Squier CV 50s Tele LH MN BB

Squier CV 50s Tele LH MN BB review

The Squier CV 50s Tele LH MN BB is a left-handed, T-style electric guitar with a blonde finish and a straightforward vintage-inspired specification. It has a pine body, a maple neck and fingerboard, and two Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups. The listed price is 399, and the model has been available since December 2019. Its appeal is easy to understand: it offers a familiar Tele-style layout without moving into a higher price bracket.

Owner feedback is notably mixed, especially on setup, finish quality, and tuning stability. Several players describe it as a strong value with convincing Tele-style tone and a comfortable playing feel. Others report rough fret edges, cosmetic flaws, or imprecise tuning machines. That spread matters. A budget instrument can be a satisfying starting point, but buyers should allow for the possibility of inspection and adjustment rather than assuming every example arrives ready to play.

Construction and specifications

The guitar has a bolt-on maple neck with a C-shaped profile and a maple fingerboard, black dot inlays, and 21 narrow, tall frets. The 648 mm scale length is equivalent to 25.51 inches. The fingerboard radius is 241 mm, or 9.49 inches, and the bone nut measures 42 mm across. A single-layer black pickguard contrasts with the Butterscotch Blonde finish. Nickel hardware completes the look.

The bridge is a string-through-body Tele-style design with three saddles. There is no tremolo, and no case or gig bag is included. Controls are simple: one master volume, one master tone, and a three-way switch. The two single-coil pickups provide the familiar neck and bridge positions, with a combined setting in between. Fender 250L nickel-plated steel strings, gauged.009 to.042, are listed as the supplied set.

On paper, this is a focused, traditional setup rather than a feature-heavy one. Players looking for multiple pickup voicings, a tremolo, or a supplied case will need to look elsewhere or budget for additions. Left-handed buyers have fewer choices in this style, so the availability of a dedicated left-handed version is a practical advantage.

Sound and playability

Positive owner reports characterize the pickups as bright and recognizably Tele-like, with the neck pickup singled out by one player as especially useful. Others say the guitar has a clear, lively sound and responds well to ordinary setup adjustments, including changes to neck relief and saddle height. These are owner impressions, not guarantees for every instrument, and amplifier settings and pickup height will affect the result.

There is a contrary report of a harsh, thin sound and controls that felt more like on-off switches than gradual adjustments. That same owner was unhappy with the condition and finish of the guitar on arrival. Other feedback describes only minor cosmetic imperfections or a generally good finish. The difference between accounts could reflect variation between individual instruments, expectations, or setup, but it makes checking a delivered guitar worthwhile.

Comfort reports are also divided. Some owners praise the neck and fretwork as comfortable, while another noticed the outer strings sitting close to the edges of the neck and occasionally slipping off. A few players mention fret ends that can be felt along the sides. Another buyer found the guitar needed a basic setup before it played as expected. If you are sensitive to fret edges, neck finish, or string placement, try one in person when possible, or buy from a seller with a clear return policy.

Tuning machines and finish checks

Tuning stability is the clearest recurring concern in the negative feedback. Some owners found the vintage-style tuning machines imprecise, slow to adjust, or unreliable during alternate tunings. Others reported regular movement and good tuning retention. Because left-handed replacement parts can be harder to source, any planned tuner upgrade deserves research before purchase. The supplied hardware may be adequate for some players, but reports do not support assuming every set will satisfy demanding tuning routines.

Inspect the instrument for finish marks, unevenly fitted components, sharp fret ends, and controls that do not turn smoothly. One reviewer described misaligned knobs and a visible repair-like area on the body edge. That is a specific complaint, not evidence that every unit has the same issue, but it is a reason to examine the actual guitar rather than rely on photographs of a representative model.

Verdict

At 399, the Squier CV 50s Tele LH MN BB offers left-handed players a classic two-pickup layout, a maple neck and fingerboard, and a pine body in a familiar blonde finish. Owners who received a well-finished, properly adjusted example report satisfying tone and strong value. Less favorable accounts point to inconsistent setup, fret-edge comfort, finish details, and tuning machines that may need attention.

This is a sensible candidate for a player who wants an affordable Tele-style guitar and is comfortable checking setup or arranging adjustments. It is a less obvious pick for anyone expecting flawless finishing, dependable alternate-tuning performance, or a case in the box. Inspect the specific instrument, test the controls and tuning, and factor possible setup work into the purchase decision.