Solar Guitars S1.7 PB ETC

Hands-on test: Solar Guitars S1.7 PB ETC 7-String Electric Guitar

The Solar Guitars S1.7 PB ETC positions itself as a high-performance 7-string electric guitar for modern metal players. Priced at $1399 and available since late 2019, this model aims to blend robust build quality with reliability and tonal flexibility. It brings together an array of premium specs: a mahogany body, poplar burl top, a 5-piece maple and jatoba neck, ebony fingerboard with a gentle 350 mm radius, 24 super jumbo stainless steel frets, a pair of Seymour Duncan Solar humbuckers, and the now-iconic Evertune bridge to keep tuning locked in. Let's break down how it all holds up under scrutiny.

Construction and Finish

The S1.7 PB ETC stands out visually with its poplar burl burst finish, a striking veneer that sets off the natural grain beautifully against the satin-black hardware. The mahogany body (Shorea acuminata) gives the instrument some heft, which is notable in hand, but balances well when strapped on. From the rear, the seamless contouring and clean joints showcase high machining standards.

The 5-piece neck combines maple and jatoba, giving a mix of strength and liveliness. The neck is shaped with a rounded C profile that hits a sweet spot between comfort and speed. It's not pencil-thin, but its subtle roundness feels deliberately sculpted for chording and brisk lead runs. Players moving up from a more traditional six-string will notice the slightly convex ebony fingerboard, a feature more common to classic double-cut designs, making the transition between neck widths manageable.

Hardware complements the build, with Solar's 18:1 locking machine heads and black satin appointments. The neck-to-body junction feels solid, especially when reaching for the 24th fret, with access that doesn't force an awkward wrist angle, something not always guaranteed on extended-range models.

Evertune Bridge and Tuning Stability

The Evertune bridge is a defining feature, locking tuning stability to a level that simply isn't possible with standard fixed or tremolo bridges. Over weeks of play, aggressive riffing and string bending, tuning drifts are almost non-existent. String changes and intonation adjustments are relatively intuitive after watching the reference setup videos. There is added weight from the Evertune assembly, the guitar is far from featherlight, but for anyone performing or recording regularly, the peace of mind it brings is substantial.

A minority of players have reported some initial confusion when dialing in the Evertune tension for bends, and the extra metal block does make the instrument noticeably heavier compared to similar 7-strings. However, tuning reliability earns top marks, and intonation across all seven strings remains impressively accurate.

Electronics and Pickup Performance

Solar fits this model with two Seymour Duncan Solar humbuckers, delivering a tight, controlled output with a fairly balanced tonal signature. Don't expect the midrange scoop or compressed sizzle typical of active pickups like EMGs, the Duncans are flatter, with a subtle push in the high midrange that emphasizes pick attack and clarity under high-gain. They are well-suited to complex extended chords and hold up to intricate djent or prog-metal rhythm playing where note separation is critical.

The coil-split function, accessible via the five-way selector, is a strong addition. Clean tones lean crisp and fast, while overdriven single-coil sounds evoke that signature "hollow" that cuts through a dense mix. Output is not as hot as actives, which leaves plenty of dynamic range, important for both studio mixing and live compression.

Playing Feel and Setup

Factory setup arrives well dialed in for most, with low action suitable for fast runs or chording. The 673 mm (26.5 inch) scale stretches string tension just enough for clear low B (or even drop tunings) without excessive flub. The 24 super jumbo stainless steel frets feel slick, with plenty of room for bends and expressive vibrato.

Access to the upper frets is unobstructed, and the neck remains consistent and stable due to the reinforced construction. The convex fingerboard radius is a practical touch, feeling comfortable under both chord shapes and lead work. Ergonomics cater well to modern players favoring technical/fusion-oriented approaches as well as heavy riffing.

Issues and Quality Control

There are recurring reports of quality control inconsistencies. Some users have experienced minor cosmetic blemishes: small finish bubbles, rough spots on the back of the neck, and visible glue seams. More importantly, fretboard cracking close to fret ends has cropped up after a few months of use for several owners, which can be a deal-breaker at this price segment. A handful of mechanisms (notably the locking tuners) have had issues with string breakage, often fixed with fine-tuning or smoothing out burrs in the hardware, but still notable.

Electronics generally perform quietly, but sporadic instances of switch crackle and sticky pots have been documented. While out-of-the-box setup has rarely required major adjustments, a professional check-over is never a bad idea given the scattered reports.

Final Verdict

The Solar Guitars S1.7 PB ETC delivers on core promise: a modern, gig-ready 7-string that looks stunning, feels good in the hands, and maintains rock-solid tuning under the strain of heavy playing. The Evertune bridge is a standout for players prioritizing tuning stability, and the Solar-branded Seymour Duncans give plenty of usable options across clean and dirty sounds. Construction is above average with some caveats, cosmetic flaws and fingerboard issues have affected a minority of instruments, so discerning buyers should inspect closely on arrival.

• Pros: Excellent tuning stability, versatile tone, comfortable neck, premium look.
• Cons: Quality control inconsistencies, fretboard cracking, some hardware refinement needed, no case or gigbag included.

For players deep into modern heavy styles, this is a worthy contender under $1500, especially for those invested in the Evertune system. Inspect carefully, but if you draw a good lot, the S1.7 PB ETC could well become a long-term centerpiece in a performance rig.