Solar Guitars A1.6SVART+
The Solar Guitars A1.6SVART+ is a well-built, stable-playing guitar aimed squarely at modern metal. Its Evertune bridge, fast setup, and focused high-gain sound are strong assets, but its specialized character is not ideal for every style.
★★★★★ 5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Solar Guitars A1.6SVART+ review
The Solar Guitars A1.6SVART+ is a purpose-built electric guitar with a clear emphasis on modern metal. Its black finish, compact A-Type body, locking tuners and Evertune bridge all support that brief. At a listed price of 1,222, it pairs a distinctive design with hardware and construction choices aimed at players who value tuning stability and precise execution.
Available since December 2024, the guitar has an alder body with no separate top, a set-in maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. The scale measures 648 mm, or 25.5 inches, and the neck carries 24 stainless steel super-jumbo frets. Its C-shaped profile has a 350 mm fingerboard radius. These details make for a familiar full-scale layout, with a flatter playing surface suited to fast runs and low-action setups.
Build, finish and ergonomics
Hands-on impressions describe a clean, carefully finished instrument. The body edges feel well machined, the satin neck back is smooth, and the fret ends do not feel sharp. The ebony fingerboard is also reported to be neatly finished, giving the fretting hand a controlled, direct feel. The factory setup is described as low and comfortable, with the action ready for fast playing and technical parts.
The Carbon Matte black finish gives the A1.6SVART+ a restrained, dark appearance, complemented by black hardware and the ebony fingerboard. Its Solar A-Type shape is more compact and streamlined than a traditional Stratocaster-style guitar. Reports describe good balance, with no tendency for the neck to dive. The finish does show fingerprints and natural hand oils, so keeping its matte appearance clean may take regular attention.
Small details include fluorescent Luminlay side dots and a Solar logo at the 12th fret. The PPS nut, black hardware and Solar locking machine heads with an 18:1 ratio round out a specification focused on practical stage and studio use. No case or gig bag is included, an important consideration when budgeting for transport and protection.
Evertune bridge and tuning stability
The Evertune F-Type bridge is a defining part of this guitar. After learning its adjustment system and setting it up correctly, players report very high tuning stability, even when striking the strings hard. That makes it particularly useful for recording sessions and live performances where consistent pitch matters. The bridge is also reported to maintain intonation across the fingerboard, reducing the need to stop and retune during a set or take.
There is a brief learning curve when adjusting the system. One player estimated about five minutes to get past the initial unfamiliarity, though setup requires care. The bridge's substantial construction also means the guitar does not feel dramatically lighter than its outline might suggest. A reported tonal tradeoff is slightly less top-end brightness than a conventional fixed bridge. In high-gain settings, however, the sound remains clear and well defined.
Pickups and sound
Two Duncan Solar+ humbuckers sit in the neck and bridge positions, controlled by one volume knob, one tone knob and a five-way switch. The supplied specifications identify the pickups as active. Listening impressions emphasize a strong, focused output, a quick attack and clear separation between notes. Those traits help dense riffs retain definition and let chords remain intelligible under heavy distortion.
The overall voice is modern and direct rather than especially broad or vintage-oriented. It suits tight rhythm work, fast playing and high-gain lead parts. The five-way switch offers additional pickup combinations, while the straightforward control layout keeps adjustments simple. The reported pickup response is forceful without losing the note outlines that matter in layered metal arrangements.
Who should consider it?
The A1.6SVART+ makes the most sense for players working in demanding metal styles, including black metal and death metal. Its stable bridge, quick-feeling setup and focused humbucker sound align with that use. It can handle other high-gain material, but the available impressions do not present it as a versatile choice for every style. Players seeking a warmer, more traditional rock or blues sound may find better-matched alternatives.
At 1,222, the Solar Guitars A1.6SVART+ offers a coherent set of features for its intended role. The build quality and fretwork draw positive comments, while the Evertune bridge brings dependable tuning behavior once properly adjusted. Fingerprint-prone matte paint and a slight reduction in perceived brightness are the main compromises. For a metal guitarist who values stability, a fast setup and a tightly focused sound, it is a compelling specialist instrument.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Strong, focused high-gain tone suited to dense riffs and fast playing.
- The Evertune bridge provides excellent tuning stability once properly adjusted.
- Reviewers praise the comfortable neck, low factory setup, and clean construction.
- Locking tuners and stainless steel frets add practical durability.
What bugged me
- Its modern metal focus makes it less compelling as a general-purpose rock or blues guitar.
- The matte black finish can show fingerprints and hand oils.
- One reviewer noticed slightly less high-end sparkle than with a traditional fixed bridge.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for modern metal players, especially those recording or performing with high gain. A strong fit for players who value tuning stability, a low setup, and fast technical playing.Look elsewhere if
Not the best fit for players seeking one guitar for a wide range of styles. Players focused on blues or traditional rock may prefer a more versatile tonal character.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Shape
- Solar A-Type
- Color
- Black
- Body
- Alder
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Active pickups
- Yes
- Tremolo
- None
- Including case
- No
- Incl. bag
- No
What other players say
Customer feedback is strongly favorable about the guitar's construction, finish, comfortable neck, and factory setup. Reviewers also value the Evertune bridge's tuning stability and the focused, articulate sound under high gain. The main reservations are its specialized metal orientation, the adjustment learning curve for the bridge, fingerprints on the matte finish, and a possible reduction in brightness compared with a traditional fixed bridge.
The workmanship is consistently excellent.
Once properly adjusted, the guitar stays stable under all conditions.
It is made for the most extreme styles of metal.
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is this guitar a good choice for metal?
Yes. Reviewers describe its tone as focused and forceful, with clear note separation for dense riffs, fast playing, and high-gain use.
What does the Evertune bridge offer?
Once properly adjusted, it helps maintain tuning and intonation across the fingerboard, including during forceful playing. One reviewer notes that setup takes some getting used to.
Is it suitable for rock or blues?
It can be used for rock, but the available review describes it as specialized for extreme metal and suggests that players seeking a rock or blues all-rounder may prefer another guitar.
Does it come with a case or bag?
No. The specifications state that neither a case nor a bag is included.
What should I know about the finish?
The Carbon Matte black finish gives the guitar a restrained, modern look, but a reviewer reports that it readily shows fingerprints and natural hand oils.
The last word from the bench
The A1.6SVART+ combines a comfortable maple neck, ebony fingerboard, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and an Evertune bridge in a distinctive black finish. Customer reviews describe precise construction, a convenient low setup, and a clear, forceful tone that handles heavy distortion well. The bridge requires an adjustment learning curve, and its response may feel less bright than a conventional fixed bridge. Choose it for demanding metal playing rather than broad rock or blues versatility.
Hanging next to it
Solar Guitars A1.6SVART+
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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