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PRS SE CE 24
Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
VS
Playability
72
Sound
72
Build
58
Value
77
Score
67
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Playability
68
Sound
70
Build
58
Value
70
Score
65
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
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PRS SE CE 24 vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Specs Comparison
PRS SE CE 24 Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
General
Brand: PRS Gretsch
Year: 2024 2016
Configuration: HH XXH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia China
Series: SE Electromatic
Colors: Sunburst, Blue, Orange, Red Black, Natural
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Hollowbody
Body Material: Mahogany Laminated Maple
Bridge: PRS Patented Tremolo Chromatic
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: PRS Designed Die-Cast
Fretboard: Rosewood Rosewood
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: Birds Pearloid Big Block
Scale Size: 25" 25.5"
Shape: Wide Thin Standard U
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.82'' (20.8mm) - 12th Fret: 0.91'' (23.1mm) 1st Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.97'' (24.6mm)
Frets: 24 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver 20 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 10" 12"
Nut: PRS Propietary Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: 85/15 “S” (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: 85/15 “S” (Humbucker / Passive) Gretsch Mini Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 0 Way
Knobs: Speed Dome
Pickup Mods: Coil Split None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Nickel Chrome

Reasons to Get
PRS SE CE 24 over Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Country of Manufacturing
Indonesia vs China
Built with higher quality standards
Release Year
2024 vs 2016
From a more recent year
Neck Profile
Wide Thin vs Standard U
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Pickup Mods
Coil Split vs None
Splits humbuckers into single coil pickups
Body Type
Solid Body vs Hollowbody
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3 vs 0
More tone options
Pickups
HH vs XXH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
24 vs 20
Allows to reach higher notes
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.82'' (20.8mm) vs 0.83'' (21.1mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.91'' (23.1mm) vs 0.97'' (24.6mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Bridge
Tremolo vs Fixed
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Scale Length
25'' (635mm) vs 25.5'' (647.7mm)
Easier bending, shorter fret separation and warmer natural tone
Fretboard Radius
10'' (254mm) vs 12'' (304.8mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings
Value Score
77 vs 70
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop over PRS SE CE 24

Number of Frets
20 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Neck Profile
Standard U vs Wide Thin
Comfortable neck with more grip
Body Type
Hollowbody vs Solid Body
Warm tone, lighter and acoustic sound
Pickups
XXH vs HH
Single pickup at the neck for jazzy warmth
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm) vs 0.82'' (20.8mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.97'' (24.6mm) vs 0.91'' (23.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Bridge
Fixed vs Tremolo
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm) vs 25'' (635mm)
Lower action and brighter natural tone
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm) vs 10'' (254mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend

Other Key Differences
PRS SE CE 24 vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Neck Pickup
85/15 “S” vs Gretsch Mini Humbucking
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Mahogany vs Maple
Different Body Wood
Nut Material
PRS Propietary vs Synthetic Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
PRS SE CE 24 vs Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Rosewood
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Decorative Top
Flame Maple vs Arched Laminated Spruce
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body
Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Locking Tuners
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

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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 PRS SE CE 24.

    PRS SE CE 24:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands

    Beginner Friendliness

    The PRS SE CE 24 meets 4 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

    PRS SE CE 24
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Tall frets
    • Comfortable neck
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Narrow nut
    • 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
    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.

    Woods Used in the PRS SE CE 24

    Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
    Mahogany

    Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

    Winner: PRS SE CE 24.

    Pickup Configuration

    The PRS SE CE 24 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 Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

    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 PRS SE CE 24 gives you 3 switch options while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop gives you 0. This means that the PRS SE CE 24 gives you more options to find the right pickup combination for the type of sound you want to achieve

    Only the PRS SE CE 24 comes with some kind of pickup modification: Coil Split.

    Coil Split lets you disconnect one of the pickup coils. When used with humbuckers, it turns them into single-coil with lower output and cleaner tone.

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

    Winner: PRS SE CE 24.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    PRS SE CE 24
    Pickups 85
    Sustain 65
    Versatility 74
    Tuning Stability 65
    Sound 72
    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 PRS SE CE 24 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 PRS SE CE 24 is built in Indonesia while the Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop is made in China.

    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.

    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: PRS SE CE 24

    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 PRS SE CE 24 has a PRS Propietary nut. It's similar to TUSQ nuts, but they're not as hard, and the tone is not as bright. However, the material is self-lubricating, and it's usually well cut, so they have good tuning stability.

    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: Tie.

    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 PRS SE CE 24'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 PRS SE CE 24's are PRS Designed 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.

    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
    PRS SE CE 24
    • Expensive Wood
    • PRS Propietary Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Coil Split Pickups
    • Tremolo
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • 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

    PRS SE CE 24
    Quality of materials 50
    Features 60
    Quality Control 65
    Build Quality 58
    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

    PRS SE CE 24 Nut Width
    Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

    The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42.9mm (1.688'').

    This is within the most common range of nut widths for a 6-string guitar. It offers a good balance of string separation at the nut. It's the size that most guitarists prefer as it gives them just enough space to play open chords without muting the strings, but without spreading the strings too wide and making bar chords difficult to perform.

    Scale Length

    PRS SE CE 24's Scale Length
    PRS SE CE 24's Scale Length
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's Scale Length
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop's 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.

    The Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop has the longest scale: 25.5". The PRS SE CE 24 is only 25" long. This is a 0.5'' (12.7mm) scale length difference.

    This longer scale means that the strings need more tension to get in tune. This is good if you want to avoid fret buzz, which can happen when the strings are too loose and touch the frets while vibrating. This is especially important when playing in lower tunings. This will also let you reduce the gap between fretboard and strings (low action) to make them easier to press down. However, this higher tension will also make it harder to perform bends and vibratos as the strings will feel stiffer.

    This also means that the frets have a longer separation between each other, so this will make it harder for people with smaller hands when playing some chord positions.

    Another characteristic of a longer scale is that it makes the guitar sound 'snappier' or brighter. This is due to the extra separation between harmonics and overtones produced by the tension. This influences tone more than any other factor (except the pickups).

    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

    PRS SE CE 24 Neck Profile
    PRS SE CE 24'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 PRS SE CE 24 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

    PRS SE CE 24 Fingerboard Radius
    PRS SE CE 24'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 PRS SE CE 24'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

    PRS SE CE 24 and Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop Frets Size
    Both have a similar Medium Jumbo fret size

    Both have a Medium Jumbo fret size. These are slightly shorter than full Jumbo frets, so you'll still feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. However, they interfere less with your fretting hand than medium-size frets. This is a good size if you like easy-to-press frets, but would still like to feel a bit of the fretboard when playing.

    Final Playability Scores

    PRS SE CE 24
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 75
    Playability 72
    Gretsch G100BKCE Synchromatic Archtop
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 60
    Playability 68