Solar Guitars SR1.6AFRMNS
High-end hardware and versatile pickups can't compensate for significant quality control issues.
★★★★☆ 3.5/5 · 1 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-09-29 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Overview: Solar Guitars SR1.6AFRMNS
The Solar Guitars SR1.6AFRMNS targets modern players with an aggressive specification sheet: an alder body, through-body maple neck, active humbuckers, and a double-locking vibrato system. Priced at $1,444 and launching in May 2025, it positions itself near the upper end of production instruments for technical and metal guitarists. Its standout features, a 24 fret ebony fingerboard, Fishman Fluence Modern active humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose 1000 vibrato, are complemented by 18:1 locking tuners and striking gold hardware.
Key Construction and Playability Details
- Body & Finish: Crafted from solid alder, the SR1.6AFRMNS comes in a high-gloss metallic black finish Solar calls "Midnight Sky Black Metallic Gloss." The ST-style body is a modernized version of the classic double cutaway.
- Neck: The neck-through-body design is maple for sustain and stability. The C profile and 13.78" radius offer a contemporary, slim feel for technical players. Nut width is a standard 1.69", providing enough room for complex chording and lead work.
- Fingerboard: Ebony is used for the fingerboard, featuring 24 super jumbo stainless steel frets, these provide low friction and longevity. The 25.5" scale length and 24 frets give access and clarity, while fluorescent Luminlay side dots aid on dark stages. The Solar logo decorates the 12th fret.
- Hardware: A full Floyd Rose 1000 system, with a 34 mm block, allows for aggressive tremolo work while ensuring tuning stability. The nut is made from PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) for durability. The Solar 18:1 locking machine heads provide solid tuning accuracy, which is necessary for a vibrato-equipped guitar.
- Electronics: Two Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers (active) occupy the neck and bridge positions, controlled by a single volume, a tone knob with push/pull voice selection, and a three-way blade switch. Factory strings are.009,.046 gauge.
Hands-On Impressions: User Experience and Reported Issues
A user with first-hand experience highlighted critical concerns, specifically a substantial problem with the ebony fingerboard. After as little as five minutes playing, fingertips were stained black, and the discoloration proved difficult to wash off. Cleaning the fingerboard did not resolve the issue; pigment, dust, or unremedied residue persisted and accumulated under the strings. For any premium instrument, let alone at this price, this is a significant manufacturing or finishing oversight and undermines long-term satisfaction and playability.
Other reported annoyances (though less critical than the fingerboard staining):
- Fishman Fluence Pickup Clarity: The model ships with Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, but the exact version is not specified in any product literature or the Solar website. Buyers expecting the newest v3 may be disappointed, particularly at this price point.
- Push/Pull Voice Switch Placement: The tone knob doubles as the voice selector via push/pull. The user reported that changing voices always moved the tone knob off their preferred position regardless of how careful they were. They suggested a separate switch would be a better ergonomic choice for mid-performance adjustments.
Performance Review
When construction is right, the SR1.6AFRMNS should offer cutting-edge technical performance. The vibrato action is smooth and reliable due to the full Floyd Rose 1000 bridge, locking tuners, and PPS nut. The neck-through configuration and slim C profile enhance access and sustain for fast runs and modern phrasing, while the large-radius ebony fingerboard and jumbo frets deliver low, buzz-free action. Luminlay side dots are a welcome touch for stage environments.
The active Fishman Fluence Modern pickups, assuming they are the expected version, provide the tight, noise-free output suited to high-gain playing. The ability to switch voicing expands tonal options, but the imprecise push/pull tone knob can get in the way of precise tone adjustments during live play.
Hardware, Aesthetics, and Fit & Finish
The gold-plated hardware gives the SR1.6AFRMNS a striking, premium stage look, setting it apart from other instruments at similar price points. The absence of an included gig bag or case is notable; at $1,444, a padded bag at minimum would be typical from competitors.
However, the fingerboard issue cannot be overlooked. Ebony fingerboards with poor finishing or unsealed dye can easily transfer pigment, and such a problem raises questions about factory oversight and quality control on this production run. As reported, the staining persisted after cleaning, suggesting more than surface grime.
Verdict: Who Is This For?
The Solar Guitars SR1.6AFRMNS offers an appealing package for the modern technical shredder or metal guitarist who needs reliability from a vibrato system, wants the ultra-modern look, and appreciates the flexibility of active electronics. The neck feel and specification stand out on paper, and the hardware appointments are strong. However, the unresolved fingerboard issue documented in user reports casts a shadow on the otherwise premium promise. For the price, buyers should insist on a flawless finish and request dealer confirmation on fingerboard prep before purchase. The lack of clarity on pickup iteration and push/pull switching ergonomics could also frustrate demanding performers.
Summary: A specification-packed super-strat that needs improved quality control on fingerboard finishing before it can be recommended without reservations.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Solid maple neck-through-body construction offers excellent sustain
- Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers provide high output and clarity
- Premium hardware including locking tuners and a Floyd Rose tremolo
- Luminous side dots aid visibility in low light settings
- Gold-plated components add visual appeal
What bugged me
- Reported severe fingerboard staining issue with ebony fingerboard
- Push/pull tone control for pickup voicing is awkward in use
- Fishman Fluence version not clearly specified; V2 instead of expected V3
- No included gig bag or case at a premium price point
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for players seeking modern hardware, active electronics, and a visually striking instrument, especially those who value locking tuners and advanced tremolo for technical genres. May appeal to those prioritizing feature set over tactile finish quality.Look elsewhere if
Not recommended for buyers sensitive to finish and cleanliness issues, or anyone expecting flawless fit and finish at this price point. Unsuitable for players unwilling to accept QC inconsistencies or ambiguous pickup specifications.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Body
- Alder
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Tremolo
- Floyd Rose
- Incl. bag
- No
- Including case
- No
- Shape
- ST-Style
- Active pickups
- Yes
What other players say
Feedback from users highlights multiple frustrations, mainly concerning the ebony fingerboard which stains fingers heavily and resists cleaning. The unclear pickup version, awkward voicing switch, and absence of included case further detract from perceived value. Structural and hardware quality otherwise appear solid, but satisfaction is significantly undermined by these flaws.
The biggest annoyance and main reason for the return is the fingerboard; after playing only 5 minutes I had black stains on my fingers that were hard to remove.
After cleaning the fingerboard properly, it kept rubbing off on my fingers and the grime/lacquer stuck under the string. Absolutely unacceptable!
For the price, you’d expect Fishman Fluence V3 pickups, but it’s not even specified which version is installed, not even on Solar’s site.
Up close
Watch and listen
Questions players ask
Does the Solar SR1.6AFRMNS come with a case or gig bag?
No, it does not include a case or gig bag despite the high price.
What version of Fishman Fluence pickups are installed?
The guitar comes with Fishman Fluence Modern (Version 2), not the latest Version 3, and this isn't clearly disclosed by Solar.
Is there an issue with the ebony fingerboard?
Yes, users have reported that the fingerboard leaves stubborn black stains on the fingers, even after cleaning.
How does the push/pull tone control function for voicing perform?
Switching voices by push/pull on the tone knob can move it out of its preferred position, which some find awkward.
Is the guitar suitable for professional live use?
Hardware quality is sufficient for pro use, but fingerboard issues and component ambiguity may cause problems for demanding players.
The last word from the bench
The Solar Guitars SR1.6AFRMNS offers impressive specifications and modern features, including a reliable tremolo system and versatile active humbuckers. However, substantial concerns about the ebony fingerboard shedding black residue and unclear pickup version labeling raise major red flags at this price level. Utility and playability are undermined by a flawed tone control and lack of included accessories. Overall, only suitable for those willing to risk inconsistent quality.
Hanging next to it
Before you decide
Solar Guitars SR1.6AFRMNS
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