AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Solar Guitars Heavy Guitars 2026
The top pick is Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRVC+ ($1,574). Solar Guitars S by Solar AB4.7W 7-String WHM gives you the most for the money at $336. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 21 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
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
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
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,574 now$1,574€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a solid workhorse built for heavy music. The mahogany body and thick maple neck give it a strong, stable feel under your hands. With big jumbo frets and dual humbuckers, it sounds thick and loud right out of the box. It is a great choice if you want a reliable seven-string for rock without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body with attractive flamed maple top
- Sturdy bolt-on maple neck with comfortable C profile
- Heavy 24 super jumbo stainless steel frets for playability
Cons
- No weight information listed in the description
- Limited to a single fixed brass bridge design
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
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.
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.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,180 now$1,180€1,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius356 mm (14.02")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar packs a solid mahogany body with a nice flamed maple top for warmth and looks. The stainless steel frets and C shape neck make it easy to play for long sessions. It is a great choice for players who want a reliable, mid-range electric without the big price tag.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body offers warm resonance
- Flamed maple veneer adds visual appeal
- Stainless steel frets last for decades
Cons
- Weight not listed for potential heaviness
- No specific action specifications provided
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$874 now$874€777 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale647 mm (25.47")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The A2.6C is a serious contender for players wanting a substantial, powerful instrument. Mahogany body and Duncan Solar pickups give it a modern high-gain voice, while the ebony fingerboard ensures effortless playability. This is an excellent choice for rock, metal, and heavier genres where sustain and aggressive tone are paramount.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers rich sustain and warmth.
- Seymour Duncan Solar pickups offer powerful, articulate tones.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing experience.
Cons
- Mahogany construction results in a noticeably heavier instrument.
- Scale length (647mm) might feel long for some players.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$899 now$899€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels built for heavy playing with its maple neck running all the way through the mahogany body. The quilted top adds visual flair while the ebony fretboard stays smooth under your fingers. With thick Duncan pickups and a locking tremolo, it handles tuning changes well, though the weight might be a factor. It suits players who want a robust instrument that feels solid in hand.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with quilted maple top for solid resonance
- Neck-through-body maple construction ensures consistent action
- Ebony fingerboard provides smooth playability for heavy styles
Cons
- Weight not specified, likely heavy for long sessions
- No active electronics or battery mentioned for modern use
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,687 now$1,687€1,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar gives you seven strings with a solid mahogany body and a smooth maple neck. The custom ceramic pickups push a heavy, thick sound that fits aggressive playing styles. It is a budget-friendly option for players who need extra strings but only need simple volume and tone controls.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body with maple neck for stability
- Custom high-output ceramic humbuckers for thick tone
- 7-string ST-style layout for extended range
Cons
- Only two controls limit tone shaping options
- Fixed bridge lacks tremolo vibration
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale647 mm (25.47")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The V2.6C is a seriously capable instrument, built for players who want a heavy, aggressive tone without the premium price tag. The mahogany body and Duncan Solar pickups deliver a punchy, modern sound, and the comfortable neck profile makes it a joy to play. This is a great choice for metalheads, hard rock enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a guitar with serious attitude.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers thick, warm sustain and powerful low-end response
- Seymour Duncan Solar pickups offer high-output, articulate tones for modern styles
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard provides comfortable playability and balanced feel
Cons
- Mahogany body contributes to a noticeably heavier feel, potentially fatiguing for some players
- Rosewood fingerboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,012 now$1,012€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
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.
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.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
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.
Cons
- The alder body contributes to a slightly heavier feel for extended playing.
- The single Duncan Solar+ pickup may limit tonal flexibility for some.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,462 now$1,462€1,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 21 heavy guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Solar Guitars A1.6SVART+Solar Guitars43Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 12
Solar Guitars A1.6FRCAR Sustaniac+Solar Guitars43Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 13
Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+Solar Guitars43Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 14
Solar Guitars X1.6CoronerSolar Guitars43Stable$1,912€1,699$1,912€1,699Check ↗
- 15
Solar Guitars S by Solar EB4.6W WHMSolar Guitars · 2 finishes41Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 16
Solar Guitars S by Solar XB4.6C CBMSolar Guitars41Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 17
Solar Guitars V2.6Canibalismo+Solar Guitars41Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 18
Solar Guitars X2.6FRGN+Solar Guitars41Stable$1,349€1,199$1,349€1,199Check ↗
- 19
Solar Guitars E1.6AAN Aged Natural MatteSolar Guitars41Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 20
Solar Guitars S by Solar AB4.6FRC CBMSolar Guitars38Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 21
Solar Guitars S by Solar VB4.6C CBMSolar Guitars36Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
Heavy Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 276 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,124 — half of all heavy guitars here cost less.
median of 229 models · 41.3 mm (1.63")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 264 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 140 models · 22–24
most common · 36 models
How to choose the best heavy guitars
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 25 heavy guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 276 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Solar guitars really as good as guitars costing twice as much?
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.
What's the deal with the chambered bodies?
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.
Are the Floyd Rose tremolos easy to set up?
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.
What kind of amp tones do Solar guitars pair well with?
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.
Do Solar guitars offer left-handed options?
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.
