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Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster
Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH
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Playability
70
Sound
69
Build
57
Value
75
Score
65
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Playability
72
Sound
65
Build
54
Value
74
Score
64
FIND IT ON:
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Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster vs Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH Specs Comparison
Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH
General
Brand: Fender Squier Fender Squier
Year: 2019 2017
Configuration: SSS HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia China
Series: Classic Vibe Affinity Series
Colors: Blue, Red, 3-Color Sunburst White, Black
Left-Handed Version: Yes No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Nyatoh Poplar
Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo 6-Saddle Strings-Through-Body Hardtail
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Vintage-Style Standard Die-Cast
Fretboard: Indian Laurel Indian Laurel
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: White Dot Pearloid Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Modern C Modern C
Frets: 21 Narrow Tall Nickel Silver 21 Medium Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" 12"
Nut: Bone Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) Standard Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) Standard Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Bell Bell
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 2 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Nickel Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster's switch options
Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's switch options

Reasons to Get
Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster over Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

Country of Manufacturing
Indonesia vs China
Built with higher quality standards
Release Year
2019 vs 2017
From a more recent year
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Type of Frets
Narrow Tall vs Medium
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Switch Positions
5 vs 3
More tone options
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Pickups
SSS vs HH
Beautiful cleans and good tone versatility
Bridge
Tremolo vs Fixed
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 12'' (304.8mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings
Avg. Weight
7.65lbs (3.5kgs) vs 7.938lbs (3.6kgs)
Tends to be lighter
Value Score
75 vs 74
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH over Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster

Type of Frets
Medium vs Narrow Tall
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Pickups
HH vs SSS
High output without hum
Bridge
Fixed vs Tremolo
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend

Other Key Differences
Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster vs Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

Bridge Pickup
Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil vs Standard Humbucking
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil vs Standard Humbucking
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Nyatoh vs Poplar
Different Body Wood
Nut Material
Bone vs Synthetic Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster vs Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Laurel
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Number of Frets
21
Same maximum octave
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Weight Relief
  • Locking Tuners
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

SET PRICE ALERT

Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH Prices

    SET PRICE ALERT

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    Hand Size Comfortability

    And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster favors large hands more than the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands

    Beginner Friendliness

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH meets only 5. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Tall frets
    • Narrow nut
    • Comfortable neck
    • Short scale
    • Locking tuners

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Tall frets
    • Narrow nut
    • Comfortable neck
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Short scale
    • Locking tuners

    Sound Quality Comparison

    The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

    Woods Used in Both

    Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
    Maple
    Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
    Laurel

    Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

    There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

    Woods Used in the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster

    Nyatoh wood pattern used for guitar building
    Nyatoh

    Nyatoh has been replacing Mahogany for guitar building. It's fairly hard, durable, more sustentable and common than Mahogany. Find out more about Nyatoh.

    Woods Used in the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

    Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
    Poplar

    Poplar is a cheaper and heavier alternative to Alder wood. It terms of tone, it emphasizes the low-end and has cutting mids. It's relatively soft compared to most body woods. Find out more about Poplar.

    Winner: Tie.

    Pickup Configuration

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster has an SSS configuration while the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH has HH pickups.

    SSS is perfect for players who like to play clean. The definition you get between notes and the crispiness is unmatched by most other configurations. You can still use it for distortion, but you won't get the same kind of output and power compared to a humbucker, and the hum they produce also makes them less adequate for high gain.

    On the other hand, Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

    Pickups Quality

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster has pickups from a more specialized brand than the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH. Its pickups should simply give you a better, fuller sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Funk and similar genres.

    Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

    Winner: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster.

    Versatility Comparison

    Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

    Switch Options

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster gives you 5 switch options while the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH gives you 3. This means that the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster gives you more options to find the right pickup combination for the type of sound you want to achieve

    Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

    When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

    Winner: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster
    Pickups 70
    Sustain 70
    Versatility 72
    Tuning Stability 65
    Sound 69
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH
    Pickups 60
    Sustain 75
    Versatility 54
    Tuning Stability 70
    Sound 65

    Build Quality Comparison

    When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster compares to the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH.

    Country of Origin

    The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster is built in Indonesia while the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH is made in China.

    Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

    China has a bad reputation when it comes to building quality. However, times have changed and now respectable brands use China's cheap labor to build good instruments for a lower price. Don't discount a guitar only because it was built in China, but also expect more quality from countries like Korea.

    Winner: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster

    Nut Material

    If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster has a Bone nut. It's a type of nut found in high-quality instruments. They sound similar to Ivory since they give a lot of sustain and a bright sound (at least when striking open strings). The only problem they can run into is that you may get a bone piece that simply doesn't sound as well as others because that's just how natural materials are.

    On the other hand, the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH comes with a Synthetic Bone nut. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

    Winner: Tie.

    Fret Material

    Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

    Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

    Winner: Tie.

    Bridge

    The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster's brige is a Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

    On the other hand, the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

    Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

    Winner: Tie.

    Tuners

    Both come with regular tuners. The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster's are Vintage-Style while the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's are Standard Die-Cast

    Winner: Tie.

    Neck Joint

    Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

    Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

    Winner: Tie.

    Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster
    • Bone Nut
    • Tremolo
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH
    • Synthetic Bone Nut
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in China
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Tremolo
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    Final Build Quality Scores

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster
    Quality of materials 51
    Features 55
    Quality Control 65
    Build Quality 57
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH
    Quality of materials 56
    Features 50
    Quality Control 55
    Build Quality 54

    Playability Comparison

    Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

    Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

    Nut Width

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster Nut Width
    Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

    The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42mm (1.654'').

    This is considered a narrow width for a 6-string guitar. This means that this guitar will have a narrower string separation at the nut, which will affect your fretting hand.

    If you are a player with big hands, you might find it difficult to play chords without muting strings. However, this is good for players who have smaller hands, as it will allow them to reach each string more easily at the nut.

    Scale Length

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster and Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's Scale Length
    Both have the same scale length

    The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

    In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

    This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

    However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

    Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

    Neck Profile

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster Neck Profile
    Both guitars have the same neck profile

    No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

    Both the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster and the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

    Fretboard Radius

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster's Fingerboard radius
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's Fingerboard radius

    Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

    In this case, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH.

    Fret Size

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster Frets Size
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster's Frets Size
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH Frets Size
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's Frets Size

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster has Narrow Tall frets, which should be taller than the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH's Medium frets.

    Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

    Final Playability Scores

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 70
    Playability 70
    Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 70
    Playability 72