I actually ran across an Affinity Telecaster at a second-hand shop yesterday priced at AUD$249 (about $255 in USD right now). I fell in love with the neck and went home telling myself that I would offer them $200 the next day.
I went back today and saw what a shoddy condition the guitar was actually in. The strings were black - except for high E, which wasn't there at all - the fretborad was grubby, and the chromes had signs of corosion here and there. The frets buzzed, and the pots and pickup switch had no covers at all. From what I can tell, the guitar is completely unmodified.
All the same, I asked if I could hear the guitar plugged in, and the salesman went to find a lead while I did my damndest to tune the thing as best I could. The salesman came back and said he couldn't find a lead, and that if I wanted it, I could have the guitar for $200 (remembering is that is what I was going to offer before I trook a closer look).
I agreed and took the guitar home, unheard, and with only a 30-day warranty for cover. Tuned it up at home, and plugged it into my 'amp' (actually and Audiosonic portable radio/tape/CD player) and started to strum. The guitar sounds MARVELOUS, despite it's awful condition. In fact, it sounds so good, I think I might even cancel the lay-by on the Jagmaster.
Does anyone know if there is any reason why Squier Guitars are so good in the past 10 years. My Tele (already named 'Bandit') is a wonderful piece of hardware, and I think it is only worth about $350 brand new. I am by no means a guitar expert, but for $200 I simply cannot fault the purchase I made today 😀
