Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

March 15, 2026

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Key features of the Squier

  • Classic Vibe series
  • Body: Poplar
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Indian laurel
  • Neck profile: C
  • Pearloid Dots fingerboard inlays
  • Fingerboard radius: 241 mm (9.5″)
  • Scale: 648 mm (25.5″)
  • Nut width: 41.9 mm (1.65″)
  • Bone nut
  • 21 Narrow Tall frets
  • 4-Ply Tortoise shell pickguard
  • Tonabnehmer: 1 Fender Designed Alnico Single Coil (bridge), 1 Fender Designed Alnico Single Coil (middle) and 1 Fender Designed Alnico Single Coil (neck)
  • Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck Pickup) und Tone 2 (Bridge/Middle Pickup) controls
  • 5-Way switch
  • 6-Saddle Vintage style synchronised tremolo
  • Nickel hardware
  • Vintage style machine heads
  • Strings: NPS .009 – .042
  • Colour: Natural

Images

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT Review: The bottom line

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

Product Review: Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT

I initially sought a genuine Fender but found the Player Series from Mexico disappointing, especially in terms of craftsmanship and sound quality. However, upon trying the Squier Classic Vibes series, I was pleasantly surprised and immediately fell in love with the neck, which features a comfortable, flat C shape.

The neck has a classic 70s headstock, vintage-style tuners that work flawlessly, and an authentic bone nut. The Indian Laurel fretboard, while slightly coarse compared to rosewood, adds a beautiful dark aesthetic. The narrow tall vintage frets are well-executed, ensuring a great playing experience.

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The overall craftsmanship is impressive for the price point. There are minor imperfections, such as some lacquer wear on the nut and unfinished frets, but these are easily overlooked. Moving to the body, mine is made from three pieces of wood, and the finish is cleanly applied. It’s not the lightest guitar, but it sits comfortably in the average weight range.

The nickel-finished bridge is aesthetically pleasing, though it could benefit from a heavier block for improved performance. Some rattling on the saddle screws can occur, which might affect open string clarity. The electronics are decent, with good-sounding pickups, though not exceptional. Upgrading to higher-quality components can enhance the overall sound.

One notable downside is the poorly drilled pickguard holes, causing alignment issues. I’ve opted to replace the pickguard and address the holes, which, while frustrating, doesn’t detract significantly from the enjoyment of the guitar.

In summary, for the price, this guitar is a fantastic instrument that rivals much more expensive Mexican models. It’s a joy to play, with a neck that feels great and a sound that delivers the classic Stratocaster tone. With a few upgrades, it can surpass expectations and serve well for both practice and performance.

Overall, I highly recommend the Squier CV 70s Strat LRL NAT for anyone seeking quality and playability at an accessible price point. It truly captures the essence of a Stratocaster, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles.



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Jamie Thorne Guitar

With over 15 years in the UK music scene, I've worked as a session guitarist and touring tech from London to Manchester. Whether it's setting up a vintage Strat or stress-testing the latest DSP modeling amps, I break down the gear so you know exactly what you're plugging into. No fluff, just the facts from the fretboard.

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