Solar Guitars V2.6FBB Baritone Flame Black

Solar Guitars V2.6FBB Baritone Flame Black review

The Solar Guitars V2.6FBB Baritone Flame Black is built for players who want a baritone's extended reach and low-register weight in a distinctive V-shaped body. Its 673 mm scale, mahogany body, flamed maple veneer top, and pair of Seymour Duncan Solar humbuckers give it a clear metal focus. Owner feedback backs up that direction: players describe a substantial, articulate sound in low tunings, with enough definition to keep riffs from turning to mush.

At a listed price of 949, this guitar makes a strong visual and tonal impression. The matte Flame Black Burst finish and ebony fingerboard give it a premium look, while the included gig bag adds practical value. However, reports of uneven frets, fret buzz, and the need for setup work make quality control an important part of the buying decision.

Construction and playing feel

The V2.6FBB pairs a mahogany body with a flamed maple veneer top, a maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The neck has a C profile and a 350 mm fingerboard radius. A Solar logo marks the 12th fret, and the fingerboard carries 24 super jumbo frets. The graphite nut is 43 mm wide. Its 673 mm scale is the defining dimension: compared with a conventional guitar, it provides more string tension at lower pitches, although string choice and setup still have a major effect on feel.

Players generally report that the guitar feels comfortable, including when standing, and some describe it as relatively light for its type. Balance feedback is mixed. Several owners find the body sits well, while others say the headstock pulls downward when they release the neck. Strap position and the player's posture may influence the experience, but anyone who dislikes neck dive should try the instrument with a strap before buying.

One practical complaint concerns the output jack position. Some owners find it awkward and say a cable can be vulnerable to being pulled out. This will matter more to players who move around on stage or use a cable rather than a wireless transmitter.

Pickups and low-tuning sound

Two Seymour Duncan Solar humbuckers handle the main voice. The controls are straightforward: one volume knob, a tone control with a push-pull coil-split function, and a three-way pickup selector. The coil split offers an alternate, thinner sound, while the humbucker setting is the natural choice for heavier parts. Owners praise the pickups for metal and clean playing alike, and several describe them as responsive to picking dynamics. Others consider them solid rather than exceptional, so pickup preference remains personal.

In low tunings, feedback points to a focused low end and clear note separation. One owner reports good results in C standard with 11, 56 strings. Another used a heavier set for an even lower tuning, but found that very thick strings eventually lost the desired sound. These examples are useful starting points, not universal prescriptions. A baritone's longer scale can support lower pitches, but the nut slots, intonation, neck relief, and string gauge must all work together.

Bridge, tuning, and setup

The guitar uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge with strings passing through the body, plus Solar 18:1 tuning machines. There is no tremolo. Owners report that the instrument can play well once properly adjusted, but several received guitars that needed setup. Specific complaints include buzz around the 12th fret, uneven frets higher up the neck, and intonation that was substantially off on one string. These are not minor details: they can affect clean articulation and make a new instrument feel much worse than its design suggests.

Some setup work is normal when changing string gauge or tuning. Reports of uneven frets and persistent buzz, however, warrant inspection. Buyers should check fretwork, neck relief, intonation, and nut slots soon after delivery, and contact the seller if a basic adjustment does not resolve the problem. A professional setup may be needed, especially for players who plan to use unusually heavy strings.

Verdict

The Solar Guitars V2.6FBB Baritone Flame Black has a compelling combination of extended scale, an ebony fingerboard, useful pickup switching, and a striking V-shaped design. Its strongest points are the substantial low-tuning sound, comfortable playing feel reported by many owners, and a finish that draws consistent praise. The included gig bag is a welcome addition.

The main reservation is consistency. Multiple owners describe setup issues, and the reports of fret irregularities deserve attention at this price. Balance and jack placement may also be drawbacks depending on how you play. If the guitar arrives well adjusted, it appears capable of delivering the heavy, defined baritone sound it promises. If it does not, budget time for inspection and setup before judging its playability.