Solar Guitars X1.7FRQBB+
Premium X-style guitar with pro-grade hardware and modern rock aesthetics; built for high performance and sustain.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-06 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Solar Guitars X1.7FRQBB+: Analyzing the 7-String X-Style Platform
The Solar Guitars X1.7FRQBB+ enters the 7-string market with a specification focused clearly on advanced rock and metal performance. This X-Style electric guitar brings together extended range construction, premium materials, and player-oriented hardware. The following technical breakdown examines the precise build, electronics, hardware, and playability features that define the X1.7FRQBB+ at its price point.
Body and Construction
The X1.7FRQBB+ uses a solid meranti (mahogany family) body paired with a quilted maple top, finished in a matte black burst. This combination targets a blend of warmth, sustain, and clarity, with maple contributing a subtle brightness under high-gain scenarios. Construction relies on a neck-through-body design utilizing maple for additional rigidity and sustain. The neck profile is a "C" shape, which is moderately rounded, and measures 20 mm at the first fret and 22 mm at the twelfth. This dimensioning is designed to provide a consistent and controlled feel for players spending significant time across the fretboard.
Neck and Fretboard Details
The 7-string neck is constructed from maple and topped with an ebony fingerboard, which is known for its smooth surface and durability. The instrument uses a 673 mm (26.5-inch) scale length, setting it in the baritone/extended range category. This longer scale benefits tuning stability at lower pitches, helping to maintain string tension and definition. The fingerboard comes with a relatively flat 400 mm (15.75-inch) radius, supporting quick maneuvering and low action setups. There are 24 super jumbo frets, which offer ample surface area for controlled bends and fast runs. Visual adornment is minimal, with a single Solar logo inlay at the 12th fret.
Hardware: Tremolo and Tuners
A key component on the X1.7FRQBB+ is the Floyd Rose 1000 series double-locking tremolo, a system widely recognized for tuning stability under heavy use. This tremolo is paired with Solar's own branded 18:1 locking machine heads, ensuring precise tuning and reduced slippage, even during aggressive vibrato and dive-bomb techniques.
Hardware throughout maintains a black finish to match the instrument's aesthetic. The inclusion of a molded case aligns with expectations at this price, offering suitable protection in transit. However, there is no padded gig bag included, so mobility options are limited to the hard case.
Electronics and Controls
The pickup configuration is a dual humbucker (HH) system powered by a pair of Duncan Solar+ pickups. These passive pickups are custom-voiced for Solar Guitars, designed to deliver high output and clarity essential for extended range metal and modern rock. Control configuration remains straightforward: a master volume, a master tone, and a three-way selector switch. This minimal layout enables quick tonal adjustments and keeps the signal path clean. The absence of coil splitting or additional switching options limits single-coil tones but reinforces a focus on full, aggressive humbucking sounds.
Feature Recap
- Body: Mahogany with quilted maple top (matte black burst)
- Neck: Maple, neck-through-body
- Fingerboard: Ebony, 24 super jumbo frets, 400 mm radius
- Neck profile: rounded C (20 mm at 1st fret, 22 mm at 12th)
- Scale length: 673 mm (26.5") for extended low string clarity
- Pickups: 2 Duncan Solar+ humbuckers (passive)
- Controls: volume, tone, 3-way toggle
- Tremolo: Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking
- Tuners: Solar 18:1 locking machine heads
- Accessories: molded case included
Technical Perspective: Application and Value
The Solar Guitars X1.7FRQBB+ is constructed for the needs of committed players in modern heavy genres. The scale length and neck-through construction target tight low-end response, while the combination of high-output passive humbuckers and a double-locking tremolo offer versatility for rhythm and lead playing. The flat fingerboard radius, super jumbo frets, and fast C-shaped neck are tailored to technical performance, sweep picking, tapping, and elaborate solo work.
Hardware choices and clean electronic layout keep maintenance simple and the path free from excess noise. While extra features such as coil splitting are absent, this reinforces a purpose-driven design. The inclusion of a molded case meets pro-level requirements for storage and transport safety, though it does forgo a more lightweight carrying option.
Conclusion
The Solar Guitars X1.7FRQBB+ delivers a coherent set of specifications for advanced players needing extended range, high stability, and a platform built for expressive play. The materials, construction details, and hardware choices justify its position in the upper mid-range price tier. For players seeking a professional 7-string with reliable tuning and focused electronics, the X1.7FRQBB+ stands as a technically sound offering from Solar Guitars.
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
- High-quality mahogany body with quilted maple top delivers a rich, resonant tone
- Neck-through-body maple construction offers excellent sustain and upper fret access
- Equipped with a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo for advanced whammy techniques
- Comes with a durable hardshell case
- Solar 18:1 locking tuners ensure stable tuning
What bugged me
- Active electronics not present, which may limit tonal flexibility for some players
- FR-style tremolo may require regular maintenance and setup know-how
- No included gig bag for lighter transport
- C-shaped neck may not suit all hand sizes
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for advanced metal, rock, and fusion guitarists who demand precision, sustain, and expressive whammy capabilities. Excellent for performers who value solid construction and modern design with touring reliability built in.Look elsewhere if
Not recommended for beginners unfamiliar with maintaining a double-locking tremolo system or players looking for vintage single-coil tones. Those needing lightweight travel options may find the absence of a gig bag limiting.Suggested level: Professional
Specifications
- Shape
- X-Style
- Color
- Black Burst
- Body
- Mahogany
- Top
- Quilted Maple
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 673 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Active pickups
- No
- Tremolo
- FR-Style
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. bag
- No
- Pickup system
- HH
Up close
Watch and listen
Questions players ask
Does the X1.7FRQBB+ support extreme tremolo techniques?
Yes, the Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system is specifically designed for advanced whammy use while maintaining tuning stability.
What kind of pickups does this guitar use?
It features two Duncan Solar+ humbuckers, offering high output and a full, aggressive sound suited for heavy genres.
Is a case included with this guitar?
Yes, the guitar comes with a durable hardshell case, but there is no included gig bag.
What neck profile does the X1.7FRQBB+ have?
It has a modern C-shaped neck with a 400 mm radius, providing comfort and fast playability for most hand sizes.
Are there any active pickup options?
No, this model uses passive humbuckers only, which offer classic tone and touch sensitivity but less tonal shaping than actives.
The last word from the bench
The Solar Guitars X1.7FRQBB+ merges contemporary design with robust construction, delivering outstanding sustain and tuning stability. Its mahogany and quilted maple build, paired with versatile humbuckers and a Floyd Rose tremolo, make it ideal for technical and aggressive players. While the lack of active electronics may deter some, the included hard case and advanced features offer excellent value. This model stands out for those seeking stage-ready reliability and striking looks.
Hanging next to it
Before you decide
Solar Guitars X1.7FRQBB+
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