“I remember when Fender started doing this, I was like, ‘Why would anyone purchase something that’s pre-worn?’” Solar continues its relic awakening with “extremely worn and torn” Relik Series

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The brand's flagship Relik model features some premium appointments and a finish that looks like it's been put through the meat grinder

Solar Guitars AB1.6 Relic guitars
(Image credit: Solar Guitars)

Ola Englund has joked Solar's newest release is “gonna p**s a lot of people off” following the unveiling of its all-new Relik Series of electric guitars.

Expanding the firm's existing Chop Shop production series – which debuted with a metal guitar that oxidizes as you play it – the flagship Relik model offers a faux time-battered take on Solar's AB1.6 metal machine.

Coming in either Carbon Black and White lacquer finishes, the guitar's alder body is loaded with a Floyd Rose tremolo and passive Duncan Solar pickups.

Its three-piece roasted maple neck is crafted to a C-profile, while its fretboard – which is also roasted maple – is completed with Luminlay side dots and 24 stainless steel frets.

Other hardware choices ensure the guitar is well-stocked, thanks to Solar locking tuners and push/pull volume and tone pots for single-coil tapping.

THIS IS GONNA P!$$ ALOT OF PEOPLE OFF... - YouTube THIS IS GONNA P!$$ ALOT OF PEOPLE OFF... - YouTube
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“The finish is extremely worn and torn, like a guitar that has been performing like a champ for decades,” says Solar.

“Relic guitars are something that divide a lot of people,” adds Solar founder Ola Englund. “I remember when Fender started doing this, I was like, ‘Why would anyone purchase something that’s pre-worn?’

“[I thought it was] like buying pre-worn jeans with all the holes in them, but I've realized they're a very acquired taste.”

Despite its divisiveness, more and more companies are jumping on the relic trend. Already this year we’ve seen Charvel Pro-Mod relics, EVH Frankenstein’s with “civilian colorways,” and Fender vintage-inspired bodies.

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Solar Guitars AB1.6 Relic guitars
(Image credit: Solar Guitars)

The Solar AB1.6FRC Relik and AB1.6FRW Relik are available now and are priced at $1,599 apiece.

They each come with a hardshell case featuring a moulded interior, and a Certificate of Authenticity.

Head to Solar for more information.

Phil Weller
Phil Weller

A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He's also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.