TEST: Solar Guitars T1.7AD

 ### The Evolution and Impact of Seven-String Guitars

Over the past few decades, the design and use of seven-string guitars have undergone significant transformations, shifting from niche to mainstream and back to a specialized tool for modern guitarists. In the late 1980s, Steve Vai brought the seven-string guitar into the spotlight with his JEM Universe model, featuring an additional low B string. Initially, Vai wanted an additional high A string, but it kept breaking, leading to the revolutionary low B string. This innovation captivated the guitar community, particularly with the rise of Nu-Metal bands like Korn, who tuned their guitars down to A, creating a new stylistic element that became integral to the genre.

In contemporary music, downtuning remains extremely popular. However, most musicians achieve this with standard six-string guitars or, in specialized cases, with baritone guitars or even eight-string guitars in the extreme Djent genre. Despite the changing trends, the seven-string guitar remains relevant, as evidenced by the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural, a modern instrument designed to meet the demands of today’s guitarists.

### The Construction of the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural

Understanding the construction of the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural requires a deep dive into its design and components. What sets a seven-string guitar apart? Primarily, the additional low B string allows for powerful, bass-heavy riffs, especially in high-gain settings. However, the true advantage lies in the extended tonal range. For example, baritone guitars, with their longer 760 mm scale length, provide a tight, bass-heavy sound but struggle to achieve high notes. Conversely, eight-string guitars often have such wide fretboards that techniques like bending and vibrato become challenging. A seven-string guitar strikes a balance, offering the full range of a standard guitar plus an extended lower range.

Solar Guitars addresses the common issue of the low B string feeling "floppy" by extending the scale length to 673 mm, increasing string tension and reducing slack. The initial impression of the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural is somewhat reminiscent of a Telecaster, though the resemblance is superficial. The body shape, wood selection, and overall appearance diverge significantly from the traditional Telecaster.

#### Body and Wood

The body of the T1.7AD is made from alder, chosen for its balanced tone and lightweight properties. The finish is intentionally "aged" to avoid a high-gloss look, instead opting for a matte sheen that gives the guitar a used but well-maintained appearance. This finish is far from the heavily relic-ed look seen on some guitars but provides a subtle vintage aesthetic.

#### Neck and Fretboard

The neck is constructed from maple and glued into the body, ensuring stability and sustain. The fretboard is made of ebony, a dense wood known for its smooth feel and durability. It features 24 jumbo stainless steel frets, which offer longevity and a comfortable playing experience. To aid navigation in low-light conditions, the fretboard includes glow-in-the-dark side markers, which are effective even in dim environments.

While the neck is advertised as having a C-shaped profile, it feels closer to a D-shape, providing a substantial but comfortable grip. The absence of binding on both the neck and body gives the guitar a sleek, modern look. The strap buttons are visually cohesive with the guitar's design, but upgrading to locking strap buttons is recommended for added security.

#### Hardware and Electronics

The hardware of the T1.7AD is uniformly treated with a patina finish, giving the tuners, headstock, scratch plate, and Evertune bridge a cohesive, worn-in appearance. The Evertune bridge, known for its complex spring system, maintains consistent string tension, effectively keeping the guitar in tune despite changes in temperature, humidity, or playing pressure.

The Evertune system offers two main settings. The first allows for normal vibrato and bending techniques, while the second setting compensates for excessive string pressure, preventing over-bending. This compensation feature is beneficial for rhythm playing but can feel less expressive for lead techniques due to the system's modulation restrictions. Interestingly, the test model arrived with only the low B string set to compensation mode, while the other six strings were in standard mode. Whether this was intentional or an oversight, the flexibility to adjust each string’s settings to personal preference is a significant advantage.

Upon inspecting the body, it's evident that nearly half of it is hollowed out to accommodate the Evertune bridge and electronics. This modern version of the Evertune bridge requires less body routing than earlier models, reducing weight and preserving more of the guitar's natural resonance. Despite this, the T1.7AD’s body thickness of approximately 4.3 cm and weight of around 4.2 kg is heavier than most guitars, contributing to its solid feel and substantial presence.

The T1.7AD features Fishman Fluence pickups, renowned for their versatility and clarity. These pickups are controlled by a master volume and tone knob, with the tone knob functioning as a push-pull switch to toggle between modern and vintage voicings.

### Practical Use and Playability of the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural

First impressions of the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural reveal a robust and solid instrument. The substantial weight and sturdy build inspire confidence, suggesting that it can withstand rigorous playing without damage. The factory setup is impressive, with no buzzing or rattling, indicating meticulous attention to detail during assembly.

The Evertune bridge continues to evoke mixed feelings. On one hand, the ability to take the guitar out of its case and play without tuning adjustments is a significant convenience. On the other hand, the slight delay in response when performing bends can feel unusual, as the system needs to detect and react to the bending motion before it translates into pitch change. While this can be adapted to with practice, traditional players might find the required finger movement more extensive than expected.

However, the sustain behavior of the Evertune bridge has markedly improved. Early models were known to dampen sustain, but the current iteration allows for long, resonant notes. Despite the significant body hollowing, the guitar’s resonance and sustain are excellent, highlighting the effectiveness of the design improvements.

The T1.7AD excels in high-gain environments, delivering powerful, articulate tones. Surprisingly, it also performs well in lower gain settings, demonstrating versatility. The Telecaster-inspired body shape offers a refreshing departure from the common Super Strat designs prevalent among other manufacturers. The playability is excellent, despite the large neck and fretboard dimensions, with a well-designed neck joint facilitating comfortable access to the upper frets.

One minor drawback is the "spring ring" effect associated with the Evertune bridge, similar to the noise from unmuted springs in traditional tremolo systems. This can slightly muddy the sound during palm-muted playing, although it is a minor issue compared to the overall benefits of the system.

### Conclusion

The Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural is a noteworthy addition to the company’s lineup, catering to guitarists who seek a blend of modern functionality and classic aesthetics. The guitar’s construction and components reflect high standards, from the choice of woods and finish to the integration of the Evertune bridge and Fishman Fluence pickups.

For players who appreciate substantial, weighty instruments and are intrigued by the Evertune system's potential, the T1.7AD is an excellent option. Its ability to maintain perfect tuning and its robust construction make it ideal for both studio and live performances. Moreover, its unique appearance and playability set it apart from other seven-string guitars on the market.

In summary, the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural delivers a compelling combination of traditional and modern features, providing guitarists with a versatile and reliable instrument that meets the demands of contemporary playing styles.

### Further Exploration of the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural

#### Detailed Examination of the Materials

A closer look at the materials used in the Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural reveals a thoughtful selection aimed at balancing tone, durability, and aesthetics. Alder, chosen for the body, is a staple in electric guitar construction due to its lightweight and resonant properties. It provides a balanced tonal spectrum, with pronounced mids, tight lows, and clear highs, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. The aged natural finish not only gives the guitar a unique, vintage appearance but also allows the wood to breathe, potentially enhancing its tonal characteristics over time.

The neck, constructed from maple, is known for its strength and stability, essential for maintaining intonation and action over the guitar’s lifespan. Maple’s bright tonal qualities complement the alder body, ensuring that the guitar’s sound remains articulate and crisp, even with the added low B string. The ebony fretboard, prized for its smooth, fast-playing surface, contributes to the guitar’s overall high-end feel and playability. Ebony’s density also adds to the instrument’s sustain and attack, crucial for achieving clarity in complex chords and fast runs.

#### The Importance of Scale Length

The extended 673 mm scale length of the T1.7AD addresses a common issue with seven-string guitars: the tendency for the low B string to feel loose or "flabby." This longer scale length increases string tension, which not only tightens up the feel of the low B but also improves intonation and sustain across all strings. This is particularly beneficial for players who utilize lower tunings or play aggressively, as it ensures that the notes remain clear and defined.

#### Fluorescent Fret Markers

The fluorescent fret markers are a practical addition that enhances the guitar’s usability in various lighting conditions. These markers absorb light and emit a glow, making it easier to navigate the fretboard during dark stage performances or dimly lit practice sessions. This feature underscores Solar Guitars' attention to detail and commitment to creating instruments that cater to the needs of performing musicians.

### The Role of the Evertune Bridge

#### Mechanism and Functionality

The Evertune bridge is a revolutionary component that has garnered a dedicated following among guitarists who prioritize tuning stability. Its intricate spring mechanism continuously adjusts string tension to counteract environmental factors like temperature changes and physical impacts, which can cause conventional bridges to go out of tune. This system ensures that the guitar remains perfectly in tune, even under strenuous playing conditions.

#### Customization and Flexibility

One of the standout features of the Evertune bridge is its customizable nature. Guitarists can choose to set the bridge to compensate for string bends or allow normal vibrato and bending techniques. This flexibility is invaluable, as it enables the player to tailor the instrument’s response to their specific playing style. For rhythm guitarists who require precise, consistent tuning, the Evertune bridge offers unparalleled reliability. Lead guitarists, on the other hand, can adjust the system to maintain the expressive nuances of their playing.

### Practical Considerations

#### Weight and Ergonomics

At approximately 4.2 kg, the T1.7AD is notably heavier than many modern electric guitars. This weight contributes to its robust feel and substantial presence. While some players might find this weight challenging during extended playing sessions, others will appreciate the stability and solidity it provides. The ergonomic contours, including the armrest, cutaway, and ribcage bevel, ensure that the guitar remains comfortable to play, even for long periods.

#### Factory Setup and Adjustments

The factory setup of the T1.7AD is commendable, with precise attention given to action, intonation, and fret leveling. This meticulous setup ensures that the guitar is ready to play straight out of the box, minimizing the need for immediate adjustments. However, the flexibility of the Evertune bridge and the ease of accessing the truss rod and saddle adjustments mean that players can easily tweak the setup to their personal preferences.

### Performance and Sound

#### High-Gain Settings

The T1.7AD shines in high-gain settings, where its powerful pickups and robust construction come into their own. The Fishman Fluence pickups, known for their clarity and versatility, handle high levels of distortion without losing definition. This makes the guitar ideal for metal and hard rock genres, where precise articulation and aggressive tones are paramount.

#### Versatility Across Genres

Despite its high-gain prowess, the T1.7AD is versatile enough to handle a variety of genres. In clean and low-gain settings, the guitar’s tonal characteristics shift to a more balanced, articulate sound, suitable for jazz, blues, and even country. The push-pull tone pot allows for quick switching between modern and vintage voicings, providing additional tonal flexibility. This versatility makes the T1.7AD a valuable tool for studio musicians and live performers who need a single guitar capable of covering a wide range of musical styles.

#### Playability

The playability of the T1.7AD is exceptional, thanks to its well-designed neck profile and fretwork. The smooth, fast-playing ebony fretboard and the comfortable neck shape facilitate easy movement across the fretboard. The extended scale length might require some adjustment for players accustomed to standard scale lengths, but the benefits in string tension and tonal clarity are well worth the transition.

### The Aesthetic Appeal

#### Design and Finish

The aesthetic appeal of the T1.7AD is one of its distinguishing features. The aged natural finish, combined with the patina-treated hardware, gives the guitar a distinctive look that sets it apart from more conventional designs. This vintage-inspired appearance is complemented by the modern features and high-quality construction, creating an instrument that looks as good as it plays.

#### Visual Impact on Stage

The visual impact of the T1.7AD on stage cannot be understated. Its unique finish and robust design make it a standout piece, drawing attention and adding to the performer’s presence. The glow-in-the-dark fret markers not only serve a practical purpose but also add a touch of flair that enhances the overall stage aesthetic.

### Conclusion: A Comprehensive Instrument

The Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality. By combining modern technology with classic design elements, Solar Guitars has created an instrument that appeals to a wide range of players. Whether you are a professional musician seeking a reliable, versatile guitar for recording and touring, or an enthusiast looking for a high-quality addition to your collection, the T1.7AD is a worthy consideration.

Its robust construction, versatile tonal capabilities, and innovative features like the Evertune bridge and Fishman Fluence pickups make it a standout choice in the crowded market of seven-string guitars. The careful selection of materials, attention to detail in the construction, and the thoughtful inclusion of player-friendly features demonstrate a deep understanding of what modern guitarists need and want.

### Additional Technical Specifications and Details

#### Scale Length and Tuning

The 673 mm (26.5 inches) scale length of the T1.7AD is a key feature that enhances its playability and tonal performance. This extended scale length is particularly beneficial for lower tunings, providing tighter string tension that helps maintain intonation and sustain. Guitarists who frequently play in drop tunings or need a guitar that can handle a wide range of tunings will find this feature especially useful.

#### Neck Construction and Profile

The neck profile, while described as a C-shape by the manufacturer, leans more towards a D-shape, offering a thicker, more substantial feel that many players prefer for stability and comfort. The neck-through construction further enhances sustain and resonance, as the continuous wood piece allows vibrations to travel more freely through the instrument.

#### Pickups and Electronics

The Fishman Fluence pickups installed in the T1.7AD are renowned for their innovative design and tonal versatility. Unlike traditional pickups that use wire windings to generate sound, Fluence pickups use a printed circuit board to create consistent, noise-free tones. This technology provides the T1.7AD with two distinct voicings, accessible via the push-pull tone pot:

1. **Modern Voicing**: This setting delivers a high-output, aggressive tone suitable for metal and hard rock, with tight lows, pronounced mids, and crisp highs.
2. **Vintage Voicing**: This setting offers a more classic, PAF-like sound, with warmer, rounder tones ideal for blues, jazz, and classic rock.

#### Bridge and Tuning Stability

The Evertune bridge is a highlight of the T1.7AD, offering unparalleled tuning stability through its mechanical system that maintains consistent string tension. This bridge is particularly beneficial for live performers and recording artists who require precise tuning without frequent adjustments. The ability to set the bridge to compensate for bends or allow normal vibrato techniques adds a layer of customization that enhances the guitar’s versatility.

### Final Thoughts

The Solar Guitars T1.7AD Aged Natural is more than just a guitar; it is a comprehensive tool designed to meet the diverse needs of modern guitarists. Its blend of innovative technology, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design make it a standout choice for those seeking a reliable, versatile, and visually striking instrument. Whether you are delving into the depths of downtuned metal riffs or exploring the intricate nuances of jazz and blues, the T1.7AD delivers with precision and style.