Solar Guitars S1.7AHLB Lime Burst Matte

Solar Guitars S1.7AHLB Lime Burst Matte review

The S1.7AHLB is a seven-string electric guitar with a mahogany body, a burl poplar veneer top, and two Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers. Its matte Lime Burst finish gives the instrument a distinctive look, while a fixed bridge and locking tuners keep the hardware specification focused on stability and straightforward setup. Listed at $1,333, it sits at a price where buyers are entitled to expect careful finishing and a playable setup. Owner reports suggest it can deliver that, but they also show that quality control may vary between individual guitars.

Construction and hardware

The body is specified as mahogany, with meranti also noted in the detailed body description. The top is burl poplar veneer. A five-piece maple and jatoba neck runs the full length of the instrument, with a C profile and an ebony fingerboard. The 673 mm scale is suited to a seven-string layout, and the fingerboard has a 400 mm radius, a 48 mm nut, and 24 super jumbo stainless steel frets. A Solar logo inlay sits at the 12th fret.

For hardware, Solar uses a Hipshot fixed bridge, black hardware, and Solar 18:1 locking tuners. There is no tremolo, case, or gig bag included in the listed package. The PPS nut and locking tuners are practical features for players who change tunings or restring often. One owner reported moving from standard B tuning to drop A after restringing, with the octave intonation still holding. That is a useful individual observation, not a guarantee that every guitar will arrive with the same setup.

Pickups and controls

The two Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers are active pickups, with a three-way switch and volume and tone controls. Both controls have push-pull functions for changing voice. Reviews describe a strong, clear sound with substantial output, and players report using the guitar for heavy distortion as well as cleaner settings. One owner particularly liked the defined highs and firm midrange and low end, while another found the pickups more metal-focused than personal taste allowed.

The push-pull voice change adds useful flexibility, although one review refers to a coil split rather than describing the control operation in detail. Treat that as an owner's account rather than a complete explanation of the pickup circuitry. The broader impression is that the Fluence set can cover aggressive tones and some gentler sounds, but its character will suit players who like an assertive, modern humbucker sound more than those seeking a vintage-voiced response.

Playability and quality control

Positive reports praise the neck feel, fretwork, and setup. One experienced player found the instrument comfortable for fast solos and reported no rough fret ends or intonation problems. Another described the frets and finish as exceptionally well executed. These accounts also note that the guitar can sound transparent and powerful through a suitable amplifier and speaker setup.

There are important counterexamples. One buyer received an instrument with a nonfunctioning pickup and a low B string that buzzed on the first frets despite adjustment. Another reported frets positioned badly enough to make the guitar unplayable, requiring substantial work from a repair technician. A separate owner mentioned small imperfections around the control recesses, while still finding the finish striking and the instrument well made overall. These reports point to inconsistency, not a single universal outcome. Inspection on arrival matters, particularly at this price.

Verdict

The Solar Guitars S1.7AHLB offers a clear specification for players seeking a fixed-bridge seven-string: a long-scale neck, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and active Fishman Fluence Modern pickups. The finish and hardware give it a distinctive, performance-oriented presentation, and several owners report excellent playability and a powerful, well-defined sound.

Its main reservation is the spread of reported build quality. Some examples arrived well set up and ready to play, while others had faults serious enough to prompt a return or repair. At $1,333, buyers should check pickup operation, fret placement, string clearance, and intonation as soon as the guitar arrives. For players who want a modern, high-output seven-string and are comfortable verifying the setup, the specification is compelling. A careful inspection is essential before deciding whether a particular example earns its price.