TEST: Solar Guitars E1.6 Vinter

 As we know, you have to have a lot of patience to establish a new product, especially in this day and age, when the instrument industry is saturated to the brim. For this reason alone, YouTube influencer Ola Englund must be treated with respect. He used to be active in various bands, but switched to YouTube advertising for economic reasons and at the same time founded his own guitar brand, Solar Guitars. The company in question has a large selection of models and has made a name for itself in the metal sector in particular in recent years. We have the Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Pearl White Matte made in Indonesia for testing.

The construction of the Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Pearl White Matte

It is easy to see that the visual template of the Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Pearl White Matte is to be found in the Gibson Explorer shape, although the models differ significantly in detail. I am a big Explorer fan myself, but like many other players, I also suffer from the lack of stand compatibility and the huge case dimensions. Well, for the stand problem you can use hanging stands from K&M, for example, but the asymmetrical body shape will always be a challenge for all case builders. Despite the large body dimensions, the instrument remains in the moderate weight range compared to its forefather, with a weight of just under 4 kg, but this is probably also due to the milling work on the Evertune bridge (more on that later).

According to the manufacturer, the body is made of alder, while the Thomann website believes that mahogany is used for the body wings. The body shape has been freed of all rounded edges, probably to emphasize the aggressiveness, and leaves a kind of "Cylon look" in all shaping. The sonic heart of the instrument, however, is the full-length maple neck, which has been fitted with an ebony fingerboard. The Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Pearl White Matte offers 22 stainless steel frets, which has the advantage that the neck pickup can be placed in the area of ​​the imaginary 24th fret, where it can pick up the best overtone waves. Whether you prefer a matte or glossy finish is in the eye of the beholder and even with a latent "Modern Talking" impression, you should always keep in mind that no finish picks up the colored stage spotlights as well as a white one. Or simply put, "If you wear black, you have to play white!".

The upper side of the fingerboard has been given phosphorescent dot inlays that glow green in the dark, a real help for dark stages. Interestingly, the Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Pearl White Matte is delivered with a short scale length of 628 mm, perhaps also to reduce the dimensions of the expansive body somewhat. The tuners are lockable and bear the Solar trademark on the underside. I couldn't find out where Solar Guitars has the mechanics made, but from the looks of it, it could be Grover's. The instrument is delivered with a gig bag, which at least provides moderate protection during transport. However, only a solid case or a professional case will help against serious scratches or broken headstocks.

The electronics of the Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Pearl Whit Matte

Once again, Solar Guitars is relying on the Fluence Modern pickups from Fishman. In recent years, this pickup has been able to gather a large fan base in the metal genre, as the pickup can switch between two characters using a switch. The switching process is carried out by the Mastertone controller, which is designed as a push/pull. The two resonances are called "Vintage" and "Modern", which should also immediately define their area of ​​application. It should be clear to everyone that Vintage is not a vintage humbucker with 7 kOhm DC resistance or something similar.

The Evertune Bridge

Although no longer as exotic as it was a few years ago, the design of the Evertune Bridge is still a special feature in the field of hardware. In short, a sophisticated spring system prevents the guitar from going out of tune, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Once the system is set to a certain string thickness, neither temperature nor humidity differences, too much finger pressure or mechanical influences can detune the instrument. Especially in the early days of the system, many producers breathed a sigh of relief because some "woodcutters" in the studio were finally able to offer clean intonation.

The disadvantage of this setting of two possible is that all modulations such as bending or vibrato, which shape the personal tone, are also compensated for, i.e. the expressiveness of soloing on an Evertune bridge is massively curtailed. But don't worry, you can also set the system so that the modulations mentioned are included, although this requires very precise adjustment, which must be made again when changing to a different string thickness.

Even with very good adjustment, there is still a hint of indirect response, but this is compensated for by maintaining the tuning. Everyone has to know for themselves which behavior they prefer, so I don't want to give a rating on this either. But you should keep in mind that a quick tuning change, for example to Drop D, is not possible. So if you need several tunings within your set, it is advisable to have several instruments with the respective tunings at the start.

The Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Perl White Matte in practice

Well, the guitar is freshly in hand, the cable is in the amp and it sounds... nothing. All cables and controls checked... nothing. What can I say, the guitar is delivered without the 9V block for the electronics, a bad habit that is now spreading among several manufacturers. I can understand that the manufacturer is worried about the battery leaking if the instrument is stored for a long time, but then at least a 9V block should be included with the instrument. You don't deliver an instrument without strings.

After the problem was solved, the instrument was able to show off its strengths. The sound behavior is clearly designed for the heavy range, just like the appearance, so I saved myself the clean sound examples in this case. The basic sound is "crisp" in terms of response with a clear focus on the high mids, which ensures good assertiveness. Despite the comparatively high weight, the instrument hangs well balanced on the strap and is comfortable in the sitting position.

I recorded all sound files with both voicings of the pickups, using the vintage setting first and then the modern setting. With these two nuances alone, you can move your sound in two different directions in advance, depending on the level of aggression you want in your sound. In terms of the amp, channels 2-5 of my Hughes & Kettner Triamp MK3 were used together with a Marshall 412 cabinet with Celestion G12 75T speakers and 2 Shure SM 57s.

The instrument was very well set up from the factory, so no further adjustments were necessary. I also did not notice any loss of sustain or ringing noises from the Evertune bridge, as was sometimes the case with previous test instruments. The luminous fingerboard markings, which started working even at dusk, turned out to be a real highlight.

The Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Perl White Matte really does serve its target group across the board, whether in terms of appearance or tone. The workmanship is once again very good, there were no dirty paint spots or sharp edges anywhere. It is still a mystery to me how Indonesia managed to create such a high-quality craftsmanship in such a short time.

Conclusion

With the Solar Guitars E1.6Vinter Perl White Matte, the manufacturer has fully reached its target group. Anyone who thinks their preferred style of music is hard'n'heavy will find a good tool in this instrument, with which you can neglect your playing discipline in terms of intonation thanks to the Evertune bridge. As an experienced solo guitarist, the subtly indirect feel of the playing may make you feel a little uncomfortable, but for rhythm guitarists the system is a real help.

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Additional Informations:

### The Evolution and History of the Explorer Electric Guitar Shape

The Explorer guitar shape is one of the most iconic and recognizable designs in the world of electric guitars. Its angular, futuristic design has captivated musicians and guitar enthusiasts for decades. This detailed exploration delves into the history, development, and impact of the Explorer guitar shape, tracing its origins from its conceptual beginnings to its status as a symbol of rock and metal music.

### The Birth of a Bold Design

The story of the Explorer guitar shape begins in the mid-1950s, a time when the electric guitar was still a relatively new instrument, and manufacturers were experimenting with various designs to capture the imagination of musicians and audiences alike. The Explorer was the brainchild of Ted McCarty, president of Gibson Guitar Corporation, who sought to create a series of futuristic guitars that would stand out from the more traditional designs of the era.

In 1958, Gibson introduced the Explorer as part of its Modernistic series, which also included the Flying V and the Moderne. These guitars were envisioned as cutting-edge instruments that would push the boundaries of guitar design. The Explorer, with its sharp, angular body and elongated headstock, was particularly striking. It was crafted from Korina wood (also known as African limba), which was chosen for its light weight and resonant tonal properties.

### Initial Reception and Early Production

Despite its innovative design, the Explorer was not an immediate commercial success. The guitar's radical shape was considered too unconventional for the conservative tastes of many musicians in the late 1950s. As a result, Gibson produced only a limited number of Explorers, with estimates suggesting that fewer than 100 units were made during its initial run from 1958 to 1959.

The lackluster sales led Gibson to discontinue the Explorer shortly after its introduction. However, the few original models that were produced quickly became highly sought after by collectors and musicians alike, who recognized the instrument's unique aesthetic and tonal qualities. Over time, these early Explorers became prized possessions, fetching high prices in the vintage guitar market.

### The Explorer's Revival in the 1970s

The Explorer's resurgence began in the 1970s, driven by the changing landscape of rock music and a growing appreciation for the guitar's distinctive design. As hard rock and heavy metal gained popularity, guitarists sought instruments that conveyed a sense of power and aggression, both visually and sonically. The Explorer, with its bold lines and striking appearance, perfectly fit this new musical paradigm.

In 1976, Gibson reissued the Explorer, responding to the growing demand from musicians and collectors. This reissue featured similar specifications to the original model, including the Korina body and neck, though later versions also utilized mahogany. The reissued Explorer quickly gained traction among guitarists in the rock and metal scenes, solidifying its place in the pantheon of iconic guitar designs.

### Notable Players and Cultural Impact

The Explorer's distinctive shape and powerful sound have made it a favorite among many influential guitarists over the years. One of the most notable early adopters was Eric Clapton, who played an original 1958 Explorer with his band, Cream, in the late 1960s. Clapton's use of the Explorer helped to reintroduce the guitar to a wider audience and demonstrated its versatility in various musical contexts.

In the 1980s, the Explorer became synonymous with the burgeoning heavy metal movement. James Hetfield of Metallica famously wielded a white Gibson Explorer during the band's early years, contributing to the guitar's association with the aggressive, high-energy style of thrash metal. Hetfield's preference for the Explorer helped to cement its status as a quintessential metal guitar, inspiring countless other musicians to follow suit.

The Explorer's influence extends beyond individual players. Its unique design has inspired numerous variations and adaptations by other guitar manufacturers. Brands like Jackson, ESP, and Dean have all produced their own versions of the Explorer, each adding their own twist to the classic shape while maintaining its core elements.

### Technical Evolution and Variants

Over the years, the Explorer has seen numerous modifications and variations, reflecting both technological advancements and evolving musical tastes. Early models were equipped with PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups, known for their warm, full-bodied tone. Later versions have featured a variety of pickup configurations, including high-output humbuckers designed to meet the demands of modern rock and metal players.

In addition to changes in pickups, the Explorer has also seen variations in materials and construction methods. While the original Explorers were made from Korina, later models have been crafted from mahogany, maple, and other tonewoods. These changes have allowed the Explorer to offer a range of tonal characteristics, catering to the diverse preferences of different players.

Gibson has also introduced several signature models, collaborating with famous musicians to create instruments tailored to their specific needs. These signature Explorers often feature unique finishes, hardware, and electronics, further expanding the guitar's versatility and appeal.

### The Explorer in the Modern Era

Today, the Explorer remains a staple in the guitar world, embraced by both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the strength of its original design and its ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. The guitar's distinctive shape continues to make a bold visual statement, while its versatile tonal capabilities ensure that it remains relevant across a wide range of genres.

Gibson continues to produce the Explorer, offering both traditional models that pay homage to the original design and modern versions that incorporate contemporary features and technologies. The company's commitment to preserving the Explorer's legacy while also innovating for the future ensures that this iconic guitar will continue to inspire and excite musicians for generations to come.

### Conclusion

The Explorer guitar shape stands as a symbol of innovation and bold design in the world of electric guitars. From its inception in the late 1950s as a daring experiment to its resurgence in the 1970s and its continued relevance today, the Explorer has carved out a unique place in the history of musical instruments. Its journey reflects the dynamic nature of music and culture, illustrating how a radical idea can evolve to become an enduring icon. The Explorer's impact on the guitar world is undeniable, and its legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the sounds and styles of future generations of musicians.