Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL 3TS

Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL 3TS review

The Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL 3TS is a short-scale electric guitar with the offset shape and switching layout that make a Jaguar different from a more familiar Stratocaster or Telecaster. Its 610 mm scale, two Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups, and separate lead and rhythm circuits give it a broad range of sounds. The listed price is 409, and the model has been available since March 2019.

Owner reports are generally enthusiastic about the sound, looks, and value, but experiences with setup and quality control vary. Some buyers describe a guitar that arrived ready to play after a basic adjustment. Others report fret buzz, bridge movement, loose hardware, or electronic trouble. That range matters here: the design can be rewarding, but an individual instrument may need attention before it performs at its best.

Construction and feel

The body is poplar, with a maple bolt-on neck and an Indian laurel fingerboard. White pearloid block inlays, a four-ply tortoiseshell pickguard, and a three-color sunburst finish give the guitar a distinctly vintage-inspired look. There are 22 narrow-tall frets, a 241 mm fingerboard radius, a 41.9 mm bone nut, and a C-shaped neck profile.

The 610 mm scale is shorter than the common 648 mm scale found on many electric guitars. Several owners say it feels comfortable and easy to play, including players with smaller hands. Others find the neck thicker than expected, especially when comparing it with a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster. Neck comfort is personal, so trying one in person is useful if you prefer a slim profile.

Weight reports are also mixed. Some players find the guitar comfortable, while others call it heavy for extended standing performances. One owner reported a weight close to 4 kg. A broad strap may help if you plan to play standing for long sets.

Switching and sound

The two single-coil pickups provide the bright, sharp voice associated with a Jaguar. The guitar's switching offers more variation than a simple three-position pickup selector. Separate lead and rhythm circuits each have their own volume and tone controls. A circuit selector, pickup on/off switches, a tone-circuit switch, and a three-way switch let players shape the available combinations.

Players describe the sound as clear, distinctive, and useful for styles such as surf, indie rock, grunge, punk, shoegaze, funk, and neo-soul. Several reviewers particularly like its character compared with the more familiar sounds of a Stratocaster or Telecaster. One reported that the lead and rhythm circuits provide sharply contrasting options, while another found the guitar versatile enough for live use. The pickups are generally well regarded at this price, though some owners have replaced them. A few reports mention unwanted feedback or pickup noise at higher gain, so results may depend on the instrument and playing setup.

Bridge and setup

The floating bridge and Dynamic Vibrato tailpiece are central to the Jaguar design, but they are also the main source of setup complaints. Some owners use the guitar without trouble, including with regular strumming and vibrato use. Others report buzzing, strings slipping from the bridge, loose bridge posts, or tuning that does not return consistently after using the vibrato. A professional setup can help identify whether the bridge, neck angle, or string height needs adjustment.

Some owners have fitted replacement bridges or used simple modifications to steady the original parts. Those changes are not essential for every player, and reports show that individual results differ. Check the bridge movement, string seating, action, and tuning stability before deciding whether an upgrade is necessary. A neck shim, a small spacer fitted in the neck pocket to change the neck angle, is another adjustment mentioned by owners, but it is best assessed by a qualified guitar technician.

What to check before buying

Quality reports range from excellent finishes and comfortable frets to rough fret ends, dry fingerboards, minor cosmetic marks, and instruments that needed more than a routine setup. One owner also reported that the output jack felt tight when inserting a cable; others mention a jack that later became loose. A small number describe electronic faults, including a pickup that stopped working. These are not guaranteed problems, but they make a careful inspection worthwhile.

Play every fret on each string to listen for buzz, test all switches and controls, and check that the bridge and output jack feel secure. Try the vibrato and confirm that the guitar returns to pitch. The supplied strings are.009 to.042, and there is no case or gig bag included. The vintage-style tuning machines divide opinion: some owners find them stable, while others consider them a weaker part of the package.

Verdict

The Squier CV 70s Jaguar LRL 3TS makes a strong case for players drawn to Jaguar tone, short-scale feel, and hands-on switching options. Its looks and pickups earn consistent praise, and many owners consider it excellent value. The floating bridge and uneven setup reports are the practical caveats. Buy from a seller with a clear return policy, inspect the individual guitar, and allow for a setup if needed. If those steps suit your expectations, this Jaguar can become a distinctive, gig-worthy instrument without moving into a much higher price bracket.