Solar Guitars has just expanded its formidable lineup with the release of the AP1.6FRTY+, a precision-engineered instrument designed strictly for the modern player. Striking the perfect balance between aggressive aesthetics and versatile playability, this new release is poised to become a staple for guitarists who demand uncompromised performance in the studio and on stage.
Priced competitively at $1,299, the AP1.6FRTY+ is making waves with its premium spec sheet, which reads like a custom-shop wish list. Here is everything you need to know about the latest high-gain powerhouse from Solar Guitars.
Built for Tone: Alder Body and Set-Thru Construction
At the core of the Solar Guitars AP1.6FRTY+ is a meticulously crafted Alder body. Renowned for delivering a beautifully balanced tonal platform, Alder ensures tight lows, shimmering highs, and a fiercely focused midrange, allowing your riffs to slice effortlessly through dense mixes.
Taking the sustain to the next level is Solar’s signature Set-Thru construction. This hybrid design beautifully blends the aggressive “snap” and attack of a traditional bolt-on neck with the rich, resonant sustain of a set neck. Paired with a standard 25.5″ scale length, the instrument feels instantly familiar but radically optimized for technical playing.
Effortless Playability
Shredders will feel right at home with the AP1.6FRTY+’s 3-piece Maple neck, which is carved into the ultra-fast “C Solar” profile. This neck shape provides a sleek, highly controlled feel from the nut to the 24th fret.
The fretboard itself is crafted from premium Ebony, boasting a smooth R350 radius that practically begs for ultra-low action and expansive bends. Outfitted with 24 Stainless Steel frets, the playing surface is famously durable and “glassy” to the touch, ensuring years of aggressive techniques without fret wear.
True to modern minimalist trends, the top of the fretboard features no position markers for a sleek, clean look, while Luminlay SG30L glowing side dots ensure you never lose your place on a dark stage.
Duncan Solar+ Pickups: Uncompromising Aggression
Under the hood, the AP1.6FRTY+ is locked and loaded with a pair of exclusive Duncan Solar+ humbuckers. Driven by powerful Alnico VIII magnets, these pickups provide the exact high-output aggression modern rock and metal players demand.
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Bridge Pickup: Tight, articulate, and absolutely crushing under high-gain amp settings.
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Neck Pickup: Thick and singing, providing fluid, vocal-like tones for lead passages.
Despite its penchant for heavy music, the AP1.6FRTY+ is surprisingly versatile. A 5-Way Blade Switch, accompanied by 500k Volume and Tone pots, unlocks a wide spectrum of usable tones—seamlessly transitioning from searing distortion to pristine, nuanced clean textures.
Premium Hardware That Won’t Quit
A guitar built for extremes requires hardware that can take a beating, and Solar has delivered. The AP1.6FRTY+ features the legendary Gotoh 1996 Big Block tremolo system. Enhanced with a massive brass block and noise-silencing springs, this bridge provides exceptional sustain and bulletproof tuning stability.
When combined with Solar Locking Tuners and a matching locking nut system, you can execute deep dive bombs, aggressive vibratos, and violent whammy flutters without ever knocking the guitar out of tune.
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Solar AP1.6FRTY+?
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Pros:
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Incredible value for $1,299 with ultra-premium specs (Gotoh tremolo, Stainless Steel frets, Luminlay dots).
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Duncan Solar+ Alnico VIII pickups offer massive high-gain tone while retaining fantastic clean versatility.
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The “Taxi Yellow Gloss” finish with black pickguard is a stunning, eye-catching aesthetic.
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Flawless tuning stability via the Gotoh 1996 and locking tuners.
Cons:
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The stark lack of fretboard inlays might require an adjustment period for traditional players.
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The bright yellow finish is bold and might be polarizing for players who prefer stealthier, matte black metal guitars.
Final Thoughts: The Solar Guitars AP1.6FRTY+ is a triumph of modern guitar design. It brings custom-shop-level hardware and meticulous playability to a mid-tier price point. If you play hard rock, metal, or progressive music and need a reliable, fast-playing instrument that stands out visually and sonically, this guitar is worth every single penny of its $1,299 asking price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does the Solar Guitars AP1.6FRTY+ cost?
The Solar AP1.6FRTY+ retails for $1,299 USD. It can be purchased directly through the official Solar Guitars website.
2. What pickups are in the AP1.6FRTY+?
This guitar is equipped with Duncan Solar+ humbuckers which utilize Alnico VIII magnets. These pickups are specifically voiced for high output, tight low-end tracking, and articulate highs, making them perfect for modern metal and hard rock.
3. Does the AP1.6FRTY+ have stainless steel frets?
Yes! The guitar features 24 Stainless Steel frets on an Ebony fretboard. Stainless steel frets offer an incredibly smooth playing experience, easier bending, and will not wear out over the lifetime of the guitar.
4. What bridge system is used on this guitar?
The AP1.6FRTY+ uses a premium Gotoh 1996 Big Block tremolo system. It features a substantial brass block for enhanced resonance and sustain, as well as noise-silencing springs to keep your high-gain tones tight and squeal-free.
5. What scale length is the Solar AP1.6FRTY+?
The guitar features a standard 25.5″ scale length, making it comfortable for players transitioning from other standard S-style or shred-style guitars, while maintaining enough string tension for drop tunings.
More Information
#Solar Guitars #AP1.6FRTY+ #Taxi Yellow Gloss
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