SoloKing Unboxing! | MS 1 Classic | 1st impressions
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2024
- A first look at the Soloking MS1 Classic in Metallic Purple.
Unboxing and first impressions. This one didn't go too great in regards to the Andertons service (there will be a follow up/rant vid on that 😬).
And also a Follow up vid of a Full review on this one.
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Credit: Karl Casey @WhiteBatAudio for the Awesome Synthwave tracks 😎👌
Competitors:
EART Corsair NKC1:
• EART - Any Good? | NK ...
Fazley Sunrise Shore:
• NEW! Fazley Sunrise Sh...
Harley Benton Fusion:
• Harley Benton fusion i...
Jet JS450:
• This One was Surprisin...
Jet JS400 - Super modded!
• Fender KILLER! Beast M...
00:00 Unboxing
02:52 The reveal & 1st impressions
04:33 Weight watchers
05:04 The CORRECT Fretboard Radius 😁
06:05 Trem Block & Changing a string
08:26 Finally! ... The First strums!
08:54 Fretboard edges and fret ends
09:35 1st Tone Test "clean"
13:05 Dirty Tones
13:58 String gauge & Action adjust
15:03 Trem arm test
16:41 Specs, Fit & Finish Summary
18:18 A very familiar neck
19:49 Secret Ending 🕵️♂️
Has anyone else grabbed a Soloking yet? 😀Or thinking about trying one? 🫳⌨⬇ 🙏
The bass looks interesting!
@@njp2k914 I hadn't even noticed until now - Cheers! That's a very appealing spec/price ratio😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I’m going to order one in early next month for my birthday so il report back :D
@@njp2k914 Nice one! Happy birthday when it comes.... And HNBD when it comes too 🥳👍
Please do keep us posted 😃👍
I bought one in Indonesia last year. Very honest guitar for the price. Just changed the pickups and got a good guitar
Jeez.. that tip about the elastic band is a game changer! :)
You're welcome mate😃🙏
Now you can fully enjoy your new guitar - first time! 🥳
I have one of these in purple.
It has surprised me, especially the weight, but I got used to it fairly quickly.
The pickups were more powerful than I thought than they’d be
In hindsight - I wish I would have gave it more of a chance, but it was still too heavy for me 😬
Glad it's working for you though mate! 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar ah, I probably have this exact one.
I play mainly gretsch g5422tg and g5420t, also have epiphone les Paul 59 which was an Andertons special run in lemon drop, done Peter Green mod.
Got Jazzmaster classic vibe when I got this purple one.
The purple one was going to be a bit of a mess around guitar, but used it in my band a week ago, literally 5 hours after buying it
Well dun chum…once again 😜👍 luuuved the cliffhanger at the end 😜👍👍
Thank ya kindly! 😃🙏
Especially for watching till the end 😃🙏
What a fantastic video have a good weekend Steve also I had a good cold this week ❤😊🤧
Thank ya kindly! 😀🙏
Hope you get well soon 🤞
I completely lost my voice with a throat infection this week - it's just starting to come back now 😅
Nice video! I am completely blown away of how removing the plastic stickers made such a difference in the tone. Crazy
Cheers mate 😀🍻
I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not 🙈 I know it's a really obvious thing to do, but in my experience it doesn't make as dramatic a difference as it did with this one.
YOU HAD TO BE THERE MAN!!!
😜
@@stevecassidyguitar I wonder if those pickups are microphonic?
@@bradleyclosson5042 I don't think so mate - well they don't have the noise or brittleness I'd usually associate with having microphonic issues. But I could be wrong
Just bought a white one! HH Soloking and it's mostly amazing buuut, some sharp fret ends and the bridge saddle screws are pretty sharp like you mentioned. Not a problem for me because I'm handy with a file but something to bare in mind people. All in all, not a deal breaker. Fantastic neck and setup, pickups scream, amazing for lead. looks great too.
HNGD mate! 🥳 Yeah I had 2, the 2nd one fret ends we're quite bad. Can't argue they don'y look great tho - Top notch specs too. Are the pickups the same Entwisle Dark Stars? Or dark somethings 🤔
Great video Steve. I think I’ll wait for the Harley Benton Modern St to come out next year before I buy anything. Hopefully you’ll do nice a review of that too 😂 🙏🎸
Thank ya kindly mate! My plan was to hold on to this one and do a comparison against the new HB - but this one wasn't meant to be 😕 and it's not Solokings fault
I’ve always seen these on instagram and they seem like a great value
They're definitely great specs for the price. Good bare bones - would be great as a mod platform 😃👍
It does look good, especially that logo. Its nice to see one that isn't just a two minute clip art job with a crap font
I think I know what you're referring to 🙈👍
First time the wife has taken an interest "oh wow, that's nice!" 😂 great vid, the guitar ticks almost every box! looking forward to the review, and the rant!
Really!?!? Thanks John & Dani! 😀
No doubt it's a looker! Loads of potential!
@@stevecassidyguitar she wants me to stress that it's an interest in how the guitar looks, not your videos, she always has an interest in those 😂 she usually laughs along while I watch 😂
@@JayKay7737 Awww! That's awfy nice! 🤗
You Guys... ☺
That is one exotic looking guitar Steve, especially the roasted maple neck! cant wait to hear it play! But its one pound too heavy which for me is also a deal breaker. My Jet 400 arrived its 7 lbs 4 Oz.
7.4lbs Is an ideal weight I'd say 😎👌 I'm going to enforce anew rule on myself. No S-types over 7.7lbs. I think either Phil McKnight or Tim Pierce has the same rule, but I can't remember the weights for them.
Love the colour but way to heavy for me. I'm sticking with Jet if i get another S-type, my JS-800 is around 3.1kgs...Great video, have an awesome weekend, Steve!🎸🤘🏼🎸
Thank ya mate! 😃🙏 Can't go wrong with a Jet 😎👌 That sounds like a great weight for a gigging guitar 🎸👍
You just confirmed what I was hoping. Heavy body and dark sounding pickups. Exactly what I'm after! Subbed 👍
Nice one mate - thanks for the sub 😃👍
Different strokes for different folks eh? 😃
If you like the weight and dark pickups then you're in for a treat - it's a highly specced machine 😎👌
Great video, I've just ordered the flame top HH T type from Anderton's, I'll let you know what I think when ot arrives!
Nice one mate! Those look absolutely stunning too! HNGD when it arrives! 🥳
and yes.. please do keep us posted! 😀
How do you like it?
I have been thinking about this guitars since Andertons sent an email a few weeks ago. Thanks for biting the bullet for us. The look is spot on. A lot of great features that justifies its existence in the current market. To me it seems like the pickups are a throw away for me, don’t like the hot and dark com o on guitars, maybe coffee and… let’s not go there. 😅 I really want the Tom Anderson drop top style they do in Indonesia with EMG SA 😊
I reckon Andertons will get more models in - in future. If these sell well - which I reckon they will.
I think this is an attempt to compete with the HB Fusion stuff for pricepoint and specs.
But yeah - I just responded to another comment a minute ago saying I would probably change the pickups regardless of what was already in there. 🙈
I didn't even know Andertons were doing something like this. Seems like it could be a contender 👍
It definitely is a contender I'd say - It's that crucial price point and spec list to compete with the Fusions and Eart's etc. 👌
Hey Steve, Spot on review. Love your humour also!
I've got one myself and had it for about a month or two now, but noticed something alarming glaring. They seemed to have used some sort of lacquer/tint on the neck - I've got drips of the lacquer where the neck meets the body on the finder board! Does beg the question of how this is actually roasted, as any small scratch to the neck shows a bright white wood underneath - which on other roasted maple necks I have would never actually happen.
Otherwise this guitar is awesome and the stainless steel frets are a new favourite spec to have in my guitars :)
Thank ya kindly mate! 😃👍
And thanks for sharing this info 👍
I'm yet to finish the full review 🙈
How do you like the pickups?
I do love me some stainless steel frets too 😎👌
@@stevecassidyguitar Hated the pickups honestly, I've always used HSS guitars and these are by far the worst I've had! Switched them out for a nice set of Tonerider overwound sets (do give em a go) which are brill for the money. Do mentioned the lacquer finish in your review as I don't have a following base like you do matey!
@@jehadc Phew! 😅 I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't like the pickups - Agreed - probably the worst I've experience too 😬 I'll mention your laquer issue (if I can fit it in - the vids are getting a bit too long recently 🙈) cheers mate 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar keep the long format! perfect to watch in the morning with a cup of tea :) If you do let me know, happy to send you pictures if you want on email!
@@jehadc Ah yeah mate - if you could do that - that would be great! 😃👍
Email address is on the channel home page - if you click on the "Guitar Stuffery for the discerning Guitar-er" then let them know your not a Robot 🤖 (If you're not - just be honest 😜) Who can tell these days? 🤷♂
Nice vid mate. As for the headstock shape, I'm surprised Andertons didn't do a logo with a big capital A. From a distance with that shape it could be a Tom Anderson knock off. Metallic purple is a bit "footballers wives" for me though. A guitar that Katie Price would choose 😂
Thank ya John 🙏 Also... it's a Strat again soz 🙈
Stephen Hedger says he's just ordered the flame top HH T type - That might be more up your street 😀
Funny you should mention... Katie Price and I go way back - we had the same stylist for a bit 🤩
Looks awesome, the pics on Andertons don't do it justice. Not sure about the hot pups. Humbucker sounded horrific, sounded good split. Based on the fact I would be swapping the pups, I would go for a Jet js-400. Also, I've never understand people who complain about the weight of guitars. A few weeks of standing up playing and your muscles would adjust to the new weight. It's not as if we are talking about going from a weight difference of 7lbs to 37lbs 😂😂😂. If I was buying a stype for 300 and not wanting to mod it. I would go for a Vintage V6, brilliant guitars and if you like vintage sounding pups the Wilkinson single coils are brilliant, especially the neck pup. Can't wait for the rant video. I wouldn't go by the Andertons demo as they were playing them threw about £3000's worth of amp/cab/pedals. Very interesting video pal 🤔🤔 think I will wait until we actually have a clue about the specs on Andertons. Awfully important to list the specs correctly Andertons, could save yourself a lot of returns. Well thats me finished my popcorn and irnbru. This dafty is aff fer a jam if you ken whit am saying loon 😂😂
Ha! nice one mate- Cheers! 😂🍻👍
It is an absolute stunner (cough! except for the pickguard! Cough!)
Can't go wrong with a Jet JS400 mate - still my top pick 😎👌
Re the weight.. I think you're underestimating how weak I am 💪😬
My mate returned the exact same guitar as he bought it when it was listed as 12". He can't do 9.5" - I'm the opposite 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar Mate, your a Brave heart, we are mental, strong and tough as fook. Thank god you weren't in the auld battles. Excuse me William but one can't possible battle today with this axe, one might put his back out. Could I possibly get a lighter axe 🎸 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@derekjohnson5720 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👌👌
That's what I ALWAYS say on the battle fields! 🤣🤣
Wow. These have to be all made in same factory as EART? They look so similar. Killer looking necks and guitars coming out lately at a price I can get behind. Lol. ❤
That's what I thought too - they feel VERY similar. But I did a bit of digging... The Solokings are made in the Manling Factory in China - where they also make Ibanez Gio. I can't find much info on the EART factory other than watching a Factory tour vid on YT - it looks like they have thier own factory. But I could be wrong
@@stevecassidyguitar well to be honest I love the style of the headstocks. Very SuHR like and I'm a sucker for super Strats so this is quite cool. Keep em coming !!!
@@robertclarkguitar Will do mate - Thank ya! 😀🙏
I think I only heard once of SoloKing before, couldn't get one to Germany for a reasonable amount of money. Would've been interested in one of the Teles.
I have to say that's a really great sounding colour on that guitar. I think last time I told you I'm gonna get a Squier Sonic Mustang as a mod platform. If not, I just did. The guitar has been damaged in shipping, but what I wanted to say: for the money that thing is insane and weights close to nothing. If the 24" scal lenght is okay for you, you might like it.
Cheers for the heads up Re the Squier Mustang - Sounds Legit. 24" isn't normally what i'd gravitate towards - but I might try one out at some point - Cheers 😀🍻
very nice steven 👍👍👍👍😂😂😂😂😂😂😮😮😮❤
Thank ya kindly 😀🙏
Nice guitar. Seems they're getting better
It's a great looking Guitar imo 😀👍
Thanks for the video Steve. I liked the features of this guitar, but I would be a bit put off by the weight and the pickups. I am hoping the new Jet models you mentioned for 2024 start to introduce some of the features found on this guitar, such as locking tuners and stainless steel frets, as I would be happy to spend the extra money on these. Andertons lose some points for this guitar packaging as I didn't notice any silica gel sachet packets, which I know you are partial to.
🤣Cheers Richard! 🍻🙏
The video was already over 20mins, I edited out the Silica Gel Banquet 😋
If they do a Jet JS400 with stainless steel frets (and maybe truss rod heel access) then That's it done! Game over - perfect guitar 😀👌
Yes, I forgot about the truss rod heel access. Definitely, a feature all future guitars should have.
@@RichardLewis-em2ud When will they listen!?!? 💪😭
🤪
The Anderton's rant will be interesting. I have contacted them twice and each time was happy with the resolution.
To be fair I need to calm myself down a bit.. 🙈 I was probably still a bit too "emotional" writing the rant script (I've tamed it down) and I'm partly to blame too for being fussy about the weight in the first place.
@@stevecassidyguitarnope, emotional rants are perfectly acceptable 😂
@@thenovicenoisemaker How could you possible know anything about this Rich? 😂
@@stevecassidyguitar 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@thenovicenoisemaker 😜
A fairly weighty 6 stringer - looks braw tho. Nice specs for the price too. It did sound quite dark on that bridge pickup when you first played it clean, like you I thought that the tone was turned down as well. Overdrive was great to my auld ears.
Cheers Dunsy! 😃👍
I'll try to improve the audio for the next one. Someone just mentioned that that bridge pickup looks closer to the middle pickup - I can't unsee it now 😆
I reckon that might also contribute a bit to the darker sound 🤷♂️
Another great review mate 👏. Love the finish and the specs. Looks great. Awesome colour. I have been curious bout these for a while now. But I agree with you on the weight. It’s a deal breaker for me also - especially on an S type guitar. Anything over 8lbs is Les Paul territory imo. And tbh it’s the only negative about my 25th Anniversary Harley Benton S type (almost the same weight as this by the sounds) and the main reason why the Jet’s get played more live (even though the HB sounds better 🤷♂️) it’s that big a deal.
Btw, aren’t the new to be released (next month?) line of HB modern S types really Soloking in disguise? 🤭
Thank ya mate 😃🙏 Full review to come 😃
I was hoping to hold on to this one until the new HB Modern S came out and do a head to head.... But this one wasn't meant to be - through no fault of SoloKing either 😬.
I believe the new HB'S have the EART style ball fret ends and are compound radius. Will have to wait and see. Plus the new Jets will be out next year too - exciting times 😁
@@stevecassidyguitar oh that’s right, new Jet’s also. F€&k I better start booking more gigs €🤣
@@thelolguy007 🤣👍 on my way to a gig now. Gotta feed the guitar habit somehow 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar I hear ya mate, I’ll be heading out in a few myself. Have a good one 👍
Looks like the specs (locking tuners, ss frets) are quite decent and they got the appearance right, but they should improve the QC.
Looking forward to see the new Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus (should be coming out in a few days/weeks) and how it compares to this one!
I hear ya mate - I've been sitting here waiting patiently on the ST modern plus too 😁
I've got the full review of the Soloking done but I can't upload it yet as I've mentioned the Harley Benton ST modern plus in the video expecting it would have been released by now - but it's not out yet. It was supposed to be out in Q1 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar exactly! They did mention “soon” in the comments on an IG post about 2 weeks ago now, so I’m hoping it’s being announced in June!
@@nunolance23 Let's hope so! 😀🤞
Shame it wasn’t right for you, it looked great , I actually liked the sound of the hot pickup ( I’m strange like that though ) everyone’s taste is different , be a dull old world if we all thought the same way about everything,, looking forward to rant video , I’ve heard a few complaints about their customer service not being great recently , I’ve only dealt with them once myself and it went smoothly, but I’ve never bought a guitar from them , you should hear some of my rants on my videos 😂, I tend to go over the top sometimes, but never edit it out , people find it funny 😂,, anyway, great video as ever mate , keep up the good work 👍👍🤠🎸
Ha Cheers mate! 😂👍
The more time passes - the more I'm starting to cool off. I might not do a standalone rant vid - might just put it on the back of the Full review vid 😬🤷♂️
@@stevecassidyguitar well it might help to not end up in court 😂😂😂, ( although you’re better than me, I struggle to keep my gob shut ) 😂😂,, 👍👍🤠🎸
@@c.h.fieldsports9876 I hope your rants haven't got you into court!? 😱
@@stevecassidyguitar no not yet , but I did p*ss off Chris packham once , but it didn’t go that far 😂😂
It ain't heavy...wait, maybe it is! Really good looking, but the pups are too dark for my liking. See you the 20th on your LIVE. Ought to be fun!
Well If you've been playing your new Gretsch -everything is gonna sound dark in comparison 😜
But nah.. these we're too dark for me too. I'd definitely change em.
Great to hear you can make it on the 20th! I've still not figured out the technical side yet 🙈
Hi Steve, It's certainly an interesting guitar with Andertons joining the sub £350 guitar world . What is the advantage of Steel frets versus the usual nickel silver, I guess they would last a lot longer but not as easy to work on? Have a good Xmas
This is a great question and very relevant to this specific guitar 😀.... You're spot on about the Stainless Steel frets - they "should be... and usually" are more durable, you shouldn't ever need a fret level or refret, and yes the accepted common wisdom is that working on them will wear out your tools quicker, which is why it's so important to have them done right in the first place. I currently have a 2nd Soloking here (the replacement to this first one) and the fret ends are not great, quite a lot of sharp fret ends and snagging.
Anyway.. the benefit for me is... my first experience with Stainless Stell frets (that I know of) was on the Harley Benton Fusion, and to me - they just felt super smooth and bends felt more... effortless. So basically the other advantage is feel - you'd really have to try one and see if you feel it too - you might not 🤷♂️
Hope that helps 😀
looks good.. but does it play good? Glad to see you doin a video so fast on these
Cheers mate! I didn't get round to setting it up properly - as it was to be exchanged.
Follow up vids in the works. I had to rush this vid a bit to get it out quick 😅
Playability wise - I can feel it has loads of potential 😎👌
Those pickups are really hot and dark.. suprising that... I have a revelation ghost which is like a a jazzmaster style and the pickups are hidden under the scratch plate. They're also alan entwistle pickups..but they sound sublime.. they're p90 style.. and they sound gorgeous clean and even better with dirt.. so he does make some cracking pickups.. just for info..nice colour tho.. good first thoughts on this guitar..but think ill give it a miss..
If you can get your hands on one try out a revelation ghost .. they're very very good
I've only ever heard good things about Entwistle pickups too. Always fancied trying the dual p90 HB's on the Revelation RTJ 60. I think this Soloking set was an interesting choice for this guitar. Especially as it's called an MS 1 "Classic" 🤷♂️.
An easy fix though - I'd probably change the pickups, regardless which ones they put on there anyway 🙈
Great video Steve, it’s a superb looking guitar and I might be in the market for one but I totally agree with you, it’s too heavy for a Strat style guitar., I don’t keep anything weighing over 8lbs. It will be interesting to see if Anderton’s can supply you with one that is sub 8lb. For me the sound of those pickups isn’t what I would be looking for but I always tend to replace the pickups in guitars in this price range. It’s interesting that you ask “who these Soloking guitars would be for?” I have high end guitars Suhr etc and custom builds but I also tend to buy lower price guitars like Harley Benton and mod them.
Cheers mate! 😀🍻 Youre 8lb rule is a good one. I was gonna implement a 7.7lbs and under rule on myself for Strats.
Spoiler alert - the lightest one out of 6 weighed was 7.98lbs. I asked for that one, but they sent the wrong one and I ended up with one heavier than the first one 🙈
And yeah same here - I really disliked the pickups in this, but didn't care too much as (same as you) i'd change em anyway.
@@stevecassidyguitarI’d be interested to see if Anderton’s still have the 7.98lb one for you and what you think of it. I’m hanging on into the new year to see what the new Harley Benton ST Modern Pro superstrats are like. Potentially they tick a lot of boxes for me, HSS with Babicz bridges, roasted maple necks, 22 steel frets with rounded fret ends and Tesla pickups (which I would almost certainly replace). They are due to retail for between 300-400 euros, so they sound like a lot of guitar for the money. Enjoying the channel Steve, keep up the good work.
@@steviesynapse Thanks again mate 😃👍
So... Spoiler alert... I asked for the 7.98lbs one and they said they'd send it - but they sent an 8.58lbs one instead 🙈
And it cost £20 for the privilege 🙈.
But yeah.... The new HB ST moderns are on my Radar too I was hoping to keep a hold of the SoloKing until then to do a head to head but it wasn't meant to be.
The only thing about the HB ST's I'm pretty sure I won't like is the compound radius 12-16" fretboard. That's too flat for me 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar Charging you £20 for weighing some guitars is bad enough, however if they didn’t refund this or at least give you £20 store credit after they cocked your order up that is ‘a bit rich’!
I contacted GAK about a year ago to ask if they could let me know the weight of a Schecter C-1 exotic I was interested in buying. They asked me to pay £50 up front because “they had to move it from the warehouse so they could weigh it! I was told if I then didn’t want the guitar the £50 was non-refundable but they would put it down as store credit! I said no thanks and didn’t bother. I thought the big retailers were all just a bit delirious from the COVID guitar sales boom and they were profiteering on the back of it. Judging by your Anderton’s experience it looks like it’s still going on / has become standard practice.
Thanks for the ‘heads up’ on the Harley Benton ST Pro 12-16” compound fretboard radius. For some reason I thought they were going to have a 9.5-12” compound radius. 12-16” would be no good for me either I sold a Charvel pro mod DNKY earlier this year with a 12-16”” compound radius, I play with my thumb over the top of the neck a lot so it was far too flat for me and I absolutely did not get on with it.
@@steviesynapse I heer ya mate. £50 from GAK though !? Yeesh! 😬
I mean I suppose that argument from the retailers point of view is that it's some kind of deterrent? 🤷♂️ Otherwise too many customers would want their guitars weighed? 🤷♂️ Idk... Just thinking out loud here.
Re the HB 12-16" that's the rumoured radius. I really do hope it's 9.5"-12 that would be awesome 🤞
I had the exact same experience with my Charvel DK 22 SSS its the only thing I don't love about that guitar. Everything else is almost perfect. I reviewed it here a few months ago 😁
Are these all out of the same factory as Jet and Fazley guitars?
They look so similar with just minor finish differences
They do look similar. But I don't think it's the same factory.
These are from the manling factory in china that also make Eastcoast guitars for Andertons 👍
Just Subbed! Im very tempted to buy one of these now, it looks like it is very much the type of thing I'm after. I very much like the modern shreddy Strat style. If anything isn't right with it then it should be easy enough to modify. Has anybody had any serious quality issues with one?
Thank ya mate! 😀🙏
If all goes to plan.. I'll have the full review of this one out on Friday.
If you really wanna buy one before then... only potential concerns worth knowing about it, they're all quite heavy for S types. I had 6 weighed All between 8 - 8.6lbs. The pickups we're not to my taste. and on the 2nd one i recieved, it had quite bad sharp fret ends on the underside. Fretwork on the first one was flawless though - so it's 50/50
Cheers! Will keep an eye out for the vid!
Do you remember how thick the neck is compared to the JS 400. I will watch the video again just in case I missed it.
Ha! Thanks for watching and... re-watching mate 😂👍
I don't think I compared the neck profile to the Jet. Not sure about thickness. From memory I'd say it's a tad thinner and flatter with it being a D profile. Hope that helps 😬
have u heard about sire s3? how does this guitar compared to the sire s3 in your opinion? (both are in the same price range)
Yes indeed mate. I'm familar with theS3. I'm not a big fan of Rosewood fretboards, so I've not yet tried an S3.
So please bear that in mind when I say... I think the Sire will mave more pleasing sounding pickups and fretwork. It's really hard to beat the spec list on the SoloKing, but the pickups are very dark sounding. I would imagine "most" people would want to change them so that's another cost to consider. Also I had 6 SoloKings weighed from Andertons, the were all 8lbs and over. So quite heavey for S types and something else to consider.
I hope that helps 😬👍
why humbucker on all the HSS models is moved further away from the bridge and closer to the middle pickup?
That's a very good point! Well spotted 👍
I didn't even notice that.
It looks so obvious now 🤔
@@stevecassidyguitar I wonder how strong of an impact on tone this has, because the more you move it away from the bridge, the muddier it will get. Are you noticing anything unusual tone wise when playing in a bridge position? I love the looks and the specs of this guitar but worried about the bridge pickup location. Thanks!
No idea why they went with these pickups, seems like a total misstep to go with hot neodymium.
More frustrating is the weight - wish Andertons had chosen something more likely to be lighter, like basswood or poplar.
Might have to wait for the Harley Benton st modern and see how that compares.
My master plan was to hold on to it and do that exact comparison, but this one wasn't meant to be, and it's not entirely Solokings fault.
You can get a JET JS-400 for 189 and still have 110 left for real branded pickups ;)
Can't argue with that mate - I'd do the same thing I think. Actually! .... I did! 😜
The Stainless Steel Frets on the Soloking are hugely appealing to me though - especially with the 9.5" radius. It's the only "affordable" guitar I've seen with that combo and it's right up my street!
@@stevecassidyguitar Not to long ago Blacksmith (one of the best fret maker) posted about SS frets - not all what brands claim SS is really SS. They showed a magnet test, if the fret sticks to the magnet. Many use various mixtures under the name SS frets and most end customer cannot tell the difference between normal and SS fret to be honest. They just "buy" what the specs say :)
@@MrLoompi Yeah I'm definitely guilty of that. 😬 Colin at CSG Guitars raised a similar point recently. Good shout 👍
I was looking forward to your review as soon as I saw Andertons carrying this brand. Looked very similar to Jet or Fazley. This one looks great but it obviously did not connect with you.
Would you recommend any of these brands over Squier CV? Some are on deal since Black Friday for as low as £250.
Thanks mate! 😀👍 Full/proper review to follow.
Re the Squier CV it depends whether you're talking about quality or Specs.
If it's Strat or Tele - For similar specs - I'd go Jet JT300 or Jet JS 300. Jet Quality is better than Squier & Fender at the moment imo (except for the tuners - you can upgrade these for a Vanson locking set for £30 10min easy install).
If it's just in terms of quality and your not too concerned about getting similar spec as CV - I'd go Jet JS400, it's an HSS strat, really nice rounded neck heel, impressive 2 point trem. (Same as above Re tuners).
The Jets are around £160 - £200. The higher end Fazleys are good (Sunrise series)
Earts are great but more expensive these days £350 -£400ish
Harley Benton ST 25th is unbelievably specced for around £255.
Personally the Jet's have the most Vibe & Character and are the closest to the Fender experience.
Hope that helps 🤷♂️
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks mate! Appreciate all the details 😀
I actually got a CV thinline recently and was surprised how good it felt compared to a fender player I tried in store. To hear other brands like Jet having better quality sounds very interesting.
I have a fairly worn 2004 Squier Standard (the left guitar on my profile pic), was planning to have them refret for stainless steel but buying a new guitar looks more reasonable now 😂
@@deatheric Is that the new CV thinkines? They look very appealing 😎👌
If it's any help... Next Fridays upload is gonna be a 4 way shootout between Harley Benton, Jet, Fazley & Eart - All HSS Strats
@@stevecassidyguitar yes one of the limited edition ones 👌 looking forward to your next upload!
@@deatheric Thank ya mate! How are you liking yours? 😀
Hi Steve. Thnx for the video. The headstock puts me off sadly.
Thank You mate! 😀🙏
Luckily... at this price point there's loads of amazingly specced alternatives - with different headstocks 😜
We truly are living in the Golden age of guitars (Stole that phrase from Budget Pedal Chap 😁)
@stevecassidyguitar You are so right. Looking forward to you subbing for Mr Robson.
@@Chip_57 Thanks mate! Literally big shoes to fill! I think he's like NBA size 😜👍
Highwood saddles should be an option.
I've heard those are great - never tried them myself. Good shout 😎👍
I prefer block saddles anyway, they're usually less prone to this issue with the protruding screws
Is 'jaggy' a technical term Steve? 😉I've experienced Andertons lacklustre CS before, hence why I try not to use them now. The saddle adjustment screws are the first things I change as decent SS ones can be found on Ebay for not a lot
I believe jaggy is a technical term yes 🥸
😜. I'm on my 3rd draft of the script for the Andertons rant vid - I keep having to tone it down 🙈
Good shout Re the screws, not a problem I've encountered too often. But I usually prefer block saddles too
@@stevecassidyguitar I always get rid of the 'pot metal' saddles for either SS or brass. What can I say, I'm picky 😁
@@colinfalcon-original Good tastes i'd say! 😎😎👍👍 This has Bent Steel Saddles - It's a Wilkinson WV2 Bridge
I agree regarding Andertons, they sent me a used damaged guitar that was supposed to be new in a sealed box,
It was only when Paypal became involved that i received a refund from Paypal, Andertons communications
were very poor. I now buy from PMT or GuitarGuitar.
@@Barbarapape That doesn't sound great at all 😬 The communication was actually decent between me and the customer service rep - but their in-house processes need looked at i think
Back for more mate 🤣🤭. Their new Ms1 Customs look great. The 22 fret not 24 (for me) 9.5 radius also. Any experience with them?
I've not tried them mate no - they do look really cool tho - tasty finishes 😎👌 H/H isn't my favourite pickup config tho. I didn't like the Darkstar HB in the classic, and the custom has got 2 of em! 😂
@@stevecassidyguitar haha that’s a good point point the ‘Two’ Darkstar’s 🤣. But those tops mate, mother of The Sweet Baby Jebus they’re tasty
@@stevecassidyguitar actually mate it looks like Soloking listened to you. Apparently the new models come with ‘TrueGrit’ pickups
@@thelolguy007 ooooh! I'll have to have another look - cheers! Hope they've did something about the weight too 😜
@@thelolguy007where have you seen the TrueGrit pickups? I just saw the HH model on Andertons and it still says the pickups are the Dark Star
I'm a little confused abaout the different models, seems that there's a line called "custom shop", but apparently the specs seems similar to standard version, so they're custom or is just a name? A little confusing
Just spotted em on Andertons now mate - The only difference I can see is the Flame Maple Veneers, and the recessed jack socket which is worth about £2 😜
To be fair... A £50 upcharge for the cosmetic "upgrades" isn't too bad compared to some other brands 👍
But yeah Custom appears to just be the name (i think).
Well spotted mate 👍
looks to be similar to Harley Bentons Fusion line.
Yes mate 👍 - a lot of similarities, although it reminds me more of an EART in the hand with the neck feel
Did you consider backing the pickups off (lowering them)?
They we're actually already on the low side... I could have decked them flush to the pickguard, which would have helped with the hotness, but they're really dark. I just filmed a comparison last night with against a cheap Jet JS400 and a Charvel dk22 with a pair of Seymour Duncan SSL6's (I think that's what SoloKing might be aiming for here) and a Hot rails. In the room the SoloKing sounds exceptionally dark, I've not heard it in the edit yet though.
I have a preference for brighter tones. That's an east fix though - there bare bones of the guitar are pretty great if you're ok with the weight. 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar fair, what was your preferential weight, how far out was it?
@@timarrowsmith80 Ideally for an S Type - no more than 7.7lbs (I'm a total weakling 🙈 but I do gig, so weight is an important factor to me). They offered me one at 7.98lbs which I accepted, but they ended up sending me the wrong one at 8.48lbs, (heavier than the original) and I paid an extra £20 for the privilege 😂
Well, good video. Don't like the guitar. I like the Fazley. Have you heard of LA Guitars? They have a Mateus Asato style which is nice.
Cheers mate 😀🙏 The Soloking didn't really do it for me either.
Is that the Gear4Music brand LA Select ones or something different?
I'll have a google - cheers 👍
@stevecassidyguitar I saw them here in the US, at a store called Kairons Guitar Store.They are Indonesian company. They carry Solo King and Jet also.
Sweet"liquid" stores do not carry these brands.
@@An2oine Ah cool! The SoloKing's were very difficult to get in the UK until Andertons started carrying them. Cool you can get em in the US 😃👍
where did you buy for this one? do you have a link?
In the UK, these are only available from Andertons. They have exclusive distribution of Soloking guitars in the UK 👍
Unplugged the bridge pickup sounds better obvius….
Unplugged? Do you mean with the tone circuit removed? I thought that might be a good fix 🤔
That looks like the neck of the fazley phynicaThe headstock looks the same
It's certainly similar. The Phynica headstock is a bit thinner/pointier at the end. I think the quality of wood feels higher than the Phynica but the, fret work on the phynica is better - particularly the fret ends. (imo 😁)
Can you get some pad sounds out of it, just wandering
Hey.... Sorry I'm not 100% sure what you mean 😬
Do you mean like volume swells with FX? Like synth pad sounds?
I don't have the guitar around here anymore to check, but I can't think of any reason why not 🤔
Sorry I couldn't be more help
@@stevecassidyguitar I’m sorry I meant paf sounds, my bad, lol
first like and first comment... ...erm nothing to say.
2nd!!
😂 - Cheers mate! 🍻
If they advertised it as a 12" radius and you bought it in good faith based on that, and it's actually a 10" (or so), shouldn't you be able to get a free return and refund?
My mate did exactly that - He ordered expecting 12" and when we found out it was 9.5" he returned for a full refund.
For me - I was exchanging because of the weight not the radius, I actually prefer 9.5" so it worked out better for me. I suppose I could have used that reason to save the £20 but that would have felt a bit too dishonest... and I don't think they would have weighed another one.
I'm not actually sure what the £20 fee is for - whether it's for the exchange, the weighing and exchange or just the weighing - it was never explained fully🤷♂
I want their own models so bad, but the shipping is almost as much as the instruments themselves. Its such a shame. Because they look even more insane than the andertons ones. Like proper custom shop but for 400-600€
It might just be a matter of time before Andertons get thier hands on some of the other models 😃
@@stevecassidyguitar oh boy, i hope so, my next guitar is either a soloking or one of the new harley benton st182 or modern plus strats. So if they bring some new stuff ill be chuffed
@@Cpmnk Still here waiting patiently on the Harley Benton Modern plus. Excellent choices sir 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitar ive heard the st182 has been delayed because they are making changes to the design and name. Probably to avoid copyright problems, apparently they may remove the pickguard. So it may be more kramer in looks than blink 182, which I'm fine with.
@@Cpmnk Very interesting! 🤔 Thanks for sharing mate - where did you get this info pray tell?
Personally I thought the specs didn't match the 182 thing they were going for anyway. The highly figured roasted maple neck, compound radius and SS frets seemed a wee bit OTT for a Delonge style thing. But that's just my silly little opinion.
I hope they're changing the ST modern to 9.5" to 12" Compound radius instead of 12" - 16" too 😜
"There's a switch under there. I wasn't expecting that". What the fuck were you expecting? Enlighten me.
😂 This is either, trolling at the highest level (if so.. Bravo sir 🤣👌)
Or... you've not yet encountered sarcasm 🤔
It's cool... you'll get it - just keep at it 😀👍 (this is another example of sarcasm for reference 😁)
All the best to ya 😀🍻
Not sure why you ordered one, too heavy, too dirty humbucker, D shaped neck profile ?
Curiosity and GAS combined is a very powerful force. Some say it's unstoppable 😂
I didn't know it was gonna be heavy until i go it in my hands. But the main reason I got it is it's the only 9.5" radius fretboard guitar on the market with stainless steel frets under £1k (that I know of).
If I could get on with the neck then it would have been a keeper, I've got a couple of sets of pickups I like, lying around here 😁 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Makes sense.
@@guitarman1129420 😅🙏
How about pounds and ounces? No one knows what 4.4 pounds is. Either Imperial or metric.
Ha! Great point! 😆👌
I'm guilty of spewing this all the time. I've never been good at numbers in general 🙈
Nice looking guitar but I wish these Chinese guitar companies would ask advice on the company name, Soloking is extremely cheesy IMO!
And while theyre at it fingerboards are for violins, viola's, double bass, guitars have fretboards! Rant Over!
I know what you mean 😁👍
It probably sounded better before translation 🤷♂️
My least favourite name on a Guitar is "Gear 4' Music" 🙈
Rant appreciated 😎👌
you WONT get your £20 back . I love Andertons channel but i felt a little let down from my experience . I went to order an audio interface and because my information on their database didnt have my house number they couldnt ship it out to me so instead of contacting me and asking they just left me in limbo for a week until I had to contact them when it didnt arrive . When I asked them to ship it out to my address they wanted another £20 because it had been shipped in their eyes even though it was just sat at the distribution centre , when i said I think thats unreasonable I just asked poitely for a refund they told me they CANNOT issue a refund unless and this is company policy that I pay a fee of £20 . If it had of been shipped and returned I could understand but I still find this Unacceptable . I suggested in future that they implement a change where they cannot take a customers money unless they have all the relevant details so it wouldnt happen again . Im a bit dissapointed how it was dealt with to be honest as i bought a boss katana and boss waza earphones before all this with no problems . Ive never EVER heard of having to pay to release a customers refund just so people are aware. Im not shitting on Andertons I still love them they just need to look at this problem .
This isn't surprising to me at all. I'm the same as you - I love the Andertons channel and vids etc, but they need to pay more attention to the day to day running of operations. Poor communication, and very little to no attention to detail. My experience with them has been 50/50, in about 6 transactions total - which is pretty terrible imo
Hmm not sure what to make of this one, the neck is not for me or the pickups, they sounded muddy and harsh
a bit like Harley Benton Roswells, and they belong in the bin!
It has some plus points but too many negatives, the aged plastic knobs and switch tip look terrible to my eyes.
It could easily be upgraded into to a decent guitar, but is it worth the hassle?
Sorry Steve but compared to Eart and Harley Benton Fusions this one is not in the same league.
I hear ya! This is my thoughts exactly, I'd have to change the pickguard - immediately! 😂 Probably White pearloid like they put on almost every other finish of this guitar model 🤷♂️. Would defo change the pickups. Other than not the best fret ends I think the build quality is easily up there with the Eart and Fusions. The D neck profile surprised me - it doesn't feel too far away from what I usually like 🤔 But the weight is the dealbreaker 😬
So near, yet sofar from an ideal guitar, a heavy one is not pleasant to play when your neck and shoulders
start to ache after one song!
Try playing a Burns guitar, the Hank Marvin i have weights a ton, way heavier than any Fender Strat.
I think we will have to wait and see what Jet have to offer in 2024.@@stevecassidyguitar
@@Barbarapape That started off as quite a promising poem there Barbara! 😂👍
I too am very excited about the new Jets! 😀
I have my moments!
Hopefully you will be the first to try out Jets new models, a few subscribers are buying them
based on your reviews.
How about asking them to make you a signature one?@@stevecassidyguitar
@@Barbarapape 😂👌
I know that Jake Leigh Guitar already has a couple of the new Jets to review (So you might see them there first 😀) I think if they we're going to send any they would have been in touch by now.
As for a sig model - I don't think they'd entertain that 😂 But Luckily I already made my own 😜
Purely subjective opinion Steve-O. It sounds terrible. And that's after removing the protective strip. Color is awful too. Send it back at least this way you don't have to go out and find purple colored glasses!!! Wouldn't buy a thing from Andertons. Their videos are unwatchable. They comport themselves like clowns, laughing at their own lame jokes(?) Good vid all the same.
Thank ya kindly mate 😃🙏
I'd have to agree - these might be my least favourite pickups I've ever tried 😬
Even though it wasn't an ideal audio recording - there was barely a trace of any "strattyness".
I think I would like the colour if it had a white pearloid pickguard... But then... I'm a big Prince fan so maybe that's why 😜
The pickups I would change if I liked everything else. But It was too heavy. I returned it for a replacement.... And that was heavier 🙈
So returned that one too.
This is a long story... I'm planning on doing a vid about it 😂👍
I just took delivery on a new Jet JT300 which I paid 170€ for that blows that Soloking away at 299£. I'm with you Steve, don't like heavies. I bought my first bass without taking note of the weight. It weighed in at 10lbs. Couldn't play it standing up for long. Keep the vids coming my man, you're a raising star. Someday I'll be able to say "Oh I knew Steve when he only had 1.5k subscribers!!!" Prince? 👍I don't think even he would like that purple thing. @@stevecassidyguitar
@@Mr4Strings Ha! Cheers mate !😆👍
The JT 300 is incredible (not just "for the price") really great guitars 😎👌
The Bass player in our band plays a Warwick which weighs a ton! He's struggled with it (back/neck problems) for years, he refused to get a lighter bass as he loves the tone and feel. So he's recently ditched the strap and started gigging with a Bass stand now. He say's it's made a massive difference... looks a bit weird tho 😜
This is really weird...
The spec and look are both great, but...the sound is...🤮🤮🤮
This was my experience in the room too 😬 but to be fair the audio recording wasn't ideal I was just using the room mic and the amp was at the other side of the (small) room.
Proper review with better audio to follow 😃👍