Squier CV Custom Esquire LRL PPG SHW

Squier CV Custom Esquire LRL PPG SHW review

The Squier CV Custom Esquire LRL PPG SHW is a single-pickup electric guitar with a clear visual reference point: its Sherwood Green finish, parchment-colored pickguard, and vintage-style bridge give it a restrained, classic look. The specification is straightforward, with one Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickup, master volume and tone controls, and a three-way switch. At a listed price of $427, it offers a focused take on the Esquire format rather than a broad range of pickup combinations.

The guitar became available in August 2025. Its poplar body has no separate top, and the maple neck is bolted on. The supplied player feedback is notably positive about the finish and build, with one owner calling the paintwork flawless and describing the overall quality as excellent. Another review reports a pleasant sound and good finishing. These are owner impressions rather than controlled measurements, but they point to the finish and presentation as particular strengths.

Body, finish, and hardware

Sherwood Green is the main visual draw. The three-ply parchment pickguard gives the color a contrasting border, while nickel-finished hardware keeps the appearance consistent with the vintage styling. The guitar uses a three-saddle bridge with a string-through-body design and chrome barrel saddles. This is a fixed bridge, with no tremolo system. That keeps the hardware arrangement simple and avoids adding a moving bridge assembly.

The vintage-style tuning machines suit the design. The supplied strings are nickel-plated steel in a.009 to.042 gauge, a light set that should feel familiar to many players. The listed specifications do not include a case or gig bag, so buyers should account for separate protection when budgeting for transport or storage.

Neck and playing dimensions

The maple neck has a C-shaped profile and a 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale length. Its Indian laurel fingerboard has a 241 mm (9.5-inch) radius, pearloid dot inlays, and 21 narrow-tall frets. The nut is 42 mm wide and made of bone. Taken together, those measurements describe a familiar full-scale layout, with a moderately curved fingerboard and a conventional nut width.

The narrow-tall fret format is worth noting for players comparing neck specifications. The frets are not described as extra-jumbo, and the product information gives no fret dimensions beyond their type and count. There is also no supplied measurement for neck thickness. Players who are particular about fret height or the feel of a neck profile should try the instrument in person where possible, rather than relying on the C designation alone.

Pickup and controls

A single Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickup handles the guitar's output. The control layout consists of one master volume, one master tone, and a three-way switch. With just one pickup, the switch does not select between neck and bridge units. The available specifications do not explain the switching positions, so it would be unwise to assign specific sounds to each setting without confirming them on the instrument.

This setup suits players who want a deliberately limited control scheme and are comfortable shaping the signal with the guitar's volume and tone controls. It will not provide the pickup blend options of a two-pickup model. The owner comments describe the sound favorably, including one report of a pleasant tone, but they do not identify an amplifier, playing style, or specific tonal settings. Treat those accounts as positive first impressions, not a substitute for listening to the guitar through your own rig.

What the owner feedback suggests

The German-language owner feedback praises the long-awaited Sherwood Green finish, the build quality, and the sound. One buyer says there was nothing to fault and recommends the guitar enthusiastically. A separate Polish-language comment also reports satisfaction with the purchase, pleasant tone, and careful finishing. Across the comments, the finish and general execution come through as the most consistent points of approval.

There is little criticism in the supplied feedback, but the small number of comments does not establish how every example will feel or sound. The useful takeaway is narrower: these buyers were pleased with their instruments, particularly the appearance and finish.

Verdict

The Squier CV Custom Esquire LRL PPG SHW is a sensible option for players drawn to Sherwood Green and a simple, single-pickup layout. Its poplar body, maple neck, Indian laurel fingerboard, fixed three-saddle bridge, and conventional controls are all clearly specified. Positive owner reports reinforce the impression of a well-finished instrument, while the $427 listed price places it in a range where a hands-on check remains worthwhile.

Choose it for its distinctive finish, familiar full-scale dimensions, and uncluttered controls. Look elsewhere if you need multiple pickups, a tremolo, or included transport protection. The specifications make its priorities plain, and the owner feedback suggests that Squier has delivered well on the visual appeal and finish that drew these buyers to it.