Squier CV 60s Strat LPB

Squier CV 60s Strat LPB review

The Squier CV 60s Strat LPB is a vintage-inspired, three-pickup electric guitar in Lake Placid Blue. At its listed price of $399, it draws strong praise for its finish, neck feel, and classic Strat-style tones. Reports from owners are not uniformly glowing, though. Setup, tuning stability, fret finishing, and tremolo feel can vary between examples, so a careful inspection and adjustment may be part of the ownership experience.

The specifications list a Nyatoh body, a maple neck, and an Indian laurel fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays. The neck is attached with bolts and has a C-shaped profile with a gloss finish. Its 648 mm scale, 42 mm nut width, and 241 mm fingerboard radius give it familiar dimensions for this guitar style. There are 21 narrow-tall frets, and the nut is made from bone. No bag or case is included.

Build quality and playability

Many owners describe a guitar that feels better finished than its price suggests. They mention neatly rounded fret ends, a clean finish, a close-fitting neck joint, and a comfortable neck that feels quick under the hand. Several buyers say their guitars were ready to play right out of the box, with low string action and little or no fret buzz. Others found that the nut, neck relief, tremolo, or string height needed adjustment before the instrument played cleanly across the fingerboard.

That difference matters. Some examples reportedly arrived with rough or protruding fret ends, cosmetic marks, or a string that buzzed. A basic setup can address many playability issues, but a buyer should not assume every instrument will arrive with ideal adjustments. If ordering online, check the frets, nut slots, tuning stability, and string action soon after delivery.

The gloss on the back of the neck is another point of taste. Some players like its smooth, polished appearance and warm tint. Others find the finish sticky and say it slows their hand movement. A few mention lightly sanding it, but that changes the instrument and should be approached cautiously. The Indian laurel fingerboard also receives mixed reactions: some appreciate its dark appearance and feel, while others prefer a different wood or a smoother surface.

Pickups and controls

Three Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups are paired with a five-way selector, one master volume control, and two tone controls. Owners generally report a recognizably Strat-style voice, with clear, bright sounds from the bridge pickup and rounder, warmer tones from the neck pickup. The in-between selector positions are frequently praised for clean parts and light overdrive. Players report using the guitar with practice amplifiers, pedalboards, and recording setups, and find its range useful for blues, funk, and vintage rock sounds.

Pickup opinions depend on taste and setup. Some players find the bridge position thin or sharp, while others enjoy its bite. The neck pickup is often singled out for warmth and character. A player moving from a humbucker-equipped guitar may find the single-coil sound leaner and brighter. The controls provide familiar tonal shaping, although one owner says the useful range of the volume knob is concentrated toward its upper settings. Pickup replacement is a possible later modification, not a necessary first step.

Tremolo and tuning

The six-saddle, vintage-style synchronized tremolo is the most consistent concern in owner feedback. Several players find it set tightly against the body, with little travel and a stiff feel. One owner reports bending the tremolo arm while trying to use it; others describe tuning changes after operating the arm. Some players prefer this firm setup, especially if they rarely use the tremolo, while players who want expressive pitch movement may need an adjustment or different hardware.

Reports on tuning machines are mixed. Some owners say the guitar holds its tuning well, including during normal playing. Others find the machines less precise or need to retune regularly, particularly when using the tremolo. Correct string installation, a well-cut nut, and a suitable setup can affect tuning stability, so these reports should be treated as examples of individual instruments rather than a guarantee either way.

Verdict

The Squier CV 60s Strat LPB makes a persuasive case for players who want a classic single-coil sound, a comfortable maple neck, and a distinctive blue finish without moving to a higher-priced model. Its strongest points in owner feedback are the neck feel, appearance, and tonal variety. Its main caveats are the potentially stiff tremolo, glossy neck finish, and inconsistent reports about factory setup and tuning.

At $399, it is a compelling option for a first serious electric guitar, a home instrument, or a second guitar for players who enjoy Strat-style sounds. It can also suit experienced players willing to check the setup and make adjustments to their preferences. Before relying on the tremolo for frequent use, test its movement and tuning behavior. A case or bag is not included, so plan for separate protection if you need one.