What is so special about the Squire CV Tele?

[CA_Dan]

I keep hearing how it's a great guitar. Why so? Is it better than a used MIM tele that could be picked up for the same price? I don't get it...

[JPanichella]

From what I understand (I don't own one but see people singing their praises) they come stock with good pickups (tonerider), have a nice vintage bridge, a good neck, and play great for the price. On the downside, some of them are real heavy.

[alexpigment]

The "heavy" ones I think are limited to the Classic Vibe 50s. I felt one at Guitar Center recently that must have been close to 10lbs. I have played two classic vibe customs that weren't heavy at all. My thinline CV is very light, of course.

In answer to the OP, they're vintage spec'd guitars with a few modern updates. Basically, they're taking aim at that $700+ Fender MIM series instead of the MIM standard series.

Classic Vibe 50s ~= Fender MIM Classic 50s
Classic Vibe Custom ~= Fender USA/CIJ 62' Custom Telecaster
Classic Vibe Thinlien ~= Fender MIM 69' Telecaster Thinline

With a Classic Vibe, you're saving *at least* half of what you'd pay for the Fender equivalent, but it is also likely that you're getting a better instrument than the Fender.

[gypsyseven]

Originally Posted by JPanichella

On the downside, some of them are real heavy.

Sounds perfect if you prefer it...

My 50's CV Tele is really heavy and i love it.On the otherside is my light weight CVC and i love it.

Don't know how to explain - but if you found a perfect guitar for you it doesn't mean everyone thinks the same 'bout it.

I always say you have to try one of those CV's and see what it is for you.

[Fatmanstratman]

Originally Posted by JPanichella

From what I understand... they come stock with good pickups (tonerider)....

Not so. Mark Davis emailed his contact at the Chinese factory who said that the pickups were not Toneriders, but made in the factory along with the rest of the guitar.

He did, however, note that Tonerider pickups WERE made at the same factory, so maybe they are "redirecting" a few onto the CV production line. I'm pretty sure that Tonerider would not be happy if that sort of thing was made common knowledge.

In answer to the OPs question, I would read through the many, many threads on this very forum about the CV guitars. Every good thing (and the odd bad thing) has been discussed in great detail, and there is enough information already posted to keep you busy for a week....

However, in a nutshell, the CV guitars are beautifully constructed from quality materials, the fit and finish is second to none, they play great, sound great, and for the money - one of the best value guitars to bear Fender's name in a long time - they are hard to beat.

But don't just take our word for it - if you "Don't get it", why not walk into your local guitar store and TRY a couple? Then, you'll be able to come back with a new thread entitled "Now I know why the Squier CVs are so special"....

PS: I'll bet you buy one once you've tried them.....

[alexpigment]

Originally Posted by gypsyseven

My 50's CV Tele is really heavy and i love it.On the otherside is my light weight CVC and i love it.

I've always felt that you can't play lead guitar very well on a lightweight guitar (standing up). You gotta have some downward pull to counteract bending the notes on the fretboard.

[fezz parka]

It's a well made, affordable guitar. What's not to get?

[JPanichella]

Originally Posted by gypsyseven

Sounds perfect if you prefer it...

My 50's CV Tele is really heavy and i love it.On the otherside is my light weight CVC and i love it.

Don't know how to explain - but if you found a perfect guitar for you it doesn't mean everyone thinks the same 'bout it.

I always say you have to try one of those CV's and see what it is for you.

I guess when I said downside I meant it's a downside for guys who get a sore back from playing them standing up too long. I don't mind a heavy guitar, but some people might.

[Sollophonic]

Originally Posted by alexpigment

In answer to the OP, they're vintage spec'd guitars with a few modern updates. Basically, they're taking aim at that $700+ Fender MIM series instead of the MIM standard series.

Classic Vibe 50s ~= Fender MIM Classic 50s
Classic Vibe Custom ~= Fender USA/CIJ 62' Custom Telecaster
Classic Vibe Thinlien ~= Fender MIM 69' Telecaster Thinline

With a Classic Vibe, you're saving *at least* half of what you'd pay for the Fender equivalent, but it is also likely that you're getting a better instrument than the Fender.

I dont think the CV50s is on a par with the 50s Classics, for a start the necks on the CV50s are really skinny, and feel very different to the MIMs. Sure they are good guitars for their price, but they are not equivalent.

The CVC Squier is probably closer in quality, but again, the one I tried had a pretty skinny neck. OK if you like that, but not for me. I prefer the chunkiness of the necks on the MIM Fenders. In fact I liked the neck on my old Squier Standard better than the necks I played on both the CV50s and the CVC.

I have to say though the Classic Vibe Custom does look the part though.

[Vole]

If they had a Fender decal and cost 3 times the price, they'd still be selling shed loads.

Some people buy a name, I prefer to buy a Guitar.

[alexpigment]

Originally Posted by Sollophonic

I dont think the CV50s is on a par with the 50s Classics, for a start the necks on the CV50s are really skinny, and feel very different to the MIMs. Sure they are good guitars for their price, but they are not equivalent.

I wasn't saying anything about the quality, actually, just for clarification. It seems generally agreed that the MIM Classic 50s is a better guitar and is just an uncharacteristically good guitar for the MIM series in general. I also think that since the CV50s was the first line of CV guitars, I think they hadn't gotten the process down yet and the quality suffered. I think the newer series are much better by comparison, and I would put my CV Thinline up to a Fender MIM 69' Thinline any day.

[viking]

The size of a neck is a question of personal preference , not a question of quality.For me the size of the CV (C) necks are normal sized guitar necks.

What some of you guys say , is that really thick necks are normal in size , and everything else is either " skinny " or " very skinny " in size. I dont get it , sorry...Play what you like , and what suits you as a player.

Please dont look for nothing but fat necked teles with ultra light bodies because you read about it on the internet and its the only way a tele should be put together.

Lots of guys prefer a light body , fat necked tele with tall , narrow vintage frets on a 7.25 radius. Thats fine with me , but if I had one of them it wouldnt get any play time at all.

The Squier CV line are really fine guitars at a decent price. They are so good that I have started to sell some of my other guitars because I never play them any more.Not everyone will agree , but for me they do the job they are supposed to , and I dont need anything else.

[Tele-machus]

Originally Posted by CA_Dan

I keep hearing how it's a great guitar. Why so? Is it better than a used MIM tele that could be picked up for the same price? I don't get it...

Dan, I'm no guitar expert, but I can tell you I LOVE all the CV teles I've played. I don't own one yet, but I'm workin' on that. All I can tell you is if you haven't had a chance to play one, find one and play it! If you're like me, after actually playing one, you'll get it.

[Sollophonic]

Originally Posted by Vole

If they had a Fender decal and cost 3 times the price, they'd still be selling shed loads.

Some people buy a name, I prefer to buy a Guitar.

Hey, me too.

I have and still own Squiers,and love them.

I have been tempted by the CVs and the CVCs, but for me the necks didnt work for me. They do for others though and thats fine.

If the CVs had chunkier nicer profile necks, I'd own both of them by now.

Actually I think if they were 3 times the price, folk may well be more picky about the necks to be honest. And for those who like a more vintage neck profile for less than double the price of a CV you can get a Baja, and for less than that a used MIM 50s or 60s.

Theres a lot of love on here for the CVs and the CVCs and I think it is well deserved. But for those who dont want to go for them,I just think it is right to let folk know that there are used Fenders and other makers that you can get for a similar price, if you want chunkier necks.

That CVC still tempts me, maybe if there was less quality control on them, the odd chunkier neck would slip through and I could find one that suits me. As it is, for a rosewood board tele, I'll look out for a used MIM 60s.

[jwayne]

Originally Posted by CA_Dan

I keep hearing how it's a great guitar. Why so? Is it better than a used MIM tele that could be picked up for the same price? I don't get it...

Best advice is to go play a few CV series guitars and then form a opinion of your own on them.

Generally speaking they are quality made guitars at an affordable price that have the features tele geeks seem to seek out.

[Sollophonic]

Originally Posted by viking

The size of a neck is a question of personal preference , not a question of quality.For me the size of the CV (C) necks are normal sized guitar necks.

I dont doubt the quality of the CVs at all, they are superbly built IMO.

I just dont like the necks.

[alexpigment]

Originally Posted by Sollophonic

Theres a lot of love on here for the CVs and the CVCs and I think it is well deserved. But for those who dont want to go for them,I just think it is right to let folk know that there are used Fenders and other makers that you can get for a similar price, if you want chunkier necks.

That CVC still tempts me, maybe if there was less quality control on them, the odd chunkier neck would slip through and I could find one that suits me. As it is, for a rosewood board tele, I'll look out for a used MIM 60s.

A chunkier neck slipped through the whole entire line of Thinlines.

[kidmo]

Everything...

It's well made (not just for the money)

It feels great

It looks great

It's priced the way most guitars should be (fairly)!

P.S. It's Squier (remember er like in Fender)

[Marto]

I want to play a couple before I lay my cash out. Problem is, I can't find one at any of the local music stores. And I don't want to buy one online--unseen, unplayed.

[BritishBluesBoy]

Originally Posted by fezz parka

It's a well made, affordable guitar. What's not to get?

So affordable they're practically giving them away...

[Chris S.]

Originally Posted by fezz parka

It's a well made, affordable guitar. What's not to get?

It's a really well made affordable guitar, that's what all the fuss is about. Go find one and play it, you'll understand. -- CS

[gogirlguitars]

I find the neck and fretwork great on my CVC tele. For $300 it's a steal. Sounds great stock, but i put a gotoh bridge and some handwound PUPs on mine.

I know it's sounds like people are going on and on about them, but I have many guitars over $1500 and i pick that Tele up most.

[1977CJ5]

The question should be "What's not special about the CV's". Answer - Nothing. Everything about them is special. The quality, feel, sound, and the look of the guitar speaks for itself. Not to mention when you only ding your wallet for $379.00 you really get a warm and fuzzy feeling!

[brewwagon]

something to really enjoy while your saving for that cs fender

bw

[woodythx138]

All I can say is play one ,then you will understand what the buzz is about.
Chris

[clapointe]

MY CV50 7.8Ibs of tone and fun !

[Badabing]

I just picked up my CV Tele from the the luthier today. He did a simple set up and did some fret work..man that thing has UNBELIEVABELE action. Even the luthier was amazed. It really looks cool, the tone is PERFECT and it plays awesome!

I was NOT a squire fan before I played this guitar. BUY ONE if you can! I got mine off of Craigslist for $200.00!

[slickschoppers]

they are a great guitar at ANY PRICE...

price does not make a great guitar, quality and tone does, and the whole CV series has that in spades.

something to really enjoy while your saving for that cs fender

LOL... I can buy a Custom Shop tomorrow if I want to.. but honestly haven't found one that I like any better than my Classic Vibes. .

still waiting for our local shop, to which I am loyal, to get a CVC in.. I played one at another shop and LOVED IT!!!! my friend has ALL of the classic vibe series, strats, tele's and basses.

I just have the thinline and the CV50..... waiting patiently to get my hands on a CVC.

like I said....

They are great guitars at ANY price. I honestly think if your going to spend BIG money,, Acoustics are where you see the most difference when comparing price.

also, I LOVE the necks on the CV series.... but like everyone said.. try one out... see if you like it or not. I've found that the easiest way to convice someone that it is not all hype is hand them one and have them play it.

[Big L]

My CV 50's was great to look at. (notice I said "was"). I just couldn't get used to the neck. The fatter the better for me. My next purchase will be a MIM Classic 50's for sure.

[20000 Roads]

As a person who owns both a CV 50's and an AVRI '52, I'll be bold and say this: If you get a chance to play a good specimen of each guitar, and you play with your eyes closed, I bet you won't be able to tell which one costs 5 times more than the other.

That's what's so special about it.

[Tele-Champ]

I've had my CV 50's tele for about three weeks now, and I'm still amazed by the quality, tone, and playability of this guitar every time I pick it up and play it! I keep reaching for this one - my other guitars are probably getting jealous by now...

[blee]

I'm still a bit of a guitar n00b, but I like my CV50 too. I was looking for a "beater" tele to fit my budget for the time being, and originally got the Squier Thinline (not the CV, the one with Duncan Designed pups) because they didn't have the Squier Tele with P90s in the store and they had a good return policy, so I was like why not. I hated the Thinline. I didn't like the sound of it (too think) and the v-shaped neck.

I tried the CV and I really liked it. I tried a MIM too, but I thought I liked the CV slightly better, plus the CV looks way cooler. I generally like my CV50 a lot, to the point that I've lost the GAS for an American Tele. I still want to tinker around with it (I don't like the neck pup), and it's sorta finicky (sorta frequent setups). But I love the thin-ish neck, and it's one of the most comfy guitars I've ever played.

Now I'm gassing for a CV thinline haha (and it's always nice to travel light when gigging in NYC w/o a car)and want to tinker around a bit with my CV50. But it's a keeper, and all I was looking for was a beater...sounds awesome through my Orange Tiny Terror with gain at slightly dirty...

[johnkee]

Difference? = If you put new strings on a CV and new strings on 52AVR/MIM 50`s and play them a year the CV would still sounds GOOD!!!, the others have sound bad about 11 months.

Iknow, i own them all and have change different parts on the two expensive ones to get them better but they still not as good as the CV.

Last weekend i try out a CVC in a store in Oslo/Norway and it blows away the other high end teles including Nocaster CS.

[johnkee]

Difference? = If you put new strings on a CV and new strings on 52AVR/MIM 50`s and play them a year the CV would still sounds GOOD!!!, the others have sound bad about 11 months.

Iknow, i own them all and have change different parts on the two expensive ones to get them better but they still not as good as the CV.

Last weekend i try out a CVC in a store in Oslo/Norway and it blows away .the other high end teles including Nocaster CS.

[johnkee]

By the way..........
There is much talking about the thin neck on the CV´s, i also like thicker necks but i can stand out, i think the low vintage frets on AV52re. and MIM CL50´s sucks, there are much more playability on the CV´s mediumjumbo frets.

[firefuocco]

Originally Posted by johnkee

Difference? = If you put new strings on a CV and new strings on 52AVR/MIM 50`s and play them a year the CV would still sounds GOOD!!!, the others have sound bad about 11 months.

Iknow, i own them all and have change different parts on the two expensive ones to get them better but they still not as good as the CV.

Last weekend i try out a CVC in a store in Oslo/Norway and it blows away .the other high end teles including Nocaster CS.

They are good but not that good. Comparisons with high end teles are a bit misleading & not a reasonable comparison to make.

[Gary in Boston]

Riddle me this on the cv & cvc If they are selling them @ the prices they are and betterin some cases what is the wholesale price of one? What is the cost to build one?

Any insights?

Gary

[Jonnyfriendly]

No idea, but I do own a really nice CVC, and an 52 AVRI, and the CVC sees more play time. Sounds amazing, it's nice and light, and feels so smooth and buttery to play.

[Fatmanstratman]

Originally Posted by Sollophonic

The CVC Squier is probably closer in quality, but again, the one I tried had a pretty skinny neck. OK if you like that, but not for me. I prefer the chunkiness of the necks on the MIM Fenders. In fact I liked the neck on my old Squier Standard better than the necks I played on both the CV50s and the CVC.

Originally Posted by Sollophonic

I have been tempted by the CVs and the CVCs, but for me the necks didnt work for me. If the CVs had chunkier nicer profile necks, I'd own both of them by now.

Actually I think if they were 3 times the price, folk may well be more picky about the necks to be honest.

I just think it is right to let folk know that there are used Fenders and other makers that you can get for a similar price, if you want chunkier necks.

That CVC still tempts me, maybe if there was less quality control on them, the odd chunkier neck would slip through and I could find one that suits me.

Originally Posted by Sollophonic

I dont doubt the quality of the CVs at all, they are superbly built IMO.

I just dont like the necks.

Sollophonic, I've been thinking long and hard about this all morning, and I'm just starting to reach the conclusion that it is possible that there's something about the CV necks that you don't like. Have I guessed right?..........

[WilburBufferson]

So after reading so much about these CV tele's here, I finally went to the store and tried one (CV 50s). I have to say, for the money, they *are* above average, but nowhere near the build quality of my MIM Baja Tele, which here in the UK was about $300 more in price. My love affair with the CV is now officially over! :-(

I do see what people are saying about the necks though... the CVs are a much thinner profile than other teles. Not better or worse, just different. As you were.