Best Solar Guitars Heavy Guitars 2026
So you're hunting for a shred machine that doesn't sound like a budget axe? Been there. Solar Guitars have been quietly building a serious reputation for delivering high-end features and tone at a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage. They're not a household name yet, but if you're chasing that modern metal tone and need a guitar that can handle a serious gig, you owe it to yourself to check them out.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
⚡ The best heavy guitars in 2026 are Solar Guitars V1.6FR SVART+ Carbon Black (top pick), Solar Guitars V2.6LB Flame Lime Burst Matte for tighter budgets, and Solar Guitars SBR1.6VC+ Vacillator Gloss for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $988–$1,758, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
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4.0/5
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Solar Guitars V1.6FR SVART+ Carbon Black
Metalcore
Progressive
Djent
Key Feature:
The V1.6FR SVART+ is a serious instrument for players wanting a modern, aggressive tone and shred-ready feel. The Duncan Solar+ pickups really cut through, and the Floyd Rose tremolo allows for some wild expression. It's a great option for metal and progressive rock players seeking a premium-priced, versatile guitar.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- • Duncan Solar+ pickups offer high-output, articulate performance
- • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo provides reliable, wide-ranging vibrato
- • Super jumbo stainless steel frets facilitate effortless, fast playing
CONS
- • Carbon black matte finish can be prone to fingerprint smudging
- • Set-neck construction, while great for tone, limits future modification options
- • The 18:1 locking tuners, while stable, feel a bit stiff initially
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4.0/5
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Art. 595547
$1,429
#2
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4.0/5
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1/10
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7/10
Solar Guitars V2.6LB Flame Lime Burst Matte
Death Metal
Metal
Progressive
Key Feature:
This Solar V2.6LB is a serious contender for players seeking a high-quality instrument with a modern edge. The mahogany body gives it a thick, powerful tone, while the Seymour Duncan Solar pickups deliver plenty of gain. It's a great option for rock, metal, and heavier genres – especially those who appreciate a fast neck and solid build quality.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant, and powerful low-end.
- • Seymour Duncan Solar pickups offer high-output, versatile tones.
- • Graphite nut minimizes friction and tuning instability; a nice touch.
- • Ebony fretboard provides a slick, fast playing experience.
CONS
- • The weight (6.6 lbs) will be a factor for extended playing sessions.
- • Coil-split functionality is a nice addition, but pickup versatility remains somewhat limited.
- • The 'C' neck profile may not suit players preferring a flatter or more vintage feel.
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Art. 530319
$989
#3
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4.0/5
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1/10
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6/10
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7/10
Solar Guitars SBR1.6VC+ Vacillator Gloss
Metalcore
Death Metal
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
The SBR1.6VC+ is a seriously well-equipped instrument. The Evertune system is a huge plus for consistent tuning, and the Duncan Solar+ pickups give you a powerful, modern tone. This is a fantastic option for players who want a high-performance guitar without the absolute top-end price tag, particularly those into heavier genres and modern rock.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- • Duncan Solar+ pickups deliver a modern, high-output tone.
- • Evertune bridge guarantees consistent tuning, a real game-changer.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience.
CONS
- • Alder body can make it feel a bit weighty for extended playing.
- • Plastic nut is a cost-saving measure, upgradeable for improved sustain.
- • The 5-way pickup switch limits tonal flexibility somewhat.
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4.0/5
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7/10
Art. 595534
$1,319
#4
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3.9/5
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1/10
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6/10
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6/10
Solar Guitars A1.6Silas Canibalismo
Death Metal
Metal
Progressive
Key Feature:
The A1.6 Silas Canibalismo is a seriously impressive instrument – the EMG pickups scream for metal and progressive rock, while the alder body and ebony fingerboard provide a fantastic foundation for a wide range of styles. This guitar is a fantastic choice for players who want a high-performance instrument with a unique look and feel, and aren't afraid of a little weight.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- • EMG 81/60 combo provides aggressive high-gain and warm neck tones
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and note clarity
- • Gotoh Big Block tremolo system allows for smooth, reliable vibrato
CONS
- • The pink on purple finish, while striking, might not appeal to everyone's taste
- • The weight, typical of alder and ebony guitars, could be tiring for extended playing
- • The 5-way pickup configuration, while versatile, might feel slightly limiting for some players
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3.9/5
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1/10
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Art. 616759
$1,649
#5
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3.9/5
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6/10
Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+
Metal
Hard Rock
Metalcore
Key Feature:
This AB1.6FRMNS is a serious instrument built for modern metal and progressive rock players. The Sustainiac is a game-changer, and the Duncan Solar+ pickup delivers a tight, aggressive tone. It's a premium-priced option that delivers a lot of value for the money, especially if you crave that infinite sustain and a comfortable neck profile.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- • Duncan Solar+ bridge pickup delivers high-output, articulate tones.
- • Sustainiac Stealth Pro adds incredible harmonic sustain and versatility.
- • Floyd Rose 1000 provides reliable, wide-ranging tremolo action.
CONS
- • The alder body contributes to a slightly heavier feel for extended playing.
- • The single Duncan Solar+ pickup may limit tonal flexibility for some.
- • The roasted maple fingerboard can feel a little slick for some players.
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3.9/5
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Art. 605372
$1,429
#6
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3.9/5
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1/10
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6/10
Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+
Death Metal
Hard Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
This Solar X1.6FRPN is a seriously hot-rodded shred machine. The combination of the alder body, powerful pickups, and Floyd Rose tremolo makes it ideal for modern metal and progressive rock players who want a unique look and a versatile, high-performance instrument.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a tight, focused low-end response.
- • Seymour Duncan Solar+ pickups provide high-output, articulate tones.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and sustain.
- • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo enables wide-ranging vibrato and dive bombs.
CONS
- • The pink neon finish might not appeal to all players' tastes.
- • The 24.75” scale can feel a little cramped for players with larger hands.
- • The single volume control limits tonal shaping options.
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3.9/5
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1/10
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6/10
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6/10
Art. 588940
$1,429
#7
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3.9/5
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1/10
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7/10
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7/10
Solar Guitars VAR2.6CLN Canibalismo
Progressive
Death Metal
Metal
Key Feature:
The VAR2.6CLN Canibalismo is a serious contender for players wanting a high-quality, metal-ready instrument. The Duncan Solar pickups deliver a modern, aggressive tone, and the build quality feels solid. It's ideal for heavier rock and metal players who appreciate a comfortable neck and a distinctive aesthetic.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Duncan Solar humbuckers provide high-output, articulate tones suitable for metal.
- • Maple neck with a comfortable C profile and rosewood fretboard offers excellent playability.
- • String-thru-body design enhances sustain and tuning stability.
CONS
- • The 'Neon Canibalismo' finish might be polarizing; not everyone will love it.
- • At around 8.5 lbs, it's a hefty instrument – may be tiring for some.
- • While versatile, it's primarily geared toward heavier styles; clean tones are less inspiring.
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3.9/5
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1/10
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7/10
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7/10
Art. 620812
$1,209
#8
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3.8/5
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1/10
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7/10
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7/10
Solar Guitars V1.6AOP Canibalismo
Metalcore
Djent
Death Metal
Key Feature:
The V1.6AOP Canibalismo is a serious instrument for players who want a modern, aggressive sound with impeccable tuning stability. The swamp ash body gives it a surprisingly airy character, while the Duncan/Solar pickups deliver plenty of high-gain grunt. It's a great choice for metalheads and progressive players looking for a premium-priced guitar with a unique aesthetic.
PROS
- • Swamp ash body delivers a resonant, articulate, and surprisingly airy tone.
- • Duncan/Solar humbuckers provide high-output aggression with surprising clarity and note definition.
- • Evertune bridge maintains consistent tuning stability, a massive boon for aggressive playing.
- • Graphite nut minimizes friction and contributes to improved string resonance and tuning stability.
CONS
- • Swamp ash construction makes it noticeably heavier, potentially tiring for extended playing sessions.
- • Army Green AOP finish, while striking, may be prone to showcasing minor blemishes.
- • While versatile, the pickup configuration leans towards heavier genres; clean tones are possible but not a strength.
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3.8/5
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1/10
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7/10
Art. 538122
$1,319
#9
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3.8/5
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Solar Guitars V1.6MP Wolfmaster
Metalcore
Hard Rock
Death Metal
Key Feature:
The Wolfmaster is a serious contender for modern metal and progressive players. The roasted maple neck and Fishman pickups deliver a tight, articulate sound with plenty of aggression, while the Floyd Rose tremolo lets you really wail. It’s a well-built, feature-rich instrument that offers a lot of value for the price.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and resonance.
- • Fishman Fluence Modern pickup delivers a versatile, high-output tone.
- • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo allows for extreme dive bombs and tuning stability.
- • Alder body offers a balanced tone with a tight low-end response.
CONS
- • Metallic purple gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
- • Single volume control with push/pull functionality limits tonal shaping options.
- • The extended scale length (648mm) may feel unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
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3.8/5
AudioFu Score
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1/10
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7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 576424
$1,649
#10
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3.8/5
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Solar Guitars V1.6VW Wolfmaster
Djent
Metal
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
The Wolfmaster is a seriously impressive shred machine, built for modern metal and progressive rock players. Jonas Wolf's signature touch brings a focused, high-gain sound with a killer tremolo system. It's a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of bang for your buck in terms of quality and playability.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and feel.
- • Fishman Fluence Modern bridge pickup delivers high-output, articulate tones.
- • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo offers reliable, wide-ranging vibrato.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and a snappy response.
CONS
- • Alder body may contribute to a slightly heavier overall instrument.
- • Single volume control with push/pull limits tonal shaping options.
- • Vintage White finish, while attractive, can be prone to showing grime.
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3.8/5
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1/10
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7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 576429
$1,429
#11
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3.8/5
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1/10
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6/10
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7/10
Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin
Hard Rock
Metal
Death Metal
Key Feature:
The A1.61FR Assassin is a serious contender for modern metal and progressive players. The neck-thru design and Nazgul pickup combination deliver a powerful, focused sound with excellent sustain. It’s a premium-priced instrument that offers a lot of bang for your buck in terms of components and playability.
PROS
- • Seymour Duncan Nazgul delivers aggressive high-output, modern metal tones.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and a slick, fast playing experience.
- • Neck-thru design provides excellent sustain and a comfortable, smooth transition.
- • GOTOH GE1996T tremolo system is reliable and offers smooth, accurate tuning.
CONS
- • Carbon matte finish can be prone to fingerprints and requires diligent cleaning.
- • Neck-thru design can make neck adjustments slightly more complex for some players.
- • The aggressive Nazgul pickup might limit versatility for cleaner, vintage tones.
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3.8/5
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1/10
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6/10
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7/10
Art. 599523
$1,319
#12
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3.7/5
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner
Progressive
Djent
Metal
Key Feature:
The X1.6Coroner is a seriously well-built instrument, clearly influenced by Tommy Vetterli's aggressive style. It’s a high-performance machine geared towards metal and progressive players who demand clarity, sustain, and a modern, powerful tone – and it delivers that in spades. The build quality is fantastic for the price point.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant foundation.
- • Fishman Fluence pickups deliver articulate, high-output tones.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and speed.
- • Gotoh tremolo ensures reliable tuning stability under vibrato.
CONS
- • Neck-thru design may increase susceptibility to neck twisting.
- • Limited pickup voice options despite push/pull functionality.
- • The heavier build might be fatiguing for some players.
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3.7/5
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Art. 605359
$1,759
#13
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3.7/5
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1/10
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7/10
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7/10
Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+
Djent
Metal
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
The A1.6FR SVART+ is a seriously well-equipped shred machine. That neck-thru design and those Duncan Solar+ pickups give it a modern, aggressive voice perfect for metal and progressive rock players. It’s a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Duncan Solar+ pickups offer high-output, modern rock and metal tones
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing experience and note clarity
- • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo enables extreme dive bombs and wide vibrato
CONS
- • The neck-thru design contributes to a heavier overall instrument, potentially fatiguing for some
- • The Carbon Matte finish, while visually appealing, can be a fingerprint magnet
- • While versatile, the pickup configuration leans towards heavier genres; cleaner tones require more tweaking
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
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1/10
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7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 588859
$1,319
#14
⭐
3.7/5
AudioFu Score
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRVC+
Progressive
Death Metal
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
The VAR1.6FRVC+ is a seriously well-built instrument. That maple/ebony neck feels fantastic, and the Duncan Solar+ pickups deliver a modern, aggressive tone perfect for metal and progressive rock. This is a fantastic option for players seeking a high-performance shred machine without the premium price tag of some boutique brands.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- • Maple/Ebony neck provides a snappy feel and clear upper-midrange articulation
- • Duncan Solar+ pickups offer high-output, articulate crunch and clarity
- • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo allows for extreme dive bombs and stable tuning
CONS
- • The Vacillator finish, while striking, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging
- • At around 8.5 lbs, it’s a substantial instrument and may be fatiguing for some players
- • The 3-way switch limits tonal flexibility compared to coil-splitting options
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3.7/5
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Art. 616772
$1,539
#15
⭐
3.6/5
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1/10
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7/10
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6/10
Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFBR+
Djent
Death Metal
Progressive
Key Feature:
The XF1.6FRFBR+ is a serious instrument built for modern metal and progressive rock players. The combination of mahogany, maple, and those Duncan Solar+ pickups delivers a powerful, focused tone with excellent sustain. It’s a premium-priced option that offers a lot of bang for your buck in terms of hardware and overall quality.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for aggressive tones.
- • Seymour Duncan Solar+ pickups deliver high-output, articulate, modern rock sounds.
- • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo allows for extreme dive bombs and expressive vibrato.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and excellent note definition.
CONS
- • The mahogany body contributes to a noticeably heavy feel, potentially tiring for some players.
- • The Trans Blood Red Matte finish, while striking, may be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
- • The 3-way pickup switch limits tonal flexibility compared to coil-splitting options.
⭐
3.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 565518
$1,374
How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars
1
Neck Profile & Playability
Solar's neck profiles are consistently comfortable - often a thin C or D shape - making them a joy to shred on. The action is generally low and easy to set up, which is crucial for fast playing without fret buzz. It's a noticeable step up from some of the chunkier necks you find on cheaper instruments.
2
Pickups & Tone Voicing
Let's be honest, a lot of 'metal' guitars sound brittle and harsh. Solar's pickups (often Fishman Fluence or Bareknuckle) are voiced for modern high-gain tones - think tight, articulate lows, a defined midrange that cuts through the mix, and a searing high-end without the ice-pick quality. They handle drop tunings surprisingly well, too.
3
Build Quality & Hardware
The build quality is genuinely impressive for the price. You're getting roasted maple necks (usually 5-piece), mahogany bodies (often chambered for weight relief - a must for serious gigging), and solid hardware like Hipshot tuners and Floyd Rose locking tremolos. It's a level of attention to detail you don't always see.
4
Aesthetic Design & Customization
Solar's designs are striking, often featuring unique color combinations and finishes. They offer a ton of customization options, from pickup choices to hardware finishes, allowing you to build a guitar that's truly your own. It's a nice touch that separates them from the more generic-looking instruments out there.
5
Sustain & Resonance
The combination of mahogany bodies and roasted maple necks contributes to excellent sustain. You can really feel the resonance when you dig in with a pinch harmonic, and the guitar responds well to percussive playing. It's a vital factor for modern metal tones where note decay is part of the character.
Buying Guide
Look, you're not buying a vintage collectible here. Solar guitars are built for playing, not for sitting on a shelf. The lower-priced models (J series) are still fantastic value, but be aware that the finish might not be quite as flawless as the higher-end A series. Pay attention to the neck radius - some players prefer a flatter radius for shredding, while others like a more vintage feel. Ultimately, it's about finding a model that fits your hand and your tone.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page ranks 15 heavy guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category.
Position is computed, not curated. Four signals, in order of weight: how completely the manufacturer documents the instrument (number of published specifications), where it sits in the price range, how specific the model designation is — which filters out generic accessories — and whether a product image exists. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're not identical, but they get remarkably close. You'll notice differences in the finer details - the finish, perhaps the absolute precision of certain hardware - but the core tone and playability are often indistinguishable from much pricier instruments.
Chambering removes wood from the body, making the guitar lighter and more comfortable to play for long gigs. It also slightly alters the resonance, often adding a touch of airiness to the tone. It's a smart design choice for a metal guitar.
Like any Floyd Rose, they can be a bit finicky to set up initially. Watch a few YouTube tutorials, take your time, and you'll be fine. The Hipshot tuners, however, are a breeze.
They're versatile, but really shine with high-gain amps that have a tight low-end and a clear upper midrange. Think Mesa/Boogie, EVH 5150, or similar. They also respond well to modern amp modelers.
Yes, Solar Guitars offers a selection of left-handed models, although availability can vary depending on the specific model and finish. Check their website or contact a dealer for current stock.
