Squier Affinity Series® Stratocaster®, Laurel Fingerboard, White Pickguard, 3-Color Sunburst

Quick Product Summary

The Squier Affinity Series® Stratocaster® in 3-Color Sunburst delivers the essential Stratocaster experience in an affordable, player-friendly electric guitar. Pairing a traditional Sunburst finish and white pickguard with a dark Indian laurel fingerboard, this version has the familiar look many players immediately associate with a classic Strat.

Its thin, lightweight poplar body is joined to a maple neck with a slim “C”-shaped profile, 9.5" fingerboard radius and 21 medium-jumbo frets. The result is a comfortable full-size guitar suitable for first chords, lead playing, lessons, rehearsals and home recording.

Three ceramic single-coil pickups provide five selectable sounds, while the two-point synchronized tremolo bridge adds expressive pitch control. Whether you're buying your first electric guitar or simply want an affordable traditional-style SSS Stratocaster, the Affinity Series offers plenty of flexibility without unnecessary complexity.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Squier
Series	Affinity Series®
Model	Stratocaster®
Finish	3-Color Sunburst
Fingerboard	Indian Laurel
Pickguard	3-Ply White
Body	Poplar
Neck	Maple, “C” Shape
Pickups	Three Ceramic Single-Coils
Switching	5-Position Blade
Bridge	2-Point Synchronized Tremolo
Condition	New
Main Appeal	Classic SSS Stratocaster versatility at an accessible price
Best For	Beginners, developing players, blues, rock, indie, pop and funk

What’s Included?

• Squier Affinity Series® Stratocaster® in 3-Color Sunburst

• Standard tremolo arm

✘ No Case or Gig Bag Included

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

As with the new guitars we sell, this Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is checked by the Fair Deal Music team before leaving the shop.

We assess its general playing condition, tuning hardware, pickups, five-way selector, controls, output and tremolo operation so that obvious issues can be identified before dispatch.

Guitar setups can naturally move slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. Players also have individual preferences for neck relief, string height and tremolo feel, so a minor adjustment after the instrument has acclimatised can occasionally be beneficial.

Why Choose The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster?

Five Useful Pickup Sounds

Three single-coil pickups and a five-way selector give you considerably more tonal choice than the simple control layout might suggest. From a direct bridge sound to smoother neck tones and the distinctive combined pickup positions, it is a versatile platform for learning how different electric guitar sounds work.

Comfortable Contemporary Neck

The slim “C”-shaped maple neck combines a 9.5" fingerboard radius with medium-jumbo frets. It is an approachable specification for beginners but remains suitable for chord work, scales, bends and lead techniques as your playing develops.

Expressive Two-Point Tremolo

The synchronized tremolo allows subtle vibrato, chord shimmer and pitch effects without changing the fundamental Stratocaster layout. Its two-point mounting gives this Affinity model a more contemporary bridge design than the vintage-style six-screw systems found on some traditional Stratocasters.

Timeless Sunburst Styling

The combination of 3-Color Sunburst, Indian laurel and a white pickguard gives this Affinity Stratocaster a traditional appearance that suits players who want something recognisably Strat-inspired rather than a more unusual contemporary finish.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster vs Popular Alternatives

Squier Affinity Stratocaster vs Squier Sonic Stratocaster

The Squier Sonic Stratocaster provides the more affordable entry point into Squier's full-size Strat range. The Affinity is the stronger choice if your budget allows for a step up, particularly if you value its two-point tremolo, sealed split-shaft tuners and more developed everyday specification.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster vs Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster

The Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster moves towards a more deliberately vintage-inspired guitar with Fender-designed alnico pickups, narrow-tall frets, vintage-style tuners and a six-saddle vintage-style tremolo. Choose the Affinity for value and straightforward contemporary playability; choose the Classic Vibe if vintage character and upgraded pickups justify the extra investment.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster vs Fender Standard Stratocaster

The Fender Standard Stratocaster is a natural upgrade for someone ready to move into a Fender-branded instrument. It offers Fender Standard single-coil pickups, a slightly wider nut and upgraded Fender hardware while retaining accessible modern playability. The Affinity remains better suited to first-time buyers and tighter budgets.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster vs Fender Player II Stratocaster

The Fender Player II Stratocaster moves significantly further up the range with upgraded alnico pickups, 22 frets, rolled fingerboard edges and higher-spec Fender hardware. The Affinity makes far more sense as an affordable first or second guitar, while the Player II is aimed at players ready to invest in a more premium long-term instrument.

Who Is The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster For?

This guitar is particularly well suited to beginners looking for their first full-size electric guitar. The neck is approachable, the controls are logical and the five-way pickup system provides enough tonal variation to explore different styles without making the instrument difficult to understand.

It also works well for developing musicians who need an affordable rehearsal or recording guitar, and for experienced players looking for a straightforward Strat-style instrument for home use, alternative tunings or effects experimentation.

Looking for advice on choosing your first electric guitar, Stratocaster, practice amplifier or complete guitar setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in our Birmingham showroom.

Suitable Genres & Playing Styles

The traditional SSS Stratocaster configuration works particularly well for:

• Blues

• Rock

• Indie

• Pop

• Funk

• Alternative

• Soul

• Country

• Punk

• Clean rhythm playing

• Lead guitar

• Effects-based guitar sounds

• Home recording

• Lessons and practice

• Singer-songwriter setups

The bridge pickup provides greater attack and definition, while the neck position offers a smoother starting point. Positions two and four combine adjacent pickups for some of the most recognisable clean sounds associated with Strat-style guitars.

Laurel vs Maple Fingerboard: Which Affinity Stratocaster Should You Choose?

The Indian laurel fingerboard gives this Sunburst model a darker, more traditional visual contrast against its maple neck and white pickguard. Players familiar with rosewood-style fingerboards may also prefer the appearance and feel of a separate dark fingerboard rather than the one-piece visual character of maple.

Both Affinity fingerboard options share the same 9.5" radius on comparable models, so your decision does not need to revolve around one being inherently easier to play. Choose the version whose appearance and feel make you want to pick the guitar up more often.

Story & Context

The Stratocaster first appeared in 1954, expanding Fender's growing solid-body electric guitar range with a radically different design built around three pickups, two cutaways and a synchronized tremolo system.

Its body contours were particularly important. Rather than using a comparatively flat slab-style body, the Stratocaster incorporated shaping intended to sit more comfortably against the player's body while also giving easier access towards the upper frets.

The original three-pickup format eventually became even more versatile when players began exploiting sounds between adjacent pickup selections. Five-way switching later made those combinations readily accessible and they remain a fundamental part of the Stratocaster experience today.

The Affinity Series takes those defining ideas and packages them into a more accessible modern instrument with contemporary neck dimensions, sealed tuners and a two-point tremolo.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Squier
Model	Affinity Series® Stratocaster®
Model Number	0378000500
Series	Affinity Series®
Colour	3-Color Sunburst
Orientation	Right-Handed
Body Shape	Stratocaster®
Body Material	Poplar
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	“C” Shape
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
Fingerboard Material	Indian Laurel
Fingerboard Radius	9.5" / 241 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number of Frets	21
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Nut Material	Synthetic Bone
Nut Width	1.650" / 42 mm
Position Inlays	Pearloid Dot
Side Dots	White
Bridge Pickup	Ceramic Single-Coil
Middle Pickup	Ceramic Single-Coil
Neck Pickup	Ceramic Single-Coil
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Controls	Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
Switching	5-Position Blade
Bridge	2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles
Tuning Machines	Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Pickguard	3-Ply White
Pickup Covers	White
Control Knobs	White Plastic
Switch Tip	White
Tremolo Arm	Standard
Strap Buttons	Standard
String Trees	Dual-Wing
Strings	Nickel Plated Steel, .009–.042
Truss Rod	Head Adjust

Power Requirements

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster uses passive single-coil pickups and requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect it to a suitable guitar amplifier, modelling amplifier, audio interface, multi-effects processor or pedalboard using a standard ¼" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster in 3-Color Sunburst is a very strong first electric guitar because it provides the genuine versatility of the traditional three-single-coil Stratocaster layout without making the instrument difficult to understand.

The comfortable neck, five-way pickup switching and two-point tremolo give a developing player plenty to explore, while the Sunburst and laurel combination provides the traditional Strat appearance many guitarists are looking for.

Best suited for: Beginners, developing guitarists and players wanting an affordable traditional SSS Stratocaster.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level starter guitars, short-scale beginner models and basic electric guitar packages.

Most commonly paired with: Practice or modelling amplifier, instrument cable, strap, tuner, stand and protective gig bag.

Our tip: Spend time exploring all five pickup positions before changing amp settings. Positions two and four are especially useful for learning how much tonal variation the guitar itself can provide.

Showroom feedback: The 3-Color Sunburst and dark laurel fingerboard make this one of the most traditional-looking Affinity Stratocasters. It is an easy model to recommend when someone wants classic Strat styling alongside accessible modern playability.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team has spent decades helping beginners, enthusiasts and experienced players choose instruments and equipment that genuinely suit their needs.

Whether you're purchasing your first electric guitar, putting together a complete beginner setup or upgrading your current instrument, we're happy to offer practical advice before and after your purchase.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• A large Birmingham music showroom

• Decades of experience with both new and pre-owned guitars and musical equipment

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the five pickup positions do?

The selector gives you the bridge pickup alone, bridge and middle together, middle alone, middle and neck together, or the neck pickup alone. Each position provides a noticeably different starting point for your sound.

Is an SSS Stratocaster good with overdrive and distortion?

Yes. Single-coil Strat-style pickups retain plenty of definition through overdrive and distortion, making them suitable for blues, indie, classic rock, alternative music and many other styles.

What is the advantage of a two-point tremolo?

A two-point tremolo pivots around two mounting posts rather than a traditional row of six screws. It provides smooth pitch movement for vibrato effects while retaining the familiar synchronized Stratocaster bridge concept.

Can I set the tremolo up so it hardly moves?

Yes. Tremolo response is adjustable as part of the guitar's setup. Players who rarely use the arm can choose a firmer arrangement, while players who use it regularly may prefer greater movement.

Can I use standard guitar pedals with this Stratocaster?

Yes. It works with conventional overdrive, distortion, modulation, delay, reverb and other effects pedals, as well as multi-effects processors and modelling equipment.

Can I record this guitar directly into a computer?

Yes, provided you use a suitable audio interface or guitar modelling device between the guitar and computer. It can also be recorded through an amplifier using a microphone.

Can I change to heavier strings?

Yes. The factory specification uses .009–.042 strings. Changing gauge alters string tension and can affect neck relief, tremolo balance, action and intonation, so setup adjustment may be required.

Is Indian laurel the same as rosewood?

No. Indian laurel and rosewood are different woods. Laurel is used extensively on modern Squier fingerboards and provides the traditional dark-fingerboard appearance many players prefer.

Should I buy an SSS or HSS Stratocaster?

Choose SSS if you want the traditional three-single-coil Stratocaster layout and place a high priority on classic clean, blues, indie, funk and vintage-style electric guitar sounds. An HSS model is worth considering if you specifically want a thicker, higher-output bridge humbucker for heavier distorted playing.

When should I consider upgrading to a Classic Vibe Stratocaster?

Classic Vibe becomes particularly attractive when you want Fender-designed alnico pickups, more vintage-inspired hardware and a more period-focused aesthetic. The Affinity remains the better-value choice when accessible pricing and modern everyday usability matter most.

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster in 3-Color Sunburst is a versatile first electric guitar with enough tonal range and familiar Stratocaster character to stay useful as your playing develops. Its traditional appearance, comfortable neck and five pickup sounds make it an excellent introduction to the Strat format.

---