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Schecter Cesar Soto E-1
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT
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Playability
83
Sound
76
Build
64
Value
74
Score
74
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Playability
68
Sound
67
Build
57
Value
79
Score
64
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Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 vs Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT

Reasons to Get
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 over Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT

Release Year
2021 vs 2019
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
Pickups Brand
EMG vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Pickups
H vs SSS
Hum-free with more right hand freedom and sustain
Number of Frets
22 vs 21
Allows to reach higher notes
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Scale Length
24.6'' (624.8mm) vs 25.5'' (647.7mm)
Easier bending, shorter fret separation and warmer natural tone
Fretboard Radius
14'' (355.6mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output

Reasons to Get
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT over Schecter Cesar Soto E-1

Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo vs Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Neck Joint
Bolt-On vs Set
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Switch Positions
5 vs 0
More tone options
Tone Knobs
2 vs 0
More tone control
Pickups
SSS vs H
Beautiful cleans and good tone versatility
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm) vs 24.6'' (624.8mm)
Lower action and brighter natural tone
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 14'' (355.6mm)
More curved fretboard helpful to play chords without muting strings
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Value Score
79 vs 74
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 vs Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT

Bridge Pickup
EMG 85 vs Standard Single-Coil Strat
Different Bridge Pickup
Body Wood
Mahogany vs Poplar
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Mahogany vs Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony vs Laurel
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Black Tusq XL vs Synthetic Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 vs Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT

Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Fixed
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut

Common Weaknesses

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp
The Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT was discontinued. It was replaced by the Sonic Stratocaster HT. Check out our comparison.

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 is probably the better product overall with its final score of 74 compared to the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT's 64 score, which is a significant difference.

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 wins when it comes to sound, playability, build quality. On the other hand, the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT has the upper hand when it comes to value for the money.

If you got small hands, you'll probably feel more comfortable playing the Schecter Cesar Soto E-1.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 is the better choice.

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 meets 7 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT meets only 6. 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

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard

New Player Friendliness

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

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 Overview

  • From Schecter's 2021 Artist series
  • Cesar Soto Signature
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 24.6"'' scale
  • 14" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany 3-pc neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 85 (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
  • TonePros T3BT Tune-O-Matic w/T1Z Tailpiece bridge
  • Thin C Set neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Schecter Locking tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT Overview

  • From Fender Squier's 2019 Bullet series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 9.5" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Maple neck
  • Indian Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Standard Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Standard Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Standard Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • 6-Saddle Strings-Through-Body Hardtail bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 21 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Standard Die-Cast tuners
  • Compare Specs >

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 Schecter Cesar Soto E-1

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany
Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony

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.

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.

Woods Used in the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT

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.

Winner: Schecter Cesar Soto E-1.

Pickup Configuration

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 has an H configuration while the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT has SSS pickups.

A single H pickup gives you the advantage of having a little longer sustain (all other things being equal) because there will be less magnetic fields from other pickups affecting the strings' vibration. However, they also give you the least versatility because you won't have other pickups at different distances from the bridge to create different tones. A single humbucking pickup is used for noiseless high output, which is used mainly for Hard Rock genres.

On the other hand, 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.

Pickups Quality

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 has pickups from a more specialized brand than the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT. Its pickups should simply give you a better, fuller 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.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Schecter Cesar Soto E-1's and use them on any guitar:

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1's pickups are Active while the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT'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: Schecter Cesar Soto E-1.

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 Bullet Stratocaster HT gives you 5 switch options while the Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 gives you 0. This means that the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT 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.

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 doesn't come with pickup switching options.

Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT's switch options

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 Bullet Stratocaster HT.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1
Pickups 100
Sustain 90
Versatility 32
Tuning Stability 80
Sound 76
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT
Pickups 70
Sustain 65
Versatility 62
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 67

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 Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 compares to the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT.

Country of Origin

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

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: 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 Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 has a Black Tusq XL nut. TUSQ nuts are usually the highest quality you can get. Black TUSQs are made from a special slippery material that helps the strings get back to its original position (one of the keys to tune stability).

On the other hand, the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT 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.

Both come with a similar bridge: 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

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 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: Schecter Cesar Soto E-1.

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 Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 has 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.

On the other hand, the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT comes with 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: Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT.

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

Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Black Tusq XL Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 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
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT
  • Synthetic Bone Nut
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1
Quality of materials 51
Features 65
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 64
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT
Quality of materials 56
Features 50
Quality Control 65
Build Quality 57

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

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 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 42mm (1.654'').

This is considered a narrow width for a 6-string guitar. This means that this guitar will have a narrower string separation at the nut, which will affect your fretting hand.

If you are a player with big hands, you might find it difficult to play chords without muting strings. However, this is good for players who have smaller hands, as it will allow them to reach each string more easily at the nut.

Scale Length

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1's Scale Length
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1's Scale Length
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT's Scale Length
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT'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 Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT has the longest scale: 25.5". The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 is only 24.6" long. This is a 0.9'' (22.9mm) 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

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 Neck Profile
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1's neck profile
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT Neck Profile
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT'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 Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 and the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT 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

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 Fingerboard Radius
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1's Fingerboard radius
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT Fingerboard Radius
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT'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 Bullet Stratocaster HT's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Schecter Cesar Soto E-1'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 Schecter Cesar Soto E-1.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT favors large hands more than the Schecter Cesar Soto E-1. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 Frets Size
Schecter Cesar Soto E-1's Frets Size
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT Frets Size
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT's Frets Size

The Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 has Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT'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

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1
Bending & Vibrato Ease 100
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 80
Playability 83
Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT
Bending & Vibrato Ease 65
Chord Playability 80
Solo Playability 60
Playability 68

Specs Side-by-Side

Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 vs Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT
General Schecter Cesar Soto E-1 Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT
Brand: Schecter Fender Squier
Year: 2021 2019
Configuration: H SSS
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia Indonesia
Series: Artist Bullet
Colors: Black Satin Black, Blue, Red, Gray, Brown Sunburst
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany Poplar
Bridge: TonePros T3BT Tune-O-Matic w/T1Z Tailpiece 6-Saddle Strings-Through-Body Hardtail
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Bolt-On
Tuners: Schecter Locking Standard Die-Cast
Fretboard: Ebony Indian Laurel
Neck Material: Mahogany 3-pc Maple
Decoration: Mother of Pearl Blocks White Pearloid Dot
Scale Size: 24.6" 25.5"
Shape: Thin C Modern C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.87'' (22.1mm) 1st Fret: - 12th Fret:
Frets: 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver 21 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 14" 9.5"
Nut: Black Tusq XL Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: EMG 85 (Humbucker / Active) Standard Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Standard Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Standard Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil / Passive)
Switch: 0 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Dome Bell
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 0 2