Squier Affinity Strat FMT HSS SS

Squier Affinity Strat FMT HSS SS review

The Squier Affinity Strat FMT HSS SS is an affordable electric guitar with a poplar body, a maple top, and an HSS pickup layout. Its listed price is 266, and the model has been available since July 2021. The specifications suggest a familiar Strat-style format, while owner feedback points to an instrument that can feel ready to play with little work, though setup quality varies between examples.

Its Sienna Sunburst finish and figured maple veneer give the guitar much of its visual appeal. Owners often praise the finish and the visible wood grain, although the figuring may look less pronounced in person than product photos suggest. One reviewer also found the finish darker than expected. Those are appearance preferences rather than functional concerns, but they are worth keeping in mind if the top's figuring is the main reason for choosing this version.

Construction and playability

The body is made from poplar, with a maple veneer on top. The maple neck has a C-shaped profile, a 648 mm scale length, and a 241 mm fingerboard radius. The maple fingerboard carries 21 medium frets, and the nut measures 42 mm across. No case or gig bag is included.

Several owners describe clean fretwork, smooth fret ends, and a comfortable neck. Reports include examples with straight necks and frets that do not protrude or buzz. One returning player particularly liked the smooth, satin-finished neck, while newer players found the guitar comfortable to hold and easy to fret. These comments are encouraging, but individual instruments can differ: other owners reported fret buzz, including one complaint concentrated around the first two frets.

Initial setup is another point to check. Some buyers received a well-adjusted guitar and only changed the strings. Others found the string height too high or needed to adjust the neck relief and bridge saddles. A setup is normal on a budget instrument, and the reports suggest it can make a noticeable difference to comfort. Check each fret for buzzing, confirm the string height suits your playing, and make sure the bridge sits as intended before judging the guitar's feel.

Pickups and sound

The HSS configuration pairs a ceramic humbucker at the bridge with ceramic single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions. A five-way switch selects the pickup combinations, with one master volume and two tone controls. The layout covers bright, clean tones from the single coils and a thicker, more forceful sound from the bridge humbucker.

Many owners hear the familiar bright character they expect from a Strat-style guitar. Clean tones and light overdrive earn frequent praise, and players report using the instrument for blues, rock, and general practice. The single coils can produce noticeable hum in some conditions, which is typical of this pickup type. The bridge humbucker adds useful contrast, though opinions on its output are mixed. Some players like the extra punch for heavier parts; others find it thinner or less convincing than they expected from a humbucker.

That makes the guitar versatile for learning and home playing, but the pickup set has limits. One owner found recorded tones plain and the guitar poorly suited to low tunings or hard metal. If those are priorities, try the instrument through the amp and recording setup you plan to use. The stock pickups are not a guarantee of a particular high-gain sound.

Tremolo and tuning

The bridge is a two-point synchronized tremolo with block saddles. Its performance receives mixed feedback. Some players report good tuning stability during ordinary playing, while others say the guitar goes out of tune with frequent tremolo use or string bends. One owner improved stability by setting the spring tension correctly and reducing friction at the nut and string retainer. That points to setup and string path as factors, rather than a guaranteed problem on every example.

Use the tremolo moderately and check that the nut slots, saddles, and springs are set up cleanly. Players who expect repeated deep dives may want a different bridge system or additional setup work. The supplied specifications do not include a case or bag, so plan for separate protection when transporting the guitar.

Verdict

The Squier Affinity Strat FMT HSS SS offers a comfortable maple neck, a striking finish, and a pickup arrangement that spans classic single-coil sounds and a stronger bridge voice. Owner experiences show that fretwork and overall finish can impress at this price, while setup, tuning stability, and the bridge humbucker draw more varied reactions. It is a strong option for beginners, returning players, and hobbyists who want a flexible Strat-style guitar without a large outlay. Inspect the individual instrument, budget for fresh strings, and arrange a setup if the action or tuning needs attention.