Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin review

The Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin takes a direct approach to electric guitar design. Its single bridge humbucker, one volume control, locking nut, and double-locking tremolo keep the layout focused. The supplied player feedback backs up that intent: owners describe a fast, comfortable neck, dependable tuning, and a forceful sound suited to heavy playing. One reviewer also notes that the pickup's character may take some getting used to, which is worth keeping in mind if you want a more flexible or familiar voice.

Available since February 2025, the guitar is listed at 1133, with no currency specified in the supplied information. Its finish is called Carbon Matte, and the color is listed as black. There is no case or gig bag included. Those details make the A1.61FR a relatively specialized purchase: its hardware and pickup are the main attractions, while its minimal controls and accessories leave little room for extras.

Construction and neck feel

The body is alder, with no separate top, and the maple neck runs through the body. An ebony fingerboard carries 24 stainless steel super-jumbo frets, with a 350 mm radius and a 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale. The neck has a C profile. One owner praised its feel and described the fretwork as tight, while another reported needing only minor setup and intonation adjustments. That is encouraging feedback, though individual setup needs can vary.

The 12th fret has a Solar logo inlay, and fluorescent Luminlay dots mark the fingerboard's side. These side markers are a practical touch for low-light settings. The combination of a neck-through construction and a locking nut suits a guitar designed for stability during tremolo use, while the long scale and 24-fret layout provide a familiar platform for players who use lower tunings or need access to the upper register. The listed factory string gauge is.009 to.046.

Bridge, tuning, and controls

A Gotoh GE1996T tremolo is paired with a 33 mm brass sustain block and Solar 18:1 locking tuners. The system also uses a locking nut. Owners specifically complimented tuning stability and said the tremolo was easy to use. Another reviewer praised the tuners, nut, and bridge, giving useful on-the-ground support to the hardware specification. These comments are positive, but they are user impressions rather than a guarantee of identical results across every setup or playing style.

The control scheme is deliberately sparse: one volume knob and no listed pickup selector. There is a single red Seymour Duncan USA Nazgûl humbucker in the bridge position. It is passive, not active. That arrangement makes the guitar easy to operate, but it also limits tonal options compared with instruments that have multiple pickups or tone controls. One owner liked the simple, plug-in-and-play setup for metal, while another said the pickup sounded aggressive and distinctive, with a character that might take time to adjust to.

Sound and playing style

The Nazgûl is the defining part of the A1.61FR's sound. Player reports describe it as forceful and effective for tight, heavy riffing and cutting lead parts. One reviewer said it delivered the expected chugging and bite; another found its voice unusual but not in a negative way. Those impressions suggest a strong, specific character rather than a broad, neutral palette. Players looking for a versatile clean-to-crunch instrument may want to try the pickup through their own amplifier before buying.

Feedback also points to a guitar that feels ready to play with limited adjustment. Reports mention a comfortable neck, good overall workmanship, and only small setup changes. One owner planned to revisit the electronics later, which highlights a possible consideration for players who prefer to customize their instruments. The guitar does not arrive with a case or bag, so protection for transport will need to be purchased separately.

Verdict

The Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin is a focused, black-finished instrument built around a maple neck-through design, an ebony fingerboard, a locking Gotoh tremolo, and a single bridge humbucker. Its controls are simple, its hardware receives positive owner feedback, and its pickup has a strong identity. That combination makes the most sense for players who want a direct setup for heavy music and are comfortable with a narrow range of built-in sounds. The distinctive pickup and lack of included case or bag are the main tradeoffs to weigh before choosing it.