QC is much better with the "new" management / owners from what I've heard. I understand that it got pretty hairy toward the end of the last regime. But many here knew the "old" guys and felt a connection with the company and they wanted guitars their friends made. I personally didn't know any of them. From what I understand it was kind of hit and miss QC wise like Gibson in the late '70s into the '80s. I bought a 535 here from a guy who goes by Holyroller. I bought it just to help him out when he was selling several guitars for reasons I don't remember. I told him I'd hold it for a year if he wanted it back and didn't play it during that period. I never heard back from him so it became mine. I believe it is a 2002 and everyone I show it to says it's just a "hoot" to play. I judge playability for all my guitars by this example of 535, even my Hamers which most Heritages I've played don't compare to. But, I haven't played any of the newer ones. IMFO you are better off with the newer, post 2016. I had one model solid body that after the 15th fret the fretboard took a deep dive. I mean it was a ski slope. Not sure if it was intentional but the action was about 1/4 inch off the fretboard when it was fairly normal further up. Upon examination with a straightedge it was off the chart. Another had a few side inlays that were just messed up. Craftsmanship was hit and miss. Just weird stuff. Plecking and fret leveling were the norm with the older ones. One dealer I know told me the new owners fixed all that and he says he doesn't need to pleck them from the factory anymore. They used to use Seymour Duncans in the past. The newer ones are either rebranded or maybe they finally got their own winder. As always, YMMV.