Unbelievable Features on Affordable Guitars! - Soloking

[@andertons]

Just to try & answer the "is this a rebranded XXX guitar" posts, Soloking comes from a well respected factory in China called Manling. Soloking is their own brand - you can read more about it here - www.solokingguitar.com/en - Manling make lots of guitars for lots of brands, but factories don't generally disclose who they build for. We have our Eastcoast Guitars made there, although I should point out the Soloking guitars are a higher spec/price & build quality to Eastcoast. So whilst I'm sure there will be lots of other brands using Manling to make their guitars, I don't think its really fair to suggest that Soloking is just a rebranded XYZ...

[@markdoolan3424]

Also cool to see Alder bodies like a Prestige AZ guitar as normally we see basswood or similar at this price point!

[@benford1726]

@@markdoolan3424 poplar has replaced basswood on cheap guitars these days because basswood isn't as cheap as it used to be Not to say that basswood is expensive now, just that now it cost as much as maple or mahogany whereas it used to be like 1/3 as much

[@benford1726]

While it's true that Soloking isn't rebranded xyz brand, it is fair to say that Soloking, Eastcoast, other xyz brand made in the same factory are all being made by the same people with the same tools and so quality wise are going to be more or less the same. While the client can specify that they want different specs (woods, scale length, fretboard radius etc) and can presumably demand different levels of quality control (to get a more consistent product) the base quality of all those brands is going to be broadly the same (which happens to be pretty damn good in my experience 😉)

[@markdoolan3424]

@@benford1726Yeah your right also I think poplar and alder are closely related? i might be wrong!

[@billyellow4849]

So when you said in a recent video that you were not going to extend EastCoast up into a higher pricepoint (because people would prefer Squire/Epi), you kind of have.

[@AllanGildea]

These are stunners! Sound every bit as good as they look. Great demo, fellas, thank you!

[@jmorg1267]

I did order the MT-1 Modern Flame-top after I saw this video; shipped to Houston Tx. It is very pretty. Setup very playable. Build quality seems excellent. Going through my Boss gx-100 into the desk I did have a hard time dialing in the kind of clean tone John was getting, especially in the middle position where it lost volume and highs. It seemed like the pickups were hotter and darker. I like the guitar but it looks like I will have to design patches specifically eq’ed for this guitar, rolling off gain and bass and upping the treble. More fiddling to come.

[@calcariachimera]

Just awesome to the true meaning, that intro has blown my socks off lol Great stuff, love this channel

[@legoarmo]

Finally a UK retailer is competing with Harley Benton. Another competitor for this range would be the Sire guitars with the nice rolled fingerboard. Very tempted by the T style one.

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

I can see them being a serious alternative to the Squier CV models.

[@calcariachimera]

SOLOKING MS-1 CLASSIC ELECTRIC GUITAR IN SEAFOAM GREEN...I need this guitar in my life!

[@MarkFromTaiwan]

me 2

[@uberdude101]

Ironically today we have Analog John. Great video guys. Wish these guitars were available when I started playing.

[@njp2k914]

Anything with Entwistle pickups will sound good! The best bang for your buck you will find. I’ve used the neodymium pups in my basses and guitars for years!

[@gherardomagnini8071]

Well Done! I came across Soloking guitars reviews three years ago following some APAC youtubers

[@ClayAllred]

Those look amazing. I wish they had a hardtail S-type!

[@adriantomo5688]

man, in Indonesia they have tons of models. you need to wait until it arrives there

[@MrRafaztar]

I have been waiting for this since saw the guitars on the website

[@halotrain]

I own a Soloking MT-1G FMN BK and its a telecaster copy, it's sooo good, I actually rate these guitars. Used on stage live and it holds up. It's worth every penny. I rate over previous Squire's I've bought. Only thing I could find wrong was the frets were a LITTLE sharp, but dang everything else including the neck was amazing

[@DominicClarke-l2j]

I'm not surprized one little bit. They've got seriously well spec'ed guitars, at value for money prices here, in Indonesia. Soloking is an Indo company, their guitars are MIC

[@mattburnett7153]

Thank you for this. I was wondering if anyone would mention how the frets were. I'm considering ordering one of the tele style shapes next week.

[@Zitroe45]

I got a one of their “higher end” models about a month ago directly from Indonesia, it cost me around $700, and let me tell you they are that good, except for one thing, their “factory” pickups are absolute garbage, so it’s good that Anderton decided to go with better pickups. I put swap them out with some Suhr set I had lying around and now I can say it is my most played guitar, and I can take it around for practice and don’t feel paranoid that it will get damaged or stolen, like my PRS

[@davidmartinez927]

you mean you bought the custom shop model?

[@NicoMolla]

I've seen these soloking in a guitar commerce in Buenos Aires, Argentina...they are wonderful!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Why are the Purple Metallic and LPB the only ones without the white pearloid pickguards? 💪 The cream plastics totally ruin what should have been the best looking two 🙈 (imo - which is really important 😐) Otherwise - very slick looking guitars. If it had a C shaped neck it would be the PERFECT guitar

[@timlock1980]

Are you going to review one of these Steve? They look decent 👌

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@timlock1980 I just might have accidentally bought one today! 🙈 Even though the pickguard colour is "wrong" 😜

[@michaelbolshazy3532]

I think an accident is gonna happen over here too@@stevecassidyguitar 🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@michaelbolshazy3532 If weight is a factor... they're a bit on the heavy side for S types. I've had 3 weighed - 8.4lbs, 8lbs, and 8.5lbs. (I rounded up). Exchanged the 1st one for the 2nd one but they sent me the 3rd one 🙈 1st impressions vid up tomorrow

[@michaelbolshazy3532]

Thank you! Very good info to know! I usually play with guitar in my lap sitting at my electric piano bouncing back n forth. Heavy is ok but they are at the high end for sure! @@stevecassidyguitar

[@justryanreally]

I wanna hear these in the hands of Pete, maybe in a full video alongside similarly priced options. These look like they may be the new budget option to beat... I'd love to hear them in tones and settings that I'm familiar with!

[@kingstumble]

Big fan of Alan Entwistle pickups. I have a semi with a couple of his humbuckers which are very PAF like and which I prefer to the Seymour Duncans in another guitar I have. I am not a fan of D shape necks though.

[@waynebridger4998]

Just got the metallic purple one today. Went in to buy a a guitar, hadn’t set a budget, but come out with a classic vibe 3 tone sb Jazzmaster and the aforementioned purple soloking

[@michaelbolshazy3532]

i really like the wheel truss adj at the body join versus the tail with screwed cover.

[@ereimul1444]

they are back the duo we never knew we needed for metal/shred/tapping stuff!!! Digital Djent

[@shelaghjordan9441]

So the question must be soloking or sire guitars. Now that would be interesting to see which one Andertons would recommend in a video 😅

[@emptyMan0]

Very interesting guitars and beautiful playing.

[@millarhaxtonlaing1882]

A nice wee rebate from HMRC tempted me as I don't buy online. I got an MT1 modern for as steal £199 and was not expecting great things. Firstly set up out the box (excellent packaging and quick delivery to Scotland) was first rate only minor adjustment needed for my preferred ultra low action. I was expecting to have to upgrade the pots, switch and Jack.. but they are fine. The pickups are powerful but a bit of EQ adjustment on a Katana gave me some great tones. As mentioned in the video the coil split does not loose too much volume it does a tad but understandable. One issue..the term bar swings around a bit it does not pop out but hangs over the knobs. I wont be using it anyway as palm the bridge For under £200 remarkable instrument, and quality service.

[@christopherdennis65]

The “ride-in” jam was SWEET, gents.

[@colinrobertson4569]

John suhr wants his headstock design back.

[@colinrobertson4569]

@christoguichard4311 who's a yank?

[@tobymearing8407]

Unlike a lot of moaners here I actually own an MS-1. I was looking for an axe that had all the strat appointments but without sounding like a fender, and without the awful fender 'baseball bat' necks (I've played all sorts of fender teles and strats...american, mexican, japanese, and I've never gotten on with one...the american tele was easily the worst. So I'm a fender-hater 🤣.I didn't want to spend big bucks as I was gonna beat the heck out of it - the whammy bar in particular. After much searching it came down to the Larry Carlton Sire or one of these. The specs are close...but the Sire has the dreaded C neck and is TWO HUNDRED POUNDS MORE EXPENSIVE!!! £299 against £499! No brainer. I bought the pink one cos I thought that would be funny. So it got delivered to where I work - I opened the box, and couldn't believe my eyes. Stunning. Apparently I ordered Rose Gold? I spent the rest of the day walking around in a daze and showing it to the public who all thought it was beautiful and wonderful. So a day later I get to play it - it was set up! straight outta the box!! A slight tune and it was good to go. I haven't had to tamper with anything! Not even the strings! I've spent two weeks beating the shit out of that whammy bar, and the damn thing stays in tune! The neck is pretty much perfect. The wheeled string tree is a delight. I bought it as a workhorse for a project but...I love it. Only one con - the wiggle-stick doesn't screw in and I cannot find a grub-screw...so the stick falls out - A LOT. @Andertons have I missed something? If not that needs addressing, especially on a starter guitar? Also a written explanation of the tools would help newbies as well? Anyway it's a great axe that I would recommend to any level of player...£299...

[@michaelgottlieb9083]

Nice reviews… I’m considering getting a couple of these… the specs are excellent…

[@justryanreally]

Must say ill be picking one up next year, maybe the strat in placid blue or seafoam green. Curious to see the frets after travel! More than happy to do some rounding for a guitar of those specs for the price.

[@sasmitha8446]

I have been in awe of Soloking ever since I laid my eyes on their Insta page. I just wish Anderton's shipped to Sri Lanka where I live.

[@obstgarteninnot9340]

this intro is inspirational, im gonna set this as my goal

[@orcaflotta7867]

The headstocks make me think Cort. And why not, Cort is the biggest guitar manufacturer in the world and produces OEM instruments for many smaller and bigger brands.

[@stevemurphy5280]

What are the fretboard radius on the MS1? Your website says 12” but other sites say 9.5?

[@tobymearing8407]

great demo - 'every setting' is all we want to hear.

[@BartoszBanachewicz]

Nice to hear Phat Phunktion riffs in the review ;)

[@joshtorresfdu6621]

Been wanting one of these so bad for so long before andertons and when I finally got ready to pull the trigger the shipping to the US made the affordable guitar too expensive lol

[@michaelbolshazy3532]

I am in Las Vegas and that is my concern!

[@zipporaid]

Really wish someone would build some cheap offsets

[@hernindio99]

Soloking has offset guitar collections

[@Pulse2AM]

Very nice especially for the $$! I would only have concern about resale value since it's not a name brand you might take a hit on it If you wanted to get rid of it.

[@Customercf]

A budget guitar loses half of its value immediately once you take it out the store. No matter the brand.

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

How on earth are they so cheap?! Unbelievable!

[@chuddleywindston]

Child labour and terrible QA from the factory

[@ivorharden]

China

[@marka8738]

ALot like Harley Benton, owned by thomann i believe so they go straight to the supplier and cut out the middle man

[@Squall6575]

@@chuddleywindstonas opposed to the stellar QA coming from the American fender and Gibson factories?😅

[@chuddleywindston]

@@Squall6575 are you really saying that a sweatshop guitar from China is going to be the same quality as USA guitar?

[@pseudomonasaeruginosa4198]

Nice piece of kit ! Any chance you blokes might be getting the Soloking SLS60FM Deluxe ( it's a Les Paul knock-off ) or the MS-11 ( strat-style ) guitars ? - Cheers !

[@peterelford2695]

MS -1 in pearl white ordered 😁

[@DebowyMocny]

Awesome, please report back once you have it! I’m considering buying one myself.

[@peterelford2695]

@@DebowyMocnysure will

[@peterelford2695]

@@DebowyMocny great guitar flawless pearlescent finish neatly put together sounds really great easily worth twice this much would highly recommend . Ive got a fair few guitars of varying price range and its up there on looks an performance. its light too.

[@DebowyMocny]

@@peterelford2695 glad to hear that!

[@danieltilleru3528]

Yall need to review censtar beat budget guitar

[@boddumblues]

Very cool, I always look for the CAR option though....

[@jmjponeill]

Does anyone know where to get parts, like pick guards? Do fender pick guards fit these?

[@Bairov]

Where can I get these in the States?

[@andertons]

From Andertons :)

[@artsmartl2190]

@@andertons these are awesome. would love to see more styles in another video if they end up selling well for you. love the look of the Soloking MT-1 Deluxe 70 off of reverb. what a unique looking guitar. would love to see a demo

[@michaelbolshazy3532]

How much is shipping to Las Vegas NV for a purple MS-1?@@andertons

[@stephenwallace2423]

Watched both HSS demos, clean and dirty - no use of split humbucker with middle coil in either demo?

[@Cpmnk]

These look mint. I was planning on getting a 2024 harley benton. But these tho

[@jconner3891]

Get one of these.

[@thelolguy007]

They actually look a little similar

[@Cpmnk]

​@@jconner3891hard choice. The new hb's have ball end stainless frets, roasted flamed maple necks and babicz bridges. So its still a hard choice. But the Indonesia only guitars from soloking may tempt me if they come to europe

[@snapfinger1]

The cost of a round of golf at St. Andrews. What is Lee’s handicap ? Can he get us a tee time ?

[@paullittle8719]

They either need setting up or the fret height is all over the place. You can hear so much fret buzz. It would do my head in.

[@grungebob]

I’ve two of these Soloking guitars now and soon to be 3. You can’t get better for your money

[@ArnoldsIOS]

Everyone asking… how are they so cheap?? It goes to show that your average budget guitar at guitar center or Sam ash is making tons of profit! These guitars are also making some form of profit margin but choose to take the lower profit margin route! Benefiting the consumer! I love it :) gets people into music making

[@Tiptronics]

That’s not quite true - with those other brands there are a lot more middlemen - thats where most of the cost of any product is. I’m curious as to what the shop margins are tbh - there is normally more shop profit on cheaper brands/b stock as far as i’m aware, but the competitive low end quality rn must be hurting their per guitar profit margins.

[@oliverboisen7475]

​@@Tiptronics That's why Harley Benton's are so cheap. Because they're directly owned by Thomann, meaning they buy direct from the factory

[@Tiptronics]

@@oliverboisen7475 correct I mean i’m still amazed they haven’t been sued into the ground yet for their c&p methods, but middlemen is where the cost is. Hell even the retailer takes almost as much as the manufacturer- because they need safely operable margins or they won’t stock it. Same with buying a house - if you didn’t need to pay all the middlemen you have to, you wouldn’t have had need as much of a deposit

[@Chudhole]

Just wish the t types had a standard single coil in the back.

[@Stephan77645]

How are the fret ends ?

[@thewonderofyou1]

Good question

[@MayaBarrufiGT]

eu to muito impactada com a beleza do acabamento dessas guitarras e no quanto soam bem.

[@daver2156]

Looks like Harley Benton has competition. I'll be purchasing.

[@lukecowley4949]

Sounds crazy good for the price

[@JaxGuitarPlayer]

Are the neck profiles on any of these models on the chunkier side?

[@Riffeur1]

it's the same feel as an American Standard Strat but a tinyyy bit chunkier, but you can absolutely shred with it

[@Liquormans]

Shipping estimate for Toronto Canada ?

[@neepheid]

Are the bass boys going to get stuck into the basses soon? Really like the look of the MJ1 Classic...

[@dustinbrummett3774]

If they’re still in tune after that jam I’m sold

[@kellybrincks]

I love dual humbucker t types

[@filtermat]

Amazing!

[@joesteel3200]

How is the fret work?

[@laurenceede6881]

Interesting to see the frets are stainless steel; a nice feature (and amazing at the price point).

[@Riffeur1]

NO SHARP FRET ENDS, believe me or not it's really good on par or better than a player plus fender fretworks

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@Riffeur1 First one I received fret ends were fine - not amazing. 2nd one frets ends quite bad, most on the underside snagging and sharp 😬 (MS 1 Classic x2)

[@Riffeur1]

​@@stevecassidyguitar i see, but mine has little to none sharp frets. However any import guitars should get a setup, but after that they shoot way above their price point. Also,shipping from asia to EU does affect the fret sprout much more than shipping from China to South East Asia. note : these guitars cost same or less than a Squire. Jesus squire has really bad fret sprout most of time to the point where it cuts your hand.

[@golfrick007]

🤘You guys ROCK🤘

[@spasiba24]

i have 1 ms1 wenggee neck, very cool

[@Lorneplumber]

No lefties - excellent

[@Mr_Ashley]

Didn’t stop Hendrix…..

[@p___w9103]

Similar to Harley Benton and Jet. The 9.5 radius gives a bit more curve - Harley Benton's very flat fingerboard. Prefer a bit more curve.

[@Jonwsm]

They look like Mooer Gtrs but without the internal inner electronics.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

They look like Suhr guitars in a very convincing way.

[@jehonathanmclendon584]

I’ve had one of these for about a year now. Makes me wonder why I’d buy any other brand tbh. The only other company even competing with them is MUSI

[@sabbirhasan6934]

The pickups on the hss sounded horrible. But i think swapping them with good ones will still be cheaper than buying any high end fusion guitars

[@gvsd3]

Soloking, SQOE & Aguda is having a blast here in Indonesia for the past 3 year's, as a cheaper alternative for the more expensive guitar from another big brand that'll cost you your liver, surprising that now Soloking is appearing in Andertons.

[@damasterkarej]

Guys, who have better board? Lee or Pete? :)

[@AkiraThomo]

I wonder if these are rebadged Harley Benton’s

[@thomask9577]

I was thinking the same thing, but most HBs are made in Indonesia and most Solokings are made in China.

[@AkiraThomo]

@@thomask9577 good shout, maybe Anderton’s new house brand

[@andresperez8658]

From another comment by Andertons, theese are made in the same factory as Eastcoast (their store brand) but it is an independent brand. Dont know if that factory also makes Harley Bentons.

[@mikesaw81]

What about lefty models ???

[@Mr_Ashley]

Turn it round and restring it…..what’s wrong with you man!

[@markmullins2756]

I guess everyone at Andertons are bad ass guitar players

[@thewonderofyou1]

I would have bought the artisan if they stocked it..

[@Jonwsm]

That's not reveal binding. It's not revealing anything, it's actually disguising it.

[@ValveReactor]

Judging by the headstock they look like they are from the JET or Fazley factory.

[@ArthurDent33]

Nice to see Lee having the kids pimp his new investment

[@patsguitar65]

i want this guitar, Soloking FV Custom in Black Beauty with Gold Hardware JESCAR

[@fluxb1571]

Nice move! Finally they're available here. Since ever have I been following they on insta because of their amazing builds. Oh and if you could bring an HSH model with 24 frets and standard trem, that would be fabulous

[@stephenwallace2423]

Yep, would really like to see a 24 fret HH Superstrat. Brand has some really nice models with 24 frets and GE1996T double locking trem, but a lot more expensive.

[@obicross]

@@stephenwallace2423 been looking for a nice 24 fret with locking trem but non ibanez. also affordable

[@mattpearce79]

No lefties?!?!😢

[@keithmulcahy3417]

It’s a pity ye don’t have the MS 2

[@laurenceede6881]

Stainless steel frets at this price; Fender and Gibson should be ashamed!

[@Mr_Ashley]

Any chance these are coming out of the same factory as Harley Benton?

[@andresperez8658]

From another comment by Andertons, theese are made in the same factory as Eastcoast (their store brand) but it is an independent brand. Dont know if that factory also makes Harley Bentons.

[@christoguichard4311]

​@@andresperez8658YES...they DO. Also...Jet, Fazley, and numerous other brands. Same as Cort does in Indonesia, and IYV does in Vietnam 😊

[@TheMonsieurSalty]

I've had the MS-1 in candy apple red, and tried some other models like the MT-1 and MS-1 Custom 22. They all sound and plays far better than my squier classic vibe.

[@SiennaGold60s]

Am I one of the three people? I love these two, Digital John especially

[@Bairov]

They looked like Schecter at first glance at the headstock!

[@Tiptronics]

It’s clear that’s where the inspiration is. China rarely innovates, they likely saw the success of the NJ signature and went “CCP” Chinese copy paste 🤣

[@adhaskym.a9536]

I know where these are made. Chances are if Suhr is being copied, it will be from this company.

[@dpajc056]

That HSS guitar with the toggle switch is begging for an IBANEZ AZ wiring mod. I just find the name of the brand is cheapening it for the West

[@xoulrage]

got the mt-1 but the action is too high :(

[@bryantwalley]

Action is a personal preference. You need to set it up or get someone to set it up for you.

[@andresperez8658]

Give it a set up

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

As well

[@hyun6369]

price is ridiculous

[@thefilmandmusic]

Value for money

[@stratman9449]

oh dear....doodle doodle noodle.....

[@hahayoyo13]

Give me the klon

[@enthused7591]

I'm sorry man, these could be great for the money but Solo King? That's so awful lol

[@pacovl46]

The headstocks on these looks horrible, unfortunately. That flame top Tele looks otherwise VERY nice!

[@enthused7591]

These are SofaKing cool

[@ericterry7117]

so "The captain " & Pete doesn't want to be associated with budget guitars? They must be too good

[@PaulCooksStuff]

... or they were in the USA filming their factory tour videos

[@ianhenry8252]

It’s literally recorded in front of his and his companies name..