Solar AB2.4BOP 4 String Bass - The ULTIMATE Metal Bass? Let's find out! - LowEndLobster Review

[@zacharydesjardins3701]

I've never been this early to a video before but my boy Lowend Lobster deserves the utmost respect and recognition. I absolutely love this channel. He is so humble and so informative about his reviews.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Zachary!

[@avidia_music]

The fact that you're having so much fun playing this bass makes me want to buy it soooo bad!! Great content bro, keep it up!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Alejandro! :)

[@kibinzchannel4133]

Thanks man, because of this video I bought this beast and so far it suits me well. And kinda solid bass to begin with. Keep rocking man 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@50beowulf]

Very cool bass. Great rock and metal tone with a lot of versatility. Really makes me want to hear their higher end version of this bass.

[@flipper2gv]

The pickups sound pretty rad in parallel.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! I agree

[@jdmarino]

Solar + Fishman = Sunfish

[@LowEndLobster]

This is the way.

[@rajthi72]

Solar + Fishman = sunfish shirts need to be a thing

[@peter2712771]

Can't wait to hear it with the Fishman pickups/preamp 🤘.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm super stoked to show you all :)

[@alexskibicki2262]

That sounded pretty cool. it's got a nice punchy sound and I'll bet it would sound killer with distortion. \m/ looking forward to seeing the next video of that bass with the fishman pickups. since you've mentioned schecter, I own a schecter stiletto bass and it is one of the best bass guitars I've ever owned.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Alex! Fishman vid premieres tonight :). I love Schecters too, we've reviewed a bunch and will definitely be checking out more!

[@sawogolec2286]

after learning the ropes with cheap hb guitar time has come for sth more profesional - this video helped me alot to make choice and finally buy solar ;D thx a lot

[@revlewisrees9880]

Looking forward to the upgrade video!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rev! Super excited to show you all :)

[@luiza177music]

This a really cool bass, I'm impressed. Especially since it seems to cater to metal players, but it's quite versatile. I also enjoyed the all the sounds you took time to demonstrate. Speaking of, I'm still looking forward to seeing the HH Stingray get this treatment ;)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! It's coming, don't you worry :)

[@roadbull1]

Can’t wait to hear the fishmans! Maybe some clips with distortion? It is a very common tone in the genre this bass is aimed at and would be useful to hear. Great content!!! Cheers,

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Roadbull! Yeah I think I'll introduce some distortion for the Fishman vid :).

[@DaviDuarteRocha]

I had one and I SIMPLY LOVE IT....versatilty and playability are awesome!

[@Mattseak]

Okkayy time to start saving some money! I need the 5-string version of this so bad!

[@LowEndLobster]

:) I'm wanting to try out a 5'er as well. Waiting for more models to come out!

[@Mattseak]

@@LowEndLobster I'm sure there are still a lot of models to come, just like with the guitars :)

[@dwaynethewreckjohnson1843]

I can appreciate your willingness to reach out to the metal bass players even though it may be out of your comfort zone. Regardless, this bass is very nice and I enjoy the tone a lot. I hope you will be interested in more metal Basses in the future such as the Frank Bello signature bass, David Ellefson signature, or perhaps even an Aria Pro (like Cliff Burton’s bass).

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dwayne! I absolutely will! I've been eyeing those Ellefson sigs big time

[@pCeLobster]

I've had stuff happen onstage where if that had been the headstock on my bass I'd be in prison for manslaughter right now.

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

Impressive package for the price point!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you and indeed!

[@PingeMusic]

new sub today. Realy like this video and your smile when playing was priceless. So thanks for the video. Be safe and skilful. Pinge

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Pinge! Welcome :)

[@marcuswalmsley1529]

Great job! Love your vids dude

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Marcus!

[@rockereivanivan]

I'm a few hundred dlls from getting the baritone solar bass I'm soooo excited about it

[@basshoh]

Man ....shocked here at the TONE of those stock p/ups!!!!...its got some NICE BITE ..but yet carries the lowend as well!!!...KUDOS to Solar!!!...BTW ..my long time lead gutarist bro just picked up a Solar 6 string...and he plays Nuno N4s and KNOWS guitars ...and he said he really is liking his new Solar purchase ....!!!!!...just an added note on Solar !!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

They're really solid, though the Fishmans are exceptional. You'll see ;)

[@twocats2543]

Polarizing design but given the wiring fix you implemented the bass sounds awesome. Definitely looking forward to hearing how it sounds with those Fishman pickups! Great video 🤘

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Taconeko!

[@hetul784]

5:10 THAT RIFF! I love it! I love the review in general that's some fun playing, very metal! Although I'm a little sad about glam crustacean blonde hair aren't here :( It sounds very bright tho, with dipped mids, not my favorite sound but it's really cool! Looks like an ESP tho to be honest

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Hetul! Hahaha I will glam up the next vid on this ;P.

[@hetul784]

@@LowEndLobster YAAAAY! I'll wait 🥰

[@thomahm]

Killin it lobster!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Miata!.... I really want a miata. I love the NAs and the NDs.

[@lavanyavenkatesan3684]

im so excited to wach this.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm excited for you all to see this one... and the subsequent video... ;)

[@ricardobass4831]

beast bass

[@everyvillainislarry]

After you do the basic set of the fluence pickup, you should try out the mike inez pickup. You’re the only demo person I trust!

[@LowEndLobster]

Not a bad idea! Honestly, probably not going to swap out the current fluence set as it was a HUGE PITA to install (just a bunch of soldering, it doesn't come prewired. Not a hard install, just time consuming). However, this is definitely not my last Solar bass and or set of Fishman Fluence pickups. It turns out Fishman is like less than 2 miles from my house haha.

[@everyvillainislarry]

@@LowEndLobster sometimes things just work out! I look forward to it. Now we just need fluence precision and jazz pickups.

[@IlTurko]

Where did you get that Enel T-shirt? :D :D :D Thank you for the review, I'm craving this bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hehehe work ;P. Thank you!

[@Gerry926]

Not my thing but not bad at all. Clean and loud, like it was made to drive a tube amp. Good review as usual!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Gerry :)

[@librasky]

I want/NEED one !

[@LowEndLobster]

They're super nice :D, check out how this sounds after installing the fishmans- kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5XOq59pgK-Zl8k

[@Jitobass]

The pickups doesn't seems more than okey to you?. at least in this video I really liked the punchy tone of this ones! But I'm really like to see a review of this fishmans pickups from you too :D. Sadly they won't fit on my EHB :( the 6 strings required size is a pain.

[@LowEndLobster]

Eh, they're not bad but the rest of the instrument is far better than the pickups. I finished the Fishman swap yesterday morning (haven't filmed anything yet) and WOW these guts really awaken the beast.

[@Jitobass]

@@LowEndLobster I can't wait for see that review then :D

[@zacharydesjardins3701]

Hey Lobster, Have you heard of Balaguer Bass Guitars? They are pretty cool and customizable.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Zachary! My buddy Joe at XYZ Guitars (reverb shop) started stocking them recently. Will probably take a look at some point :)

[@zacharydesjardins3701]

@@LowEndLobster I want a monoceros so bad haha

[@PushSueAside]

Wow I really don’t like the way it looks! If you hadn’t made this video I wouldn’t have stopped on a review, BUT!!! Wow! Get rid of the bass control and it’s really nice. With the treble cranked it still has a lot of low end. Actually I think it sounds amazing, and the joy it brought you playing it....I’m actually really interested now. Thank you for sharing. Really cool!!! Cheers

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tommy! It's funny how an instrument could be totally off your radar, then one little thing about it sparks that interest ;). That's how I was with the G&L I just got haha

[@PushSueAside]

@@LowEndLobster it’s music magic. How inspiration can be as important as talent. Cheers.....

[@russellzauner]

If that neck is super fast, then you *absolutely* need one of the 5 strings. And I am getting a weird message from the lizard brain that says a piezo to blend in would be pretty great and if Solar doesn't offer a fretless 6 at least once in a while they are going to miss out on a WHOLE lot of very good players arguably in his intended market's wheelhouse. Fretless 6 + ebony + great build/tone = technical death metal machine He wouldn't sell massive volume of units, but I imagine that if he picks the right number to build that there will be people waiting for them every time he says he's doing a build and they will always sell out. I think that keeping in the vein of his own signature pickups and the simplicity of his tenor guitar designs a really nicely matched voiced set of passives (maybe a twin set of buckers like on the G&L) would be nice (he'd never have to get batteries) but I'm not sure who has a nice set of sig bass pickups - that's a small research project for me. The foundation looks great - I would like to see Solar also offer through or extra long tenon set necks, even if it's a 75-150 USD upcharge. Maple wings/neck with a great set of passives and you basically have my TL5 gen1 minus the preamp and that thing is UNRULY in both modes; I will never change ANYTHING on that bass and if I really want a fretless one there's always some broken ones floating around that are less capital risky to defret my first bass. But I'm pretty decided I'm gonna epoxy it anyhow, so it's going to be more or less uglier depending on how well I do... /digression I am going to check this on my Peavey Unity PJ passive (the red monster) because the tone is very good for a lot of applications but it does the same thing with the noise/click upon touch/release and I don't think it matters how they're wired to each other tone wise, in this implementation (Peavey will also give you schematics, etc, for old gear if you ask them) so I am definitely paying attention to that. LOL AS IM TYPING 26:00 occurs Nice. Fishman have great features as well as solid tone and they do a BUNCH of signature pickups so there's a set of voicings in there that you're probably going to really like. Tosin described his as being a sort of "passive/active hybrid" that has "passive-ish" modes which sound much more warm and friendly than most active pickups which tend to sound a bit sterile and detached to me, even when using them in styles which lend themselves to high gain/fast response/waveshaped/regenerated voicings.

[@russellzauner]

26:20 as Keith Merrow said in the comments in one video (and I'm paraphrasing) "Ola's X finish is the same on the order sheet as my Y finish on my guitar and I don't even care" - so, good call on the Schecter. Also I said it awkwardly above but TLDR Fishman is a company that I think a LOT of indie guitar companies have near the top of the list for 3rd party OEM pickup candidates. Substitute woods are usually different mostly in common name - there is great variation within different and the same species of Ash, for instance. I have a guitar made of Okume instead of Mahogany and it's heavier and seems to have even more sustain with almost too much top end. But it's a valid tonewood if you voice your pickups right. There's usually not much to adjust if the pore structures are close and the density is almost the same you can get away with a softer material as long as you can still CNC without too much burn or tearout.

[@LowEndLobster]

Duuuuude the neck IS that fast. It's really really really fast. I finished the Fishy swap yesterday and WOW. It was a process for sure, they do NOT hold your hand through the process. I'm definitely hoping for an expansion of this model line from Solar. I think they've been testing the waters and the bass models have been selling well (hope this vid helps, they definitely deserve to sell well). This base model is an absolutely killer mod foundation. Very happy with the fishman end result, just waiting on a black 3 way switch to replace the chrome one (already installed... couldn't wait).

[@russellzauner]

@@LowEndLobster that's what I was hinting at. Ola already has some guitars with Fishman instead of his sig Duncans in them - I hope it's not a far stretch to just order bass pickups too. Tommy Chong tours CLF Research kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIbKn4eqm6dqoK8 Project El Toro kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zoe6Y5qHZbuZiZI DOUBLE P BASS which has gold frets for some reason kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWPLnmudrsytbcU

[@sethnicholls7861]

Hey man, loving your reviews on instruments that I can actually mostly afford! Really proves that you don't have to spend $3,000 to get a killer instrument when I'm watching your channel and the instruments you're reviewing so thank you. Also I have two questions real quick, I'd love to know what amp you plug these guys into when you're testing them? And do you usually have to send these instruments back, or do you actually purchase them for your reviews? I'm not sure if you've already answered these questions previously btw.. I am a rock and metal bass player, yet one of my favorite bass players has to be Flea, so funk is probably my favorite style when demoing instruments I'm looking at buying too. I really like this Solar bass and think it offers a lot of quality for $700, it is a little bit clicky and almost too clear sounding but has almost a Modulus bass active EMG type of tone. It's just so scooped in the mids, but it's clarity is really amazing. I was a little surprised it popped up on your radar to review. I'm glad you did, cool that you appreciate modern and vintage style instruments alike. Anyway, I hate to turn negative now, but I have an odd complaint that may sound weird but I'm sure other people have wondered as well when watching your reviews... Why is it that I don't think I've ever seen you show the back of the instrument you're reviewing?? Just turn the bass around and let us see the back of the body, or neck/headstock pleez? Especially where the neck meets the body... Maybe there's a complex reason why you don't do this, but it would be really cool if you did maybe in the future? Like you mentioned this Solar has six bolts holding the neck to the body, which sounds awesome, but what does it look like? Inquiring bass players want to know these things lobster.. My Stingray has a 6 bolt neck, but I'm pretty sure the design is going to look different than this bass right? If it was neck through body, I'm sure we'd want to see what the neck heel looks like. Like is it rounded, is it comfortable, is it bulky? I can't I can't be the only one who watches your reviews that wouldn't mind a quick peek at the back of the head stock, or body?!?!? Anyway, I've always liked your tasty baselines that give me a good idea of the instruments tones/and range. Keep up the good work, but let us get a look at the backside of the instruments. I don't know if this is bothered anybody else or if anybody cares but it seems odd to me that's why I'm going on and on about it so I do apologize.. the back of the instrument shows us the control cavity shape, the neck heel and all that good stuff that may go into a multi-laminated neck design. I appreciate you mentioning and actually listing the materials and the basic design but I never get to see it unless I have to go to their website or whatever... Also appreciate that you addressed the bad ground in the room you film in for whatever that was, but unfortunately it was a buzz that plagued a lot of previous otherwise great reviews. But it sounds like for the most part you got it under control I HOPE... Anyway, I'm done for now sorry. I do look forward to the next interesting bass you pick to review!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Seth! I will keep that in mind, sometimes I get caught up in the moment and forget to do some of those things. I don't think that's negative at all, man! I really appreciate the constructive criticism. You're absolutely right too! (no innuendo ;P) Cavity size, location, if there's a separate battery door, etc. are super important!... hehe I said cavity size. I will try harder to remember in future vids so you can see what's up for ALL the bass and not just the front! Thanks again my friend :)

[@kimmorgan379]

THIS IS THE ULTIMATE METAL BASS ... plays jazzy chords. mmm. nice!

[@davidt9513]

I can't seem to find where I can even buy one of these online. They look and sound awesome!

[@LowEndLobster]

You can buy them direct from Solar, linked in the description. This particular model is sold out, but they have the alder body 4 for $50 more in a dark brown.

[@PorchBass]

It's seems a bit pointy and slender after the g&l! Does it chug?

[@LowEndLobster]

It does, I don't ahahaha.

[@rcjd7834]

As tight as those pickups sound with that pronounced treble bite, all my brain can hear is a really killer gritty tone. Slap a Darkglass style distortion on that and it would sound absolutely insane. Now I am not sure whether I like the EHB 1505MS better or not.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jonathan! Not actually owning a Darkglass pedal (yet), I can only speculate, but the EHB vs the stock Solar would probably have the EHB on top.... BUT with the Fishmans... ooooooooh my.

[@rcjd7834]

LowEndLobster A really good Darkglass alternative that I use is the Mammoth bass plugin. It is very similar to the Neural DSP Darkglass plugins, but a lot cheaper and I like the sound a lot better. I got it for $40 and it sounds killer even with my very mediocre sounding Jackson JS3V concert bass.

[@floydlay9189]

Lobby I love it,,how crisp is it!,,sounds awesome,if I dare too say,,,and keep this to yourself,,and don't tell anyone,,but it sounds like a Boutique bass,,that needs too be be strapped to a bed,,!

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL Thanks Floyd! I'm super pumped to show the post-mod result. It's KILLER with the Fishmans

[@PorchBass]

Lol just what I thought!

[@klaymeister]

This is also the same bridge on both my Schecters.

[@LowEndLobster]

Interesting! Thanks Klay!

[@basshoh]

Well Lobsta my man...dont know if you heard it in the room from the ole Orange ...BUT ..you had some natural DRIVE when you was at 75%bass and brought the treble up to max!!!.....unsure at this point IF thats a good or bad thing????....hahahahaha....and DANG IT ...you have done it AGAIN..making me go look at something else to buy!!!!!...Im blaming you when my little wifey asks me whats in this long box on the porch!!!!!!....HEHE!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

It's a balancing act with the amp vs the focusrite, but I'm getting there hahaha

[@floydlay9189]

Smile on your face,,said a lot!,,thanks mate!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Floyd :D

[@MorbidEmpireRD]

Could you describe the neck profile? Where does it lands between Ibanez SR series, Fender Jazz Bass, And Rickenbacker?

[@LowEndLobster]

I'd say between a SR and Jazz.

[@DAW92]

Thats a grumpy cat! 3:42

[@alexisarosado3294]

What brand and model is the blue bass on the wall? have a subscribe!

[@LowEndLobster]

That's my FGN Mighty Jazz Dark Evolution. It's an AWESOME bass! Review here- kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XOgH1rpp6FnLc

[@jacktrottier9594]

Sounds awesome. Too bad it not available in canada!!!!😢😢😢

[@RumblinMan]

Dude!

[@LowEndLobster]

Sweet!

[@Titanplattensegler4420]

Am new here. But will stay. Many others will, too. Greetings from Germany.

[@LowEndLobster]

Greetings and welcome :)

[@lavanyavenkatesan3684]

SUNFISH GANG... SUNFISH FOR THE SUNFISH GOD

[@LowEndLobster]

SUNFISH GANG! WOO!

[@ChipsA17]

That bass is cool has a great sound But I feel like it's missing something I am just not sure what

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ross! I agree, the fishmans I installed here were much more fitting. Hoping for some higher end Solar offerings!

[@rl-ub9hx]

😍😍😍😍

[@LowEndLobster]

:D

[@rl-ub9hx]

Pulling at my tiny black heart 🖤 strings

[@JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA]

Sounds good….. why do i find bass shopping harder than guitar shopping?

[@LowEndLobster]

Because bass is way cooler ;P

[@ashwitmoro]

Damn, Fieldy would be jealous of that much clicking!

[@TheBassManimal]

These pickups sound ridiculously similar to a pair of EMG DC soapbars

[@lavanyavenkatesan3684]

THIS BASS NEEDS A KILLSWITCH AND A KHALER WHAMMY BAR. Then, this bass can make a mosh out of my closet.

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL A trem project on this.. would be nuts ahahaha

[@lavanyavenkatesan3684]

@@LowEndLobster if i buy this bass, i would add a killswitch and a tremelo (if i could afford getting a tremelo lol)

[@wesliggett2454]

Missing something?? Does she..........?

[@LowEndLobster]

;)

[@ravelitschimo]

sounds like a normal 24 fret bass. nothing special. looks like a 80s bass. Im out. But a very good channel. I like much your other basses.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Emma! Yes, I thought the electronics were the most "average"/regular part of the instrument. The fishmans have woken it up though, vid coming soon. Plenty more vids on other basses to come as well, stay tuned :D

[@Wreckageintow]

please cease and desist.