Solar Guitars A1.7BOP

Solar Guitars A1.7BOP Hands-On Test

The Solar Guitars A1.7BOP is pitched firmly at the modern metal player who wants extended range but isn't willing to compromise on playability, stability, or tone quality. At $1,444, it's hardly an entry-level purchase, but the specs sidestep decorative extras and funnel resources straight into features that matter for hard-hitting, technical guitar work.

Construction and Materials

No fancy figured wood top here: the body is solid swamp ash, chosen for its dynamic response and pronounced midrange, all under a matte black open-pore finish. This keeps the look understated and the feel unencumbered, with a texture that takes fingerprints and wear in stride instead of hiding them. The 7-string maple neck is a bolt-on, providing quick attack and snappy sustain, while a solid ebony fretboard gives a glassy smooth surface. It's loaded with 24 super jumbo stainless steel frets, whose oversized profile makes bends and vibrato effortless, and they'll resist wear for years, crucial for players who practice and gig heavily.

Hardware and Haul

The A1.7BOP is built for stability. It features the Evertune F-type bridge, a standout for players who demand flawless intonation and rock-solid tuning. There is a learning curve to dialing in the Evertune system, especially when it comes to adjusting high E strings, but once properly set up, it virtually eliminates mid-song tuning headaches, aggressive bending pitch drops, and temperature-related tuning shifts. The matte black hardware matches the utilitarian aesthetic, and the Solar locking machine heads clamp strings securely, reinforcing tuning stability.

No hard case or gig bag included in the box, which feels like a miss for a flagship-priced instrument, but considering the robust hardware and careful packaging at delivery, the core experience is uncompromised, it just means budgeting extra for decent travel protection.

Playability and Neck Profile

An extended scale length of 26.5 inches (676 mm) gives this guitar a tighter, punchier low end, keeping the low B string clear and controlled even under aggressive detuning. The neck's modern carve sits comfortably in the hand, with smooth access to all 24 frets and rounded fret ends, no sharp edges to snag your fretting hand during fast runs. The lower placement of the volume knob keeps it safely out of strumming range, a smart ergonomic choice for players who dig in with picking or palm muting. Body contours allow the picking arm to rest naturally during marathon playing sessions.

The result adds up to effortless ergonomics: upper registers are easily reached, the neck offers fast movement without fatigue, and the overall balance is spot-on whether seated or strapped on stage.

Pickups and Electronics

The dual humbucker configuration uses two Duncan Solar pickups, known for delivering a tight, aggressive attack suited for modern metal styles. They handle high-gain amp settings without getting muddy on the low strings and preserve note definition during rapid riffing or complex chords. The five-way switch extends tonal versatility, a practical touch for switching between lead, rhythm, and cleans without fuss.

• Pickup Layout: Two humbuckers, independent volume and tone controls
• Switching: Five positions allow for multiple tonal shades

Though this is a pure metal workhorse at heart, position choices on the blade switch serve up cleaner, glassier tones when needed, thanks to the coil-splitting wiring options built into the switch matrix. While it won't replace a classic single-coil equipped guitar for sparkling blues or pop, there's enough range here for most gigging needs outside of extreme genres.

Real-World Impressions

Owner feedback highlights what spec sheets can't capture: the A1.7BOP impresses with its build quality, fret finishing, and a consistent out-of-the-box setup. The fretwork is finished with finesse, no buzz, no sharp edges, even under low-action setups. Several seasoned players mention the Evertune bridge as a revelation for keeping extended-range guitars in tune under abuse; after a short learning curve, it quickly becomes a must-have. The swamp ash body and rounded edges draw praise for comfort during long sessions.

Importantly, players typically loyal to other brands (Ibanez, Schecter, LTD) report the A1.7BOP's playability and sound quality as equal or superior within this price bracket. Some mention the absence of a case as the main shortcoming, yet few can find real fault with functionality, tuning reliability, or finishing.

Summary: Who Is This For?

The Solar Guitars A1.7BOP is built for professional and semi-pro players needing a stable, high-performance seven-string for metal and related genres. The Evertune bridge is the anchor for technical performance, eliminating tuning problems even under the most punishing conditions. The swamp ash and maple construction, ebony fretboard, and stainless steel fretwork give it durability and comfort, while the Duncan Solar pickups ensure the output is always crisp and cutting.

If you require a case included, budget for it separately, but as far as the instrument itself goes, this is a well-thought-out, precise tool that can stand up to the demands of modern metal players, and likely convert some skeptics from competing brands.