The new Squiers are actually becoming better built than the older ones.Im saying from 98 and up.It wouldnt hurt to go and check others out and if you do go to a real music store not like Guitar center and such places.Talk with people playing or who ever is behind the counter...use your experience to see if they are real or not.The amp you have is perfect for your situation but I think you can find a better Squier to make your really come alive...the vintage modified or the deluxe series.They have different pickups mostly Seymour Duncan pickups.The site will help you understand your guitar better and make you go into the direction of what type of music you want to play...I hope this will help you.