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Solar Guitars: The Ultimate Guide to Ola Englund’s Metal Masterpieces

Introduction

Solar Guitars In the ever-evolving landscape of electric guitars, few brands have captured the attention of modern metal players quite like Solar Guitars. Founded by the renowned Swedish guitarist Ola Englund, Solar Guitars has rapidly carved a name for itself among shredders, riffers, and tone seekers across the globe. The brand is synonymous with aggressive styling, uncompromising build quality, and tonal precision — all tailored for the high-gain enthusiast.

But Solar Guitars isn’t just another player in the crowded market of metal guitars. What makes them stand out is their laser focus on performance, playability, and contemporary design aesthetics. Whether you’re a touring professional or a bedroom riff master, there’s a Solar axe that fits your needs and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the roots of the company, explore its popular models, examine their sonic performance, and walk you through everything you need to know before buying one of these metal machines.

The Origins of Solar Guitars

The Vision Behind the Brand

The story of Solar Guitars begins with Ola Englund, a musician known for his work with bands like The Haunted and Feared, as well as his massively successful YouTube channel. Frustrated by the lack of guitars that met his specific needs as a metal guitarist, Ola took matters into his own hands. He wanted an instrument that delivered cutting-edge performance with modern features — without the exorbitant price tag.

In 2017, he founded Solar Guitars, turning his passion into a product that resonated with a global audience of like-minded musicians. The brand launched with the goal of delivering high-spec guitars directly to players via an online-only model, reducing middlemen and maximizing value.

Company Growth and Market Entry

Despite entering a saturated market, Solar Guitars quickly built a loyal following. Social media buzz and Ola’s existing audience played a significant role in spreading the word. But more importantly, the guitars delivered — from premium tonewoods and sleek finishes to top-tier hardware and playability.

The company has since expanded its model range, entered international markets, and become a go-to choice for metal guitarists who want pro-level instruments without a five-figure price tag.

Philosophy and Design Ethos

Every Solar Guitar is crafted with the modern guitarist in mind. The design philosophy is bold and unapologetic: sleek body shapes, sharp contours, matte finishes, and no-nonsense functionality. From ergonomic cutaways to fast necks and high-output pickups, every element is built for stage and studio dominance. Solar doesn’t follow trends — it sets them.

Exploring Solar Guitar Models and Series

A-Type, S-Type, E-Type, V-Type, and T-Type Explained

Solar Guitars offers five primary body shapes — A, S, E, V, and T types. Each caters to different aesthetics and ergonomics. The A-Type, the flagship model, features a double-cutaway Super Strat design ideal for technical riffing. The S-Type echoes a modernized Stratocaster shape, while the E-Type is a take on the Explorer, built for commanding presence and aggressive stance.

The V-Type caters to fans of Flying V shapes, perfect for stage theatrics, while the T-Type resembles a Telecaster — but meaner, heavier, and tailored for down-tuned metal. Each shape includes multiple series options (1.6, 1.7, 2.6, etc.), reflecting different tiers of features and finishes.

Signature Models

Solar Guitars has collaborated with a roster of metal artists to create signature models that bring exclusive specs and flair. These guitars often feature custom finishes, modified pickups, and unique inlays or electronics tailored to the artist’s playing style. Notable collaborations include models for Jonas Wolf (Eluveitie) and Dan Sugarman (Ice Nine Kills), further cementing the brand’s credibility within the metal community.

Key Specs Across the Lineup

Across all models, you’ll find premium tonewoods like mahogany, swamp ash, and roasted maple, paired with high-performance hardware such as locking tuners, EverTune bridges, and stainless steel frets. Pickups are typically Solar’s own high-output humbuckers, though some models feature Seymour Duncan or Fishman Fluence options. The focus is always on reliability, tone, and ease of use — perfect for both live gigs and studio sessions.

Performance and Playability

Sound Profile and Tonal Qualities

Solar Guitars are engineered for clarity under high gain, offering tight low ends, aggressive mids, and sharp highs without sounding harsh. They excel in modern metal but are surprisingly versatile, performing well in progressive rock, hardcore, and even ambient textures. Whether you’re chugging palm-muted riffs or soaring into melodic leads, Solar Guitars ensure articulation and power.

Build Quality and Craftsmanship

The build quality is one of the strongest selling points. Each guitar is meticulously crafted and QC-checked, whether it’s made in Indonesia or in the higher-end European workshops. The finishes are smooth and resilient, hardware feels solid and precise, and fretwork is consistently impressive — especially for guitars in this price range.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Designed with live performance in mind, Solar Guitars offer superior ergonomics. The necks are slim, fast, and comfortable across all models, with a satin finish that avoids the sticky feel of gloss. Body contours and bevels allow for extended playing without fatigue, making them ideal for long rehearsals, recording sessions, or touring.

Buying a Solar Guitar: What You Need to Know

Where to Buy (Online vs In-Store)

Solar Guitars are primarily sold through their official online store, allowing the brand to cut down on distribution costs and offer better pricing. Some select models are also available via authorized dealers and online retailers. Purchasing directly from Solar ensures authenticity, warranty coverage, and sometimes exclusive models not available elsewhere.

Pricing and Value for Money

Solar Guitars offer incredible value for their specs. Entry-level models start under $1,000 and include features like locking tuners and stainless steel frets — elements usually reserved for higher-end guitars. Mid-tier and premium models offer EverTune bridges, custom finishes, and upgraded electronics, all while remaining competitively priced against brands like ESP, Schecter, and Ibanez.

Setup, Maintenance, and Customization

Most Solar Guitars arrive well set up out of the box, but a minor tweak might be needed for personal preferences. Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to high-quality components and materials. Customization is also encouraged — many players swap pickups or adjust hardware to suit their style, although many find little reason to modify what is already a performance-ready machine.

Conclusion

Solar Guitars has redefined what players can expect from a modern metal guitar brand. With a relentless focus on tone, playability, and value, they’ve created instruments that meet the demands of today’s musicians without compromise. Whether you’re laying down crushing riffs or shredding leads on stage, a Solar Guitar delivers the tools you need to perform at your best. If you’re looking for a high-performance guitar that won’t break the bank but plays like a premium machine, Solar should be at the top of your list.

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