Squier Affinity Series® Telecaster®, Maple Fingerboard, Black Pickguard, Butterscotch Blonde

Quick Product Summary

The Squier Affinity Series® Telecaster® in Butterscotch Blonde combines one of electric guitar's most recognisable designs with comfortable modern playability and an accessible price. The classic combination of a Butterscotch Blonde body, maple fingerboard and black pickguard gives this version unmistakable early-Tele-inspired style.

Its lightweight poplar body is paired with a maple neck featuring a slim “C”-shaped profile, 9.5" fingerboard radius and 21 medium-jumbo frets. The result is an approachable playing feel that works particularly well for beginners while remaining familiar enough for more experienced guitarists looking for an affordable Telecaster.

Two ceramic single-coil pickups provide the crisp attack and straightforward character that make the Telecaster layout so versatile. Add a six-saddle string-through-body bridge, sealed split-shaft tuners and simple three-way switching, and the Affinity Telecaster becomes a practical choice for lessons, rehearsals, recording and live playing.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Squier
Series	Affinity Series®
Model	Telecaster®
Finish	Butterscotch Blonde
Fingerboard	Maple
Pickguard	3-Ply Black
Body	Poplar
Neck	Maple, “C” Shape
Pickups	Dual Ceramic Single-Coils
Bridge	6-Saddle Strings-Through-Body Tele®
Condition	New
Main Appeal	Classic Butterscotch Telecaster styling with accessible modern playability
Best For	Beginners, developing players, rock, indie, blues, pop and country

What’s Included?

• Squier Affinity Series® Telecaster® in Butterscotch Blonde

✘ 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 Telecaster is checked by the Fair Deal Music team before leaving the shop.

We assess its general playing condition, tuning hardware, pickups, controls, output and other key functions so that obvious issues can be identified before dispatch.

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

Why Choose The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster?

Classic Butterscotch Telecaster Looks

Few electric guitar colour combinations are as closely associated with the Telecaster as Butterscotch Blonde, maple and black. If traditional Tele styling is a major part of the attraction, this Affinity variant captures the look particularly well without requiring the budget of Fender's higher-end vintage-inspired models.

Comfortable Modern Neck

The maple neck uses a slim “C”-shaped profile with a 9.5" radius fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets. It provides an accessible playing surface for learning chords, scales and lead techniques without being restricted to beginners.

Two Straightforward Single-Coil Voices

The bridge pickup delivers the brighter and more direct side of the Telecaster sound, while the neck position provides a smoother response. Selecting both pickups gives you a useful third option for clean rhythm work, effects and more balanced tones.

Six-Saddle String-Through Bridge

The string-through-body bridge keeps the familiar fixed-bridge Telecaster format while providing an individual saddle for every string. This allows more precise intonation adjustment than a traditional three-saddle layout and avoids the additional balancing associated with a vibrato system.

Squier Affinity Telecaster vs Popular Alternatives

Squier Affinity Telecaster vs Squier Sonic Telecaster

The Squier Sonic Telecaster is the lower-priced entry point into the Telecaster family. Both offer straightforward twin single-coil electronics, but the Sonic uses a top-loading six-saddle bridge whereas the Affinity adds a string-through-body bridge and sealed split-shaft tuning machines. Choose the Sonic when minimising initial cost is the priority; choose the Affinity for a more developed everyday guitar.

Squier Affinity Telecaster vs Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster

The Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster moves further towards vintage-inspired specification with Fender-designed alnico pickups, narrow-tall frets, a three-saddle vintage-style bridge and vintage-style tuners. The Affinity is better suited to players prioritising value and accessible modern hardware, while the Classic Vibe offers a stronger period-inspired experience.

Squier Affinity Telecaster vs Fender Standard Telecaster

The Fender Standard Telecaster represents a natural move into a Fender-branded instrument. It retains a poplar body and 9.5" fingerboard radius but adds Fender Standard pickups, a Modern “C” neck and upgraded Fender appointments. The Affinity makes more sense for a first Telecaster or tighter budget; the Fender Standard is a logical future step up.

Squier Affinity Telecaster vs Fender Player II Telecaster

The Player II Telecaster moves further into Fender's professional-level everyday range with upgraded alnico pickups, 22 frets, rolled fingerboard edges and more refined hardware. Choose the Affinity for affordability and straightforward learning; consider the Player II when you're ready to invest significantly more in long-term hardware, pickups and finishing.

Who Is The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster For?

The Affinity Telecaster is an excellent first electric guitar because its controls and hardware are easy to understand. There is no complicated switching system and no floating vibrato bridge to balance, allowing new players to focus on learning.

It is equally useful for developing players wanting a dependable second guitar for alternative tunings, rehearsals or recording, while experienced musicians may appreciate it as an affordable Telecaster platform.

Players moving from acoustic guitar into electric can also find the simple layout reassuring, while the familiar 25.5" scale provides a full-size electric guitar experience.

Looking for advice on choosing your first electric guitar, Telecaster, 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 Affinity Telecaster is well suited to:

• Indie

• Alternative

• Rock

• Blues

• Country

• Pop

• Punk

• Funk

• Garage rock

• Singer-songwriter setups

• Clean rhythm guitar

• Overdriven lead playing

• Home recording

• Effects-based guitar rigs

The bridge position works particularly well when you want attack and definition, while the neck pickup provides a smoother starting point for cleaner chords and lead tones.

Why Is Butterscotch Blonde So Closely Associated With The Telecaster?

Butterscotch Blonde has become one of the defining visual identities of the Telecaster. Early Fender solid-body guitars frequently combined light blonde finishes with maple necks and dark pickguards, creating an appearance that remains instantly recognisable today.

This Affinity Series model captures that familiar aesthetic while using contemporary construction and hardware. That makes it a particularly appealing option for players who love vintage Telecaster looks but want the approachable neck, six individual bridge saddles and accessible pricing of a modern Squier.

Story & Context

The Telecaster story dates back to Fender's earliest production solid-body electric guitars. The two-pickup Broadcaster appeared in 1950, before the Telecaster name became established in 1951.

Its construction was strikingly practical. A bolt-on maple neck, slab solid body, fixed bridge and straightforward electronics created a guitar that could be manufactured and maintained efficiently while delivering a powerful amplified sound.

The design proved remarkably durable. More than seven decades later, the familiar single-cutaway body, dual single-coil pickups, three-way selector and simple volume-and-tone controls remain central to the Telecaster formula.

Butterscotch-style blonde finishes and black pickguards have become particularly evocative of those early instruments, which is why this Affinity Series version has such an immediately familiar appearance.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Squier
Model	Affinity Series® Telecaster®
Model Number	0378203550
Series	Affinity Series®
Colour	Butterscotch Blonde
Orientation	Right-Handed
Body Shape	Telecaster®
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	Maple
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	Black Dot
Side Dots	Black
Bridge Pickup	Ceramic Single-Coil
Neck Pickup	Ceramic Single-Coil
Pickup Configuration	SS
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Switching	3-Position Blade
Bridge	6-Saddle Strings-Through-Body Tele®
Tuning Machines	Sealed Die-Cast with Split Shafts
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Pickguard	3-Ply Black
Pickup Covers	Neck: Chrome; Bridge: Black
Control Knobs	Knurled Flat-Top
Strap Buttons	Standard
String Trees	Dual-Wing
Strings	Nickel Plated Steel, .009–.042
Truss Rod	Head Adjust

Power Requirements

The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster uses passive pickups and requires no battery or external power supply.

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

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde is one of the easiest models in the range to recommend if you want traditional Telecaster looks without traditional-vintage hardware compromises or a significantly higher price.

The slim neck, individual bridge saddles and straightforward ceramic single-coil electronics make it approachable for beginners, while the timeless Butterscotch Blonde, maple and black combination gives it considerably more visual character than many entry-level instruments.

Best suited for: Beginners, developing guitarists and players wanting an affordable classic-looking Telecaster.

Customers usually upgrade from: Basic starter-pack electric guitars and entry-level instruments.

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

Our tip: Spend some time learning how the three pickup positions interact with your amplifier. A Telecaster can cover far more musical ground than its two-pickup layout initially suggests.

Showroom feedback: If somebody comes in asking for the classic Telecaster look at an accessible price, Butterscotch Blonde with a maple fingerboard and black pickguard is an obvious model to show them. It looks traditional but feels far more contemporary than a strict vintage reproduction.

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

Is the Squier Affinity Telecaster suitable for beginners?

Yes. The comfortable slim neck, fixed bridge and straightforward controls make it particularly easy to understand as a first electric guitar while still providing enough versatility for developing players.

What is the difference between the bridge and neck pickups?

The bridge pickup produces a brighter, more cutting response with strong attack. The neck pickup is smoother and warmer, while the middle switch position combines both pickups.

Is Butterscotch Blonde a solid or transparent finish?

Butterscotch Blonde is designed around the traditional blonde Telecaster aesthetic. The exact visibility of the underlying wood grain can vary naturally between individual instruments.

Is a maple fingerboard good for beginners?

Yes. Maple fingerboards are used on instruments at every level from beginner guitars to professional models. Choosing maple over a darker fingerboard material should primarily come down to the feel and appearance you prefer.

Can I use the Affinity Telecaster with distortion?

Absolutely. Its bridge single-coil has plenty of attack and definition for overdriven rock, punk, indie and alternative sounds as well as cleaner traditional Telecaster tones.

Can I connect it to guitar pedals?

Yes. The guitar works with conventional stompboxes, multi-effects processors, pedalboards and modelling equipment.

Can I record this guitar at home?

Yes. Connect it to a suitable audio interface, guitar modeller or recording amplifier. A conventional guitar amplifier can also be recorded using a microphone.

Is a fixed Telecaster bridge easy to maintain?

Yes. There is no vibrato mechanism to balance, making string changes and general setup relatively straightforward. The six individual saddles also allow each string's intonation to be adjusted separately.

Can I fit heavier strings?

Yes. The guitar comes with .009–.042 strings, but alternative gauges can be used. A substantial change in string gauge may require adjustments to neck relief, action and intonation.

Should I choose the Affinity or Classic Vibe Telecaster?

Choose the Affinity if accessible pricing, modern hardware and straightforward playability are the priorities. Choose a Classic Vibe if you want more vintage-inspired appointments, alnico pickups and traditional hardware and are happy to spend more.

The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde combines one of the most recognisable electric guitar looks ever created with approachable modern playability. Whether you're choosing your first electric guitar, adding a Telecaster to your collection or looking for an affordable workhorse, it offers a convincing combination of simplicity, versatility and classic style.

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