Solar Guitars E1.6AAN Aged Natural Matte

Testing the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN Aged Natural Matte: Construction and Playability

The Solar Guitars E1.6AAN Aged Natural Matte is a contender for players wanting a modern feature set in a striking body. Released in January 2023, this 629-millimeter scale guitar brings together contemporary hardware and classic comfort.

Body and Feel

The instrument features an EX-style body crafted from alder. Alder balances clarity and punch without excessive weight. The overall heft is notable, coming in at a solid, reassuring weight, not overly heavy, but with enough mass to avoid any hint of cheapness. The aged natural matte finish retains the look of open wood grain, which feels direct under the hand. Feedback from genuine users points out this finish is beautiful but can mark or ding with typical use, signaling the need for mindful handling during gigging or transport.

Comfort is enhanced by subtle beveling where your right arm rests. Often a problem area on angular bodies, here it sits softly against the forearm, eliminating any digging sensation. The sculpt and polish of the edges contribute to longer, fatigue-free sessions whether seated or standing.

Neck Design and Playability

The neck is solid maple, paired with a dense ebony fingerboard. With a 43-millimeter wide synthetic nut, the neck invites a range of hand sizes without feeling constrictive. The profile is a modern C-shape, meaning a middle-ground curvature, not thin shredder territory but definitely not a baseball bat. Real-world users accustomed to slimmer necks have found the carve comfortable for extended sessions nonetheless. Stainless steel frets in a super jumbo size cover the board: 24 in total, which is one more than the spec sheet might imply (not the typical 22). The tall, wide frets make for easy bends, clear articulation, and lower-maintenance longevity, no fret wear issues here.

Bridge and Hardware: The Evertune Advantage

Solar equips this model with an Evertune F-Type bridge. Evertune holds tuning in a mechanical way, even as strings settle or under temperature changes, pitch remains stable. There is a learning curve; you need to set up the bridge precisely for your playing pressure. Once dialed in, though, you can play aggressively or use alternate tunings with minimal retuning required. For players hitting hard or gigging under hot stage lights, this system can mean the difference between a smooth or frustrating set.

The hardware is finished in black, including Solar-branded machine heads with an 18:1 gear ratio for smooth and accurate tuning adjustments when needed. The absence of a tremolo tailpiece further improves tuning solidity.

Electronics: Fishman Fluence Modern Active Humbuckers

The pairing of dual modern active double-coil pickups from Fishman Fluence gives the E1.6AAN a versatile voice. These pickups are quiet, high-output, and articulate. The volume and tone controls are standard, but the tone knob has a push/pull feature to switch between two distinct tonal voicings. This function broadens your palette, allowing you to quickly flip from tighter, marked tones to a fuller, rounded output. The three-way switch lets you navigate between bridge, neck, and combined settings.

Feedback from field testers is positive. The pickups deliver clarity, punch, and a distinctively modern edge, making the guitar suitable for aggressive genres while still offering enough dynamics for less saturated sounds. Some users might favor swapping to alternatives like EMG double-coils, but the Fishman set is far from a weak point.

Fit, Finish, and Extras

Attention to detail in construction is apparent. Fretwork is tidy, no sprout or sharp edges. The matte finish is even, and the hardware is solidly installed. There is no case included, but a gig bag ships with the instrument, handy for everyday transport but not suitable for heavy roadwork. The hardware and pickup covers are finished in black, visually blending with the natural wood for a clean, coordinated look.

Summary: Real-World Appeal

• Value: At $1,555, the E1.6AAN aims at serious players wanting reliability and performance.
• Stability: The Evertune bridge stands out for keeping things in tune under the hardest conditions.
• Modern Sound: The Fishman Fluence pickups offer a clear update for heavy or dynamic players, with easy switching between voicings.
• Comfort: The bevels and balanced weight are effective in overcoming angular body discomfort, leading to a surprisingly ergonomic experience.
• Finish: The matte aged natural color is visually attractive yet prone to marking, so a bit of care is recommended.

The Solar Guitars E1.6AAN Aged Natural Matte blends targeted innovation, namely its Evertune bridge and active double-coil electronics, with practical comfort and visual appeal. If you're seeking a modern body with dependable playability and flexible electric voice, this Solar is ready to handle serious sessions or stage use without unnecessary frills.