Squier CV 60s Custom Tele 3-SB

Overview and First Impressions

The Squier CV 60s Custom Tele 3-SB is a well-spec'ed entry into the vintage-style solidbody electric guitar space. Priced at $399 USD, this model offers an attractive mix of retro aesthetics and practical features for those seeking the classic Telecaster experience, without investing in Fender's higher-priced models. Squier builds this Classic Vibe in Indonesia, where quality control has improved year after year. The standout here is the double-bound, three-tone sunburst body, which immediately sets it apart from plainer Telecasters on the market.

Key Specifications

• Body wood: Nato (south-east Asian hardwood, comparable to mahogany in weight and resonance)
• Neck: Hard maple, bolt-on construction
• Fingerboard: Indian laurel, 9.5" radius, 21 narrow tall frets
• Nut: Genuine bone, 42mm width (1.65")
• Pickups: Two Fender-designed single coils using Alnico magnets
• Bridge: Vintage-style through-body Telecaster design, three barrel saddles
• Controls: Master volume, master tone, three-position selector switch
• Finish: 3-tone sunburst with multi-ply parchment pickguard and double binding
• Scale: 25.5" (648mm)
• Hardware: Nickel-plated, vintage-style tuners

Build Quality and Aesthetics

Feedback repeatedly points out how the guitar impresses right out of the box when it comes to finish and visual appeal. The classic sunburst is richer and more nuanced in person than in stock photos, while the double binding around the body adds a touch of high-end class. There have been isolated reports of small imperfections, minor clear coat bubbles, less pronounced sunburst contrast depending on batch, or pickguard alignment, but overall, reviewers agree that the fit and finish surpass typical guitars in this price range. The Indian laurel fingerboard can appear dried out or uneven out of the box, yet responds well to oiling and play, darkening over time into a more appealing shade.

Neck Profile and Playability

The neck is one of the strongest features of the Squier CV 60s Custom Tele. Its C-shape is on the thinner/slimmer side, which makes it highly accessible to beginners and those with small to average hands. Larger-handed players have found the neck accessible for fast and expressive playing, with the narrow-tall frets inviting smooth bends and vibrato. Reviewers who have compared this neck to Fender's Mexican and American Teles sometimes even prefer the Classic Vibe's comfort and fret finishing. Out-of-the-box fretwork is consistently well-done: dressed ends with virtually no sharp edges, rare on budget guitars. Some users noted the frets weren't ultra-polished, but this is simple to remedy for those seeking a mirror shine. Setup from the factory tends to be conservative, with room for string height and truss rod tweaks to taste. Most will want to do a full setup or budget a tech visit, especially if switching to heavier gauge strings.

Weight and Body Feel

At about 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg), the CV 60s Custom Tele weighs in as pleasantly moderate, a little heavier than the lightest Tele styles but never unwieldy. The nato body provides good resonance, and although multi-piece, most users commented the grain matching was well disguised and the guitar feels reassuringly solid. With a gloss finish on both body and neck, some note the neck can be less "slick" than a satin-finished Fender, but becomes more comfortable with play. Ergonomically, the guitar balances well on a strap or lap, typical of the Telecaster design, with the string-through-body bridge enhancing sustain.

Electronics and Hardware: Strengths and Compromises

The electronics get mixed but generally positive marks. The dual single coil set is designed by Fender and uses Alnico magnets, yielding a classic Telecaster palette. The bridge position delivers brightness and the expected "twang" ideal for country, roots, funk, and blues, though it can verge on brash for players used to mellower pickups. The neck pickup is the weak link in most reviews, it can sound somewhat muddy or lacking in sparkle, especially in the middle switch position. However, these pickups perform admirably for home recording or jamming, and upgrading remains easy thanks to standard routing and modular wiring.

The three-way switch, pots, and output jack are cited as serviceable but a common point for future upgrades, as is the bridge. Some units arrive with stiff switches or pots that need breaking in or lubrication, but outright failures (scratchy pots, jacks losing tension) are rare at this price point yet still possible. The vintage-style tuners are functional and stable, though some players opt for replacements as their first mod. The bone nut is a highlight, a feature rarely seen in this bracket.

Modding Platform and Value

One of the CV 60s Custom Tele's secret weapons is its suitability as a modding base. The core platform, resonant wood, solid neck, accurate dimensions, rivals much pricier Fenders, so small investments in electronics or hardware yield big rewards. Many buyers swap pickups, install brass compensated saddles, or upgrade pots and switches to rival the best USA Teles in function if not pedigree. With stock hardware, it's absolutely giggable and reliable, but enthusiasts will find no resistance to customizing further.

Verdict: Who Is This Guitar For?

The Squier CV 60s Custom Tele 3-SB is a top pick for beginners, intermediate players, or gigging musicians wanting vintage looks and feel for a budget spend. For $399, you get a visually striking instrument that plays well and sounds authentic, only requiring minimal setup or easy upgrades to reach its full potential. The neck quality far outshines expectations. If you demand flawless factory setup or boutique-grade electronics, factor in a setup and consider future upgrades. But as platforms go, Squier's Classic Vibe series delivers real value, and the CV 60s Custom Tele packs character and Telecaster bite beyond its price tag.

• Pros: Excellent neck, high-quality finish, true Telecaster voice, easy to play, bone nut, great modding platform
• Cons: Neck pickup can sound dull, needs setup out of the box, inconsistent sunburst depth, potentiometer quality variable

Overall, the Squier CV 60s Custom Tele 3-SB stands out as a serious contender for the best value in vintage-inspired solidbody electrics under $500.