Solar Guitars In the high-gain world of modern metal, where tone precision and instrument reliability are everything, Solar Guitars have carved out a formidable presence. Developed with metalheads in mind, this brand is more than just another entry in the electric guitar arena—it’s a movement driven by passion, performance, and bold design. Whether you’re riffing in your bedroom, laying down tracks in a studio, or thrashing on stage, Solar Guitars has emerged as a go-to choice for players who demand excellence without compromise.
What sets Solar apart is not only the aggressive aesthetics but also the combination of innovative engineering and artist-centric design. With Ola Englund, a respected metal guitarist and YouTuber, at the helm, Solar Guitars has managed to stay deeply connected with the community it serves. This article dives into the journey, craftsmanship, performance, and buying experience of Solar Guitars—equipping you with everything you need to know before you plug in and shred.
The Origin Story: How Solar Guitars Was Born
The story of Solar Guitars begins with Ola Englund, a Swedish metal musician best known for his work with bands like The Haunted and Feared. Dissatisfied with the compromises of existing guitars, Ola envisioned a brand that would cater exclusively to metal musicians. In 2017, he launched Solar Guitars, bringing his decades of experience, technical know-how, and deep understanding of player needs into one powerful project. The brand’s name—Solar—conjures energy, power, and light, all essential metaphors for the electrifying impact the guitars have had on the industry.
Solar Guitars quickly gained traction, largely due to Ola’s transparent and passionate engagement with fans through YouTube and social media. His detailed gear reviews, behind-the-scenes factory tours, and Q&A sessions built trust and excitement. Solar wasn’t just selling instruments; it was creating a community. This grassroots growth set the tone for a brand rooted in authenticity and creativity. From its European headquarters, Solar has expanded globally, catering to musicians from all walks of metal—from melodic death to blackened thrash.
Build Quality and Design: What Sets Solar Guitars Apart
Solar Guitars are instantly recognizable thanks to their aggressive body shapes, matte finishes, and signature reverse headstocks. But it’s not just about looks—these guitars are built to perform under pressure. Most models feature high-quality tonewoods such as mahogany, alder, and maple, offering both warmth and bite. Fretboards come in ebony or maple, providing smooth playability and sharp attack—essential for fast, articulate riffing.
What makes Solar truly stand out is its thoughtful integration of premium hardware. Many models come equipped with Evertune bridges, a game-changing system that keeps tuning stable under any condition. Combine that with locking tuners and high-output pickups (often Duncan Solar or Fishman Fluence), and you get a guitar that’s gig- and studio-ready out of the box. Ergonomics are another strong point: deep cutaways allow for easy upper fret access, while the scooped back design improves comfort during extended sessions.
Design-wise, Solar embraces a minimalist yet modern aesthetic. The finish options are bold—flat blacks, blood reds, and textured flames—giving each guitar a commanding visual presence. Controls are kept simple to minimize distractions: a three-way switch, one or two knobs, and you’re good to go. These guitars aren’t trying to do everything—they’re built to dominate metal.
Best Solar Guitar Series and Models
Solar Guitars offers several series to cater to different playing styles and budgets, with each one boasting its own personality. The A Series is arguably the flagship line, featuring premium specs like Evertune bridges, stainless steel frets, and custom pickups. These models are ideal for touring musicians and serious studio players. Meanwhile, the S Series offers slightly more affordable options without sacrificing quality, making them popular among intermediate and budget-conscious guitarists.
For those who prefer classic aesthetics with a modern twist, the T Series (based on the Tele-style design) offers a fresh take on a traditional favorite. The V Series caters to fans of extreme styles like black metal or thrash, with aggressive V-shaped bodies and killer tone. Finally, the GC Series—the “Guitar Craft” line—takes things up a notch with custom-shop quality builds, often in limited quantities.
Signature models from artists like Jonas Wolf (Eluveitie) and Marcus Siepen (Blind Guardian) add further credibility. Each is fine-tuned to the artist’s specs, giving fans access to battle-tested designs. Whether you’re looking for a six-string beast or a monstrous eight-string, Solar Guitars has a model that fits the bill.
Performance and Playability: Real-World User Experience
Performance is where Solar Guitars truly shine. The tone is razor-sharp, articulate, and aggressive—perfect for palm-muted chugs and soaring leads. Thanks to high-output pickups and resonant tonewoods, each note cuts through the mix whether you’re live on stage or tracking layers in a DAW. The clarity remains even under heavy distortion, a must-have for modern metal.
Playability is another area where Solar gets high marks. The neck profiles are sleek, fast, and built for speed. Players often comment on the smooth fret edges and low action, which make shredding a breeze. Whether you’re executing intricate sweeps or holding down brutal rhythm patterns, Solar guitars respond with fluid precision. The tuning stability offered by Evertune and locking tuners means you can push your instrument without fear of it pushing back.
Solar Guitars also adapt well to a range of subgenres. Djent players love the tight low-end, death metal fans praise the clarity under high gain, and progressive musicians appreciate the dynamic range and tonal versatility. In both studio and live settings, these guitars prove their reliability over and over again.
Where to Buy and What to Consider Before Purchasing
Solar Guitars are available through the brand’s official website and a selection of authorized dealers worldwide. While purchasing directly from Solar often provides the newest models and full warranties, third-party retailers may offer special deals or financing options. International shipping is available, but buyers should check local import taxes and policies before ordering.
When choosing a model, think about your playing style and needs. Do you need a 7-string for extended range? Want an Evertune bridge for live consistency? Prefer a maple fretboard for that extra snap? Each feature matters, especially when choosing a guitar that fits your genre and budget. Don’t forget to read reviews, watch demos, and even test a few models in person if you can.
One last tip—pay attention to scale length. Solar Guitars come in various scales to accommodate different tunings and string tensions. If you’re into drop-tuned madness, a longer scale length may serve you better. Whether new or used, a Solar Guitar is a reliable investment in tone, performance, and style.
Conclusion
Solar Guitars isn’t just a guitar brand—it’s a revolution tailored for metalheads by a metalhead. From their aggressive styling and exceptional craftsmanship to their stage-ready performance, these instruments offer a complete package for anyone serious about metal guitar playing. They’ve disrupted a market long dominated by legacy brands, offering high-end features at surprisingly accessible price points.
With a community-driven approach and a relentless commitment to innovation, Solar continues to push boundaries. Whether you’re a beginner discovering your sound or a veteran refining your tone, there’s a Solar Guitar waiting to elevate your playing. Plug in, crank up the gain, and feel the solar surge.
