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Artist Solaris Grey Flame Electric Guitar with Bullbucker Pickups

The Artist Solaris is an inspired design with modern playability, contemporary appointments and versatile pickup options for the discerning tone-chaser.

The solid Mahogany body features a high-grade Flame Maple cap and is finished in a gloss Grey Poly. The carved top and Flame Cap are an iconic pairing, and the double-cutaway provides superior neck access. The neck itself is also a single-piece of ergonomically carved Mahogany, set in, with a 43mm bone nut and 12” radius. The neck features 24 frets on an eco-rosewood fretboard across a 25” scale length, with a 3-aside headstock and locking tuners.

The first-class appointments don’t stop there, as the Solaris also comes equipped with a tremolo capable of everything from wavering surfy trem, to huge bends, whilst maintaining tuning stability. We install our black Artist Bullbucker pickups in the Solaris, and although it may look basic with just a single Volume and Tone control, do not be deceived by its simplicity. The 5-way switch gives you the ability to split the coils of the Bullbckers in positions 2 and 4, allowing you a massive tonal range with plenty of options for any sound! 

We use premium wiring and 500K pots on the Solaris, and with elegant dot inlays this stylish, top-spec instrument is a dream to play.

The Artist Solaris comes factory-strung with D'Addario 10-46 gauge strings.

The Tech Features

Model: Solaris

Body:

  • Mahogany Back
  • Double-Cutaway 
  • Carved Flame Maple Top

Neck:

  • Mahogany Neck
  • Two-way Truss Rod
  • Fretboard Radius: 12”
  • Eco-Rosewood Fretboard 
  • Dot Fretboard Inlays
  • 24 Frets
  • Bone Nut 43mm 
  • 25" Scale Length

Hardware:

  • Locking Tuners
  • Chrome Tremolo 
  • Volume and Tone Control
  • 5-Way Switch

Pickups:

  • Artist Bullbuckers, Coil-Splitting (Switch Positions 2 and 4)
    - Bridge Pickup DC Resistance - 15.4K,    9.6H
    - Neck Pickup DC Resistance - 7.1K,   3.8H 

(17455)


Reviews (20)

Write a review

I'd love a voucher

By: on 8 April 2024
Guitar is great no issues, delivery is perfectly fine. peeling off the plastic was a great satisfaction would highly recommend

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you for your feedback! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

The Solaris Grey Flame

By: on 6 March 2024
I have been looking at this guitar since they first arrived, and when a customer returned one popped up I just could not resist. No idea why it was returned and there was no whammy bar, strap or adjusting tools when I received it, but I have spares that fit so not an issue. There were a couple of minor issues, the volume knob scrapped on the body, easily fixed and there is a small earthing problem which I will track down and sort out. This instrument looks amazing, just stunning. I only found one tiny little blemish in the poly finish and that took direct sunlight to find. It plays as well as every other guitar I have purchased from you guys, it took next to no time to lower the action just a fraction, intonate and tune. No fret issues whatsoever. It is now my new favourite toy. Another 10 out of 10 team, keep up the great quality and outstanding value.

Artist Guitars Response
Thanks so much for your review! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

A great guitar

By: on 28 February 2024
Bought this guitar a few months ago now and its all i play.took it to the local music shop to adjust action and polish frets and a change of strings.now it plays and sounds like a dream.i pick up my other guitars to play, but i always keep coming back to the solaris.the sound and resonance is amazing!best guitar i ever owned.well done artist guitars

Artist Guitars Response
We are glad to hear that you are happy with the item. Thank you so much for your review.

Solaris Intonation & Tuning Stability

By: on 13 October 2023
This guitar is very well appointed for the price.(It is a factory second although the build appeared like new) I had a number of issues however: The nut was too high hence action was high.The intonation was totally off.Tuning with the trem block was highly unstable.The following rectified these issues: 1 I had my guitar tech lower the nut,adjust the neck truss rod and set up the intonation.Which resuled in significant improvement.As far as tuning stability is concerned I used the old trick of placing a hardwood block behind the tremolo block and releasing the springs a turn so the block was tight in the bridge pocket.Obviously I don't use a tremolo but with this mod the tuning stability was substantially improved.At a price around $300.00 and after spending $110.00 on tech work it is an excellent gigging guitar.Overall great value despite required tech work and tremolo block.

Artist Guitars Response
Hi Ian, thank you for your honest review. We sincerely apologise for the issues that you have encountered with this. This is definitely covered under a 3-year warranty so we will organise a resolution for you right away. We've sent you an email so we can rectify this for you ASAP. Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.

Blown away again

By: on 11 October 2023
I recently purchased a Grungemaster and was so blown away by the bang-for-buck that I had to try another artist guitar model just to make sure my Grungemaster wasn’t the best fluke ever. So I bought the Solaris, and I’m so excited to report that artist guitars are no fluke… the second artist guitar I have purchased rocked my socks just like the first one! The Solaris looks STUNNING. I owned a brand name guitar that was almost identical to the Solaris, and I’d say that the Solaris looks as good as the brand name instrument. I know my way around a humbucker, and I generally am not a fan of a clean sounding humbucker so I didn’t expect heaps from these. However, the bullbucker pickups in this model have a surprising clean clarity and the coil splits allow for some nice chime. They do dirty exceptionally well - both amp and pedal gain. I ran this thing through 2 amps and a number of drive/fuzz stomp boxes and it was easy to get a great sound from all the gear I played it through. I love the bone nut and how straight the strings continue through to the tuners, I’m guessing the trem would stay well in tune if I used it. Hardware feels like quality - tuners hold tune very well and the bridge looks and feels solid. This instrument was very playable straight out of the box. The only ‘issue’ I identified is that the tone control pot is slightly off-centre in the knob recess - can’t un-notice it, but does not affect the playability or functionality of the control. Just like the first artist guitar I bought, I’ll adjust the action to taste. These guitars are phenomenal. The customer service is great too. After 2 successful artist guitar purchases, the thing I’m most excited about as a high school music teacher is getting some of these guitars into the hands of students and making the most of a school budget. They’re also affordable enough that I’ll be recommending students buy these instruments to learn on. If you’re a high school teacher reading this, forget about looking any further for school guitars… you’re in the right place. And, the Solaris is an amazing contender for your school instrument collection.

Artist Guitars Response
We are glad to hear that you are happy with our product. Thank you for sharing this feedback with us and for the support!

Stunning Guitar

By: on 5 July 2023
When I opened the box, I was astounded - it looked as good as I guitar I paid thousands of dollars for, I could not believe how good the finish is. Another surprise was the set up of the action, normally I have to get the actioned lowered but I don't have to do it on this guitar. The neck is a little fat for me, so it would be good if you could get thinner neck profile, but I am sure I will get used to it. The fret ends need a bit more filing down and the intonation needs adjusting but these are very minor issue. The nut needs a bit of work - it slightly hangs over at one end and the guitar won’t stay in tune so a little bit of work needed. I give this guitar a 4.5 star rating.

Artist Guitars Response
We are glad to hear that you are happy with our product. Thank you for sharing this feedback with us and for the support!

Artist Guitars outshines with the Solaris!

By: on 4 July 2023
The Artist Solaris is great value for money and build quality is excellent. Apart from some minor action and intonation adjustment it was ready to play and enjoy! I set the tremolo to be slightly floating so I could pull up about a semi-tone, works well handles heavy diving or subtle trem effects and returns to tune - with the way I tune for trems! The locking tuners are a bonus and the headstock design allows the strings to pass thru the nut to the tuners in a straighter fashion, which helps the tremolo to work better! The 5-way pickup selector gives you the coil-split options on the 2nd (both humbuckers split) and 4th (neck humbucker spilt) positions giving you a tele or strat type tones! Great quality finish, great guitar to play, highly recommended!

Artist Guitars Response
We are glad to hear that you are happy with our product. Thank you for sharing this feedback with us and for the support!

Fabulous Guitar

By: on 3 July 2023
Just home from a 2 week road trip and the Solaris was waiting for me when I got home, delivered withing about a week of ordering ! Straight out of the box it plays and sounds great, nice tones and great sustain. I was a little worried abut the fret ends as I recently bought an AP58T and the frets needed a bit of work but this one has no issues, maybe the neck binding dictates a bit more attention to finishing ? As a suggestion, a wide / thin neck profile would make this guitar even better, but as it is I can see this as being my main guitar for jams and open mic nights.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you for your review and suggestion. This really helps us improve our products more. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Well worth the wait

By: on 15 February 2023
The Solaris has been unavailable for several months. I received the message that it's back in stock and I placed a order right away. It arrived in less than forty eight hours, the packing was second to none. Comfortable neck, low action with no buzzing anywhere on the fret board. I play it through a Blackstar HT Studio valve and Vox VX50 amps. Powerful pickups with five positions deliver a wide range of great clean tones, meaty overdrives and all levels of distortion. Top it off with classy looks. I've owned two PRS SE models. The Solaris is a more than worthy comparison and only a third of the price. My seventh amazing guitar from Artist. Vox VX50.

Artist Guitars Response
We are pleased to hear that you are happy with the guitar and that this made the slightly longer wait worthwhile. We truly appreciate the review you have left for the guitar.

Truely great sound and playability!

By: on 12 January 2023
I pre-ordered the Artist Solaris Deluxe and received it just before Christmas... It was a Christmas present for myself. It was set up very nicely straight out of the box. It looks much better than I expected, it's light-weight and feels great in the hand. I spent a bit of time experimenting with the many pickup positions, both humbucker and split coil, and they all sound great, but my preferred position is the middle position in humbucker mode. It gives a beautiful bell-like tone that I can't get enough of. I love the look, feel and sound of this guitar so much that I am encouraged to play it more and more often. In my opinion, that is the mark of a great guitar. Regardless of the price this is a great instrument. No other maker offers a guitar of this quality for the money.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you for your review! We are glad that you love this guitar. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, we're always happy to help

Brilliant, far above its value for money

By: on 9 January 2023
Think high end epis, Mexican strats/high end squiers and those overpriced se models, then price them at half if not a 1/3 of the price, this is artist guitars, and the models I own are a testimont to that quality for money. Perfect mod platforms, or giggable and recordable as is, made from the right stuff, comfortable and correct feeling. The solaris is an exceptional guitar at sub $400, despite a few slight issues such as the pickup switching not ideal for me, and the eco rosewood needs a polish or a couple of weeks of play in. Mahogany body, maple top, great pickups and to top it all off 24 wonderful frets. The finish is so very nice, and although not my first choice, I reckon it is after seeing it. Purple, blue, green, it is such a joy to watch the grain shift and change in different lights. The back is the same, sometimes it's black sometimes is a beautiful wine cherry, it's a very pretty guitar. If someone blindfolded me, I wouldn't be able to tell you this wasn't a se, the sound is there in spades, and the feel, well it feels better, no doubt. If Artist chose a 5 way switching similar to se, with a coil tap for positions 1 + 3 to be the splits or humbucker modes, and a slightly bigger trem block, and a shorter straighter trem arm, it would be a perfect 5, but until then I'm gonna have to go 4.5 stars, oh look no 4.5, 5 it is.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for your review. We appreciate it.

Solaris grey guitar.

By: on 4 January 2023
I own 4 artist guitars. This is the most beautiful of all. Out of the box, there is nothing to do except minor tuning. The action, intonation were spot on, and the strings are a top brand. The finish is first class, and the tonal range is amazing between single coil and humbucker. I do not know how this can be so inexpensive. Thank you fo a really beauiful looking and sounding guitar!

Artist Guitars Response
We are pleased to hear of how much you like the guitar. Thank you for leaving a review of the guitar.

Artist Solaris The best guitar under $800 ! n

By: on 4 January 2023
My Title will say it all. if your looking for a guitar that is absolutely awesome then the Artist Solaris is the best choice (now this is my opinion only ) I have played a number of guitars from ibanez to fender and cort now this guitar I was waiting for a little as the shipment was delayed But when I got it home ripped it out of the box didn't even require me to tune it just played like a dream its like it was made for me the action was low just the way I like it honestly, the best thing I ever did was buy the Solaris, the other guitars I've owned had to be set up the way I liked but the Artist Solaris Right out the box ROCKS

Artist Guitars Response
Thanks for the awesome review! We really appreciate the support. Please feel free to reach out if you need help!

Artist Solaris? The best guitar under $1,000!

By: on 31 December 2022
I just unboxed my Artist Solaris, which arrived exactly as scheduled on my pre-order. I was expecting a lot. The guitar exceeded all my expectations. Set up beautifully out of the box, I was left to explore its beauty, quality craftsmanship, litany of splendid tones, ideal weight, perfect balance, and marvellous handling. With the perfect C neck, intuitive handling, optimal weight, glorious mahogany construction, stunning book-matched maple cap, perfect binding, unblemished finish, stable locking tuners and vibrato/trem system, versatile twin Bullbuckers + quality 5 way blade switch and comfortable access to 24 frets… this is likely the last guitar I will ever need to buy. It literally does everything. Five stars well-deserved! I’ve posted my unboxing video but really, I am more in love with it as moments pass. https://youtu.be/A1VA6khaXhE

Artist Guitars Response
WOW! Thanks so much for your awesome feedback! We are stoked to hear that you love this guitar. We really appreciate your support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, we are always here if you need help!

Artist Solaris? The best guitar under $1,000!

By: on 31 December 2022
I just unboxed my Artist Solaris, which arrived exactly as scheduled on my pre-order. I was expecting a lot. The guitar exceeded all my expectations. Set up beautifully out of the box, I was left to explore its beauty, quality craftsmanship, litany of splendid tones, ideal weight, perfect balance, and marvellous handling. With the perfect C neck, intuitive handling, optimal weight, glorious mahogany construction, stunning book-matched maple cap, perfect binding, unblemished finish, stable locking tuners and vibrato/trem system, versatile twin Bullbuckers + quality 5 way blade switch and comfortable access to 24 frets… this is likely the last guitar I will ever need to buy. It literally does everything. Five stars well-deserved! I’ve posted my unboxing video but really, I am more in love with it as moments pass. https://youtu.be/A1VA6khaXhE

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for the review. We appreciate it. Looking forward to more business with you. Cheers!

Artist Solaris? The best guitar under $1,000!

By: on 31 December 2022
I just unboxed my Artist Solaris, which arrived exactly as scheduled on my pre-order. I was expecting a lot. The guitar exceeded all my expectations. Set up beautifully out of the box, I was left to explore its beauty, quality craftsmanship, litany of splendid tones, ideal weight, perfect balance, and marvellous handling. With the perfect C neck, intuitive handling, optimal weight, glorious mahogany construction, stunning book-matched maple cap, perfect binding, unblemished finish, stable locking tuners and vibrato/trem system, versatile twin Bullbuckers + quality 5 way blade switch and comfortable access to 24 frets… this is likely the last guitar I will ever need to buy. It literally does everything. Five stars well-deserved! I’ve posted my unboxing video but really, I am more in love with it as moments pass. https://youtu.be/A1VA6khaXhE

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for the review. We appreciate it. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact us. Cheers!

Artist Solaris? The best guitar under $1,000!

By: on 31 December 2022
I just unboxed my Artist Solaris, which arrived exactly as scheduled on my pre-order. I was expecting a lot. The guitar exceeded all my expectations. Set up beautifully out of the box, I was left to explore its beauty, quality craftsmanship, litany of splendid tones, ideal weight, perfect balance, and marvellous handling. With the perfect C neck, intuitive handling, optimal weight, glorious mahogany construction, stunning book-matched maple cap, perfect binding, unblemished finish, stable locking tuners and vibrato/trem system, versatile twin Bullbuckers + quality 5 way blade switch and comfortable access to 24 frets… this is likely the last guitar I will ever need to buy. It literally does everything. Five stars well-deserved! I’ve posted my unboxing video but really, I am more in love with it as moments pass. https://youtu.be/A1VA6khaXhE

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for the review. We appreciate it. Looking forward to more business with you. Cheers!

Can’t go wrong. This is a great buy!

By: on 25 December 2022
My third Artist. PRS inspired and really happy how good this is. Action was great, neck didn’t need adjustment and I can’t fault the workmanship or the versatile sounds. This to my ears has a very complex and musical tone and sounds a bit better than similar products that I’ve tried in this genre of guitar at 2 - 3 times the price. This will do me for the experience, versatility and cool sounds for recording that makes me wonder how Artist do it for the money.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for the review. We appreciate it. We're always here if you need anything!

Can’t go wrong. This is a great buy!

By: on 24 December 2022
My third Artist. PRS inspired and really happy how good this is. Action was great, neck didn’t need adjustment and I can’t fault the workmanship or the versatile sounds. This to my ears has a very complex and musical tone and sounds a bit better than similar products that I’ve tried in this genre of guitar at 2 - 3 times the price. This will do me for the experience, versatility and cool sounds for recording that makes me wonder how Artist do it for the money.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for the review. We appreciate it!

Just Purchased This Guitar

By: on 17 December 2022
I just received this NEW Solaris model yesterday. Very impressed with the overall look and feel. Nice weight and neck feels very comfortable to play. Fret ends are OK and neck finish is pretty good. Visually this is a very pretty guitar with the Grey Flame top (probably would not be my first choice if there were color options), but I do like it, recessed volume and tone controls. The neck has a nice dark wood finish. The locking tuners and pickup/coil splitting slider are a great addition (never had a guitar before with these in my 40+ years). The pickups sound great and coil splitting is easy with slider selector. Trem system seems to bend and return smoothly. The guitar has new strings. Locking tuners should help keep guitar in tune. A few minor negative issues out of the box, 1. The Trem arm did not fit properly, It did not have much tread to wind before being way too tight. I replaced with a black one that fits much better allowing easier arm tightening and arm tension adjustment. The black arm looks cool against the grey body. A push in bridge style arm version would make this guitar even better guys. 2. bridge height needed some adjusting as strings were buzzing on frets 1 & 2. Issue resolved with a quick adjustment (with supplied Allen Key) to all saddles. 3. The Dime Pots seem to work OK (500K as described) not sure if they are good quality and may need replacing? This is a good all rounder guitar on many levels which is why I bought it. This is my second guitar from Artist (first electric). Not sure how you can build such great guitars for such a low price. Get a Solaris for yourself.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you very much for your honest review. We truly appreciate it.

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