do agree that the player II being just a 3 way is super stupid though. As well as there being no HSH or Floyd rose Strat.
I'm all about the CV 70. This other stuff takes away what makes it a jaguar.
Why would they do this when theres the classic vibe jags? Especially when the 70s classic vibe is really nice if you dont wanna spend that much
I don't think the Affin Strats have full thick bodies still. I see this one is looks like has Strat PUs??? It's "stupid" but it's also only $300? I mean, you're getting offset body and trem in the place where ye want, so maybe can upgrade some?
Affinity PUs are notoriously horrible, anyway, so if they can swap out is should.
Well, I don't know how accurate the Vinteras are, but they are a separate model from the Player.
This guit is definitely more for beginners than people who know or want that specific Jag sound and features. They might like the body shape and not care about the rest. Or the scale length. We assume the neck is basically the same on the all other models, but don't forget that the less expensive models will have the horrible fret ends even if the older Squiers have the nice-looking binding
Yeah, but an original Jag was also a $5000 guitar in today's dollars or something. I don't have that kind of money to get a custom version, so I guess if I'm spending less than $1200 I should expect more corners cut even if I don't really like the end result. I do agree that some of the eliminations are, as I said in the last vid and already, for people who don't know or care because their parents weren't even born yet in the 60s or whatever.
Yes, like I said, I have that $500 version and I'm pretty happy with it and I don't know how much longer they will offer such things, but it also has the bar that doesn't lock or screw in place and the fret ends are about the worst ever.
I think the affinity jaguar is fine, proper jaguar pickups and electronics legitimately are expensive so I’m fine with the strat pickups and 3 way switch on the affinity. Also to your point about Gibson adding a signifier on their models with single coils. Fender has done this too except with 2 times as many signifiers: Squier and Affinity. If anything this makes the player 2 series look even dumber than before. I truly see no reason to ever not buy a squier over a fender. Especially with the classic vibe series being available at half the price of base model fenders
Completely agree.
You can’t say they didn’t get it right if they did it that way on purpose. I know several guitarists that love Jaguars/jazzmasters and they never touch the rhythm circuit.
Hey,Affinity series guitars have slim bodies or did Squier change that?
The Strats changed to full thickness a few years ago! They used to be a lot thinner but not anymore.
Bullet versions are thinner now. Dimensions on most lines are the same body as any of the Fender lines.
I have a '97 Affinity Strat, first year of Affinitys. Has a full size body and a number of other elements that are closer to Mexican specs. I believe they started making them slim bodied in 2000.
Thanks for the replies. Sadly every Influencer I found who reviewed an Affinity guitar talks about the "thin body"...
Hate to break it to you but Affinity models are not full size thickness. I have a new 2023 Affinity Strat from Indonesia w/2-pt trem & it only has a 40mm thick body. I would expect the Affinity Jaguars also still have a thinner body.
Stratocaster pickups in a Jaguar is BULLSHIT
There is a technical reason they move the vibrato closer to the bridge on a lot of modern offsets. Because Jazzmasters and Jaguars were originally intended to be used by jazz musicians, they were designed to have a raised floating bridge with a shim in the neck to get the appropriate action, but because they no longer use shims (at least in all the modern ones I've looked at) the bridge needs to be lowered, which causes the break angle over the bridge to be shallow. It's the same reason people put mustang bridges in them instead of the vintage style ones. With the bridge lowered, there isn't enough downward force to keep the strings seated in the slots while you're playing. They move the tailpiece closer to the bridge to create a more desirable break angle. Of course they wouldn't need to do this if they just shipped them out with shimmed necks...
They can make angled neck pockets very easily (they already did that on some models before). No need to move whole vibrato position.
@@Tomas.P I know. I’m not saying it’s a good solution or anything. I mean shims cost nothing and can be made out of virtually anything and programming their cnc machines to cut the neck pockets at an angle seems like it’d be even easier. There has to be some reason why they haven’t considered these things.
@@_yoursleepparalysisdemon_ in my opinion, they trying to leave as much vintage specs as possible to the custom shop. They need to sell these expensive guitars.
It makes it easier for beginner setup. I see that as a positive for beginners who have little experience setting up infamously finnicky instruments.
@@Tomas.P And that moving of the vibrato only adds like a degree to the break angle. Not enough to make any real difference, except that it messes up the behind the bridge sounds. I re-routed the neck pockets of the offsets that I've bought to have 1.5 degrees of angle, and do the same with the guitars I build from scratch. String it up with a set of 11's, and the strings have no problem staying put on vintage style saddles with a traditionally placed vibrato unit.
This is a cool guitar. Back in the 90's when i was young this price wouldn't have got you a plywood guitar. People are going to pick these up and mod them with great results. I'm all for it. Let's not moan about the amazing choice we have.
You don’t get it- it’s about Fender deliberately controlling their products to shift consumers towards a higher priced model in order to get what they want- NOT because what they want is inherently too expensive to be offered at a lower price model (it IS!), but because they want to artificially differentiate the models in order to maximize their profit
Why oh why do we get so many corporate simps????
Yes, let’s accept the removal of features and increasing prices as a positive thing and just accept whatever corporations offer us- after all people were worse off in the past
JFC this mentality…
@@Lomoholga2 it's not really an increasing price if the model didn't exist before. You can still go and buy any of the previous incarnations, or choose or ignore this model at your leisure. I don't even know why I'm defending it. I don't really even care.
@@Ian_sheridanuk you are defending it likely because unconsciously you know these points are complete reasonable, yet you wish to discredit them for some reason only you know.
This other ‘argument’ of - “well you shouldn’t care that Fender doesn’t make proper entry-level Jaguars- just go out and buy the older ones that are out there” is again bizarrely reasoned
Again, the concept is quite easy to understand here- Fender is deliberately dumbing down the entry level Fender Jaguar model by removing features- one can only assume the motivations of doing this- to steer consumers towards the more expensive Vintera models? To boost the sales and future marketing credibility of Squier via the Classic Vibe lineup??
“this is not a Jaguar” well what else is it then?
Shortscale Jazzmaster
it’s like costume jewelry, cosplay, LARPing, etc… has its place in the world… but yeah the same crap been going on in most of their product lines, those who know the difference have to pony up to find satisfaction and that’s intentional. Fender is not sorry, and probably immune to this video’s call to resist… they have clever people figuring out how to sell the maximum quantity of product to the planet, to the know nothings and to the in the know. Guitar aficionado wish fulfillment is really not their biz. I WISH i could get that Vintera Mustang bass for that Squier CV price… not happening though… so I spring for the Vintera… and 1000’s of folks who don’t care buy the CV… math… Peace
It takes a bit of hunting but there are places online where you can buy an MIJ Jaguar for around $500-650 with all the traditional specs plus the amazing QC of Fender Japan.
Where did this myth come from? Fender Japan has lower QC than Mexico, especially in the 90s
@@Daz912 I’m basing my statement on what I’ve read in forums and other places online. I think people make the assumption based on the fact that they’re made for the domestic market so they’re pumping out fewer units and can take more time assuring the quality of the instrument.
@@wesleykoch550 it’s simply not true, the only place you’re going to see good QC in Japan is in custom shop level instruments. The rank and file guitars there are nothing special. Even my Ibanez Pia had some glaring issues and that’s supposed to be fujigens top of the line team working on those.
@@Daz912 Weird… I’ll have to investigate further. Maybe I can find where the whole idea started. Into the Fender Japan rabbit hole I go!
Youre not the first to complain about cheap guitars for budget minded and beginners l.
And wont be the last.
Get the CV if you want the switches
unlike the player series this new squier jag has the switch positioned correctly. The way you strum is the way the switch moves. I like this new guitar. It probably sucks quality wise like most fender and squier guitars in the last 10 years but it looks cool andf we all know looks are everything today ;D And yeah, stop bitching, if you want real jag features get something else
Bruh, at this entry price point you’re expecting a fully kitted jag, go for a cv. The point of the player is and affinity is entry and affordability. You can visually compare the two but you know the materials are entirely different, reflected on the cost. Even then it’s not just the materials being used
You clearly haven't even played the guitars you are comparing, so it is not 'proof of my argument' at all that there is a Classic Vibe Jaguar with 'vintage correct specs'. What if the pickups and overall playing experience is more Jaguar-like on a Fender Player II than a Classic Vibe? Well, here's the thing... it is.
he HATES jags
So basically what you are saying is a Telecaster with a Bbender or a Bigsby is not a Telecaster. Any modification disqualifies it from being what it is. Total nonsense!
The sad thing is the brainwashed people who INSIST on parroting back fender’s marketing copy and claim these are *modern* jaguars lol
For some reason the stupid guitar public has been easily convinced that the REMOVAL of features = modern
The only modern feature of the player II is the rolled fingerboard edges
The degree of rationalization by the ‘defenders’ of Fender in this is quite strong
60-Cycle Hum who is a surf guitar aficionado and supposed Jaguar lover posted a positive video on the Player II, and when pressed at the complete reduction in features he got defensive, claiming ppl are ‘outraged’ (lol no dude we just want an entry level Fender with Jaguar features), and he again parroted ‘go buy a Vintera’
It’s weird how some members of the guitar public roast Gibson endlessly for quality issues and others just let Fender get a pass on a very stingy ‘fuck you’re to the consumer
Dude, who cares, pick up the guitar and make some music
You are showing the last resort of someone who does’t have anything valuable or worthwhile to say regarding someone’s argument or idea- Dude relax and go do something else! You’re taking it too seriously!!!
Always the personal insults or this version which amounts to basically “look at this guy getting all worked up over this insignificant thing! Lol”
@@Lomoholga2 This video should be called "The Squier Affinity Jaguar Looks STUPID.", that connotates that this guy has a personal opinion and he is expressing it. That would also mean that I would not watch the video. He's talking about a budget/entry level Squier (he hasn't even played it in his hands yet) and ripping it to shreds.
Let me quote you: "You are showing the last resort of someone who does’t have anything valuable or worthwhile to say regarding someone’s argument or idea- Dude relax and go do something else! You’re taking it too seriously!!!"
What you wrote is basically what I wrote, and should be directed at the guy who made this video.
The CV series exists if someone is looking for something closer to a "traditional" Jag on a budget.
@@petevadelnieks “who cares, pick up the guitar and make music”
It is something to care about you goddamned fool.
I don’t speak for him but I find it absurd that a very reasonable opinion about how Fender is eliminating Jaguar features in their entry level Jaguars elicits such reactions from others
I’m sure buddy who made the video isn’t losing sleep and waking his kids up at 3am by shaking them and saying “DONT’T YOU REALIZE
WHAT FENDER IS DOING!!!!”
He makes valid points and you dismiss them out of hand by implying he is wasting his time talking about it and should just go play the guitar
You know damn well it is possible to have reasonable opinions about consumer products where features are deliberately eliminated.
What’s the actual push back on the topic?
So strange.
His thoughts on the Affinity are 💯 in line with the overall idea that Fender is fucking over the consumer and eliminating features
It’s getting *worse* with the Affinity- you could make a reasonable argument that for the price they can’t do a full Jaguar.
Ok fine. But they don’t even have Jaguar pickups lol
THAT is one of his several ideas in the video- you don’t need to have the goddamned guitar in your hand to make that observation and statement lol
News goddamned flash- the overwhelming majority of guitars made today (especially by the big brands) are all going to be just fine.
The real question is the *feature set* not the goddamned quality lol
As a Jag aficionado, I concur, the Affinity Jaguar sucks. As far as I'm concerned, it's a Jaguar in name only. Quite literally, the only things truly Jaguar about it, are the body shape, and the scale length. Just save up another $160 and buy a Classic Vibe or find a used Vintage Modified. The one thing that bugs me about the higher end Squier Jags though, is the lack of the lock button on the vibrato. It would only cost them a few dollars to machine a slot in the baseplate, and put a lock button on it.
Bitching about this is like punting on first down. Just put some better p/u's on it.
Lol because you don’t like it Fender isn’t allowed to make this? Stand up against them 😂
Just another youtuber with an opinion.
Fender doesn’t care as ling as things sell.
I bought one for the 24” scale. Can do without the switches.
I am a Les Paul guy. There are different types. Different pickups. Even with a floyd rose trem. Would I buy that? No. Should I bash a company about it because I prefer a different setup? No.