V1.6FRC : Good sound, very frustrating complications

3 years ago

The guitar itself looks and plays great, and the body contouring is a really nice touch for a V shape, but there are certain issues that I can't look past:

I've had the guitar for around a year now (and only has around 6 months' worth of playing, as university took up much of my time when I received it), and right out of the box, there was a pretty consistent, loud buzzing which I've checked is not down to the amp or the cable. Furthermore, recently the volume knob causes the output to stop completely or crackle violently when adjusted, leading me to believe this was the issue. Contacting customer support (who were very prompt and friendly) led me to try and clean the volume pot with contact cleaner, which solved nothing, meaning the guitar was likely shipped with a faulty volume pot.

Secondly, the Floyd Rose system, which I know has a certain reputation, has started to completely fail to return to pitch after any kind of use. I'd barely adjusted the system aside from restringing and dropping the tuning when I first got it, and the bridge is far too new to be having any problems with dull knife edges or the like, especially given how infrequently I use it.

Having to bring the guitar to a tech for a full setup and to check out the electrics when it's this new, with such little time spent actually playing it in the grand scheme of things, is incredibly frustrating.

On the positive side, the Seymour Duncans sound great (when they're not crackling) and the neck/fingerboard feel really nice to play. The locking nut/tuners are also a really nice feature.

Image Solar Guitars V1.6FRC

Technical Data

  • Manufactured by Solar Guitars
  • Released in 2019
  • Average price : $1152
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