Head to head

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q vs Squier Debut Series Stratocaster

The short answer is that the pickup layouts differ (HH against SSS). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 20 rows that actually differ marked out.

Jackson

JS Series Dinky JS11Q

Transparent Red, Austin Bazaar bundle without amplifier

The same JS11Q in red — but check what is in the box before you choose

6.8/10

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

Squier

Debut Series Stratocaster

Black, laurel fingerboard

Squier's cheapest full-scale Stratocaster, built thin and light on purpose

6.7/104.6 (2,465)

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

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Score profile

Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q6.8
Squier Debut Series Stratocaster6.7

Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.

Specification by specification

Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11Q compared with Squier Debut Series Stratocaster
	JS Series Dinky JS11Q	Debut Series Stratocaster
Brand	Jackson	Squier
Model	JS Series Dinky JS11Q	Debut Series Stratocaster
Finish	Transparent Red, Austin Bazaar bundle without amplifier	Black, laurel fingerboard
Instrument	Electric guitar	Electric guitar
Fretline score	6.8 / 10	6.7 / 10
Value for money	8 / 10	8 / 10
Amazon rating	—	4.6 / 5 (2,465)
Price	Under $300	Under $300
Type	Electric guitar	Electric guitar
Body	Dinky solidbody	Stratocaster solidbody, thin body
Body wood	Poplar	Poplar
Top	Quilted art-grain veneer	—
Neck joint	Bolt-on speed neck, scarf joint with graphite reinforcement	Bolt-on
Neck wood	Maple	Maple
Neck profile	—	"C" shape
Scale length	25.5" (648 mm)	25.5" (648 mm)
Fingerboard	Amaranth	Indian laurel
Radius	12" (305 mm)	9.5" (241 mm)
Frets	22	21
Fret size	Jumbo	Narrow tall
Nut	Black plastic	Plastic
Nut width	1.6875" (42.86 mm)	1.650" (42 mm)
Bridge	Synchronised fulcrum tremolo	Synchronised tremolo with thin block and removable arm
Tuners	Die-cast	Standard cast/closed
Neck pickup	Jackson high-output ceramic humbucking	Ceramic single-coil
Bridge pickup	Jackson high-output ceramic humbucking	Ceramic single-coil
Configuration	HH	SSS
Electronics	Passive, ceramic magnets	Passive, ceramic magnets
Controls	Volume, tone	Master volume, tone 1 (neck/middle), tone 2 (bridge)
Switching	3-way toggle	Five-position blade
Orientation	Right-handed	Right-handed
Skill level	Beginner	Beginner
Styles	Metal, Rock, Punk, Prog	Rock, Blues, Pop, Indie, Funk, Punk
In the box	Gig bag, Clip-on tuner, Strap, Instrument cable, Picks, Austin Bazaar instructional DVD	—

A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.