TEST: AEA TDI D.I.-Box

 **The AEA TDI Active Direct Box**

In the world of musical equipment, the humble DI box often gets overlooked. If there were a prize for the least glamorous product in the music industry, it’s a safe bet that a DI (Direct Injection) box would win almost every time. Typically, these boxes are tucked away in a corner of the stage, their presence unnoticed until something goes wrong—like generating unwanted noise.

### The Concept of a DI Box

For those unfamiliar, a DI box is a device that converts a high-impedance, unbalanced signal into a low-impedance, balanced signal. This transformation is crucial, especially when connecting a passive electric bass or an electric guitar directly to a mixing console, bypassing the traditional amp and microphone setup. Unbalanced signals tend to degrade after about 20 feet (6 meters), especially with passive pickups, leading to significant signal loss. Active pickups can extend this range to about 65 feet (20 meters), but this is mostly within the realm of EMG, Fishman, or similar pickups.

Electric guitars also benefit from DI boxes when not using standard amplifiers and speakers. In scenarios where the signal is processed digitally, an unbalanced signal can cause issues. Balanced signals are less susceptible to noise and interference, ensuring a cleaner sound over longer distances.

### Practical Applications

A DI box is indispensable in a wet-dry setup. This configuration splits the guitar signal, sending one path to an amplifier and speaker for traditional mic pickup, while the other path, through the DI box, goes to effects processors. The resulting processed signal can then be reintegrated into the overall sound system, either through a speaker or directly into the PA system, depending on the desired effect.

### Design and Build of the AEA TDI

The AEA TDI, designed and manufactured in the USA, stands out immediately upon unboxing due to its robust construction and substantial weight of approximately 1.3 pounds (600 grams). The chassis is a combination of brushed steel on the top and matte black on the bottom, secured together with screws. The unit rests on four soft rubber feet, providing excellent stability even on smooth surfaces like glass.

As is standard with DI boxes of this type, the AEA TDI features an unbalanced input and a through output, alongside a balanced XLR output for the converted signal. Being an active DI box, it requires a power source, which is conveniently supplied via 48V phantom power available on most mixing consoles. It's crucial to mute all channels before activating phantom power to avoid the loud pop that can occur otherwise.

On either side of the XLR output are two mini switches. The right switch is a standard ground lift to eliminate hum caused by ground loops. The left switch is a PAD (Passive Attenuation Device) switch, allowing the input signal to be attenuated by 20 dB. This feature is particularly useful for handling high-output instruments like keyboards or synthesizers without overloading the DI box.

### Technical Specifics

The AEA TDI boasts impressive headroom and can handle very hot signals without distortion. According to AEA’s manual, the DI box can manage loud signals effortlessly, and its PAD switch enhances this capability. This feature makes it ideal for a variety of applications, from live performances to studio recording, where maintaining signal integrity is paramount.

### In Use

Using the AEA TDI is straightforward. It provides a pristine, uncolored signal with an extremely linear frequency response. In testing, the box handled aggressive playing styles without distortion, even with the PAD switch disengaged. This neutrality in signal processing is essential for capturing the true sound of the instrument.

### Conclusion

The AEA TDI is a remarkable addition to AEA's lineup, known for their high-quality ribbon microphones. This DI box not only performs excellently but also sets a high standard for durability and reliability. Priced at around €369, it sits at the higher end of the market, but its performance justifies the investment for professionals seeking uncompromised sound quality.

### Expanded Details and Technical Analysis

The heart of the AEA TDI lies in its electronic design. Active DI boxes like the TDI utilize active circuitry powered by phantom power, which significantly reduces impedance and provides a buffer to drive long cable runs without signal degradation. The AEA TDI features a high-quality transformer, crucial for maintaining signal integrity and isolating the instrument from the PA system.

**Transformers and Signal Isolation**

Transformers are fundamental in DI boxes for their ability to provide galvanic isolation. This means the input and output are electrically isolated, preventing ground loop hums and ensuring that noise from one part of the signal chain does not infiltrate another. The transformer in the AEA TDI is specifically designed to handle high levels of signal without saturation, ensuring clean and undistorted sound even at high input levels.

**Frequency Response and Headroom**

The AEA TDI’s frequency response is ruler-flat, which means it does not color the sound. This transparency is critical in professional audio settings where the true character of the instrument must be preserved. The headroom of the DI box is also notable. Headroom refers to the capacity of the DI box to handle peaks in the signal without clipping. With the PAD switch, the TDI can manage extremely high-output signals typical of modern synthesizers and digital keyboards, which often exceed the levels produced by traditional electric guitars and basses.

**Build Quality and Durability**

The physical construction of the AEA TDI reflects its professional-grade specifications. The robust steel chassis can withstand the rigors of live performance and frequent transportation. The brushed steel finish not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides additional resistance to wear and corrosion. The matte black bottom plate contrasts nicely and features four non-slip rubber feet, ensuring the DI box remains stable on various surfaces.

**Practical Implementation in Various Setups**

**Live Performance:**

In live settings, the AEA TDI excels by providing a clean, noise-free signal path. Musicians can rely on its robust construction and superior signal integrity to ensure that their instruments sound as intended through the PA system. The ground lift switch is particularly useful in venues with suboptimal electrical systems, helping to eliminate hum and buzz.

**Studio Recording:**

In the studio, the transparency of the AEA TDI is invaluable. Engineers can capture the pure tone of the instrument, providing a solid foundation for further processing. Whether recording direct guitar tracks for re-amping later or capturing the pristine output of a synthesizer, the TDI ensures that the recorded signal is of the highest quality.

**Complex Signal Chains:**

For musicians and audio engineers employing complex signal chains, such as those using multiple effects pedals or integrating digital and analog equipment, the AEA TDI offers seamless integration. Its ability to handle high levels and provide a balanced output ensures that even elaborate setups remain free from noise and signal loss.

**Additional Features:**

The simplicity of the AEA TDI’s design is one of its strengths. While some DI boxes offer numerous features that can complicate operation, the TDI focuses on delivering the highest quality signal conversion with minimal fuss. This focus on core functionality makes it a reliable tool for professionals who need a DI box they can set and forget.

**Comparative Analysis:**

Compared to other DI boxes on the market, the AEA TDI stands out for its combination of durability, sound quality, and ease of use. While more affordable options exist, they often compromise on build quality or introduce slight coloration to the signal. High-end competitors might offer similar performance but at an even higher price point or with added complexity that not all users need.

**User Testimonials and Industry Reception:**

Professional musicians and sound engineers who have used the AEA TDI often praise its reliability and sound quality. Testimonials frequently highlight the DI box’s ability to handle hot signals without distortion and its transparent sound. The AEA TDI has garnered positive reviews from industry publications and forums, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier DI box for professional use.

### Conclusion

In summary, the AEA TDI is an exceptional DI box that meets the demands of professional musicians and audio engineers. Its robust construction, transparent sound, and high headroom make it a versatile tool suitable for a variety of applications. While it sits at a higher price point, its performance and durability justify the investment, ensuring that users receive a product that delivers uncompromised quality and reliability.

With the AEA TDI, AEA has once again demonstrated their commitment to producing high-quality audio equipment that meets the needs of discerning professionals. Whether on stage or in the studio, the AEA TDI is a reliable and indispensable tool for achieving the best possible sound.

### The Evolution of DI Boxes

To fully appreciate the significance of the AEA TDI, it's essential to understand the evolution of DI boxes and their role in the audio signal chain.

#### Early Developments

The DI box, short for Direct Injection box, was developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s to address the challenges of connecting high-impedance instruments like electric guitars and basses to low-impedance microphone preamps. The primary issue was the mismatch in impedance, which caused significant signal loss and noise. Early DI boxes were passive, relying on transformers to convert the signal, but these had limitations, especially with signal strength and frequency response.

#### Transition to Active DI Boxes

The introduction of active DI boxes marked a significant advancement. These devices incorporated active circuitry, usually powered by phantom power from a mixing console or an external power supply. This change allowed for better impedance matching, higher signal strength, and a wider frequency response. The active circuitry could handle the nuances of various instruments, from the delicate overtones of an acoustic guitar to the powerful output of a synthesizer.

### Detailed Technical Specifications of the AEA TDI

Understanding the technical specifications of the AEA TDI provides deeper insights into its superior performance.

#### Frequency Response

The AEA TDI boasts an impressive frequency response range from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, ensuring that it captures the full spectrum of the input signal without any loss of detail. This broad range is particularly beneficial for instruments with complex harmonic content, ensuring that every nuance is faithfully reproduced.

#### Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the harmonic distortion present in the signal. The AEA TDI maintains a THD of less than 0.05% at 1 kHz, ensuring that the signal remains clean and free from unwanted harmonics. This low THD is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the original sound, especially when recording or performing with high-fidelity equipment.

#### Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of the AEA TDI is greater than 110 dB, indicating a very low noise floor. This high SNR is essential for capturing quiet passages in music without introducing background noise, ensuring a pristine recording or live performance.

#### Input Impedance

The input impedance of the AEA TDI is set at 2.2 MΩ, which is ideal for high-impedance sources like passive electric guitars and basses. This high input impedance ensures that the DI box does not load the source instrument, preserving its natural tone.

#### Output Impedance

The balanced output impedance of the AEA TDI is a low 200 Ω. This low impedance allows for long cable runs without signal degradation, making it perfect for stage use where the mixer might be far from the instruments.

### Practical Scenarios and Use Cases

The AEA TDI’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of scenarios beyond standard instrument connections.

#### Recording Acoustic Instruments

When recording acoustic instruments equipped with piezo pickups, the AEA TDI provides a clean and accurate representation of the instrument’s sound. Piezo pickups are known for their high impedance, and the TDI’s input impedance ensures that the full frequency range and dynamics of the instrument are captured.

#### Integration with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

For musicians and producers working with DAWs, the AEA TDI ensures that the signal entering the digital interface is of the highest quality. Whether recording direct-in guitars, keyboards, or other electronic instruments, the TDI provides a balanced signal that minimizes noise and maximizes clarity.

#### Live Sound Reinforcement

In live sound applications, the AEA TDI shines by delivering a consistent and reliable signal to the front-of-house mixer. Its ability to handle high input levels without distortion ensures that even the loudest instruments are transmitted cleanly. The ground lift switch helps eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops, a common issue in live environments.

### Comparison with Other High-End DI Boxes

To further illustrate the value of the AEA TDI, it’s helpful to compare it with other high-end DI boxes available on the market.

#### Radial J48

The Radial J48 is another popular active DI box known for its robust construction and reliable performance. Like the AEA TDI, the J48 uses phantom power and features a pad switch. However, the AEA TDI’s superior headroom and lower distortion levels give it an edge in handling hotter signals with greater fidelity.

#### Countryman Type 85

The Countryman Type 85 is renowned for its transparency and durability. It offers similar features to the AEA TDI, such as a high input impedance and low output impedance. However, the AEA TDI’s broader frequency response and lower total harmonic distortion make it a more versatile choice for capturing a wider range of instruments with higher fidelity.

### Expert Opinions and Reviews

Industry experts and professional musicians have consistently praised the AEA TDI for its exceptional performance and reliability.

#### Testimonials from Musicians

Guitarists and bassists who have used the AEA TDI in both live and studio settings frequently highlight its ability to maintain the true character of their instruments. The clean, uncolored signal allows for accurate reproduction of their sound, which is crucial for both live performance and recording.

#### Reviews from Audio Engineers

Audio engineers appreciate the AEA TDI for its robust construction and consistent performance. The high headroom and low noise floor make it a reliable choice for critical recording sessions where maintaining signal integrity is paramount.

### Future Developments and Innovations

The design and performance of the AEA TDI set a high standard for DI boxes, but the field continues to evolve. Future developments may include:

#### Enhanced Connectivity Options

As digital and analog technologies continue to merge, future DI boxes might incorporate USB or other digital outputs, allowing for direct connection to DAWs without the need for additional interfaces.

#### Integrated Effects Processing

While maintaining the purity of the signal is crucial, some musicians and engineers might benefit from integrated effects processing within the DI box. This could include basic EQ or compression to shape the signal before it reaches the mixer or recording device.

#### Advanced Power Options

While phantom power is convenient, future DI boxes might explore alternative power options, such as rechargeable batteries, to provide more flexibility in various performance and recording environments.

### Conclusion

The AEA TDI active DI box is a testament to the importance of high-quality signal processing in both live and studio environments. Its robust construction, superior technical specifications, and versatile applications make it a valuable tool for musicians and audio professionals alike.

By providing a transparent, uncolored signal with exceptional headroom and low noise, the AEA TDI ensures that every nuance of the instrument’s sound is faithfully reproduced. Whether used in a high-energy live performance or a meticulous studio recording session, the AEA TDI stands out as a top-tier choice for those who demand the best in audio fidelity and reliability.

In an industry where the quality of the smallest components can significantly impact the overall sound, the AEA TDI represents a critical investment in achieving professional-grade audio. Its design and performance reflect a deep understanding of the needs of musicians and engineers, offering a reliable solution that enhances the quality of any audio signal it processes.

TEST: Solar Guitars A1.7C G2

 Sometimes you are proven wrong. Who hasn't asked themselves how many professional providers the guitar market still has room for? You would think that the commercial sector has long been covered, but every now and then you are surprised. For example, the company Solar Guitars, founded in 2017, managed to build up a steadily growing community of users through the now mainstream presence of extreme metal genres and the constant promotion by the Swedish owner and YouTuber Ola Englund, without it being possible to recognize a unique selling point at first glance. The test of the Solar Guitars A1.7C G2 should show to what extent there are some special features in the construction of the brand.

The construction of the Solar Guitars A1.7C G2

If you look at the artist page on the Solar Guitars website, the manufacturer's target group is clearly defined. From melodic power metal to grunting burp metal, everything that can be found under the style "metal" is combined. It is all the more surprising that the preferred body shape, in addition to the obligatory Explorer and Flying V shape, is reflected in the classic Powerstrat in the style of the Ibanez RG series. Perhaps portability also plays a role; anyone who has ever tried to transport something B.C. Rich-like without a suitable shaped case knows what I'm talking about.

The Solar Guitars A1.7C G2 presented for testing is visually comparatively understated, although the matte black finish in combination with 2 explicitly designed shapings in the cutaway area gives off a hint of sci-fi attitude. A quick look at the graphite nut width of 48 mm and the number of Solar Locking 18:1 tuners - this instrument is a 7-string guitar. An interesting move, as this type of instrument has steadily lost interest among users since its peak due to the hype surrounding the nu-metal band Korn in the mid-nineties. Anyone looking for a deep tone today either chooses a lower-tuned standard guitar, perhaps a baritone guitar, for reasons of clarity, or they jump on the Djent bandwagon and devote themselves to the haptic and harmonic challenge of an 8-string instrument.

The instrument, which has a retail price of 1,159 euros, is manufactured like many other competitors in the lower and middle price segment in Indonesia, which has long since overtaken China in guitar making. The relatively young company is said to have no shortage of choice; if you include all finish variants, left-handers and basses, you end up with an impressive selection of over 150 different models. How many of these are always available, however, can only be found out in your local shop.

Woods

When it comes to choosing wood, the company is very conventional. The instrument has a full-length maple neck, which is known to provide very good sustain and is a good addition to the Evertune bridge. The neck profile is described in the documentation as C, but in my opinion it is clearly a strong D, if only because a C in the 7-string range would bring with it some limitations in terms of the grip radius.

For anyone who is not yet familiar with the Evertune system, here is a very brief summary of how it works. The system is a bridge construction that is unique in the world and uses a complex spring construction to automatically keep the instrument in tune when perfectly adjusted. You can set the system so that it always holds the target note and thus ignores or compensates for bends, for example, or you can adjust the spring tension to the string tension so that bends can be taken into account.

In addition to the advantage that the system compensates for temperature and humidity fluctuations, it also has the advantage that inexperienced musicians who do not (yet) have control over the string pressure of their left hand still have a perfectly tuned guitar when recording, so that you can find one or more guitars with this system in almost every high-quality rental studio. The disadvantage of the system is that the extensive milling work means the instrument loses sustain and bends and vibratos feel a little more indirect than with a stop tailpiece, even when perfectly adjusted. In addition, setting up the system for the first time is very time-consuming and has to be done again every time the string thickness is changed.

To give the body the necessary shape, alder wings were glued on. To support the overall black finish, an ebony fingerboard was installed, which has 24 jumbo frets and fluorescent dot inlays on the sides. There are no inlays on the fingerboard, only the eye-catching Solar Guitars logo was placed on the 12th fret for marketing reasons. To give the low B string a more defined attack, the instrument was given an extra-long scale length of 673 mm, which slightly increases the string tension compared to the long standard scale length. The Solar Guitars A1.7C G2 has 2 humbuckers made by Seymour Duncan, which are controlled by a 5-way switch that is unfortunately a bit indirect and slightly wobbly. There is also a master volume and a master tone control

The Solar Guitars A1.7C G2 in practice

What is immediately noticeable when you first play it is the high weight despite the strong Evertune bridge cutouts and the associated weight reductions. At around 3.8 kg, the instrument is still a long way from the 80s Les Paul stick, but is well above the typical Powerstrat weight class, which is usually just over 3 kg. Nevertheless, the instrument is easy to handle, which is not least due to the good ergonomics. Apart from the pointed cutaway ends, the guitar has a "flowing" shape that has no corners or edges. The comparatively wide fingerboard is also easy to grip and offers a high level of playing comfort across the entire grip area.

As expected, users who explore an Evertune bridge on an instrument for the first time will meet it with a strong frown. In the factory setting, the instrument is set to "maximum tuning stability", which means that the guitar comes tuned out of the transport box and does not go out of tune during the entire playing time. What at first glance creates a real ecstasy of joy gives way to a panicked expression on the face when you hear the first leads. Bendings? Vibrato? Everything is dead! The tone stays where it is in terms of frequency, no matter what you do with the string. Only when you pull very hard does the tone suddenly jump to the next higher semitone, and then jump up a whole tone a millimeter further. It is not possible to evenly approximate the tone by pulling the strings.

In the interests of fairness, however, I must note that I personally own a VGS guitar with the Evertune system, which is set to "regular string pulling" and copes well with normal playing, separate from my 013-056 set of strings in standard tuning. However, I left the Solar Guitars A1.7C G2 in the factory setting, as changing the system to my needs takes several hours, but it's easy to do.

In terms of sound, the Solar Guitars A1.7C G2 covers everything you want, not only but primarily, in metal. The focus is on gain, more gain and high gain, especially since the classic palm muted attacks can be easily implemented thanks to the vibrato system-free bridge construction. The pickups also have a very strong treble component to further enhance the aggression of the sound. If you really just want to play the rhythm stick and have no ambition to thicken up your playing with expressive licks, you can get very far even with the factory setting of the Evertune bridge in the typical thrash etc. range, and you don't need to pay any attention to the grip culture of your fretting hand. However, depending on the key used, a problem arises, as is also known from undamped vibrato springs of a Floyd Rose vibrato system. If you hit it hard, you hit the resonance frequency of the Evertune springs, which sounds a bit like you were using a reverb spiral in addition. For me, it was the key of "E". You can hear very clearly at the end of sound file 04 how the springs continue to vibrate, even though all the strings are dampened.

The sound files were created with an Engl Savage MKII, a Marshall 412 cabinet with Celestion G75T and two Shure SM57s.

Conclusion

With the Solar Guitars A1.7C G2, the company around YouTuber Ola Englund has a good guitar with good components. The 7-string, which is designed to be "out of the bag", allows for relaxed playing in both the low and high frequency ranges and should satisfy every part of the hard'n'heavy faction. To what extent the Evertune Bridge System suits their own playing style or hinders it, each musician has to find out for themselves.

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Additional Informations:

The electric guitar has undergone countless transformations since its inception, each iteration aiming to push the boundaries of sound, playability, and aesthetics. Among these innovations, the Powerstrat stands out as a particularly significant development. Emerging in the late 20th century, the Powerstrat was designed to meet the evolving demands of rock and metal guitarists, combining the classic look and feel of the Fender Stratocaster with the power and versatility required for heavier music genres. This article delves into the origins, development, and impact of the Powerstrat, tracing its journey from concept to icon.

### The Genesis of a Hybrid Concept

The Fender Stratocaster, introduced in 1954, quickly became one of the most beloved and iconic electric guitars. Known for its sleek design, comfortable contours, and versatile sound, the Stratocaster was embraced by musicians across various genres. However, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, the rise of hard rock and heavy metal created new demands for higher output pickups, improved sustain, and more aggressive tonal options. Traditional Stratocasters, with their single-coil pickups and vintage-style tremolos, were often seen as lacking the power and durability required for these heavier styles.

The concept of the Powerstrat emerged from this context. It sought to retain the ergonomic advantages and aesthetic appeal of the Stratocaster while integrating features that catered to the needs of rock and metal players. This included the addition of humbucking pickups, advanced tremolo systems, and other modifications that enhanced the instrument’s versatility and performance.

### Early Experiments and Pioneering Models

The first significant step towards the Powerstrat came with the introduction of the Fender Stratocaster with humbucking pickups. In the late 1970s, Fender began experimenting with various pickup configurations, including models equipped with a single humbucker in the bridge position. These early models, such as the Fender Lead series, were designed to offer the higher output and thicker tone associated with humbuckers while maintaining the familiar Stratocaster shape and feel.

A crucial moment in the development of the Powerstrat was the collaboration between Fender and guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen. Although Van Halen is more commonly associated with his custom "Frankenstrat," his modifications to the Stratocaster platform, including the installation of a humbucker and a locking tremolo system, directly influenced the evolution of the Powerstrat. Van Halen’s innovative approach demonstrated the potential of combining traditional Stratocaster elements with modern, high-performance features.

### The Influence of Superstrats

In the 1980s, the guitar market saw the rise of "superstrats," a term used to describe modified Stratocaster-style guitars that featured advanced hardware and electronics designed for high-gain performance. Brands like Jackson, Charvel, and Ibanez led this movement, offering guitars with sleek, contoured bodies, fast neck profiles, and powerful pickups. These superstrats became the instruments of choice for many of the era’s top rock and metal guitarists, including Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and George Lynch.

Fender, recognizing the popularity of superstrats, sought to capture this market by developing its own high-performance Stratocaster variants. This led to the creation of models like the Fender Contemporary Stratocaster and the Fender HM Strat, which incorporated features such as dual humbucking pickups, Floyd Rose locking tremolos, and sculpted neck heels for improved upper fret access. These models bridged the gap between traditional Stratocasters and the emerging superstrat trend, embodying the essence of the Powerstrat concept.

### The Powerstrat Emerges

The term "Powerstrat" itself is often used to describe Stratocaster-style guitars that incorporate high-output pickups and modern hardware. However, it was the introduction of the Fender Showmaster and the Fender American Deluxe series in the late 1990s and early 2000s that solidified the Powerstrat identity. These models were designed to offer the best of both worlds: the classic look and feel of a Stratocaster with the performance enhancements needed for contemporary rock and metal music.

The Fender Showmaster, in particular, was a significant milestone. It featured a set-neck construction (as opposed to the traditional bolt-on neck), high-output humbucking pickups, and a choice of fixed or Floyd Rose tremolo systems. The Showmaster’s design aimed to provide improved sustain, stability, and tonal versatility, making it a favorite among guitarists seeking a Stratocaster that could handle the demands of high-gain amplification and aggressive playing styles.

Similarly, the Fender American Deluxe series incorporated modern features such as noiseless pickups, S-1 switching systems for expanded tonal options, and contoured neck heels. These guitars were designed to offer professional musicians a versatile and reliable instrument that could excel in both studio and stage environments.

### Technical Innovations and Features

The defining characteristics of a Powerstrat include high-output pickups, advanced tremolo systems, and enhanced playability features. High-output pickups, particularly humbuckers, are essential for delivering the thick, powerful tone required for rock and metal music. These pickups are often paired with coil-splitting or series/parallel switching options to provide additional tonal flexibility.

Advanced tremolo systems, such as the Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo, are another key feature of the Powerstrat. These systems allow for extreme pitch manipulation while maintaining tuning stability, a crucial requirement for many modern playing techniques. The inclusion of locking nuts and fine tuners further enhances the reliability of these tremolo systems.

Enhanced playability features often include thin, fast neck profiles, jumbo frets, and contoured neck heels. These elements are designed to facilitate fast, technical playing and comfortable access to the upper frets. Additionally, the use of lightweight and resonant tonewoods helps to balance the instrument’s overall feel and sustain.

### Impact on the Guitar Industry

The introduction and evolution of the Powerstrat have had a profound impact on the guitar industry. By bridging the gap between traditional and modern design elements, the Powerstrat has expanded the versatility and appeal of the Stratocaster platform. This hybrid approach has influenced not only Fender but also other guitar manufacturers who have adopted similar design philosophies in their own instruments.

The success of the Powerstrat has also contributed to the ongoing popularity of the Stratocaster shape, ensuring its relevance in a wide range of musical genres. Guitarists who might have otherwise gravitated towards more specialized instruments have found that the Powerstrat offers a compelling combination of classic style and modern performance capabilities.

### Notable Players and Endorsements

Over the years, many notable guitarists have embraced the Powerstrat concept, contributing to its widespread acceptance and popularity. Eddie Van Halen’s influence cannot be overstated, as his modifications to the Stratocaster directly inspired the development of high-performance models. Other influential players include Yngwie Malmsteen, whose signature Stratocaster features scalloped frets and high-output pickups, and Richie Sambora, whose custom models have included dual humbuckers and Floyd Rose tremolos.

These endorsements have helped to showcase the versatility and capability of the Powerstrat, demonstrating its suitability for a wide range of playing styles and musical genres. The continued popularity of these instruments among professional musicians serves as a testament to their enduring appeal and effectiveness.

### Conclusion

The Powerstrat represents a significant chapter in the history of electric guitar design. By combining the timeless appeal of the Stratocaster with modern enhancements tailored for rock and metal music, the Powerstrat has carved out a unique and influential niche in the guitar world. Its development reflects the ongoing evolution of musical styles and the continuous quest for innovation in instrument design.

From its early experiments to its establishment as a recognized category of high-performance guitars, the Powerstrat’s journey is a testament to the adaptability and enduring relevance of the Stratocaster platform. As the music industry continues to evolve, the Powerstrat remains a powerful example of how tradition and innovation can coexist, offering musicians the best of both worlds in a single, versatile instrument.

TEST: Solar Guitars A1.6D+

 Did influencer Ola Englund ever think that his guitar company Solar Guitars would be so successful when he founded it in 2017 and its models are now available in over 50 countries? The current Solar Guitars website lists what feels like over 200 different variations of the different models, which is a really large selection of instruments for an independent company. Today we have the Solar Guitars A1.6D+ Aged Natural for testing, which is very woody in the truest sense of the word.

The construction of the Solar Guitars A1.6D+ Aged Natural

The A model obviously seems to be the company's biggest revenue generator, at least with over 60 models on the website you have by far the largest selection in terms of layout and hardware. Once again we are dealing with a classic Powerstrat, although it should be noted that both the body shaping and various other details are not in the classic 80s Powerstrat style.

Rather, the instrument made in Indonesia is a more modern, slimmer version of the model, which not only has two much sharper cutaways, but also has a great deal of individuality due to the significantly higher shaping proportions. In terms of the choice of wood, we are dealing with a combination that is also often found in the Stratocaster range in terms of neck and body. In other words, we have an alder body and a maple neck, although in contrast to the Strat, the fingerboard in this case is made of ebony.

The body and neck have been stained dark, so that at first glance you have the feeling that you are dealing with a mahogany instrument. As already mentioned, the instrument has several shaping approaches, whereby apart from the typical rib protectors on the back and the armrest on the top left, the edges of the two cutaways have also been rounded off and a soft transition has been generated at the base of the neck on the back. According to the manufacturer, the shaping of the neck is a so-called C-shaping. For my part, I would still personally classify the whole thing in the D range. However, this assessment is purely subjective and everyone has to make up their own mind about it.

24 jumbo frets made of stainless steel are installed on the fingerboard, with the instrument having a scale length of 25.5 inches or 64.8 cm, i.e. the long scale length has been installed on the instrument. As fingerboard inlays, Solar Guitars once again uses the Solar Guitar logo on the twelfth fret on the Solar Guitars A1.6D+ Aged Natural and also uses the fluorescent green dot inlays on the side of the fingerboard, which start to glow when the room is slightly darkened and are a real help, especially on dark stages.

The instrument has a matt varnish and even if it doesn't sound very professional, unfortunately it's not my fault, the overall appearance reminds me a little of my grandmother's living room cupboard, which had exactly the same grain, the same stain and the same varnish.

Another nice nod to the 80s is the placement of the locking tuning machines, which are once again mirrored on the underside of the headstock in a 6 in a row style and work with a ratio of 18:1. All of the hardware on the instrument is described as distressed, which means that the metal looks slightly tarnished and is intended to simulate a certain age. Interestingly, I think this design fits very well with the solid wood section that the instrument shows.

What I really like is the detailed solution of the upper strap pin, which is located on the back part of the body. I know some manufacturers who have a similarly pointed cutaway horn on the top of the body and have drilled the strap pin somewhat irrelevantly onto the tip of the horn. Not only does it not look nice, it is also extremely unstable under vertical load. So the rear solution is much better.

The Evertune Bridge

Solar Guitars once again uses the Evertune Bridge as a bridge construction, which is known to have advantages and, in my opinion, disadvantages. For all beginners, here is a brief summary of the basic principle of the Evertune Bridge. The Evertune Bridge is a sophisticated system of springs that are installed inside the guitar and which provide counter-tension to the string tension.

The Evertune Bridge can be set so that no matter how hard you pull or press on the sides, the tone always remains the same, which ensures incredible tuning stability beyond temperature differences, humidity fluctuations or excessive finger pressure. The disadvantage of this setting is that you can no longer modulate the fretted note. This means that bending, vibrato or any kind of phrasing within the pitch is no longer possible with this setting of the Evertune Bridge. A dream for the rhythm guitarist, a nightmare for the lead guitarist.

With the second setting, after perfectly adjusting the system, you can use all the phrasing such as vibrato and bending and still enjoy the mostly very good tuning of the instrument. The disadvantage here, however, is that the response of the tone is a little more indirect when it comes to modulation and you also have to apply a lot more force to the side deflection than with a regular guitar bridge system.

The electronics of the Solar Guitars A1.6D+ Aged Natural

When it comes to pickups and electronics, Solar Guitars has once again opted for two humbuckers from Seymour Duncan for the Solar Guitars A1.6D+ Aged Natural. The models are passive Duncan Solar Plus models, which offer the most important humbucker and single coil circuits for the instrument via a five-way switch. There is a master volume and a master tone control to choose from.

The Solar Guitars A1.6D+ Aged Natural in practice

When you pick up the instrument for the first time, you immediately notice how easy the neck is to play. The neck is very easy to grip, has a pleasant feel and should suit the majority of guitarists in terms of dimensions. The body itself is also easy to handle, nestles comfortably against the body, with the respective millings serving their purpose of making handling more comfortable.

You'll notice that the instrument was primarily designed for the heavy or high-gain range as soon as you connect the instrument to the amplifier and start to use the pickups. In my opinion, the pickups lack a bit of character in the clean range that was initially set. Not that they sound bad, but they lack the liveliness of pickups from Seymour Duncan, for example, which were primarily designed for clean or crunchy sounds. In addition, the single-coil circuit is significantly quieter in terms of output level than the humbucker circuit, which is something to be taken into account, especially in the clean range.

As the level of distortion increases, however, the pickups can be quite convincing. Especially if you like the sound of passive pickups, which are known to differ significantly from active pickups in terms of their dynamics and response, the Seymour Duncan pickups manage to produce a comparatively transparent sound even at high levels of distortion, so that even at high high-gain settings the sound does not drift into muddy tones.

It is also very positive to note that the reverb spiral effect that occasionally occurred in the past and which is known from both Floyd Rose systems and the Evertune Bridge did not appear on this instrument. This made it possible to obtain a transparent sound even at high high-gain settings and corresponding palm-muted riff attacks.

Overall, the instrument is certainly convincing and will certainly bring a lot of joy to its target group. The extent to which the Evertune Bridge can be used effectively is up to each individual, as is whether or not they prefer a purely wooden look. Personally, I left the Evertune bridge as it was set at the factory, i.e. in the "balanced position", which was a bit strange for me, as any form of vibrato or modulation that I normally have in my playing was balanced out and eliminated by the system. But as is often the case, it's all a matter of personal taste.

The sound files were created with an Engl Savage MkII, a Marshall Cabinet 4x12 equipped with a Celestion G12 75T speaker and two Shure SM57.

Conclusion

With the Solar Guitars A1.6D+ Aged Natural, the manufacturer has a good instrument for the hard'n'heavy sector in its portfolio. Anyone looking for an instrument with an Evertune bridge for this music segment should take a look at this instrument.

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Additional Informations:

In the realm of musical instruments, particularly electric guitars, innovations are often greeted with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Among such advancements, the Evertune bridge stands out as a revolutionary solution to one of the most persistent challenges faced by guitarists: maintaining perfect tuning stability. This article delves into the origins, development, and impact of the Evertune bridge, highlighting its journey from a conceptual innovation to a game-changing component in modern guitar design.

### The Conceptual Genesis

The Evertune bridge was conceived by Cosmos Lyles, an engineer with a passion for music and a deep understanding of mechanical systems. The idea originated from the frustration that many musicians experience with the constant need to retune their instruments, especially during live performances and recording sessions. The aim was to create a bridge system that could keep a guitar in perfect tune regardless of environmental changes, playing style, or string wear.

Lyles' initial concept was to design a mechanical system that could compensate for the factors causing a guitar to go out of tune. These factors include temperature and humidity changes, string stretching, and variations in playing pressure. The challenge was to create a system that was both precise and reliable, yet simple enough to be integrated into standard guitar designs without significantly altering their appearance or playability.

### Prototyping and Development

The development of the Evertune bridge involved extensive research and numerous prototypes. Lyles collaborated with a team of engineers and musicians to refine the design. The key innovation of the Evertune system lies in its use of springs and levers to dynamically adjust the tension of each string. This mechanism ensures that the strings maintain consistent tension, thus keeping the guitar in tune.

The initial prototypes faced several challenges, including ensuring the durability of the system under rigorous playing conditions and maintaining the tonal quality of the guitar. Through iterative testing and feedback from professional guitarists, the design was gradually perfected. The final version of the Evertune bridge featured a series of individual modules for each string, allowing precise adjustments and easy maintenance.

### Market Introduction and Reception

The Evertune bridge was officially launched in 2010, marking a significant milestone in the field of guitar technology. Its introduction was met with cautious optimism from the guitar community. Musicians and industry experts were intrigued by the promise of a guitar that could stay perfectly in tune, but there were also concerns about the potential impact on the instrument's sound and playability.

To address these concerns, Evertune engaged in extensive demonstrations and endorsements by professional guitarists. Notable musicians such as Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) and Scott Ian (Anthrax) were among the early adopters who praised the bridge for its reliability and consistency. These endorsements helped to build credibility and trust within the guitar community.

### Technical Specifications and Functionality

The Evertune bridge operates on a simple yet effective principle: maintaining constant tension on each string. Each string passes through a spring-loaded saddle that adjusts automatically to changes in tension. This mechanism compensates for any factors that would typically cause a guitar to go out of tune, such as bending strings, heavy strumming, or environmental changes.

One of the key features of the Evertune bridge is its ability to be fine-tuned for different playing styles. Musicians can set the system to allow a certain amount of bending for expressive playing, or to lock the tuning entirely for maximum stability. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of musical genres and playing techniques.

The Evertune bridge is designed to be installed on both new guitars and as a retrofit on existing instruments. This versatility has contributed to its growing popularity among both manufacturers and individual musicians. Brands like ESP, Schecter, and Gibson have incorporated Evertune bridges into some of their models, further solidifying its acceptance in the industry.

### Impact on the Guitar Industry

The introduction of the Evertune bridge has had a profound impact on the guitar industry. It has challenged the traditional notion that guitars inherently require frequent retuning, offering a practical solution to a longstanding problem. This has not only improved the performance experience for musicians but also opened up new possibilities for guitar design and engineering.

One of the significant benefits of the Evertune bridge is its contribution to the recording process. In the studio, maintaining consistent tuning can be a time-consuming task, often requiring multiple takes to ensure perfect pitch. The Evertune system minimizes this issue, allowing for more efficient recording sessions and reducing the need for post-production pitch correction.

Moreover, the Evertune bridge has influenced the design philosophy of modern guitars. Its integration requires precise engineering and manufacturing, pushing guitar makers to adopt higher standards of quality control. This has led to advancements in other areas of guitar construction, as manufacturers strive to complement the stability provided by the Evertune system with equally high-quality components.

### Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its many advantages, the Evertune bridge is not without its critics. Some guitarists argue that the mechanical system can alter the natural feel and response of the strings, particularly when it comes to expressive playing techniques like vibrato and bending. While the system can be adjusted to allow for some bending, purists often prefer the traditional feel of a standard bridge.

Another criticism is the complexity and cost of installation. Retrofitting an existing guitar with an Evertune bridge requires precise routing and setup, which can be challenging and expensive. This has limited its adoption among amateur guitarists and hobbyists who may be deterred by the additional expense.

### The Future of Evertune

Looking ahead, the future of the Evertune bridge seems promising. Continued advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques are likely to enhance the system's performance and affordability. Evertune is also exploring new applications for its technology, including potential adaptations for bass guitars and other stringed instruments.

The company's commitment to innovation and quality has positioned it as a leader in guitar technology. As more musicians and manufacturers embrace the benefits of the Evertune bridge, its influence on the industry is expected to grow. The ongoing development and refinement of the system will ensure that it remains a valuable tool for musicians seeking the ultimate in tuning stability.

### Conclusion

The Evertune bridge represents a significant milestone in the evolution of guitar technology. From its conceptual beginnings to its current status as a respected and widely-used innovation, the journey of the Evertune bridge reflects the enduring quest for perfection in musical instruments. Its ability to maintain perfect tuning under a variety of conditions has made it an invaluable asset for musicians, recording engineers, and manufacturers alike. As the guitar industry continues to evolve, the Evertune bridge stands as a testament to the power of innovation in enhancing the art and science of music.

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.

TEST: Solar Guitars E1.6 AAN

 In today's world, where the instrument industry is saturated to the limit with manufacturers of all kinds, it really takes extraordinary perseverance to successfully establish a new product. Consequently, YouTube influencer Ola Englund, who launched his own guitar brand called Solar Guitars in 2017, deserves great respect, regardless of what one may think of his style of presentation. Englund, who was once active in various bands himself, switched to the field of YouTube influencers due to the better economic prospects and founded his own company at the same time. Solar Guitars now has a wide range of models and has made a very good name for itself in recent years, particularly in the metal sector. This time, the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN, made in Indonesia, will be subjected to a thorough review in this article.

The construction of the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN

It is really easy to see that the visual basis of the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN is to be found in the shape of the Gibson Explorer, although the models differ from each other in many details. I myself was particularly enthusiastic about guitars of the Explorer shape in my early days, but like many other guitarists, I too suffered from the impractical shape, which can actually not be placed on almost any regular guitar stand and also results in very unwieldy case dimensions.

While the problem of storing the instrument can be partially overcome with a hanging stand, the asymmetrical body shape remains a constant challenge for every case builder. Despite the massive body dimensions, the weight of the instrument is rather moderate at just under 4 kg compared to its predecessor, but this is also partly due to the milling work on the Evertune bridge.

The Solar Guitars E1.6AAN has an alder body, which, as is usual with instruments of this body size, is made up of several parts, in this case four pieces of different sizes. To emphasize the aggressiveness of the instrument, the body shape has been freed of all rounded edges, giving the instrument a somewhat more modern, slightly sci-fi-inspired look. The sonic center of the instrument is the full-length maple neck, which is equipped with an ebony fingerboard.

The Solar Guitars E1.6AAN has 22 stainless steel frets, which offers the advantage that the neck pickup can be positioned in the area of ​​the imaginary 24th fret, where it can pick up the best overtone waves. The look of the natural, but stained body reminds me a little of "rustic oak"; my grandmother had a living room cabinet that was exactly the same color. This is not meant to be judgmental, but you won't find any decorative elements such as bindings or inlays on the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN.

The top of the fingerboard facing the musician has been given phosphorescent dot inlays that glow green in the dark and are very useful on dark stages. Interestingly, the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN comes with a short scale length of 628 mm, possibly to reduce the dimensions of the expansive body somewhat. The lockable tuners, which run in an 18:1 ratio, bear the Solar trademark on the bottom, but remind me a lot of Grover tuners. Perhaps an OEM collaboration. The instrument comes with a gig bag that offers at least 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 E1.6AAN

The Solar Guitars E1.6AAN is once again equipped with the very popular Fluence Modern pickups from Fishman. These pickups enjoy a loyal fan base, especially in the metal sector, as they can be switched between two characters using a switch. The switching process is carried out by the master tone control, which is designed as a push/pull control. The two characters of the pickups are called "Vintage" and "Modern" and determine their respective areas of application. However, you should be aware that the "Vintage" character should not be confused with a passive humbucker of the vintage class, but only reduces the aggressiveness of the pickups. A master volume control is available for general volume control.


The Evertune Bridge

Despite its increasing popularity in recent years, the Evertune Bridge is still a special feature in the hardware sector. The design is based on a well-thought-out spring system that prevents the guitar from going out of tune in any way. This has advantages and disadvantages. As soon as the system is set for a certain string thickness, detuning due to temperature or humidity differences, excessive finger pressure or mechanical influences is ruled out. At the beginning of the system, many producers in their studios were very relieved because even musicians with less technical skills could now offer clean intonation in the studio.

However, with this factory setting, all modulations of the tone, such as bending or vibrato, which shape the individual sound of the artist, are balanced out or eliminated. This severely limits the expressiveness of solo playing on an Evertune Bridge. However, it is possible to adjust the system within its mode of operation so that these modulations in the string tension are taken into account, although this requires precise adjustment, which must be made again when changing to a different string thickness and the associated change in the string tension.

Despite good adjustment, a certain degree of indirect response remains even after readjustment, but maintaining the tuning despite adverse conditions compensates for this limitation. Ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves which tonal behavior they prefer, so I don't want to give a rating on the mode of operation. However, it should be noted that a quick change of tuning, for example to Drop D, is not possible with the Evertune Bridge. If several tunings are required within a set, it is advisable to have several instruments with the respective tunings available and to switch between the instruments.

The Solar Guitars E1.6AAN in practice

Yes, and there it is again, the horrific problem that I had in previous tests of Solar Guitars and which I cannot understand even with the best will in the world. If you connect the instrument to the amplifier, no sound is heard! The reason for this is quickly found: once again, there is no battery in the battery compartment. 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 along with a leaflet that draws attention to the situation. I am sure that many beginners start troubleshooting with a big question mark on their foreheads, which is really unnecessary.

After the guitar was finally equipped with a 9V block for the electronics, it was able to show off its sonic strengths. The sound is specifically geared towards the heavy range and impresses with a crisp response with a focus on the high mids. Although the instrument is comparatively heavy, it hangs well balanced on the strap and is comfortable even when sitting down. The two pickups can be adjusted very well to suit your personal playing style thanks to the vintage and modern voicing settings.

For the recording, the instrument was connected to a Hughes & Kettner Triamp MK3 and a Marshall 412 cabinet with Celestion G12 75T speakers and picked up with 2 Shure SM 57 microphones. The instrument's factory settings were very good, so no further adjustments were necessary. The Evertune bridge also showed no loss of sustain or ringing noise, as was the case with the first versions of the system a few years ago. The luminous fingerboard markings turned out to be a real highlight, as they started working even at dusk. Overall, the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN meets all expectations thanks to its focus on the target group, both visually and acoustically. The workmanship is, as usual, very good and it is once again impressive how Indonesia has built up high-quality craftsmanship within the country within a short period of time.

Conclusion

Once again, Solar Guitars has successfully addressed its target group with the Solar Guitars E1.6AAN. This instrument is an excellent tool, especially for lovers of hard'n'heavy music, and thanks to the Evertune bridge, it can forgive sloppy intonation if necessary.

While experienced solo guitarists might experience a subtly uncomfortable playing feel, rhythm guitarists benefit greatly from this system. Just give it a try!

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Additional Informations:

In the ever-evolving landscape of music and digital media, Ola Englund stands as a compelling figure. A Swedish guitarist, producer, and entrepreneur, Englund has carved out a niche for himself that spans beyond traditional music roles, venturing deep into the realms of social media and content creation. His journey, characterized by relentless passion and a clear vision, offers an intriguing case study of how the music industry intersects with the digital age.

### Early Years and Musical Beginnings

Ola Englund was born on September 27, 1981, in Stockholm, Sweden. Like many young musicians, his journey began with a deep-seated love for music, fostered in his early years. Englund’s initial foray into music was heavily influenced by the metal genre, which has remained a constant throughout his career. Bands like Metallica and Megadeth shaped his musical tastes, and by the age of 12, he had already begun to explore the guitar.

Englund’s early musical education was largely self-directed. He spent countless hours honing his skills, driven by a passion for the intricate and powerful sounds of metal. This dedication paid off, and by his late teens, he was not only proficient but also developing a unique style that would later become his signature.

### The Rise to Prominence

Englund’s professional breakthrough came with his involvement in the band Feared, which he co-founded in 2007. The band’s blend of death metal and progressive elements garnered a dedicated following, establishing Englund as a serious musician in the metal community. Feared’s discography is a testament to Englund’s songwriting abilities and his knack for blending brutality with melody.

However, it was Englund’s entry into the band Six Feet Under that significantly elevated his profile. Joining the American death metal band as a guitarist in 2011, Englund’s work on the album *Undead* showcased his ability to seamlessly integrate into an established act while contributing his unique sound. His tenure with Six Feet Under, although relatively short, was pivotal in expanding his reach and influence.

### Digital Media and Content Creation

What truly sets Ola Englund apart is his foresight in leveraging digital media. Early on, Englund recognized the potential of platforms like YouTube to connect with a global audience. In 2008, he started his own YouTube channel, initially sharing guitar tutorials and gear reviews. His approach was both technical and accessible, making complex concepts understandable to a broad audience.

Englund’s channel grew exponentially, driven by high-quality content and his engaging personality. He became known for his honest and thorough reviews of guitars, amplifiers, and other gear, providing valuable insights to both amateur and professional musicians. His content often includes demonstrations, comparisons, and personal opinions, delivered with a blend of expertise and relatability.

### Solar Guitars: The Entrepreneurial Venture

In 2017, Englund took a significant step by launching his own guitar brand, Solar Guitars. This venture was a natural progression, combining his deep understanding of musicians’ needs with his entrepreneurial spirit. Solar Guitars quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality instruments tailored to the demands of modern metal guitarists.

Englund’s hands-on approach to Solar Guitars is evident in every aspect of the brand. From design to production, he is involved in ensuring that each instrument meets his exacting standards. The brand’s success is a testament to Englund’s ability to translate his vision into tangible products that resonate with musicians worldwide.

### Personal Brand and Community Engagement

Ola Englund’s influence extends beyond his musical output and entrepreneurial ventures. He has cultivated a strong personal brand characterized by authenticity and transparency. Whether discussing gear, music, or personal experiences, Englund maintains an open and approachable demeanor that resonates with his audience.

Englund’s engagement with his community is multifaceted. He regularly interacts with fans through social media, responding to comments, participating in discussions, and even incorporating audience feedback into his content. This level of engagement fosters a sense of community and loyalty among his followers, who feel a personal connection to him.

### Challenges and Criticisms

No career is without its challenges, and Englund’s journey is no exception. Balancing multiple roles as a musician, content creator, and entrepreneur requires a significant amount of time and effort. The pressure to consistently produce high-quality content and innovative products can be daunting.

Additionally, Englund has faced criticisms, particularly in the realm of digital media where scrutiny is high. Some detractors argue that his commercial ventures, such as paid reviews or brand endorsements, might compromise his objectivity. However, Englund has addressed these concerns by maintaining transparency about his business relationships and ensuring that his reviews remain honest and unbiased.

### Legacy and Impact

Ola Englund’s impact on the music and digital media landscapes is undeniable. He has successfully navigated the complexities of modern media, using it as a tool to enhance his musical career and entrepreneurial endeavors. His journey reflects the changing dynamics of the music industry, where traditional pathways are increasingly supplemented by digital innovation.

Englund’s legacy is multifaceted. As a musician, he has contributed to the evolution of metal through his work with various bands and his solo projects. As a content creator, he has provided invaluable resources to the guitar community, demystifying gear and techniques for aspiring musicians. As an entrepreneur, he has demonstrated that with vision and dedication, it is possible to build a successful brand that resonates with a global audience.

### Conclusion

Ola Englund embodies the spirit of modern musicianship, where creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship intersect. His journey from a passionate young guitarist to a prominent influencer and successful entrepreneur offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. Englund’s ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to his roots serves as an inspiration to musicians and content creators alike. As the music industry continues to evolve, figures like Englund will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future.

TEST: Solar Guitars Chug

 One thing you have to give Ola Englund, who has converted from an active musician to an influencer, is that it feels like not a month goes by without a new solar product appearing on the market. As managing director of Chug Express SL, which is based in Spain and into which Solar Guitars has been merged, Ola Englund is focusing on consistently expanding his portfolio in addition to his advertising videos, which also seem to be daily, and which have now gone beyond the development of string instruments for the first time. We now have the high gain pedal Solar Guitars Chug for testing, which, according to the advertising message, is supposed to take over the high gain channel of an amp.

The concept of the Solar Guitars Chug

As befits a real influencer, Ola Englund also needs a pithy saying that should become his trademark. "Will it chug?" is a humorous unique selling point with which O. E. tests various guitar / pedal / amp / cabinet / speaker / microphone constellations in his videos for their sound capabilities. In this sense, the naming of the pedal is a logical continuation of its word creation and a very successful marketing move.

The pedal itself makes no secret of its field of application in the manufacturer's attached description. The concept aims to add another high gain channel to an existing amp by using the Solar Guitars Chug in front of the clean channel, or you can use the pedal as a standalone preamp and try to achieve a good sound using a power amp/cabinet or speaker simulation solution.

The pedal uses an extensive 5-band tone control with separate gain feed for the treble or bass and an internally installed noise gate, which is intended to put a stop to the inevitably generated noise.

The construction of the Solar Guitars Chug

The Solar Guitars Chug pedal comes in a solid metal design, with four countersunk Allen screws fixing the upper front plate to the lower metal tray. The pedal only consumes 100 mA of power and should therefore be able to be operated with almost any 9V DC power supply. A power supply is not included and battery operation is not provided. In order to be able to operate the pedal without a pedal board, four adhesive rubber feet are included with the pedal.

The pedal comes with a simple, four-language manual, in which the translation program uses angular and not exactly practical translations to quickly convert the original English text into Spanish, French and German. Perhaps you should have a native speaker from the local music scene take a look at it and translate the already correct text into a musician-compatible version. The external image is good.

To compensate for the cable extensions that occur, the Solar Guitars Chug Pedal has a buffered bypass, which in my opinion turns out to be the more sensible decision, especially in the high gain range. The "holy grail" of true bypass may make sense in the blues area due to the treble attenuation from a total cable length of 6 meters and more, but normally the guitarist wants to lose as little treble as possible in bypass mode. If you want to do without a downstream buffer pedal, you have the option of doing so with a buffered bypass. Be careful, always pay attention to the order in which the pedals are on the board.

There are a total of 6 double-axis potentiometers on the Solar Guitars Chug Pedal for controlling all parameters, although with two control ranges (middle and gain) the two axes have been combined into one controller. The user can choose between five frequency ranges (depth, bass, middle, treble, presence) in the upper row, while the lower range takes over the output volume, the threshold of the noise gate, the gain level and the two level controls for the low and high frequency ranges.
A red/green combination LED also visually indicates whether the noise gate is blocking the incoming signal (red) or letting it pass (green), depending on the threshold setting. Unfortunately, the green LED in particular has the problem that you can no longer tell whether the pedal has been switched on or not when the light is a little stronger. This can cause problems, especially at open air events in daylight.

In my opinion, installing a noise gate within a high gain distortion pedal is a very sensible feature, as you cannot avoid buying a separate noise gate pedal if you do not want to deactivate the distortion pedal immediately when you are taking a break from playing. Remember, if turning down the guitar's volume control does not produce the desired effect, a noise gate must be put in the signal path. If you have ever tried to find the optimal threshold when using the guitar's volume control, you will know what I am talking about. However, this is not important for simple on/off metal thumping, as you only run the risk of a fading chord being strangled if the setting is too hard.

The Solar Guitars Chug Pedal in practice

Despite all the flexibility of the extensive sound control, the double potentiometers give cause for criticism in two ways when it comes to practical suitability. Firstly, you can only see the control position "black dots on a black background" if you turn the pedal against the light and get a rough idea from the reflections of the recesses. Readjustments on stage? Only by ear!

The double potentiometers also have the unpleasant property that if you move the inner potentiometer, for example, you turn the outer potentiometer at the same time, without touching it. The same applies the other way round: move the outer potentiometer and adjust the inner potentiometer as well. In plain language, this means that you can only adjust one of the double potentiometers separately by holding the axis of the other potentiometer firmly. A fiddly job beyond compare. Perhaps just a few fastening screws are tightened too tightly, but without visual control and guaranteed double action, managing the parameters is really completely impractical.

It is interesting that the Solar Guitars Chug pedal produces comparatively little background noise even when the gain control is fully turned up. In this sense, the noise gate has significantly less to do than with various competing products. Apart from that, however, it works very tastefully, regulates smoothly and leaves a very good impression.

In terms of sound, you might get the impression that the Solar Guitars Chug pedal has 2 bass and 3 treble controls. The midrange control is set very high in terms of frequency and would perhaps even pass as a treble control on other pedals. The pedal's presence control offers a frequency range where the description "chainsaw" would be a huge understatement. In general, the Solar Guitars Chug pedal is very treble-heavy. In all of the sound files included, the treble and presence controls were between 8 and 9 o'clock, i.e. almost completely turned down. So if you're looking for the classic Scandinavian chainsaw massacre scratching, you've come to the right place.

As a basis for the sound files, I used my best "pedal amp", the Sound City Master 100, which generated a very neutral, slightly distorted sound as the basic setting. The guitar was an LP Standard from 2014, and the cabinet was a Marshall 412 with Celestion G12 75T and two Shure SM57.

The fact that the Solar Guitars Chug pedal is designed exclusively for high gain can be seen from the fact that even with the gain control turned all the way down, we are almost in the lead range in terms of the gain structure. The amp can be boosted very nicely using the out control, but the high distortion spoils the typical booster characteristics a little. But the pedal was not designed for this area either.

In general, the pedal "bites" very strongly in the basic sound, the tendency of which can never be completely removed due to the strong treble characteristics. In return, however, the pedal can be used to give the dullest amp a massive boost of treble. For example, a single-channel amp whose clean sound was deliberately set to be soft and low in treble can be massively inflated with the Solar Guitars Chug pedal and built up into an independent second channel. All in all, the Solar Guitars Chug pedal is a very flexible metal distortion pedal that, in my opinion, still has a few small teething issues, but these can be fixed with relatively little effort in the MKII version.

Conclusion

With the Solar Guitars Chug Pedal, the Spanish manufacturer has a distortion pedal in its portfolio that has been uncompromisingly bred for high gain. The very extensive tone control allows for many adjustment options, especially in the treble range, and enables the setting up of an independent, additional channel on the amplifier.

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Additional Informations:

Recognizing the importance of effect pedals in shaping a guitarist’s sound, Solar Guitars decided to diversify its offerings. The journey into effect pedals began in the late 2010s, with a focus on creating pedals that would complement the company’s guitars and provide musicians with high-quality tools to enhance their tonal palette.

The design philosophy behind Solar effect pedals was similar to that of their guitars: user-centric, robust, and tailored to the needs of modern musicians. Ola Englund’s extensive experience as a touring and recording artist played a crucial role in defining the features and functionalities of these pedals.

## The First Release: Chug Pedal

In 2021, Solar Guitars introduced its first effect pedal, the Chug Pedal. This distortion pedal was specifically designed to deliver the tight, aggressive tones favored by metal guitarists. The Chug Pedal featured a unique circuit that provided a wide range of distortion sounds, from subtle overdrive to full-on high-gain saturation.

The Chug Pedal was met with positive reviews from both critics and users. Its versatility, combined with its rugged construction, made it a popular choice among guitarists looking for a reliable distortion pedal that could handle the demands of both live performance and studio recording. The success of the Chug Pedal encouraged Solar Guitars to continue developing new pedals and expanding their product line.

## Expanding the Lineup

Building on the success of the Chug Pedal, Solar Guitars set out to create a comprehensive range of effect pedals that would cover various aspects of a guitarist’s signal chain. The company’s approach was to release pedals that were not only high-quality but also addressed specific needs within the guitarist community.

### Solar Flanger

Following the Chug Pedal, Solar Guitars introduced the Solar Flanger, a pedal designed to produce a wide array of flanging effects, from subtle modulation to intense jet-like sweeps. The Solar Flanger featured intuitive controls that allowed users to easily dial in their desired sound, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles beyond just metal.

The inclusion of a robust metal housing and true bypass switching ensured that the Solar Flanger could withstand the rigors of live performance without compromising on sound quality. This pedal quickly became a favorite among guitarists seeking a reliable and versatile flanging effect.

### Solar Delay

Next in the lineup was the Solar Delay, a pedal that offered both digital and analog delay sounds. This pedal was designed to provide musicians with the flexibility to create everything from short, slapback delays to long, atmospheric echoes. The Solar Delay featured multiple modes, allowing users to switch between different types of delay and modulation.

The Solar Delay’s combination of high-quality components and user-friendly design made it a valuable addition to any pedalboard. Its versatility and reliability ensured that it could meet the needs of a wide range of guitarists, from those playing ambient music to those in heavy metal bands.

### Solar Reverb

Recognizing the importance of reverb in creating depth and space in a guitarist’s sound, Solar Guitars introduced the Solar Reverb pedal. This pedal offered multiple reverb types, including spring, plate, and hall, allowing users to tailor their reverb sound to their specific needs. The Solar Reverb was designed to provide lush, immersive reverb effects without overwhelming the original guitar tone.

The pedal’s high-quality construction and straightforward controls made it a favorite among guitarists looking for a reliable and versatile reverb solution. The Solar Reverb’s ability to deliver a wide range of reverb sounds made it an essential tool for both live and studio use.

## Innovation and Technology

One of the key factors behind the success of Solar Guitars’ effect pedals is the company’s commitment to innovation and technology. Ola Englund’s hands-on approach to product development ensures that each pedal is designed with the needs of the modern guitarist in mind. This user-centric design philosophy has resulted in pedals that are not only high-quality but also intuitive and easy to use.

Solar Guitars places a strong emphasis on using high-quality components in their pedals. This attention to detail ensures that each pedal delivers consistent performance and durability, making them reliable tools for both live and studio applications. The use of true bypass switching in all Solar pedals ensures that the guitar’s original tone is preserved when the pedal is not in use.

## Community Engagement and Feedback

Another crucial aspect of Solar Guitars’ success in the effect pedal market is their engagement with the guitarist community. Ola Englund, being an active musician and YouTuber, has a direct line of communication with his audience. This connection allows Solar Guitars to gather valuable feedback from users and incorporate it into their product development process.

The company frequently involves the community in the design and testing phases of new pedals. This collaborative approach ensures that the final products meet the real-world needs of guitarists. The positive response from the community has been instrumental in shaping the direction of Solar Guitars’ pedal development.

## Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the success of their initial pedal releases, Solar Guitars faces several challenges as they continue to expand their effect pedal lineup. The highly competitive nature of the effect pedal market means that the company must continually innovate and offer unique products to stand out from the competition. Additionally, maintaining the high standards of quality and reliability that Solar Guitars is known for requires ongoing investment in research and development.

Looking ahead, Solar Guitars is committed to expanding its pedal lineup and exploring new technologies. The company plans to introduce more pedals that address specific needs within the guitarist community, as well as continue refining their existing products based on user feedback. Ola Englund’s vision for Solar Guitars includes not only maintaining their reputation for high-quality instruments and pedals but also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of guitar effects.

## Conclusion

The history of Solar Guitars’ effect pedals is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design. From the initial success of the Chug Pedal to the expansion of their pedal lineup, Solar Guitars has consistently delivered products that meet the needs of modern guitarists. Ola Englund’s hands-on approach and deep understanding of the demands of the metal genre have played a crucial role in shaping the company’s product offerings.

As Solar Guitars continues to innovate and expand their effect pedal lineup, they remain dedicated to providing high-quality tools that enhance the creativity and performance of guitarists worldwide. The company’s journey from a guitar manufacturer to a respected name in the effect pedal market is a remarkable story of vision, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As they look to the future, Solar Guitars is poised to continue making significant contributions to the world of guitar effects.