The Solar neck is the similar "Indonesian-neck" found in every Indonesian-made guitars, be it Ibanez, or Jackson, or Schecter, as long as they're made in Indonesia, they all carry that same sort of neck. I think they're produced within the same factory (Cor-Tek) and has that same neck-profiling machine. Try an Ibanez MIJ with a "super wixard" neck, and you'll see what I mean.
Sounds great! Love my Solar A1.6D. Solid build, feels great, comfortable neck, and agreed on the stainless frets, they are awesome. It is easily on par with more expensive guitars.
@@tomas-skala I'd love to know too. I was going to get one (not a V), but decided against it when I read all of the Quality Control issues during the pandemic era.
I play V’s like this - Jackson and Gibson V90 with 25.5 scale - and these Solar V’s have all the right specs. I particularly like the extended upper register contour, including the wide flat outside bodyline contour, which provides relief to the forearm. Belt-sander mods can be temporarily suspended until further play testing. Possibly the more remarkable model is the 7 string version, as getting this V design and specs in a 7 string is hard to find in the marketplace. Additionally remarkable is availability with the Evertune bridge, which is a nice counterpoint to the Floyd Rose model. These V models are the most progressive and innovative guitar designs in the Solar product line.
I'd rather hear simple chords straight into a Twin patch with no effects than an ambient patch when demoing cleans. It's not as exciting, but shows the actual guitar tone, and not Axe FX. Great review, thank you!
I feel ya on the stainless, one of my guitars has stainless and the other doesn't, I don't think I'll buy a guitar with nickel going forward, the difference is worth the price
I used to have an Epiphone Gothic Explorer and I remember the insane amount of neck dive it had. If I took my hand off the neck, it would just go straight for the floor. I don't think I've ever seen an input jack in such an odd place. Not really ideal to get hit in the coin purse when you're playing. That said, the guitar looks, sounds, and no doubt feels awesome to play. I'm glad you're happy with it, because it looks like an awesome instrument. \m/
They’re both great guitars honestly but I’d personally choose the arrow just because it has more color options but if you don’t care about that then they’re both great. I guess it just depends on what your preference in guitars is
I’m an ESP fan boy, but I bought a Solar. I love my Solar, despite the fact that the neck is a little thicker than my LTDs. I own an Arrow, and there’s things that the Solar does better than the Arrow, and vice versa. The Solar has far less neck dive than the Arrow, and the bevels are more angled/deeper, so it’s more ergonomic than the Arrow. The Solar also has a Matte finish on it, so it feels faster. Also, the reverse headstock on the Solar is better for sustain and tuning stability. Lastly, Solar offers extended range and Baritone V’s, but the Arrow only comes in standard scale 6 string (which is why I bought a Solar). However, the Arrow has a cutaway for your leg in between the wings. The input jack is in a better spot than on the Solar. The Arrow also has inlays on the fretboard. Like the person above said, there are more color options than Solar has. Also, the overall build quality is better on the LTDs/ESPs than on the Solars, at least in my experience. My Solar is riddled with imperfections, such as the fretboard binding, spots of paint build up, a loose tone knob, and the logo on the headstock is fading (however, I think the fading look on it is cool). My 2 LTDs have maybe one imperfection each on them. Of course, I bought the V2.7 as opposed to the higher end 1.7 or anything like that, and my LTDs are on the higher end, so it’s not a fair comparison, but still worth noting. With all that said, I still love my Solar, and I plan to buy more in the future.
@@IllusionaryFuneral I like the Solar but the Metallic Violet color on the ESP is growing on me so I don't know. I'm a beginner but I like high quality stuff and also grew up listening to Metallica so because of that, I'm a fan of esp. Trying to decide what to buy lol
@@arlokkkk If you’re prepared for the extra care that a Floyd Rose needs, go for the LTD! The Evertune on the 1.6 Solars also require a bit of work, but not nearly as much as the Floyd Rose. However, if you’re not prepared for that kind of maintenance work, I’d say go for one of the Solar 2.6 models or a different LTD Arrow, the NT version specifically. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
I have the 1.6s and I find the pickups to be great for leads cutting through, but on rhythm there’s some kind of artifact that sounds like it’s in the 6-7 kHz range and most noticeable when fast double picking…It’s difficult to explain. The guitars are great overall though.
The riffs you played at the start (before the distortion) is that from a song of yours or some randoms stuff you came up on the spot? either way, sounds pretty cool, wouldn't mind listening to a longer version :D
Is the pickup height adjustable? The screws on mine are stripped anyone replaced or adjusted them?all my other gitars have a spring inside to adjust up or down....
The problems some people have with the placing of the output is that you’re not metal enough and you have been sitting down when learning play the guitar… that’s why you guys are wearing it to high!😉…it should be “flying” next to your left/right thigh and not be worn like the church blessing music army🤣✌🏻
The output jack placement is the only thing that stops me from buying this. It's the absolute worst place for it. Could might as well have it on the fretboard😀. I use wireless dongles that stick out way more than an angled plug, so i taped up my line 6 g10 transmitter to the lower horn of my dean ml to replicate the situation and it turns out I rest that thing on my thigh 80% of the time. It makes the guitar a complete no-go. I crave this guitar so much I have even pondered on the idea of converting the tone knob hole into an output jack.
I've seen a few guys now mod their Solar V's input,they move it from the lower wing to practically the same place on the upper wing,thats what I will do when I buy one of these in future
The bridge is basically a tweaked Custom 5, and the neck is basically a tweaked 59. Quite different from EMG 81/85, but both are great, with the EMGs being less versatile overall I would say, and being very high output actives they can hit the front end of the amp harder on their own. I can't see a way to objectively call one better or worse, since it comes down to personal preference, the pedals, amp, and cab used, etc. You can get great tones with them both!
Would you recommend it for someone with smaller hands? How do you feel about sustain and harmonics on it? And is it comfortable in sitting position? Btw awesome vid 🤘😎
Thanks! I have pretty small hands, and it doesn't bother me at all. Comfortable sitting - definitely not. It's the kind of guitar you need a strap on 24/7.
To anybody who owns one: How is the guitar overall in size? I do own an LTD Ninja Flying V that I love, but looks absolutely massive on a 5'7 manlet like me :D
isn't Solar more similar to Schecter? In terms of neck, build quality, and all that? Also, there are people who'd say Solar feels like a toy... how do you back this up? I mean I haven't held a Solar in my life, so I dunno if I'm willing to get one.
@@TaylorDanley I see... :3 but yep that's what I gathered, there are people who bought a Solar, then sold it saying it feels like a toy, it's uninspired, those kinda, and they went getting a Schecter/Ibanez/Jackson instead (they're not those boomers/Play Authentic fanboys, so I did take their words into account). Anywayz, were you able to try that Solar (or any Solar) at the guitar store before purchasing? Or you just bought it online and hoped for the best?
@@band-maidsheep2665 Nope, total leap of faith lol. Wanted a king v with a reverse headstock, but the features on this guitar made it worth the risk I felt like.
The Solar models with the OFR-1000 Series whammy bar,come stock with a 34 mm. thick brass block,for better sustain. That´s a feature that people put usually aftermarket on Floyd -equipped guitars,Ola Englung put this from the factory. And it´s actually a very useful thing,because it improves sustain on a Floyd Rose guitar,tremenduous. Also,the hardtail versions come with Evertune bridges,which as an aftermarket part cost around 300$. That alone should give you an idea about the attention to detail that went with designing these guitars. None of the Schecter/Jackson/Charvel/Ibanez models,in the same price category with these Solar models, has an OFR with an upgraded trem block or an Evertune bridge,stock from the factory. Hell,King Diamond´s guitarist,not Andy Laroque the other guy, is playing a Solar A when touring with King Diamond. "Uninspired toys" my ass....
Really every clean Kemper and AxeFX I ever hear on RUclips is completely squashed and hopelessly drowning in this humongous spacy reverb soup... Yes it sounds nice (once, initially) and I understand the novelty value of it, but to be honest: that has worn off by now. Awesome guitar 🤘
One of my favorite amps of all time was my Uberschall which I had to mod for KT-88s but unfortunately my ex-wife smashed it. I can forgive her for sleeping around, but I will never forgive her for destroying my favorite rhythm amp of ALL TIME!!!!!
Nice review dude. I Have one myself. I realy love it. I have had the input jack changed to the upper wing, that was a wise desision it plays wat better now when playing standing up. Check out my video on my channel! Greetings from Holland.
Thanks for watching guys! Sub if you haven't! 🤘
I want the lemon solar v. And the 7 string e type. Love my pink a2.6.
The input jack sounds like it'd be annoying though.
The Solar neck is the similar "Indonesian-neck" found in every Indonesian-made guitars, be it Ibanez, or Jackson, or Schecter, as long as they're made in Indonesia, they all carry that same sort of neck.
I think they're produced within the same factory (Cor-Tek) and has that same neck-profiling machine.
Try an Ibanez MIJ with a "super wixard" neck, and you'll see what I mean.
Is it frats buzzzing or i am going deff in a clean sound?Not only clean sound.There is something wrong here.
Ok, but let's do a review and demo of the real hero in this video, that Ikea shelf carrying like 600lbs of amplifiers.
😂 everytime I move it, I'm paranoid its gonna collapse lol
Absolute dream guitar for me. I love the look of V shaped guitars and reversed headstocks. Love it
Sounds great! Love my Solar A1.6D. Solid build, feels great, comfortable neck, and agreed on the stainless frets, they are awesome. It is easily on par with more expensive guitars.
Just ordered one of these! I’m so hyped!
What are your thoughts after one year??
@@tomas-skala I'd love to know too. I was going to get one (not a V), but decided against it when I read all of the Quality Control issues during the pandemic era.
I come back for the riffing pretty often on your videos. I really love the end jam on this video. It's amazing!
Thanks! 🤘🤘
cleans sounded like old in flames which is a good thing :) good review
I own two Solar's and they rock. I really like SS frets as well. Nice video
I play V’s like this - Jackson and Gibson V90 with 25.5 scale - and these Solar V’s have all the right specs. I particularly like the extended upper register contour, including the wide flat outside bodyline contour, which provides relief to the forearm. Belt-sander mods can be temporarily suspended until further play testing. Possibly the more remarkable model is the 7 string version, as getting this V design and specs in a 7 string is hard to find in the marketplace. Additionally remarkable is availability with the Evertune bridge, which is a nice counterpoint to the Floyd Rose model. These V models are the most progressive and innovative guitar designs in the Solar product line.
Agree. Love mine. Only issue is getting hit in the balls with the input jack... gotta fix that!
This is awesome, I’m getting one too, can’t wait
I'd rather hear simple chords straight into a Twin patch with no effects than an ambient patch when demoing cleans. It's not as exciting, but shows the actual guitar tone, and not Axe FX. Great review, thank you!
🙌
I wasn't a huge fan of the Solar headstock but I am warming up to it. Great video
@8:41 can you tell me if this is part of any song I just love it
I definitely got to get me a flying v esp arrow guitar like old saying you don't take care of a flying v esp arrow guitar you get another one
Sounds good in the mix holy wow
I feel ya on the stainless, one of my guitars has stainless and the other doesn't, I don't think I'll buy a guitar with nickel going forward, the difference is worth the price
It really is. Plus you never have to worry about having the frets releveled.
I used to have an Epiphone Gothic Explorer and I remember the insane amount of neck dive it had. If I took my hand off the neck, it would just go straight for the floor.
I don't think I've ever seen an input jack in such an odd place. Not really ideal to get hit in the coin purse when you're playing. That said, the guitar looks, sounds, and no doubt feels awesome to play. I'm glad you're happy with it, because it looks like an awesome instrument. \m/
Back in the mid '80s I used to play a BC Rich Ironbird. Quite beautiful and great sounding, but talk about neck dive!!!
but what if you love ESP but want to venture out and try the Solar worth it? On the fence between an Arrow and a Solar V
They’re both great guitars honestly but I’d personally choose the arrow just because it has more color options but if you don’t care about that then they’re both great. I guess it just depends on what your preference in guitars is
I’m an ESP fan boy, but I bought a Solar. I love my Solar, despite the fact that the neck is a little thicker than my LTDs. I own an Arrow, and there’s things that the Solar does better than the Arrow, and vice versa. The Solar has far less neck dive than the Arrow, and the bevels are more angled/deeper, so it’s more ergonomic than the Arrow. The Solar also has a Matte finish on it, so it feels faster. Also, the reverse headstock on the Solar is better for sustain and tuning stability. Lastly, Solar offers extended range and Baritone V’s, but the Arrow only comes in standard scale 6 string (which is why I bought a Solar). However, the Arrow has a cutaway for your leg in between the wings. The input jack is in a better spot than on the Solar. The Arrow also has inlays on the fretboard. Like the person above said, there are more color options than Solar has. Also, the overall build quality is better on the LTDs/ESPs than on the Solars, at least in my experience. My Solar is riddled with imperfections, such as the fretboard binding, spots of paint build up, a loose tone knob, and the logo on the headstock is fading (however, I think the fading look on it is cool). My 2 LTDs have maybe one imperfection each on them. Of course, I bought the V2.7 as opposed to the higher end 1.7 or anything like that, and my LTDs are on the higher end, so it’s not a fair comparison, but still worth noting. With all that said, I still love my Solar, and I plan to buy more in the future.
@@IllusionaryFuneral I like the Solar but the Metallic Violet color on the ESP is growing on me so I don't know. I'm a beginner but I like high quality stuff and also grew up listening to Metallica so because of that, I'm a fan of esp. Trying to decide what to buy lol
@@arlokkkk If you’re prepared for the extra care that a Floyd Rose needs, go for the LTD! The Evertune on the 1.6 Solars also require a bit of work, but not nearly as much as the Floyd Rose. However, if you’re not prepared for that kind of maintenance work, I’d say go for one of the Solar 2.6 models or a different LTD Arrow, the NT version specifically. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
@@IllusionaryFuneral thanks
I have the 1.6s and I find the pickups to be great for leads cutting through, but on rhythm there’s some kind of artifact that sounds like it’s in the 6-7 kHz range and most noticeable when fast double picking…It’s difficult to explain. The guitars are great overall though.
Similar neck to Ibanez? But which one, the prestige thin-thin-thin necks or the somewhat thicker standard wizards?
The riffs you played at the start (before the distortion) is that from a song of yours or some randoms stuff you came up on the spot? either way, sounds pretty cool, wouldn't mind listening to a longer version :D
I love my solar guitar. I need one with a Floyd Rose now...
Was it a 'playstyle needs' choice that had you choose Floyd Rose over Evertune?
Yeah, I use my floyd rose a lot.
What's the name of the song in 8:39?
Those single coil strum sounds are awesome😈
Is the pickup height adjustable? The screws on mine are stripped anyone replaced or adjusted them?all my other gitars have a spring inside to adjust up or down....
Good review!
🙌🤘
Is the neck width anything like Jackson’s? Really hate when the neck isn’t very wide.
hey man！what drum vst do you use？
Perfect Drums
What was the song you played along to at the end?
The problems some people have with the placing of the output is that you’re not metal enough and you have been sitting down when learning play the guitar… that’s why you guys are wearing it to high!😉…it should be “flying” next to your left/right thigh and not be worn like the church blessing music army🤣✌🏻
The output jack placement is the only thing that stops me from buying this. It's the absolute worst place for it. Could might as well have it on the fretboard😀. I use wireless dongles that stick out way more than an angled plug, so i taped up my line 6 g10 transmitter to the lower horn of my dean ml to replicate the situation and it turns out I rest that thing on my thigh 80% of the time. It makes the guitar a complete no-go. I crave this guitar so much I have even pondered on the idea of converting the tone knob hole into an output jack.
Yeah totally. I did see a guy who had the output rerouted to the other wing. That seemed like a good option..
I've seen a few guys now mod their Solar V's input,they move it from the lower wing to practically the same place on the upper wing,thats what I will do when I buy one of these in future
Shitttt what song you playd at the end? 😳
Hi , how much does this guitar weigh?
What do you think about this solar pickups , are better than EMG 81/85 ?
The bridge is basically a tweaked Custom 5, and the neck is basically a tweaked 59. Quite different from EMG 81/85, but both are great, with the EMGs being less versatile overall I would say, and being very high output actives they can hit the front end of the amp harder on their own. I can't see a way to objectively call one better or worse, since it comes down to personal preference, the pedals, amp, and cab used, etc. You can get great tones with them both!
They're totally different. More mid focused, less output. Very cool pickups, but not something I was used to at all.
Watched a ton of demos all using tube amps and after watching / listening to this I reconfirm ditching my axe fx.
Sick guitar 🤘🔥🤘 I’m drooling over one on sale for Black Sabbath sale on Solar. Can never have enough guitars 😂awesome shredding my dude 🤘
How much it weights?
Would you recommend it for someone with smaller hands? How do you feel about sustain and harmonics on it? And is it comfortable in sitting position? Btw awesome vid 🤘😎
Thanks! I have pretty small hands, and it doesn't bother me at all. Comfortable sitting - definitely not. It's the kind of guitar you need a strap on 24/7.
Thanks! Rock on! 🤘😎
@@TaylorDanley but if you wear a strap is it comfortable to play sitting down then? I normally use a strap even when I play sitting down anyway.
@@HeavyInstinct with a strap, yeah it’s totally fine
Hes right punchey mids and massive sustain! Best guitar i own out of 5 i have! Get one!👍🔥💪🤳
To anybody who owns one: How is the guitar overall in size? I do own an LTD Ninja Flying V that I love, but looks absolutely massive on a 5'7 manlet like me :D
Cool.
isn't Solar more similar to Schecter? In terms of neck, build quality, and all that?
Also, there are people who'd say Solar feels like a toy... how do you back this up? I mean I haven't held a Solar in my life, so I dunno if I'm willing to get one.
A toy? That's weird. No, it's awesome. I'd say it's more like an ibanez/jackson. I'm not a huge fan of schecter, so I'm probably biased
@@TaylorDanley I see... :3
but yep that's what I gathered, there are people who bought a Solar, then sold it saying it feels like a toy, it's uninspired, those kinda, and they went getting a Schecter/Ibanez/Jackson instead (they're not those boomers/Play Authentic fanboys, so I did take their words into account).
Anywayz, were you able to try that Solar (or any Solar) at the guitar store before purchasing? Or you just bought it online and hoped for the best?
@@band-maidsheep2665 Nope, total leap of faith lol. Wanted a king v with a reverse headstock, but the features on this guitar made it worth the risk I felt like.
@@TaylorDanley so as long as you said it here that Solar is NOT a toy, and that you very much approve of Solar, then?
The Solar models with the OFR-1000 Series whammy bar,come stock with a 34 mm. thick brass block,for better sustain. That´s a feature that people put usually aftermarket on Floyd -equipped guitars,Ola Englung put this from the factory. And it´s actually a very useful thing,because it improves sustain on a Floyd Rose guitar,tremenduous.
Also,the hardtail versions come with Evertune bridges,which as an aftermarket part cost around 300$.
That alone should give you an idea about the attention to detail that went with designing these guitars. None of the Schecter/Jackson/Charvel/Ibanez models,in the same price category with these Solar models, has an OFR with an upgraded trem block or an Evertune bridge,stock from the factory.
Hell,King Diamond´s guitarist,not Andy Laroque the other guy, is playing a Solar A when touring with King Diamond.
"Uninspired toys" my ass....
Set through neck ? Lol which is it set or neck through ???
awesome
Really every clean Kemper and AxeFX I ever hear on RUclips is completely squashed and hopelessly drowning in this humongous spacy reverb soup...
Yes it sounds nice (once, initially) and I understand the novelty value of it, but to be honest: that has worn off by now.
Awesome guitar 🤘
Wow nice sweeps! That’s not easy to do that clean lol.
🙌
Cool F'N guitar 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
pick holder on the rack is real big brain hours
I can't take the credit, it was there when I inherited it lol.
One of my favorite amps of all time was my Uberschall which I had to mod for KT-88s but unfortunately my ex-wife smashed it. I can forgive her for sleeping around, but I will never forgive her for destroying my favorite rhythm amp of ALL TIME!!!!!
I would get that guitar and join Sunn O))).
I tried to take a shot everytime he said guitar but I couldn't keep up, passed out
😂
Neck dive on a flying v shaped guitar, that only has a 24.5 scale? That's kinda bad lol
Do you need a drummer?
Awesome a review not on a Mooer product..lol
Oh shit, now I have gas..... Again
Nice review dude. I Have one myself. I realy love it. I have had the input jack changed to the upper wing, that was a wise desision it plays wat better now when playing standing up. Check out my video on my channel! Greetings from Holland.
The distortion sounds like ass lmao.
Your solar? You are already biased.....LMAO
Tuning man?
The clean part is like Alcest song