I have been wanting a Solar Guitar for several years now, but the stories of the QC issues and the fact they are made in Indo have held me back. The one model I was really looking at is no longer on their website. Bring back the AB1.6 ROP+ Ola! Nice video man, thanks for it! Cheers from the U.S.A.
If you're thinking about one dude I'd so do it, they're great things. Hope you find one you like mate and thanks for watching. I appreciate it massively 🤘
Solar is made by the same factory making the Schecter guitars (both of them have the "IW" serial numbers). So if you have confidence with Schecter, same thing goes for Solar. HOWEVER, if you want a guitar that it's made in Indonesia but the quality is done and dusted, get the PRS SE. Because this is how it works: Solar, Schecter, (and other guitars like Jackson, Ibanez, EVH, etc)--they commissioned/licensed the factory to make their guitars. However in PRS case, they collaborated with Cor-Tek to make a factory exclusively for them. A factory invested in Indonesia to just make PRS SE guitars. That's how it goes.
Couldnt agree more with all of this. I owned a Washburn Solar V, and have had a couple of Solars since, and my S1.6 Evertune being the guitar i have owned for the longest, ever, of all guitars i`ve owned (which is like 50 something?) Quality on all of mine has been impeccable, with zero issues. The only thing i tend to do is swap the pickups, or pickup really, since i do love the neck pickup in the Solars, but the bridge doesnt speak me. Thankfully i`ve found my new dream pickup in the SD Dyad, which sounds wicked in my main Solar!
Thanks for checking the video out dude! It's cool to hear that you've had such a good experience with Solar. This one's killer but it's awesome to know it's a consistent thing. I've never heard the SD Dyad either, might have to check it out. Thanks again 🤘
Nice review Jack, definitely some nice guitars and you're clearly happy with yours 🤘🤘 There's limited availability from retailers in Australia and some very inconsistent pricing - eg US$1,199 = AUD$3,399 for the A1.7FRPM but US$1,399 = AUS$2,795 for the X1.6Canibalismo+. Makes no sense. Reluctant to buy direct from Solar as don't know what import duties would cost and not sure how much support you could get if needed. I'd love to at least play one though as they definitely scream METAL AF 🤘🤘🤘 PS. Hadn't listened to your EP in a little while and something called out to me last night to listen. Had it on while cooking dinner for the family - definitely some great tunes you've put out man 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Hey dude! Thanks so much man, I'm really glad you enjoyed the video. Yeah man it's a great guitar but that seems ridiculous for you guys over in Aus to get your hands on... well, most guitars actually! I don't understand it but it sucks man. I hope you do manage to give one a try if you can though. And thank you dude. That means a ton, really. I'm currently working on EP 2 right now so I hope you enjoy the next one as well. I'm still super humbled that you like my music man, that makes me incredibly happy 🙏🤘
@@iduncanw Thanks man 👊 Literally, the only thing I can say about the whole thing is just keep going dude. It’s easier ‘cause we love what we do but even then, it gets hard. You’ll smash it man 🤘
Nice playing, dude! At first, I had some interests on these guitars, but as the years passing by, I find myself moving away from pointy guitars. The pointiest guitar I might see myself playing in the future, would probably be a Boden.
Thanks so much bro! Yeah, I get that. I do like a traditional shape too. I think this take on the s-type is a really nice balance though. Cheers man, hope you're doing well 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars Some ups and down, nothing unmanageable. Hope you've been doing well. Yeah, the Solar models managed to have their own identity now, even though it's still based on what have came before. I too, like what Ola has done for the guitar community. Especially him showcasing people playing over the drum tracks he made for SWOLA. We need even more people like Ola in our community, spreading good vibes with guitars, or just music in general. And you're definitely one of them. 😉🤘
Good man, I'm glad you're doing alright. All is well here too thanks bro! Ola really is an absolute diamond. I've got a huge amount of respect for him and what he's managed to do. And thank you bro, that means more than you know. I dunno if I'll ever be in the same league as Ola as a person but I can try, right? 🙇🏻♂️🤘
Whoah I was looking forward to this video! I have three (one S and two G series), two with Evertune, and it is by far my fav guitar brand. I love the style, the headstock, the fact that they provide stainless steel frets and Evertune at normal prices, the shape of the neck... they are awesome. Funny that the only thing I don't like, are the stock pickups 😆 I replaced them with some Seymour Duncans (Custom/59 and Sentient/Pegasus) and I like them much more 🤷♂ Great review, great guitar, try an Evertune one if you can, or a G series!
Thank you my dude! That's sick, I can really see why you like them so much. Putting Sentient and Pegasus pickups in one makes so much sense too. I'll keep an eye out for the evertune or G series stuff too. Cheers man hope you're well 🤘
I got mine a desert rose, straight from the solar shop, they were a pleasure to deal with very nice and accommodating, but the import tax here in australia killed the good price it was over 700 in import tax, but i love the guitar its great quality. and play like a beast.
There was a fookin mint Solar in one of them dodgy pawn/loan shops in Carlisle not long ago and I almost snagged it. It played great and the price on it was good too but common sense took over in the end because I didnt really need it. Surprising where some guitars end up.
It really is dude! I wish I had your common sense to be honest man, definitely the responsible thing to do but I can't help myself haha Hope you're well bro, thanks for checking out the video 🤘
I'm sorry bro! The thing is, there hasn't been a Harley Benton I've really wanted to try in a little while and I've ended up with several other guitars I was really stoked on. Once these are done, I promise, there's a Harley Benton video coming. I appreciate you watching dude, thank you as always 🤘
Is the width of the fretboard comparable to an Ibanez rg? I don't have the longest fingers. I can get my thumb around an rg... Long story short, in looking for a more narrow fretboard
Thanks for watching my dude, I appreciate it! Yeah man, it's a very accessible fretboard. I think if you like an RG neck but fancy something a little rounder this would be an awesome fit 🤘
Great video 🎉 I would like to try a Solar at some point. I know someone who had pretty poor support from them though when his Evertune broke and was fobbed off by Solar. Just means I'd rather pick one up from a reseller.
I got an answer from Solar the next day for the reclamation I sent them. They replaced the guitar and the whole process took only 1,5 weeks. And I live in Finland where it takes ages to send and receive things.
Hey dude! Cheers for checking out the video. I haven’t had any problems pinching mate. Might be worth checking the pickup height? If you can get it a little closer to the string it could help. Thanks again 🤘
So it appears all the Make a review about SOLAR guitars comments have worked 😅! It probably wasn’t that many . I’m very keen to hear your thoughts dude ! :) Also hope you’re doing well Jack !
I love the look of his guitars but they look really heavy . Eh why is the nut plastic ? When they can afford the split coils they can definitely afford a fancy nut ! Edit: okay I understand . Ooh boy it sounds nice 👍! I’ll be honest I was not expecting it to sound quite so amazing . Though Ola definitely makes them sound amazing !
I’ve been considering selling my Strandberg as I just do not find the endur neck to help me and is actually hindering my ability to play solos and is also making it hard to play chord voicings that I love . I’ve tried for almost a year and I just can’t do it . I will miss the amazing tones it produces and it’s a beautiful guitar but 😢 I’m going to trust Ibanez and if that doesn’t work I’ll go for a custom built Australian guitar 🎸. ( I will let you know what happens dude ! Sorry for ranting in the comments 😅! )
Hey man! Yes, the comments did play a part but trying out Ola's guitars has always been on the list. I love the guy so I needed to get one of these eventually right? All's well here bro. Sorry to hear you're not getting along with the Strandberg but you've gotta do what's right for you man. Hope you're well otherwise? Take care bro, thank you as always 🤘
They are super nice dude, I completely agree! I can see why some folks wouldn't be into the logo, though. For me, I think it's a cool bit of personality for the brand but I get why it's not for everyone. Cheers for watching dude, I appreciate it 🤘
Thanks for watching man! What makes you say graphtech is all marketing? Seems to me like finding and then paying a luthier for a bone nut is probably much more awkward. Appreciate it dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I have been repairing and building guitars for over 45 years. I refuse to install Graphtech nuts because of their substandard performance when compared to a properly fabricated bone nut. Even a Graphtech isn't setup right from the factory and requires a good luthier to fine tune the setup. Graphtech basically tells the market that their nuts will work better without mentioning any real world results. It's marketing, and it's a lie. What's awkward about having a professional work on your guitar?
Thanks for explaining man! And you've obviously got the experience so it's cool to hear your perspective. I guess it's hard for Graphtech to explain what real world results you'll get other than what they already do. It's one of those purchases where you've got to experience it to know if it's good or not. You telling me a bone nut installed by a luthier is better is the exact same as graphtech saying their product is better, really. It's marketing on both sides. My experience has been that every guitar I've had fitted with a graphtech nut has performed very well. The ones I've fitted myself have been great too. Granted, I'm no luthier, but I'm of the opinion that everyone should learn to work on their own guitars, generally speaking. Luthiers are important but finding one you can trust and who isn't charging a ridiculous sum (around here at least) is not as easy as learning to do the work yourself, in my opinion. Appreciate you chatting about it too mate, thank you.
@@JackTaylorGuitars Yes, guitarists should be able to work on their instruments. But I've had touring pros who wrapped the whole string on the post because they've never heard of clippers OR string winders! There are a lot of dumb guitarists out there. As for ridiculous sums - you want it done right? I did repair work for Fender and Gibson for many years (they don't pay squat), but I have clients who've been with me since the late 70's. I must be doing something right.
I’m not questioning you personally, mate. I couldn’t possibly speak about your work ‘cause we don’t know each other. I’m sure with 45 years under your belt you ask to be fairly compensated, right? As for pro musicians who can’t restring their own guitars that’s their failing and if they want to pay for it doing that’s up to them. Also, assuming that a job will be done right just because it’s expensive isn’t necessarily right either. I just advocate that people put some effort into learning because a lot of maintenance on guitar isn’t that hard. Actual repair work or something like a refret though? That’s where a luthier is most valuable in my view. Appreciate your time dude!
I have been wanting a Solar Guitar for several years now, but the stories of the QC issues and the fact they are made in Indo have held me back. The one model I was really looking at is no longer on their website. Bring back the AB1.6 ROP+ Ola! Nice video man, thanks for it! Cheers from the U.S.A.
If you're thinking about one dude I'd so do it, they're great things. Hope you find one you like mate and thanks for watching. I appreciate it massively 🤘
Solar is made by the same factory making the Schecter guitars (both of them have the "IW" serial numbers). So if you have confidence with Schecter, same thing goes for Solar.
HOWEVER, if you want a guitar that it's made in Indonesia but the quality is done and dusted, get the PRS SE.
Because this is how it works: Solar, Schecter, (and other guitars like Jackson, Ibanez, EVH, etc)--they commissioned/licensed the factory to make their guitars.
However in PRS case, they collaborated with Cor-Tek to make a factory exclusively for them. A factory invested in Indonesia to just make PRS SE guitars. That's how it goes.
I recently got a solar on his summer sales and I gave 2 agree !
The guitar is a Beast and the pickups are perfect for what I was looking for.
That's awesome mate, I'm stoked you're into them too. Have a blast with the new guitars dude and thanks for checking out the video 🤘
Agree I have the a7 string in neon green and it's super nice. Got it from the outlet store on website. Nothing wrong w it plays great and worth the $
The neon was almost the one I went for too bro, such a sick guitar! The thru neck looks awesome. Thanks for watching dude, I appreciate it! 🤘
Couldnt agree more with all of this.
I owned a Washburn Solar V, and have had a couple of Solars since, and my S1.6 Evertune being the guitar i have owned for the longest, ever, of all guitars i`ve owned (which is like 50 something?)
Quality on all of mine has been impeccable, with zero issues.
The only thing i tend to do is swap the pickups, or pickup really, since i do love the neck pickup in the Solars, but the bridge doesnt speak me. Thankfully i`ve found my new dream pickup in the SD Dyad, which sounds wicked in my main Solar!
Thanks for checking the video out dude! It's cool to hear that you've had such a good experience with Solar. This one's killer but it's awesome to know it's a consistent thing. I've never heard the SD Dyad either, might have to check it out. Thanks again 🤘
Nice review Jack, definitely some nice guitars and you're clearly happy with yours 🤘🤘
There's limited availability from retailers in Australia and some very inconsistent pricing - eg US$1,199 = AUD$3,399 for the A1.7FRPM but
US$1,399 = AUS$2,795 for the X1.6Canibalismo+. Makes no sense. Reluctant to buy direct from Solar as don't know what import duties would cost and not sure how much support you could get if needed. I'd love to at least play one though as they definitely scream METAL AF 🤘🤘🤘
PS. Hadn't listened to your EP in a little while and something called out to me last night to listen. Had it on while cooking dinner for the family - definitely some great tunes you've put out man 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Hey dude! Thanks so much man, I'm really glad you enjoyed the video. Yeah man it's a great guitar but that seems ridiculous for you guys over in Aus to get your hands on... well, most guitars actually! I don't understand it but it sucks man. I hope you do manage to give one a try if you can though.
And thank you dude. That means a ton, really. I'm currently working on EP 2 right now so I hope you enjoy the next one as well. I'm still super humbled that you like my music man, that makes me incredibly happy 🙏🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars pleasure dude, credit where credits due. My appreciation for effort involved in music grows as my own journey develops.
@@iduncanw Thanks man 👊 Literally, the only thing I can say about the whole thing is just keep going dude. It’s easier ‘cause we love what we do but even then, it gets hard. You’ll smash it man 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars thank you 👊
Nice playing, dude!
At first, I had some interests on these guitars, but as the years passing by, I find myself moving away from pointy guitars.
The pointiest guitar I might see myself playing in the future, would probably be a Boden.
Thanks so much bro! Yeah, I get that. I do like a traditional shape too. I think this take on the s-type is a really nice balance though. Cheers man, hope you're doing well 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars Some ups and down, nothing unmanageable. Hope you've been doing well.
Yeah, the Solar models managed to have their own identity now, even though it's still based on what have came before.
I too, like what Ola has done for the guitar community. Especially him showcasing people playing over the drum tracks he made for SWOLA. We need even more people like Ola in our community, spreading good vibes with guitars, or just music in general.
And you're definitely one of them. 😉🤘
Good man, I'm glad you're doing alright. All is well here too thanks bro!
Ola really is an absolute diamond. I've got a huge amount of respect for him and what he's managed to do. And thank you bro, that means more than you know. I dunno if I'll ever be in the same league as Ola as a person but I can try, right? 🙇🏻♂️🤘
Whoah I was looking forward to this video!
I have three (one S and two G series), two with Evertune, and it is by far my fav guitar brand. I love the style, the headstock, the fact that they provide stainless steel frets and Evertune at normal prices, the shape of the neck... they are awesome.
Funny that the only thing I don't like, are the stock pickups 😆
I replaced them with some Seymour Duncans (Custom/59 and Sentient/Pegasus) and I like them much more 🤷♂
Great review, great guitar, try an Evertune one if you can, or a G series!
Thank you my dude! That's sick, I can really see why you like them so much. Putting Sentient and Pegasus pickups in one makes so much sense too. I'll keep an eye out for the evertune or G series stuff too. Cheers man hope you're well 🤘
I got mine a desert rose, straight from the solar shop, they were a pleasure to deal with very nice and accommodating, but the import tax here in australia killed the good price it was over 700 in import tax, but i love the guitar its great quality. and play like a beast.
There was a fookin mint Solar in one of them dodgy pawn/loan shops in Carlisle not long ago and I almost snagged it. It played great and the price on it was good too but common sense took over in the end because I didnt really need it. Surprising where some guitars end up.
It really is dude! I wish I had your common sense to be honest man, definitely the responsible thing to do but I can't help myself haha Hope you're well bro, thanks for checking out the video 🤘
I was expecting Harley Benton review 😥
Still thanks for review 😄
I'm sorry bro! The thing is, there hasn't been a Harley Benton I've really wanted to try in a little while and I've ended up with several other guitars I was really stoked on. Once these are done, I promise, there's a Harley Benton video coming. I appreciate you watching dude, thank you as always 🤘
Is the width of the fretboard comparable to an Ibanez rg? I don't have the longest fingers. I can get my thumb around an rg...
Long story short, in looking for a more narrow fretboard
Thanks for watching my dude, I appreciate it! Yeah man, it's a very accessible fretboard. I think if you like an RG neck but fancy something a little rounder this would be an awesome fit 🤘
Great video 🎉 I would like to try a Solar at some point. I know someone who had pretty poor support from them though when his Evertune broke and was fobbed off by Solar. Just means I'd rather pick one up from a reseller.
Thanks my dude! Definitely try and give one a try, they’re super cool. Hope you’re well man 🤘
I got an answer from Solar the next day for the reclamation I sent them. They replaced the guitar and the whole process took only 1,5 weeks. And I live in Finland where it takes ages to send and receive things.
hey, i have the same guitar, do you find it difficult to get pinch harmonics out of this guitar due to mid-output pickups?
Hey dude! Cheers for checking out the video. I haven’t had any problems pinching mate. Might be worth checking the pickup height? If you can get it a little closer to the string it could help. Thanks again 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars good point, ill check, thanks!
Hope it works mate! Thanks again 🤘
So it appears all the Make a review about SOLAR guitars comments have worked 😅! It probably wasn’t that many .
I’m very keen to hear your thoughts dude ! :)
Also hope you’re doing well Jack !
I love the look of his guitars but they look really heavy .
Eh why is the nut plastic ? When they can afford the split coils they can definitely afford a fancy nut !
Edit: okay I understand .
Ooh boy it sounds nice 👍! I’ll be honest I was not expecting it to sound quite so amazing . Though Ola definitely makes them sound amazing !
Last but not least Ola is one of the first people I go to when it comes to checking out tones .
I’ve been considering selling my Strandberg as I just do not find the endur neck to help me and is actually hindering my ability to play solos and is also making it hard to play chord voicings that I love . I’ve tried for almost a year and I just can’t do it .
I will miss the amazing tones it produces and it’s a beautiful guitar but 😢 I’m going to trust Ibanez and if that doesn’t work I’ll go for a custom built Australian guitar 🎸.
( I will let you know what happens dude ! Sorry for ranting in the comments 😅! )
@@Nickshreds890 they are not overly heavy but not light. Mine are 3,9kg (G series), 3,7kg (S series) and 3,3kg (GC1.6 Killertone)
Hey man! Yes, the comments did play a part but trying out Ola's guitars has always been on the list. I love the guy so I needed to get one of these eventually right? All's well here bro. Sorry to hear you're not getting along with the Strandberg but you've gotta do what's right for you man. Hope you're well otherwise? Take care bro, thank you as always 🤘
Solar makes really nice guitars, I just wish they got rid of the (in my opinion) hideous logo inlay
They are super nice dude, I completely agree! I can see why some folks wouldn't be into the logo, though. For me, I think it's a cool bit of personality for the brand but I get why it's not for everyone. Cheers for watching dude, I appreciate it 🤘
Hey dude, what kind of pick are you playing with? Looks chunky.
Hey mate! They’re Jaketto Picks, I love them. I did a video on them a few months ago if you wanted to know a bit more. Cheers for watching dude 🤘
Solar's are amazing. They compete with my EBMM guitars that cost twice the price.
I’m with you dude. They’re such an awesome option! Thanks for checking out the video mate, I appreciate it 🤘
Graphtech is all marketing. Have an experienced and competent luthier install a bone nut, and then be happy. I'm sure Solar stuff is good, otherwise.
Thanks for watching man! What makes you say graphtech is all marketing? Seems to me like finding and then paying a luthier for a bone nut is probably much more awkward. Appreciate it dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I have been repairing and building guitars for over 45 years. I refuse to install Graphtech nuts because of their substandard performance when compared to a properly fabricated bone nut. Even a Graphtech isn't setup right from the factory and requires a good luthier to fine tune the setup. Graphtech basically tells the market that their nuts will work better without mentioning any real world results. It's marketing, and it's a lie. What's awkward about having a professional work on your guitar?
Thanks for explaining man! And you've obviously got the experience so it's cool to hear your perspective. I guess it's hard for Graphtech to explain what real world results you'll get other than what they already do. It's one of those purchases where you've got to experience it to know if it's good or not. You telling me a bone nut installed by a luthier is better is the exact same as graphtech saying their product is better, really. It's marketing on both sides.
My experience has been that every guitar I've had fitted with a graphtech nut has performed very well. The ones I've fitted myself have been great too. Granted, I'm no luthier, but I'm of the opinion that everyone should learn to work on their own guitars, generally speaking. Luthiers are important but finding one you can trust and who isn't charging a ridiculous sum (around here at least) is not as easy as learning to do the work yourself, in my opinion. Appreciate you chatting about it too mate, thank you.
@@JackTaylorGuitars Yes, guitarists should be able to work on their instruments. But I've had touring pros who wrapped the whole string on the post because they've never heard of clippers OR string winders! There are a lot of dumb guitarists out there. As for ridiculous sums - you want it done right? I did repair work for Fender and Gibson for many years (they don't pay squat), but I have clients who've been with me since the late 70's. I must be doing something right.
I’m not questioning you personally, mate. I couldn’t possibly speak about your work ‘cause we don’t know each other. I’m sure with 45 years under your belt you ask to be fairly compensated, right? As for pro musicians who can’t restring their own guitars that’s their failing and if they want to pay for it doing that’s up to them. Also, assuming that a job will be done right just because it’s expensive isn’t necessarily right either.
I just advocate that people put some effort into learning because a lot of maintenance on guitar isn’t that hard. Actual repair work or something like a refret though? That’s where a luthier is most valuable in my view. Appreciate your time dude!
First
Yes! Thank you my dude 🤘
umm ACtUalLy he doesn't make them himself
😂 Thanks for watching my dude, I appreciate it! 🤘
Hahahahaha, no one said he did !!!