Users recommend budgeting for new pickups if clarity in lower tunings is crucial, with an emphasis on possible upgrades over keeping the stock sound.

For drop G tuning on a 26.5" scale, NYXL D'Addario 74-10 set minus the 7th string is suggested, with a .74 gauge for the low G.

Some owners consider adding an Evertune bridge for enhanced tuning stability, though it may slightly alter the guitar's feel.

Owners with multiple Solars note great comfort, but electronics issues like wiring disconnection can occur, impacting sound quality.

Owners report that despite occasional QC issues, Solar guitars usually arrive in good condition, often surpassing expectations set by experiences with other brands.

The guitar's neck is slightly thicker than some players prefer, impacting its suitability for fast shredding but contributing to its solid, stable feel.

Owners describe the guitar as a "workhorse" for recording, particularly effective for tracking rhythm parts due to its stability and robust feel.

For similar quality to Solar, the LTD EC-1000 offers stainless steel frets, EMG pickups, and Gotoh hardware at a lower price point.

The Schecter C-7 Apocalypse experiences frequent cosmetic QC issues like scuffs, poorly laid binding, and bare edges in the tremolo cavity.

It's been suggested that the Ibanez RGD71ALMS is an alternative with similar features, including a multiscale neck, priced at $1,200.

The multiscale fretboard is polarizing; some players find it enhances down-tuning, others find it hard to adjust.

The Solar A1.7 is noted for its use of Fishman pickups, which offer a modern, versatile tone suitable for heavy genres.

The Duncan Solar pickups may lack clarity on the Low B string, impacting the tone in really low tunings, but an overdrive or EQ can help.

Owners recommend using bore oil on the fretboard of Indonesian factory guitars to maintain and enhance the wood's condition.

Locking tuners are praised for their quality of life improvement, though some users new to them might unlock pegs accidentally.

Solar tuners are solid, mistaken for Grover by some, but there's skepticism about their origin compared to the more known Grover Rotomatics.

Some owners note minor issues like nicks and paint scuffs, but these are generally considered aesthetic and not affecting performance.

The Solar A1.7C is well-regarded for its ability to deliver a clear, brutal tone perfect for heavy music genres without needing a Floyd Rose.