Head to head
Ibanez GIO GRX70QA vs Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
The short answer is that the pickup layouts differ (HSH against SSS). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 21 rows that actually differ marked out.
GIO GRX70QA
Transparent Black Sunburst
The cheapest honest route into a fast neck and a humbucker at each end
Affinity Series Stratocaster
3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard
The default first Stratocaster, and it earns the position
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Score profile
Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.
- Ibanez GIO GRX70QA7.2
- Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster7.5
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| GIO GRX70QA | Affinity Series Stratocaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Ibanez | Squier |
| Model | GIO GRX70QA | Affinity Series Stratocaster |
| Finish | Transparent Black Sunburst | 3-Color Sunburst, Laurel fingerboard |
| Instrument | Electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Fretline score | 7.2 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.6 / 5 (2,567) | 4.6 / 5 (531) |
| Price | Under $300 | Under $300 |
| Type | Electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Body | GRX solidbody, double cutaway | Stratocaster solidbody |
| Body wood | Poplar | Poplar |
| Top | Quilted maple art grain | — |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on | Bolt-on, 4-bolt Squier neck plate |
| Neck wood | Maple | Maple |
| Neck profile | GRX (19.5 mm at 1st fret, 21.5 mm at 12th) | C shape |
| Scale length | 25.5" (648 mm) | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Jatoba | Indian laurel |
| Radius | 12" (305 mm) | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Frets | 22 | 21 |
| Fret size | Medium | Medium jumbo |
| Nut | — | Synthetic bone |
| Nut width | 1.65" (42 mm) | 1.650" (42 mm) |
| Bridge | Ibanez T106 tremolo | 2-point synchronised tremolo with block saddles |
| Tuners | — | Sealed die-cast with split shafts |
| Neck pickup | Infinity R (H) | Ceramic single-coil |
| Bridge pickup | Infinity R (H) | Ceramic single-coil |
| Configuration | HSH | SSS |
| Electronics | Passive, ceramic magnets | Passive |
| Controls | Volume, tone | Master volume, tone 1 (neck/middle), tone 2 (bridge) |
| Switching | 5-way blade | 5-position blade |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Styles | Rock, Metal, Blues, Punk, Pop | Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk, Indie, Country |
| In the box | — | — |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from the specifications and our editorial scores for these two instruments only. It is not a general ranking.
Most versatile
Ibanez GIO GRX70QAHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Ibanez GIO GRX70QAHighest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for beginners
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterStrongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.
Best for rock
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterStrongest overall score among the instruments suited to rock.
Best for the studio
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterBuild and tone scores combined, with credit for tuning-stability hardware that matters when tracking.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Want a third opinion?
The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.
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