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Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG
Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
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Playability
77
Sound
81
Build
63
Value
69
Score
74
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Playability
68
Sound
70
Build
58
Value
70
Score
65
FIND IT ON:
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Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Specs Comparison
Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
General
Brand: Jackson Gretsch
Year: 2024 2016
Configuration: HH XXH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: South Korea China
Series: Pro Electromatic
Colors: Burst Black, Natural
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Hollowbody
Body Material: Nyatoh Laminated Maple
Bridge: EverTune F6 Model Chromatic
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: Jackson Sealed Die-Cast Locking Die-Cast
Fretboard: Ebony Rosewood
Neck Material: 3-Piece Nato Maple
Decoration: None Pearloid Big Block
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Speed Standard U
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.775'' (19.7mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm) 1st Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.97'' (24.6mm)
Frets: 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver 20 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" 12"
Nut: Plastic Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 41.9mm (1.65'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) Gretsch Mini Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 0 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 2 1
Tone Controls: 0 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Black Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG's switch options

Reasons to Get
Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG over Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Country of Manufacturing
South Korea vs China
Built with higher quality standards
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
Jumbo vs Medium Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Neck Profile
Speed vs Standard U
Thin and flat neck for playing fast
Body Type
Solid Body vs Hollowbody
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3 vs 0
More tone options
Volume Knobs
2 vs 1
More volume control
Pickups
HH vs XXH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
24 vs 20
Allows to reach higher notes
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.775'' (19.7mm) vs 0.83'' (21.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.835'' (21.2mm) vs 0.97'' (24.6mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.65'' (41.9mm) vs 1.688'' (42.9mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Bridge
Evertune vs Fixed
Fixed bridge that will keep the guitar in tune forever
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output

Reasons to Get
Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop over Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG

Number of Frets
20 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo vs Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Neck Profile
Standard U vs Speed
Comfortable neck with more grip
Nut Material
Synthetic Bone vs Plastic
Good quality nut with rich tone
Body Type
Hollowbody vs Solid Body
Warm tone, lighter and acoustic sound
Tone Knobs
1 vs 0
More tone control
Pickups
XXH vs HH
Single pickup at the neck for jazzy warmth
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm) vs 0.775'' (19.7mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.97'' (24.6mm) vs 0.835'' (21.2mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
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 Evertune
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Value Score
70 vs 69
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Neck Pickup
EMG 85 vs Gretsch Mini Humbucking
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Nyatoh vs Maple
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Nato vs Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony vs Rosewood
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Plastic vs Synthetic Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm)
Same fretboard comfortability
Decorative Top
Poplar Burl vs Arched Laminated Spruce
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body

Common Strengths

  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop 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

    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 Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG.

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands

    Beginner Friendliness

    The Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG meets 5 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

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG
    • Comfortable shape
    • Locking tuners
    • Tall frets
    • Narrow nut
    • Comfortable neck
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Short scale
    • Easy-to-use bridge

    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 the Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG

    Nato wood pattern used for guitar building
    Nato
    Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
    Ebony
    Nyatoh wood pattern used for guitar building
    Nyatoh

    Nato a hard and dense wood similar to Mahogany, but cheaper and not quite as hard. Tone-wise, it's also similar, but it doesn't have quite the same attack as Mahogany.

    Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

    Nyatoh has been replacing Mahogany for guitar building. It's fairly hard, durable, more sustentable and common than Mahogany. Find out more about Nyatoh.

    Woods Used in the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

    Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
    Maple
    Rosewood wood pattern used for guitar building
    Rosewood

    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.

    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: Tie.

    Pickup Configuration

    The Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG has an HH configuration while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop has XXH pickups.

    Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

    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

    Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

    However, the Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

    You can purchase similar pickups to the Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG's and use them on any guitar:

    The Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG's pickups are Active while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's are Passive.

    Passive pickups are what most guitars use. These have a normal output that works well for most genres. However, Active pickups are the preferred choice of heavy metal players because they offer extra output thanks to their 9v battery, which results in a heavier, more distorted sound. Bear in mind that achieving a completely clean tone with them won't be easy. So if you want to also use clean tones, you might want to avoid Active pickups.

    Winner: Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG.

    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 Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG gives you 3 switch options while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop gives you 0. This means that the Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG 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: Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG
    Pickups 95
    Sustain 80
    Versatility 49
    Tuning Stability 100
    Sound 81
    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 Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG compares to the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop.

    Country of Origin

    The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG is built in South Korea while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop is made in China.

    South Korea was for many years the number one choice for mass-producing semi-premium guitars. They can build excellent guitars for a cheap price. Now, it's less common to find Korean guitars because Indonesia has proved capable of building guitars just as well, but likely for cheaper.

    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: Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG

    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 Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG 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 Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG's brige 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.

    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: Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG.

    Tuners

    The Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG 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: Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG.

    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 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: Tie.

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

    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG
    • Locking Tuners
    • Expensive Wood
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
    • Luminescent Inlay
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • Made in South Korea
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Tremolo
    • 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

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG
    Quality of materials 45
    Features 65
    Quality Control 80
    Build Quality 63
    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

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG Nut Width
    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG 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

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG 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

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG Neck Profile
    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG'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 Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG has a D type of neck. This is a thin and flat neck that is made for playing fast. If you prefer a neck that doesn't get in your way when soloing, this is the shape you should use. Guitarists that prefer to have a bit more grip won't like this type of neck.

    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

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG Fingerboard Radius
    Both Guitars Have The Same Fretboard 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.

    Both the Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG and the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop have the same fretboard radius of 12". This is the radius used in most Gibson guitars. It gives you a good balance for playing chords without muting, but also good comfortability for playing single notes and bending.

    Fret Size

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG Frets Size
    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG's Frets Size
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Frets Size
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's Frets Size

    The Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG has Jumbo 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

    Jackson Pro Series Signature Diamond Rowe Monarkh DR12MG
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
    Chord Playability 60
    Solo Playability 90
    Playability 77
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 60
    Playability 68