Solar Guitars A1.8AAN

Solar Guitars A1.8AAN review

The Solar Guitars A1.8AAN pairs a restrained natural appearance with a specification sheet built around stability and modern metal-oriented hardware. Its alder body, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and two Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker pickups give it a familiar foundation, while the Evertune bridge is the feature most likely to shape how it fits into a player's routine. The guitar has 24 stainless steel frets, a 686 mm scale length, and black hardware. Its finish is listed as Aged Natural Matte.

The supplied owner feedback is positive about the instrument's finish and overall quality. The owner also notes that the packaging protected the guitar well on arrival. That is useful first-hand context, although it does not tell us how the instrument holds up over extended use or provide a detailed setup report. This assessment therefore sticks to the published specifications and the experience described in that feedback.

Construction and playing feel

The A1.8AAN uses an alder body with no separate top, a maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard radius is 400 mm, and the nut measures 54 mm across. These figures describe a broad, relatively flat playing surface, but they do not by themselves establish whether the neck will feel comfortable to a particular player. Neck shape and neck thickness are not included in the supplied specifications, so players who are particular about those details should confirm them before buying.

Twenty-four stainless steel frets provide two octaves of fretting range. Stainless steel is a practical choice for a guitar intended for regular playing, though fretwork quality and edge finishing still matter. The owner reports that the guitar's finish and construction meet their expectations for a quality instrument, but does not give a specific account of fret ends, action, or intonation. Those details are worth checking on the individual instrument rather than assuming from the materials list.

The 686 mm scale length is a long scale, a familiar format for players who want a firmer feel under the fingers, particularly with lower tunings. The actual feel will depend on string gauge, tuning, and setup. The supplied report does not specify the tuning or strings used, so there is no basis for making a stronger claim about tension or playability.

Fishman Fluence pickups and controls

Two Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers provide the guitar's pickup configuration. Controls consist of one volume knob and one tone knob, with a push-pull function on the tone control to change voices. A three-way switch selects pickup combinations. This gives the player a choice of pickup positions and voicing options without adding a complicated control layout.

Pickup preference is personal. The owner says they may replace the pickups after the warranty expires because they prefer passive pickups. That is a preference, not a criticism of the installed set, and the owner otherwise describes the guitar as versatile. Buyers who already like the response and output of active-style pickup systems may be content with the stock configuration. Players committed to passive pickups should factor in the possibility of a later change rather than treating the included electronics as a guaranteed match.

Evertune bridge: stability with a tradeoff

The Evertune bridge is the A1.8AAN's defining hardware choice. The owner describes it as useful once understood, but says its operation can take some time to learn, especially for players accustomed to a Floyd Rose-style system. The report also highlights an important practical limitation: frequent tuning changes can make the Evertune less convenient. Players who keep one tuning for extended stretches are more likely to appreciate its intended role than musicians who regularly switch tunings.

This is a fixed bridge setup, not a tremolo system. The guitar also comes with Solar locking machine heads with an 18:1 ratio. The supplied information does not include a case or gig bag, so buyers should budget for protection separately if they need it. The listed price is 1,555, with availability beginning in January 2023.

Verdict

The Solar Guitars A1.8AAN brings together a straightforward wood combination, stainless steel frets, Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, and an Evertune bridge. Its strongest appeal is to players who want the Evertune approach and plan to stay in a consistent tuning. The owner feedback supports the impression of a well-finished instrument and notes that the bridge becomes easy to use after its setup and operation make sense.

There are clear reasons to pause before purchasing: the bridge may not suit frequent tuning changes, the pickups may not satisfy players who specifically want passive electronics, and no case or gig bag is included. At 1,555, those choices deserve consideration alongside the instrument's construction and finish. For a player comfortable with the Evertune system and its learning curve, the A1.8AAN presents a focused, well-equipped package. For anyone unsure about the bridge or pickup format, trying the guitar first is the sensible move.