Squier CV Custom Tele BIGS SH PPG AZG

Squier CV Custom Tele BIGS SH PPG AZG review

The Squier CV Custom Tele BIGS SH PPG AZG pairs a familiar Telecaster layout with a Bigsby B50 vibrato and a humbucker in the neck position. Its Aztec Gold finish gives the guitar a distinctive look, while the pickup arrangement offers a warmer neck sound alongside a bridge single-coil voice. The listed price is 459, and the model has been available since August 2025.

Its specifications include a poplar body, a bolt-on maple neck, and an Indian laurel fingerboard. The 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale, 42 mm nut width, C-shaped neck profile, and 241 mm (9.5-inch) fingerboard radius place it in familiar territory for players comfortable with a conventional Telecaster feel. Pearloid dot inlays provide contrast against the dark fingerboard. There are 21 narrow, tall frets, and the nut is made of bone.

Pickups and controls

Squier fits one Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickup at the bridge and one Fender-designed Alnico humbucker at the neck. Master volume and tone controls serve both pickups, with a three-way switch selecting the bridge, neck, or combined position. That gives the guitar a clearly different voice at either end: the bridge pickup is intended for the familiar bright, cutting Telecaster character, while the neck humbucker offers a fuller sound.

Player feedback reflects that contrast. One owner praised the neck humbucker for its warm tone and the bridge pickup for its classic Telecaster twang, and felt the guitar could hold its own beside more expensive instruments. Another player preferred to remove the humbucker because the pairing did not suit their band's music. That is a matter of taste, but it is worth considering if you specifically want a traditional two-single-coil Telecaster sound.

The pickup combination also has limits. One report noted that the neck humbucker became somewhat muddy toward the end of a band session. That comment does not establish a universal issue, but players seeking a clear, cutting sound at higher gain may want to try the guitar with their own amp and settings before deciding.

Bigsby and bridge feel

The Bigsby B50 is matched with a vintage-style floating bridge and Mustang saddles. This arrangement is central to the model's appeal, and several owners reported that the guitar stayed in tune well despite the vibrato. One player with experience installing other Bigsby units described the setup as more stable than a Stratocaster-style vibrato when correctly adjusted. Another credited the floating Mustang-saddle bridge with helping tuning stability.

Expect the bridge and arm to feel different from a fixed Telecaster bridge. One owner found the bridge less flexible than a more expensive US example, though still effective. The arm's tension can be adjusted with a small screw beneath it, so players can tailor its movement. As with any vibrato-equipped guitar, careful setup and string installation matter. The guitar ships with nickel-plated steel strings in.009-.042 gauge; one reviewer changed to.010s and reported that the instrument was ready for a gig afterward.

Build, finish, and setup

Feedback on finish and fretwork is largely positive, with owners describing the gold finish as attractive and the overall workmanship as impressive for the price. One player praised the fretwork, finish, and setup straight from the box. Another said the neck felt comfortable and reported no protruding fret ends. The nickel hardware and three-ply parchment pickguard complete the vintage-inspired appearance.

Setup reports are not unanimous. Some buyers received instruments that played well immediately, while one reported severe buzzing and said the guitar needed a substantial adjustment before it was playable. Other owners made smaller changes, such as lowering the bridge, and then found the action comfortable without fret buzz. These contrasting accounts suggest that a quick inspection and setup may be sensible rather than assuming every example will arrive in identical playing condition.

There is also a small amount of feedback about dry fingerboard wood and a knot near the first frets. The owner who mentioned it considered the knot mainly cosmetic, but it is a useful reminder to inspect the fingerboard on the specific guitar you receive. The reported weight was 3.9 kg for one example, which its owner considered manageable, though another described the instrument as somewhat heavy.

Verdict

The Squier CV Custom Tele BIGS SH PPG AZG makes a strong case for players drawn to its combination of Aztec Gold, a neck humbucker, a bridge single coil, and Bigsby vibrato. Positive reports highlight its attractive finish, comfortable neck, capable tones, and good tuning stability when properly set up. The main considerations are the pickup pairing, the feel of the floating bridge, and variation in setup on arrival. It is supplied without a case or bag, so storage and transport protection need to be arranged separately.