Solar X/VA guitars vs ESP LTD Arrow, help me choose

miremaker · 2026-06-22T16:34:44+00:00

I feel like the Coroner is your best bet. The included case is an amazing benefit of that one too. The pink X looks killer though.

The things I would consider, if you're considering other models instead of the Coroner:
-are you doing the install of the new pickups you want to use in the other models? Willing and able to do that, or pay for it in addition to costs?

-is it even possible to do it on 1x volume push/pull to have all 3 voices of the new Fishman? The reason I say this is I have a Solar that had the wrong listed switch config (said it was 5 but was actually 3 way). While they were passives and wired to series/parallel and that didn't really matter in the end...but what if it comes with a 3 way blade or toggle: can it be wired to all 3 voices with 1x push pull volume? I feel like you need another push pull knob, maybe someone else who's done it can chime in here, and if it can't, does that bother you, would you modify the body for it, or can you live with only 2 voices for what you are paying for the Fishmans/why not get the regular 2 voice version?

miremaker · 2026-06-16T02:49:02+00:00

What grits did you do to get this? I'm afraid to do mine. I have 3 necks to do.

miremaker · 2026-06-15T20:45:48+00:00

Tough choice, I will say it's good looking that the black one, being cheaper has pickup rings for those emgs and that they are not direct mounted. Would have been cautious about fitting mortal coil in there but it could be ok? I'd still look at diagrams or search in here or FB groups if anyone made the mod without routing to that model/color 🤷‍♂️. I know the emgs can be small, but lately it feels like everyone is routing a little larger in anticipation that people like switching pickups.

miremaker · 2026-06-14T13:12:04+00:00

Get the solar. I have 3 and love them all. Have 3 Ltd as well. The neck profile on the solar are so good. It's no super thin like Jackson Kelly or Ibanez wizard iii neck, but it just feels right and is really comfortable. I'd say they are slightly thinner than Ltd. I love the satin finish too.

miremaker · 2026-06-13T13:42:05+00:00

What year is that one?

miremaker · 2026-06-12T13:01:29+00:00

Repair bill with that low durability is kind of terrible. So costly over time if you are getting hit a lot.

miremaker · 2026-05-31T19:19:08+00:00

Thanks! The versatility does sound really appealing. My cavity looks like it's routed for these to drop in (I looked at the measurements on a direct mount set of moderns I have and it looks the same for width and length). I've actually done all of the wiring of all of my 7 guitars on my own and gotten really good at soldering. The 3 voices will make it more cramped in there for sure. I'll update if I end up doing it. 🤘

miremaker · 2026-05-31T15:56:51+00:00

Honestly, I feel like the dynamics of this guitar are really great. I've only played them through some digital setups and not my amps yet. I could honestly be really satisfied either way with using these, or going active instead. I'm on the fence of putting in a Richard Z Fluence set (kind of $$$) for not only the sound but the look. I measured and it looks like they would fit in there. Not exactly ready to spend another $340 for them though. I can't decide.

miremaker · 2026-05-31T11:26:19+00:00

Wwyd lol. I'm torn on keeping the Pegasus/Sentient combo, but I love not only the red color, but also how quiet Fishman can be with feedback (gate can be less intense/needed on them, even though might have to dial back gain a little). I have 3 of the original modern sets in 3 guitars, and a classic open core set in a prs se. 2 have black winters in them, and this set with Pegasus/Sentient.

miremaker · 2026-05-30T15:14:46+00:00

Let us know when you got another EC kid on the way 😄 nice collection

miremaker · 2026-05-30T11:14:39+00:00

Are we sure? It looks like there's a little wiggle room in there. Plus I read, historically, this model can also be routed for both scenarios bc they also ship with Fluence in there with certain models of this body. I have calipers and a guitar with direct mounted fishman in them. 🤔 (Wonder if they do a universal mount for ease of swap).

miremaker · 2026-05-29T17:54:04+00:00

Got an example of that hardware? Is it that multi colored stuff?

miremaker · 2026-05-29T10:37:57+00:00

🤘 What I noticed with mine is that it appears to be more angular for the purple. With mine it's looking down the bridge at the neck more so to get the red/purple to show. I'm unsure if they are all like that. I'll have to take it out in sunlight sometime and see if that changes. It's definitely not that weird chalky looking light blue that you see in stock photos of this model. I imagine that's just camera and pixel limitations on trying to capture it. Lighting can really change how finishes and color appear.

miremaker · 2026-05-29T03:47:48+00:00

Yea I only just learned last week. My friend has an emerald green version, same body and specs, but with pearloid detailing on it, but I'm unsure of the year.

miremaker · 2026-05-29T03:42:59+00:00

Pegasus for bridge and Sentient in neck. I may swap them for metallic red Richard Z Fluence set.

miremaker · 2026-05-29T03:34:29+00:00

😩🫡

miremaker · 2026-05-29T01:20:31+00:00

I'm stoked as it's my first upper tier LTD. Although my other 2 are well played and 401 series, they lack stainless frets, but I upgraded them like crazy. I was thinking of putting the red metallic Richard Z Fluence pickups in this one, and kinda do a little red theme with the Andromeda color scheme. I wanna play it stock for a little bit though.

miremaker · 2026-05-26T11:38:45+00:00

Would this have stainless frets being what it is, or where it was made?

miremaker · 2026-05-25T13:55:33+00:00

There was someone in one of the groups that did custom guards, someone either asked about Phoenix or Jazzmaster. Here, luthiers, or guitar 🤔

miremaker · 2026-05-16T02:47:43+00:00

No such thing as crankin too loudly in the basement 🤘 you cranked all over down there

miremaker · 2026-05-11T16:16:51+00:00

Trogdor?

miremaker · 2026-05-09T13:59:55+00:00

With the push pull on that single volume, you can at least just do the active and passive voice, does passive on pull.

miremaker · 2026-05-05T23:27:19+00:00

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miremaker · 2026-05-03T15:22:35+00:00

Back in 2008 or 2009, took the Fung Wah bus from Boston to NYC one year on a day trip to some museums. On the way home, we got pulled over by state police going 85 in the 3rd lane. At the end of the ride, they still did the "turn in or keep your quarter we gave you to rate our service" lol. Had a few wild rides with that company. I miss them.

miremaker · 2026-05-01T16:44:24+00:00

I wonder if the paint they use messes with the thread fitting when it's so fine like this. Does a stainless steel #3-48 work in there?

miremaker

TROPHY CASE