Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster

The Jazzmaster has become the guitar of choice for indie, shoegaze, dream pop, and alternative players, and the Affinity version makes that distinctive offset sound and feel accessible. Two Jazzmaster single-coil pickups produce a warm, full tone with a bright shimmer that sets it apart from Strats and Teles -- less twangy, more lush and atmospheric.

The offset body is surprisingly comfortable when you're sitting down, and the slightly wider fretboard gives your fretting hand a little more room to work with. The Affinity build quality is solid, with a smooth neck and reliable hardware. If your playlist leans toward bands like Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., or My Bloody Valentine, the Jazzmaster tone is deeply woven into that sound. The Affinity Jazzmaster gets you into that sonic territory for a very reasonable price.