Squier Affinity Tele SH FMT CRT

I bought it after watching the YouTube analysis from Alamo Music Center.
In fact I bought two of them to give one as a present to my brother.
And I can say they were right about the guitar...
...But there's one and only one thing that made me return this guitar: the mast finish.
In my opinion, Squier made one mistake here: instead of spending time and resources sticking a veneer on top of the body, they should've finished the mast.
Because the wood on the back was actually beautiful. It would have made the same aesthetic effect as the current veneer, and even a more authentic feeling.
I can't understand how they made this absurd decision to bring to the market a winner guitar with such a flaw that affects the playability so hugely.
Because the moment you grab it, you have the feeling it's a Quality Control miss. But no, they produce them like that.
The feeling if that you're grabbing a non finished instrument from the factory.
In fact, I could perfectly felt two points where the skunk strip clearly was higher than the maple around. Not just with the tip of my fingers, but with my palm. Incredible.
I don't know how this unprotected mast will behave in changing dry/moist, high temp./low temp. environments, but it gave me no confidence at all.
The rest is EXCELLENT FOR THE PRICE.
Aesthetics are impressive.
The joint between mast and body, perfect.
FRETS were almost perfect in height (some highs and lows), but rugged on the surface (not a problem) and a bit sharp on the edges (not dramatically).
The ceramic PICKUPS have quite high output. Not a vintage approach here. Not very clear and the humbucker is not splittable, but they work well.
The SUSTAIN unplugged is quite good: I compared them to a Jet Guitars JT-350 SH BK and the sustain was better in the Squier. Like substantialy better.
The electronics are quite decent and so are the tuners. For the price.
The cable jack worked well.
I must say that on one of the guitars there was a loose screw on one saddle. One of those tiny ones that adjust the saddle's height.
Would I recommend it?
If you own a workshop and can easily sand and paint the mast for free, get it. It's a beauty, and very confortable.

Cet achat est un nouveau coup de coeur ! La table FMT de cette Tele est magnifique. La couleur CRT est rehaussé par le binding blanc autour de la table. J'apprécie la découpe stomacale pour le confort. L'épaisseur du corps est de 45mm. La guitare est plus légère que ma Telecatser Contemporary Dark Metallic (50mm). Le micro chevalet sonne avec le punch et le fameux twang de la Tele. Le humbucker du manche arrondit la sonorité percutante de la Tele. Je la joue en clean et en crunch. A mon goût elle fait merveille pour ma pop rock et bluesy. A présent, je possède 13 Strato et 2 Tele Squier. Comparée à ma Strato US, la qualité de fabrication est remarquable. Je suis donc satisfait de mon achat et je partage mon enthousiasme pour la marque Squier. Je souligne également la qualité du service thomann. Bonne musique à tous et à bientôt. Une nouvelle Tele me fait les yeux doux... Cordialement Hervé