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Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
Solar AB1.6TBS
VS
Playability
70
Sound
67
Build
52
Value
78
Score
63
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Playability
73
Sound
84
Build
69
Value
75
Score
75
FIND IT ON:
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Show Full Spec Comparison
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster vs Solar AB1.6TBS Specs Comparison
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Solar AB1.6TBS
General
Brand: Fender Squier Solar
Year: 2024 2022
Configuration: SSS HSS
Strings: 6 6
Made in: China Indonesia
Series: Debut Type AB
Colors: Sunburst, Black, Red Sunburst Burst Matte
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Poplar Alder
Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles Evertune F-Type
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Die-Cast Sealed Solar 18:1 Locking Type
Fretboard: Laurel Roasted Maple
Neck Material: Maple Roasted Maple
Decoration: Dots Solar Logo on 12th Fret
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: C Solar C Shape
Frets: 21 Narrow Tall Nickel Silver 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" 13.78"
Nut: Plastic Graphite
Nut Width: 41.9mm (1.65'') 43mm (1.693'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Ceramic Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) Duncan Solar/Bridge (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Ceramic Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) Duncan Solar Stacked Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Ceramic Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) Duncan Solar Stacked Single Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Bell Dome
Pickup Mods: None Parallel Split
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 2 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Chrome Black
Show Diagrams Comparison
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's switch options
Solar AB1.6TBS pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Solar AB1.6TBS's switch options

Reasons to Get
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster over Solar AB1.6TBS

Release Year
2024 vs 2022
From a more recent year
Number of Frets
21 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Pickups
SSS vs HSS
Beautiful cleans and good tone versatility
Nut Width
1.65'' (41.9mm) vs 1.693'' (43mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Tremolo vs Evertune
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 13.78'' (350mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings
Value Score
78 vs 75
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Solar AB1.6TBS over Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster

Country of Manufacturing
Indonesia vs China
Built with higher quality standards
Fret Material
Stainless Steel vs Nickel Silver
Best fret material that will last forever
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Pickups Brand
Duncan Solar vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Nut Material
Graphite vs Plastic
Self-Lubricating nut for good tuning stability
Pickup Mods
Parallel Split vs None
Connects pickups in parallel to brighten tone
Pickups
HSS vs SSS
High output with beautiful cleans and tone versatility
Number of Frets
24 vs 21
Allows to reach higher notes
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm) vs 1.65'' (41.9mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Bridge
Evertune vs Tremolo
Fixed bridge that will keep the guitar in tune forever
Fretboard Radius
13.78'' (350mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend

Other Key Differences
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster vs Solar AB1.6TBS

Bridge Pickup
Ceramic Single-Coil vs Duncan Solar/Bridge
Different Bridge Pickup
Middle Pickup
Ceramic Single-Coil vs Duncan Solar Stacked Single Coil
Different Middle Pickup
Neck Pickup
Ceramic Single-Coil vs Duncan Solar Stacked Single Coil
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Poplar vs Alder
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Maple vs Roasted Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Laurel vs Roasted Maple
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6 vs R6
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Plastic vs Graphite
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster vs Solar AB1.6TBS

Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
5
Same pickups versatility
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
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Narrow Tall vs XL Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Frets

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Strap Lock
  • Expensive Wood
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

Solar AB1.6TBS Prices

    SET PRICE ALERT

    These are affiliate links. We may earn a fee if you purchase after clicking. These prices are prone to error. Make sure you're buying the right product after clicking on a link from our site. We are not liable if you buy the wrong product after following these links. As an Amazon Associate site we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Hand Size Comfortability

    After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both favor small hands .

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Solar AB1.6TBS:
    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 Solar AB1.6TBS meets only 4. 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

    Solar AB1.6TBS
    • Comfortable shape
    • Locking tuners
    • Tall frets
    • Comfortable neck
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Narrow nut
    • Short scale
    • Easy-to-use bridge

    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 the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster

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

    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.

    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 Solar AB1.6TBS

    Roasted Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
    Roasted Maple
    Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
    Alder

    Roasted Maple is just maple without a finish. It's technically cheaper than regular maple, but it doesn't have any extra disadvantages because of this. The color is darker, and it's lighter weight and very stable even when there's a lot of humidity.

    Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

    Winner: Tie.

    Pickup Configuration

    The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster has an SSS configuration while the Solar AB1.6TBS has HSS 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, HSS provides a great balance if you like to play with a lot of distortion, but also love to use clean tones. You'll get a lot of output at the bridge position, but you'll be able to play bright clean tones at the other positions.

    Pickups Quality

    The Solar AB1.6TBS 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 Hard Rock 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: Solar AB1.6TBS.

    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

    Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

    Only the Solar AB1.6TBS comes with some kind of pickup modification: Parallel Split.

    The Parallel Split feature allows it to split and connect some of the pickups in parallel. When wired in parallel, the result is a very bright tone. This is the wire technique used in most Stratocaster guitars, and it's what gives them their signature transparent and clear sound. This is because the pickups' inputs and outputs are wired together, which reduces the signal's travel distance to the output jack.

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

    Winner: Solar AB1.6TBS.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
    Pickups 70
    Sustain 65
    Versatility 72
    Tuning Stability 60
    Sound 67
    Solar AB1.6TBS
    Pickups 85
    Sustain 75
    Versatility 75
    Tuning Stability 100
    Sound 84

    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 Solar AB1.6TBS.

    Country of Origin

    The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster is built in China while the Solar AB1.6TBS is made in Indonesia.

    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.

    Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

    Winner: Solar AB1.6TBS

    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 Solar AB1.6TBS comes with a Graphite nut. It's a self-lubricating material that will allow the strings to slide over the nut without a lot of friction. It's a good type of nut if you want to have better tuning stability than with plastic, although it's not as resistant as Bone or Tusq.

    Winner: Solar AB1.6TBS.

    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.

    In this comparison, the Solar AB1.6TBS is the only one that has stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.

    Winner: Solar AB1.6TBS.

    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 Solar AB1.6TBS's is a Evertune. It will keep your guitar in tune and intonated until the next string swap. If you really like extremely subtle vibratos, this might not be the bridge for you because you won't be able to perform them as well. However, the fact that you won't need to tune your guitar is a huge advantage that many people will gladly pay the extra price for.

    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: Solar AB1.6TBS.

    Tuners

    The Solar AB1.6TBS has the best tuners of the two because they are locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

    Winner: Solar AB1.6TBS.

    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.

    Both have 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.

    Winner: Tie.

    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
    Solar AB1.6TBS
    • Stainless Steel Frets
    • Locking Tuners
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Parallel Split Pickups
    • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
    • Luminescent Inlay
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Weight Relief
    • 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
    Solar AB1.6TBS
    Quality of materials 61
    Features 70
    Quality Control 75
    Build Quality 69

    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
    Solar AB1.6TBS Nut Width
    Solar AB1.6TBS Nut Width

    The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Solar AB1.6TBS has the wider nut with 43mm (1.693'') vs 41.9mm (1.65''). This is a 1.1mm (0.043'') difference

    This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Solar AB1.6TBS, 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 Solar AB1.6TBS'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
    Solar AB1.6TBS Neck Profile
    Solar AB1.6TBS'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.

    Both the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster and the Solar AB1.6TBS have a C-shaped 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.

    Fretboard Radius

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's Fingerboard radius
    Solar AB1.6TBS Fingerboard Radius
    Solar AB1.6TBS'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 Solar AB1.6TBS'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 Solar AB1.6TBS.

    Fret Size

    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Frets Size
    Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's Frets Size
    Solar AB1.6TBS Frets Size
    Solar AB1.6TBS's Frets Size

    The Solar AB1.6TBS has XL Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster's Narrow Tall 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
    Solar AB1.6TBS
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
    Chord Playability 50
    Solo Playability 90
    Playability 73