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Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
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Playability
70
Sound
67
Build
52
Value
78
Score
63
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Playability
68
Sound
70
Build
58
Value
70
Score
65
FIND IT ON:
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Squier Debut Series Stratocaster vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Specs Comparison
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
General
Brand: Fender Squier Gretsch
Year: 2024 2016
Configuration: SSS XXH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: China China
Series: Debut Electromatic
Colors: Sunburst, Black, Red Black, Natural
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Hollowbody
Body Material: Poplar Laminated Maple
Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles Chromatic
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Set
Tuners: Die-Cast Sealed Die-Cast
Fretboard: Laurel Rosewood
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: Dots Pearloid Big Block
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: C Standard U
Frets: 21 Narrow Tall Nickel Silver 20 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" 12"
Nut: Plastic Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 41.9mm (1.65'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Ceramic Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Ceramic Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Ceramic Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) Gretsch Mini Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 0 Way
Knobs: Bell Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 2 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Chrome Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's switch options

Reasons to Get
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster over Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Release Year
2024 vs 2016
From a more recent year
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Type of Frets
Narrow Tall vs Medium Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Neck Profile
C vs Standard U
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On vs Set
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Body Type
Solid Body vs Hollowbody
Feedback free
Switch Positions
5 vs 0
More tone options
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Pickups
SSS vs XXH
Beautiful cleans and good tone versatility
Number of Frets
21 vs 20
Allows to reach higher notes
Nut Width
1.65'' (41.9mm) vs 1.688'' (42.9mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Tremolo vs Fixed
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 12'' (304.8mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings
Value Score
78 vs 70
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop over Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster

Decorative Top
Arched Laminated Spruce vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo vs Narrow Tall
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Neck Profile
Standard U vs C
Comfortable neck with more grip
Pickups Brand
Gretsch vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Nut Material
Synthetic Bone vs Plastic
Good quality nut with rich tone
Body Type
Hollowbody vs Solid Body
Warm tone, lighter and acoustic sound
Pickups
XXH vs SSS
Single pickup at the neck for jazzy warmth
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm) vs 1.65'' (41.9mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Bridge
Fixed vs Tremolo
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend

Other Key Differences
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Neck Pickup
Ceramic Single-Coil vs Gretsch Mini Humbucking
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Poplar vs Maple
Different Body Wood
Fretboard Wood
Laurel vs Rosewood
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6 vs 3-3
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Plastic vs Synthetic Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Strings
6
Same playing style
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed

Common Weaknesses

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Locking Tuners
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Prices

    SET PRICE ALERT

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    Hand Size Comfortability

    And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop favors large hands more than the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster.

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands

    Beginner Friendliness

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop meets only 3. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Tall frets
    • Narrow nut
    • Comfortable neck
    • Short scale
    • Locking tuners

    New Player Friendliness

    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Tall frets
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Narrow nut
    • Short scale
    • Comfortable neck
    • Locking tuners

    Sound Quality Comparison

    The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

    Woods Used in Both

    Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
    Maple

    Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

    Woods Used in the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster

    Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
    Laurel
    Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
    Poplar

    There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

    Poplar is a cheaper and heavier alternative to Alder wood. It terms of tone, it emphasizes the low-end and has cutting mids. It's relatively soft compared to most body woods. Find out more about Poplar.

    Woods Used in the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

    Rosewood wood pattern used for guitar building
    Rosewood

    Rosewood is an almost purple-looking wood that is used mainly for fretboards since it's heavy, rare, and expensive. It's sometimes used on acoustic guitar bodies to create stronger warm tones. Find out more about Rosewood.

    Winner: Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop.

    Pickup Configuration

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster has an SSS configuration while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop has XXH pickups.

    SSS is perfect for players who like to play clean. The definition you get between notes and the crispiness is unmatched by most other configurations. You can still use it for distortion, but you won't get the same kind of output and power compared to a humbucker, and the hum they produce also makes them less adequate for high gain.

    On the other hand, XXH means there's no pickup in the bridge or middle position. It's a rare pickup combination used for soloing. It's often found in acoustic-electric guitars to give you more power for soloing.

    Pickups Quality

    The Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop pickups from a more specialized brand than the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster. Its pickups should give you a fuller, richer sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Jazz and similar genres.

    Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

    Winner: Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop.

    Versatility Comparison

    Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

    Switch Options

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster gives you 5 switch options while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop gives you 0. This means that the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster gives you more options to find the right pickup combination for the type of sound you want to achieve

    Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

    When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

    Winner: Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
    Pickups 70
    Sustain 65
    Versatility 72
    Tuning Stability 60
    Sound 67
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
    Pickups 90
    Sustain 75
    Versatility 44
    Tuning Stability 70
    Sound 70

    Build Quality Comparison

    When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster compares to the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop.

    Country of Origin

    The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in China.

    China has a bad reputation when it comes to building quality. However, times have changed and now respectable brands use China's cheap labor to build good instruments for a lower price. Don't discount a guitar only because it was built in China, but also expect more quality from countries like Korea.

    Winner: Tie

    Nut Material

    If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster has a Plastic nut. This is a low-quality nut that you might want to consider upgrading soon. Bone and TUSQ nuts are the best for guitars with a fixed or simple tremolo bridge.

    On the other hand, the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop comes with a Synthetic Bone nut. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

    Winner: Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop.

    Fret Material

    Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

    Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

    Winner: Tie.

    Bridge

    The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's brige is a Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

    On the other hand, the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

    Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

    Winner: Tie.

    Tuners

    Both come with regular tuners. The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's are Die-Cast Sealed while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's are Die-Cast

    Winner: Tie.

    Neck Joint

    Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster has a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

    On the other hand, the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop comes with Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

    Winner: Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster.

    Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
    • Tremolo
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in China
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
    • Expensive Wood
    • Synthetic Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in China
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Tremolo
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    Final Build Quality Scores

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
    Quality of materials 46
    Features 55
    Quality Control 55
    Build Quality 52
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
    Quality of materials 60
    Features 55
    Quality Control 60
    Build Quality 58

    Playability Comparison

    Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

    Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

    Nut Width

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Nut Width
    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Nut Width
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Nut Width
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Nut Width

    The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop has the wider nut with 42.9mm (1.688'') vs 41.9mm (1.65''). This is a 1mm (0.038'') difference

    This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

    Scale Length

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster and Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's Scale Length
    Both have the same scale length

    The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

    In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

    This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

    However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

    Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

    Neck Profile

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Neck Profile
    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's neck profile
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Neck Profile
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's neck profile

    No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

    In this case, both have different neck shapes:

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster has a C type of neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

    The Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop, on the other hand, has a U neck. This is also referred to as ''baseball neck'' because of its shape. It's usually thick, which is why some people with big hands like it. However, they can also be thin, similar to a C shape, but with more shoulders for a better grip.

    Fretboard Radius

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's Fingerboard radius
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Fingerboard Radius
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's Fingerboard radius

    Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

    In this case, the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop.

    Fret Size

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Frets Size
    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's Frets Size
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Frets Size
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's Frets Size

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster has Narrow Tall frets, which should be taller than the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's Medium Jumbo frets.

    Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

    Final Playability Scores

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 70
    Playability 70
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 60
    Playability 68