Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL SNB

Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL SNB review

The Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL SNB brings the familiar Jazzmaster layout to the Classic Vibe series, with a Sonic Blue finish, two Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups, and separate lead and rhythm circuits. Its listed price is $428. The design offers a broad range of sounds and a comfortable playing feel, but owner reports point to a recurring qualification: setup and quality control can vary from one guitar to another.

The body is poplar, paired with a bolt-on maple neck and an Indian laurel fingerboard. The neck has a C-shaped profile, a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, and a 25.5-inch scale. It carries 21 narrow, tall frets, pearloid dot inlays, and a bone nut. The instrument comes with.009-.042 strings, and no case or gig bag is included.

Two circuits, distinct voices

The Jazzmaster's switching gives the guitar more tonal range than a single set of volume and tone controls. In the lead circuit, the three-way switch selects the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both. Separate neck and bridge volume controls feed a master tone control. Owners describe the single-coil sound as clear and characteristic of a Jazzmaster, with enough definition for classic rock and alternative styles. Several say the pickups also respond well to overdrive and distortion.

Move the slide switch up to engage the rhythm circuit. This selects the neck pickup and uses two thumbwheel controls for volume and tone. One owner describes its voice as subdued but still strong, with a rounded quality that works for chords, riffs, and lead parts. The lead circuit has more attack, while the rhythm circuit provides a smoother contrast. These are useful, genuinely different options rather than a redundant second control layout.

The floating bridge and Dynamic Vibrato tailpiece complete the traditional setup. Reports on the vibrato are mixed. Some owners find it smooth and say it holds tuning reasonably well when adjusted. Others report a loose-feeling arm, noise, or tuning changes during bends. A few have adjusted the arm or bridge themselves. The instrument's performance here depends partly on setup, and the tremolo should be checked before relying on it for frequent use.

Playability and setup

Owners often praise the neck's comfortable shape and the guitar's balance, including when played standing up. The longer scale maintains string tension, and some players appreciate being able to use light strings. The factory strings are light, however, and several Jazzmaster owners recommend trying a heavier set if the bridge buzzes or the strings do not hold their position securely.

Expect to inspect the setup rather than assume it is ready for your preferences straight out of the box. Reports range from guitars that played well with only minor adjustment to examples with high action, fret buzz, or a bridge that needed attention. Some owners describe using a small neck shim to improve the bridge angle and string pressure. That is a common Jazzmaster adjustment, but it is not a guaranteed requirement for every example.

Fretwork is another area where experiences differ. Some owners report smooth, well-finished frets; others found sharp fret ends, a high fret, or rough edges on the fingerboard. A dry fingerboard is also mentioned. These are not universal defects, but they make a careful inspection worthwhile. Check the fret ends, action, bridge hardware, and fingerboard condition, then have the guitar professionally set up if you are not comfortable making adjustments.

Finish and quality control

Sonic Blue can look different depending on lighting and the individual guitar. One owner found the received finish greener than expected, while another felt it looked more convincingly blue in person than in online photographs. If the precise shade matters, viewing the instrument in person is the safest option.

Many buyers are pleased with the finish and overall feel, describing the guitar as solid and good-looking for its price. But there are also reports of finish cracks near the neck pocket, loose hardware, rough pickguard edges, and an electrical fault in a bridge pickup. Those problems are more serious than routine setup work. Inspect the neck joint and finish, test both pickups and circuits, and check that the input jack and screws are secure. Keep the return option available if anything appears damaged or fails during testing.

Verdict

The Squier CV 60s Jazzmaster LRL SNB makes a persuasive case for players who want the distinctive Jazzmaster sound and its separate lead and rhythm circuits at a moderate price. Owners who received a sound example often praise its tones, comfortable neck, and value. The main reservation is inconsistency: setup issues are common enough to plan for, while some reported finish or electronic faults warrant a close inspection.

Buy it with time for a proper setup, and check the bridge, vibrato, frets, and electronics before committing to regular use. A well-adjusted example can be a versatile, enjoyable guitar. Someone expecting flawless factory setup and uniform quality on arrival may be better served by inspecting one in person or buying from a retailer with a straightforward return process.