Great guitar at this price point given the upgrades. It has a maple neck that I 'stained' black. This was a project guitar to test the results before doing it on a more expensive guitar. I was very happy with the results and have done 4 more guitars since then. This neck in particular is a figured maple with a complex grain structure so it turned out better than the rest. I like the worn/relic vibe that is offers. Anyway, the electronics have been replaced and are from a USA fender strat. The pickups are new Boot Straps. Frets have been leveled and has a low buzz free action. The neck is beefier than a standard squiers in this price point. So if you are like me and don't like the pencil thin necks, then this is for you. The guitar only weighs 5.7 lbs also. I'm not trying to make any money on this, just want to recoup some of my investment. I'm in not hurry and not interested in any trades.