groucho said:
I would suggest that there is no way to make an accurate statement about Squire Telecasters as a whole except to say they are wildly inconsistant. If you play 20, you'll probably find one that's as good as most MIMs you'll find. You'll also find a bunch that really suck.
Same as any other guitar, really...
Chris
This guy nailed it on Squires. Now, I am not all that familar with the Affinity Squires, but in general, Squires are all over the place. My guess is that over the years fender has jobbed out the manufacture of squires to a number of different places all over the world. The results have also been all over the world.
I have a MIM toronado that is simply a fantastic guitar with the exception of the electronics, which, while passable, are not even close to my Seymour Duncan Strat, Noiseless Strat, EMG Tele, G&L ASAT (and on and on,) But the action, finish, wood, fret job and hardware are all great.
I have played MIM strats and teles that were very nice with nicer electronics.
If you are going to buy over the internet, having never held it in your hands, I would strongly suggest the MIM model. Worst case, sometime down the road you put in some new pickups and wiring.
With a Squire, I would fear that the worst case is that you have a guitar that cannot be right-ed.
I think most of the upgrades people do to MIM fenders is due to personal taste or a misconception that the hardware or paint is inferior.
Just my opinion, thought.
Jim