Solar Guitars A1.6ATG MKII

First Look: Build and Finish

The Solar Guitars A1.6ATG MKII presents a sharp, modern aesthetic in its carbon matte black finish. The double-cut alder body is substantial but not heavy, with contouring that feels comfortable against the torso at both standing and seated positions. There is no separate top; the streamlined design keeps focus on performance, not frills.

The set-in maple neck and ebony fretboard immediately communicate an instrument made for precision and durability. The matte finish extends to the black hardware and complements the understated Solar logo inlay at the 12th fret. There are no visible construction flaws, and the entire guitar feels like a meticulously assembled tool designed for professional use, something that users repeatedly mention as standing out at this price point.

Neck and Playability

The neck is a classic C-shape profile, substantial in the hand but not oversized. At 43 mm (1.69 inches) at the nut and a 25.5-inch scale length, players familiar with standard electric guitars will feel right at home. The fingerboard radius comes in at 13.78 inches, a moderately flat curve favoring modern shredders and precise rhythm work. Edge roll on the ebony fingerboard gives comfort along with the smoothness characteristic of this dense wood.

• Frets: You get 24 stainless steel super jumbo frets. These are tall and wide, allowing for effortless bends and consistent intonation across the board. Stainless steel guarantees a longer lifespan before any sign of wear.
• Side Markings: Fluorescent Luminlay dot side markers glow in low light, providing instant visual feedback on dim stages.

Hardware Spotlight: Evertune Bridge

The Evertune constant-tension bridge is a significant highlight at this price tier. Every string's tension is effectively stabilized regardless of playing dynamics, temperature swings, or aggressive string bends. Once set, the tuning locks in and requires minimal maintenance. For anyone performing or recording long takes, this reliability stands out.

The Solar 18:1 locking tuners round out tuning stability, enabling extremely fine adjustments at the headstock and easy string changes.

Electronics: Fishman Fluence Power

Electronics are centered on a pair of Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, both in the neck and bridge positions. These are among the most popular active pickups in metal and extended range circles, prized for their clarity under high gain and low background noise.

• Voice Switching: A single volume control with a push-pull function toggles between the two Fishman "voices", from a tight, aggressive ceramic setting to a more dynamic, organic response. The three-way toggle switch lets you select neck, bridge, or both pickups in standard configurations.

Through a high-gain amplifier, the bridge voice delivers crunchy, articulate rhythm tones with no muddiness, even on the lowest strings (helped by the.64 gauge low string Black Smith set). The neck is warm but focused, handling fast legato and sweep runs without losing definition. Clean settings reveal no harsh peaks, which is a common complaint with earlier generations of active pickups.

Fine Details and Gig-Ready Features

• PPS Nut: The engineered polymer nut ensures resistance to wear, stable tuning, and minimal friction, another component aimed at maximum reliability.
• Strings: Black Smith.11 to.64 nano carbon-coated strings reward heavy riffing and extreme downtuning. Despite the heavier gauge, playability remains excellent, even on full bends at the 24th fret thanks to fret size and neck geometry.

The guitar ships without a gig bag or case, so buyers should factor in the cost of protection. However, every functional component feels designed for stage reliability, including blacked-out hardware that resists corrosion and hides fingerprints.

Playing Experience and Value

User feedback frequently cites the "smooth and effortless" action out of the box. No dead spots or high frets were found during setup. Intonation is spot-on up the neck, a testament to proper fret installation and the efficiency of the Evertune system. Even for owners accustomed to premium American guitars, the feel and attention to detail match instruments well above this price, especially when factoring in active Fishman pickups and the Evertune bridge at $1,555.

Visual inspection reveals flawless matte finish application, clean fretwork end to end, and perfectly seated hardware. The overall impression is of a guitar built for gigging musicians and demanding home studio work alike.

Conclusion

The Solar Guitars A1.6ATG MKII stands out as a purpose-built, modern metal guitar. Its Evertune bridge and Fishman Fluence pickups are rare at this price, supported by premium touches such as stainless steel frets, Luminlay side dots, and solid alder construction. While it does not include a bag or case, every element from neck profile to wiring is thoughtfully chosen for reliability, tone, and ease of maintenance. For players seeking a no-compromise tool for aggressive music, this Solar model delivers precision where it matters most.