Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT review

The Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT is a natural-finish electric guitar from the Classic Vibe series. Its familiar Stratocaster layout combines a poplar body, a maple neck, an Indian laurel fingerboard, three Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups, and a synchronized tremolo. Listed at 379, it aims to deliver classic Strat sounds and a comfortable playing feel at a more accessible price.

Owner reports are broadly enthusiastic about the neck, sound, and overall value. They also show why a setup and a careful inspection matter: quality control experiences differ, and some players report small finishing or hardware issues that others did not encounter.

Neck and playability

The maple neck has a C profile, a 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale, and a 41.9 mm nut width. Its Indian laurel fingerboard has a 241 mm radius, pearloid dot inlays, and 21 narrow-tall frets. A genuine bone nut is a notable part of the specification at this price.

Across several reviews, the neck is the guitar's strongest point. Players describe it as comfortable, fast, and easy to play, and praise the fret feel and fingerboard appearance. One owner particularly liked the dark, distinctive grain of the laurel. Other reports mention sharp fret ends, frets needing additional leveling, or a fingerboard that felt dry on arrival. Those comments do not outweigh the positive feedback, but they underline that individual examples can vary.

The guitar ships with.009,.042 strings. Some buyers found that an initial adjustment to the neck and string height improved playability, while another preferred a heavier.010 string set after setup. Expect to assess the action and intonation for your own playing style rather than assume the factory setup will be ideal.

Three-pickup Strat sound

The pickup set consists of three Fender-designed Alnico single coils, one each at the bridge, middle, and neck positions. A five-way switch selects the familiar range of Strat combinations. Master volume, a neck-pickup tone control, and a shared bridge-and-middle tone control provide straightforward adjustment.

Players generally describe the sound as recognizably Strat-like, with a useful balance of warmth, clarity, and bite. Several say the pickups sound good straight out of the box and offer the expected range of tones. One owner felt the bridge pickup could use more warmth, while another called the pickups good but not exceptional. Taken together, the feedback suggests a capable stock set for varied playing, though players seeking a particular output or character may want to compare it with alternatives.

Body, finish, and hardware

The poplar body has a natural finish, so the grain remains visible. There is no separate top. The supplied pickguard is four-ply tortoiseshell, and the hardware is nickel-finished. Reports on the finish are mostly favorable, including buyers who found the appearance and construction impressive. Minor dings and small finish details have been noted, and one owner found that the pickguard mounting holes were poorly aligned, leaving the guard uneven.

The six-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo draws the most mixed feedback. Some players found it usable after adjustment, while others reported that heavier use could knock the guitar out of tune. One owner improved a clicking noise by lubricating the tremolo arm insertion point. The bridge was also described as a weaker component than the otherwise well-regarded neck and electronics. If frequent tremolo use is central to your playing, check tuning stability during your return window and consider a professional setup.

Vintage-style tuners are specified, but owner impressions are inconsistent. Some found them reliable after setup; others reported loose-feeling operation or noise. The guitar comes without a bag or case, so include that in the cost if you need protection for transport.

Verdict

The Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT makes a strong case on its neck, traditional pickup layout, and accessible price. Owner feedback repeatedly points to enjoyable playability and convincing Stratocaster tones, with several buyers comparing it favorably to more expensive instruments. The main cautions are sample-to-sample setup and finish details, plus a tremolo system that may need adjustment and may not suit aggressive use.

Best for: players who want a natural-finish Strat-style guitar with a comfortable maple neck and classic three-single-coil versatility.

Before buying: inspect the fret ends, pickguard fit, tuners, and bridge, then budget time for a proper setup. The guitar is supplied without a case or bag.