Fender Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ MN BPG Black 4-string Bassguitar

Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ — Gateway to Fender P-Bass Tone

The Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ brings Fender's iconic P-Bass shape together with a dual-pickup PJ layout at an entry-tier price. Built around a thin poplar body and a slim "C"-shaped bolt-on maple neck, this model targets players who want authentic Fender DNA without flagship cost. The dual-pickup design opens up tonal options a standard P-Bass cannot reach.

What Makes This PJ Bass Stand Out

What separates this PJ from a stock Precision Bass is the dual-pickup layout and the resulting tonal range. Vintage-style open-gear tuning machines, a 4-saddle standard bridge, and a 3-ply black pickguard round out the spec sheet with hardware that has been a Fender staple since the late 1950s.

Body Construction and Weight

The poplar body keeps weight low while delivering the midrange punch that has defined the P-Bass since 1957. A thin profile and gloss polyurethane finish make the instrument comfortable for long sessions and easy to wipe clean. The bolt-on maple neck transfers string vibration directly to the body for a tight attack.

• Body Material: Poplar — light, resonant, balanced for hours of standing play
• Body Finish: Gloss Polyurethane — durable, wipe-clean surface
• Construction: Bolt-on — direct string-to-body energy transfer

Neck Profile and Playability

The "C"-shaped maple neck is slim enough for fast walking bass lines and comfortable enough for first-time players. A satin urethane back finish keeps the hand moving smoothly, while the gloss urethane headstock face preserves the classic Fender look.

• Neck Material: Maple — stable, bright-toned, climate-resistant
• Neck Profile: "C" Shape — slim and forgiving for fingerstyle and pick
• Fingerboard Radius: 241 mm — modern curve for chord work and single-note runs
• Nut Width: 41.3 mm — comfortable spacing for smaller hands

PJ Pickup Configuration and Controls

The PJ pickup configuration is the headline feature. A ceramic split single-coil P-Bass pickup in the neck position delivers the fat, hum-cancelling tone that defines the Precision Bass, while a ceramic Jazz Bass single-coil at the bridge adds brightness for slap, pop, and pick work. Two volume controls and a master tone knob let the player dial in everything from vintage P-Bass thump to a brighter J-Bass growl.

• Pickup Configuration: PJ (Split Single-Coil + Single-Coil)
• Neck Pickup: Ceramic Split Single-Coil — fat, hum-cancelling P-Bass voice
• Bridge Pickup: Ceramic Single-Coil Jazz Bass — brighter attack for slap
• Controls: Volume 1 (Neck), Volume 2 (Bridge), Master Tone
• Preamp Electronics: Passive — pairs with any bass amp or DI box
• Bridge: 4-Saddle Standard — classic Fender design for reliable intonation
• Strings: Nickel Plated Steel (.045–.105) — bright round-wound tone

Who Should Buy the Squier Affinity PJ Bass

The Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ is the right choice for beginners, intermediate players, and working bassists who need a reliable backup. First-time players get a slim neck, a forgiving 41.3 mm nut width, and a passive electronics layout that pairs with any practice amp. Intermediate players benefit from the PJ pickup flexibility, which lets them cover rock, funk, punk, and pop without swapping instruments.

The PJ Bass Story

The PJ bass concept dates back to the 1970s, when players like Rob Grange and Dennis Dunway began combining P-Bass and J-Bass pickups. Fender formally entered the PJ market in 1984, and the configuration became a household name after Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses was photographed with his PJ in 1986. The Affinity lineup has long served as Fender's most affordable gateway into that heritage.