My guitar started out as a Starcaster (even lower than the Squier) and had the typical potmetal trem and saddles, aftermarket neck (guitar was a gift). I blocked the trem with wood to make it easier to keep it in tune. Eventually got the steel block trem with stamped steel saddles and some better pickups and electronics. I don't use the trem arm hence the sticker over it. The trem is blocked flat to the body with wood.
Will eventually get some better tuners and make a bone nut (only the body will be left from the starcaster and it will be officially MY guitar). Since I cannot play much anyhoo, it worked fine but I wanted some better pickups than the really cheap ones that were in it (flat pole piece with ceramic bar mag) hence the upgrades. The squire pickups that have staggered pole pieces aren't too bad (friend has one)
Not sure what type of wood the body is but as long as it is solid (and I know it is not plywood) I really don't care right now. She sounds great with the upgrades. Weighs 8 lbs iirc.
Sure doesn't look like
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