Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner Review: Built for Demanding Players

The Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner is a signature instrument created in collaboration with Tommy Vetterli of Coroner. Built for high-performance metal and progressive rock, this X-Style guitar stands out for its aggressive silhouette, modern hardware, and versatile electronics. Let's break down its build, ergonomics, and sound, as well as where it stands among its peers.

Build Quality and Materials

Right from unboxing, the X1.6Coroner impresses with its attention to detail. The body is made from alder, a classic electric guitar tonewood known for its balanced resonance and relatively light weight. The deep black finish, complemented by all-black hardware, looks every bit as menacing as you'd expect from a Coroner collaboration.

The neck is constructed from maple and uses a neck-thru-body design. This layout not only boosts sustain but also gives better access all the way up the fretboard. The fingerboard itself is ebony, prized for its slick surface and tight grain, making it fast under your fingers. A Solar logo inlay at the twelfth fret and the Coroner logo on the truss rod cover personalize the instrument without overstatement.

• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple (neck-thru-body)
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Finish: Black
• Frets: 24 Super Jumbo stainless steel, all highly polished after a brief initial cleanup
• Case: Included

Playability and Ergonomics

The X-Style shape can seem unconventional, but Solar and Tommy Vetterli clearly understand the needs of players who use the upper frets regularly. The asymmetrically sculpted heel and deep lower arm cutaway go beyond simply looking sharp, they actually facilitate reaching the highest frets with ease. All 24 positions are easily accessible, a critical feature for technical solos and progressive riffing.

The neck features a C profile, which is slightly fuller than the ultra-flat necks popularized by some shredding icons. It's a comfortable, supportive shape that fits a wide variety of hand sizes. Its fingerboard radius, at about 13.78 inches, offers a balance between easy chording and low-action shredding. The PPS nut, 648 mm (25.5 inch) scale, and factory setup render the guitar fast and precise, though the first two strings might sit a touch high out of the box. This is easily remedied with basic adjustment tools.

Electronics and Hardware

Solar did not cut corners with hardware. The Gotoh double locking tremolo bridge (model GE1996T) is a standout, offering the rock-solid stability and smooth action typically associated with Floyd Rose-style systems. The 33 mm brass sustain block increases mass at the bridge, contributing to better sustain and a thicker tone. Locking machine heads (18:1 ratio) further reinforce tuning stability.

For electronics, the X1.6Coroner uses a pair of Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, active pickups renowned for their clarity, output, and noise suppression. The five-way blade switch unlocks a range of pickup combinations, while a push-pull volume pot offers alternate voicing. This includes everything from ultra-compressed, high-gain chunks perfect for metal rhythm work, to more open, broad frequency tones for leads and cleans. Fishman's reputation here is well earned; these pickups deliver on every promise.

• 2 Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers (active)
• 5-way selector switch
• Push-pull voice control
• Gotoh GE1996T tremolo with 33 mm brass sustain block
• Locking tuners (18:1 ratio)
• Black Smith.011 -.052 nano carbon coated strings

Sound and Performance

Plugged in, the X1.6Coroner covers ground from tight modern metal to surprisingly dynamic cleans. The combination of alder body and ebony fingerboard yields a mix of focused low end, clear highs, and a solid midrange punch. The Fishman Fluence Modern set takes full advantage of this wood pairing, there's plenty of bite and output, but things never get muddy. The five-way switch is genuinely useful, not an afterthought, making this a flexible tool for recording and gigging alike.

Setups from the factory are decent, though expect some residual fretboard grime and slightly rough fret ends, common issues for new instruments shipped long distances. After an initial clean, fret polish, and lemon oil on the fingerboard, the playability elevates to its intended level. At this price, you might hope for a more pristine setup out of the case, but this does not detract from the underlying build quality.

Value and Comparisons

At a list price of $1650 and with a hard case included, the X1.6Coroner competes with pro-level instruments that often exceed $2500. The guitar's construction, component choices, and the added flexibility of the Fishman electronics set it apart from many in its class. If you value modern hardware, fast access to all frets, and a powerful active pickup system, there are few direct rivals outside considerably more expensive or boutique offerings.

Final Thoughts

The Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner is a purpose-built tool for modern, technical guitarists. Impeccable construction, outstanding electronics, and smart ergonomic choices make it a standout in both performance and value. Players primarily seeking traditional tones should look elsewhere, but for progressive and metal players, this is an instrument worth serious consideration, especially given its price point relative to its features and build quality.