What Solar Guitars Are Doing Is........

[@ChrisLau90]

Fun fact: Sega (the games company) did a similar thing in Brazil for the very same reason. Consoles were taxed and priced to high for most consumers, so Tectoy (another toy and games company) made and distributed their own versions of Sega consoles (with Sega's input and approval). And they even got a bunch of stuff that wasn't released elsewhere.

[@lulapt2030]

santa cruz skates tem licenciamento em industria no bostil

[@justsomedude5727]

And the Master System still gets new games there.

[@pauloscabeni5277]

Great video! One thing about average wage in Brazil: official government data says it's actually around 2900 BRL per month, and not 8500 BRL. Many other companies that gather this kind of data say it's around 2900 BRL too. A brand new Epiphone standard cost something like 6000 BRL here, over four times the minimum wage

[@marcsoad09]

Ia tentar fazer um comentário parecido com o seu mas meu inglês é horroroso. 8500/mês seria maravilhoso

[@alexandrearaujofelix7495]

Ia comentar isso

[@Sewersyrup]

@@marcsoad09 com 8k tu ia ser classe alta dumal 666 pro governo. se nao me engano acima de 4.1k tu ja ta no top 5% segundo o IBGE. viva o bostil.

[@Mp57navy]

That's ridiculous. How come that a Brazilian doing the same work as me gets 1/10th of the money for it? I make 30.000 BRL a month as a metalworker. And that's considered average salary for iceland.

[@gabrielcosta5325]

That's the problem in measuring by average. That are rich people here that earn a lot and makes the average higher. But most of the people here in Brazil don't earn not even 2.000,00 per mouth.

[@TobyKBTY]

The S series by Solar is actually available in my country now, too (Philippines). I'm surprised it came here too, but in hindsight it's a brilliant move. Lots of talented, passionate musicians here who gig and record with budget guitars or simply don't have the budgets for top-line guitars. Ola tapping into markets like these is awesome, I actually wanna try one for myself even after trying real Solars.

[@keefjunior4061]

Are Strandbergs cheap there? I’m trying to get a replacement neck from the factory there.

[@chiizuu752]

Just checked and that was quick they're already available. Sure, the prices are still considered expensive by most since we're a 3rd world country but damn, it's good to an affordable lineup by a well-known brand.

[@TobyKBTY]

@@keefjunior4061 Oh there’s a factory here? I thought only in Indonesia. But in any case Strandbergs are indeed still expensive here LOL

[@DMSProduktions]

@@Music_the_Worlds_Language I know! I play with MANY Pinoy here!

[@PeterMoore350]

oh that's cool. Good to know.

[@nao.to.nem.venddo]

I live in Brazil and guitar prices are completely ABSURD. Nowadays I don´t buy guitars anymore, I just assemble them by mixing bought parts from local luthiers, Malagoli pickups (which are great btw) and Wilkinson hardware. I spend 30% to 40% of what I would spend on a branded guitar and it's also a fun way to learn and experiment with the process.

[@georgebluestorm2439]

I moved from Chile to Ireland two weeks ago. I was so suprised to see the price tags here that I had to get a Charvel that had been on my mind since 2021 for about 400 euros cheaper than the same model in South America, which is pretty crazy when you think about it since these are made in Mexico.

[@darkmamba7025]

Los precios acá en chile son una porquería. Sale hasta más barato importar desde Thomann.

[@darkmamba7025]

@matiasz6857 Creo que es algo así como un 30% del total en impuestos si no me equivoco

[@martintejera866]

Great video man, but the reality here in Brazil is actually a lot worse... the avarage salary is about 2k BRL, which is around 400 USD, it's actually a really small percentage of people who earn more than 5k BRL, they are considered the "middle class" by the majority of the population. So yeah... it's preatty bad. That's why Brazillian brands, specially Tagima, have such a great importance here, even more if you consider the price they go for, which is way more affordable for us, just like you've said on the video.

[@rafx2014]

I was about to say, those numbers are not even close to reality

[@Themonions]

Tagima instruments are insane! I tried a Telecaster-type one and couldn't believe it when I was told the price due to how low it was! That guitar felt like a high end Fender! You guys are killing it with Tagima!

[@hatempire]

I've beem considering the Tagima TW61, a jazzmaster-like from this brand. Less than minimum wage (around 200 USD in direct conversion), fairly decent quality and, of course, a real beauty.

[@martintejera866]

@@hatempire that's actually a great characteristic of them, they are gorgeous looking guitars. And, at least to me, have a great feel and tone

[@PeterMoore350]

martin that's gotta suck. i feel for ya bro. cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘

[@nj1255]

It really is a great idea. Ola understands that not all of his fans across the world can afford a Solar guitar. Even though us Europeans see the prices of the Solar guitars as quite competitive, people living in less wealthy countries might still never be able to afford one. Smart business move, and wholesome at the same time.

[@sevenagnbeats]

Some considerations: - Rule of thumb, "normal" prices here in Brazil are considered USD * 10, so, using this PRS as example, a "good" price would be 7K BRL. - The import tax is one of the taxes that we pay. Currently is 60% import + 17% ICMS (our 'state' VAT). The problem is that the ICMS is calculated a little different. The ICMS is calculated after all the other taxes, incluing shipping fees. The actual calculation is: PRICE / 1 - % of ICMS. Basically, we would pay 92% of the PRICE + Shipping, if we import this model from sweetwater, costing actually less than buying from the place that you show. Companies have a lower rate, but they pay other taxes. - The minimum wage here is 1320 BRL. The medium wage here is something around 2600 BRL. 90% of the whole population earns less than 3000 BRL. 8500 BRL monthly is a very difficult salary to get, even if you have a degree and a lot of experience.

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

dude, your lighting !!! your face is blown out and reflection in your lenses!!! cheers !

[@shoes-kun]

Hey KDH, great vid! I know people already corrected you about the wages in Brazil, but I'd like to give some additional insights. Our minimum wage currently sits at R$1320. 70% of all formal professionals in Brazil receive up to 2 minimum wages, that being R$2640. That means more than 65 MILLION people in Brazil receive that and I hope this illustrates the breadth of the issue. Also, we have a credit based economy that was installed to give people the illusion of wealth by allowing them to pay instalments instead of full prices. So the average Brazilian is sunk in debt and will usually spend all that salary as soon as its received to pay bills and credit card debt. That means even a budget guitar such as the one you've shown will be a 12 month affair for the average Brazilian. So it's even more of a commitment than it looks. That being said, I agree 100% with your point that region locked brands and industries would help A LOT and Ola is a genius for it!

[@Conqoo]

^ this

[@mars6433]

"OH SHIT ! THIS KID GONNA GO ALL ROB CHAPAN ON ME !"-Ola

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

Thats a very nice move from Solar , giving everyone an opportunity to play a pointy metal guitar.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Ola gets it. Solar is cool. More power to them. When i lived in Brasil, a friend of mine played a Baretta and explained to me that it took him months to budget for it and actually find one when he had the money. 9 years of college later I could explain taxes and tariffs and how theyre supposed to work (but mostly dont), but...just take me on my word that sometimes youre just shit outta luck depending on geography regarding your purchasing power. So, Solar just became native, Brasileiros now can make and enjoy their guitars. As it happens, Brasileiros are pretty good at making stuff. Maybe this little endeavor will still be cranking out Solar guitars 40 years after Ola croaks, just like how Brasil kept making Volkswagen Beetles up to the 2000s.

[@rogerwberte]

BRAZIL MENTIONED! Thanks for doing the research on Brazil's retail prices. Even though the import taxes are THAT high, the domestic commercial taxes are REALLY high too. It's a real pain in the ass buying gear over here. The worst thing is the devaluation of the currency on the last 10 years or so. In 2012, we had one USD going for BRL1,50. We just recently were able to get one dollar for less than BRL5,00. The pandemic was tough, but especially the last government (2019-2022) economic policy focused on raising the exchange value of the dolar for investment reasons, not the benefit of the population, IMO. Solar is doing the best thing possible to get their product to the masses. The next step would be being their own distributor in each country, instead of using third party companies for that. BTW, for the price of a PRS silver sky SE, you can get a custom shop quality instrument made in Brazil with our local luthiers. There's a factory called Klingen that makes Suhr-level guitars for 1.5x the price of that PRS SE. Check them out!

[@Leychen]

yea i mean these prices are just stupid, isn't there people driving to neighborhood countries to buy gear there and bring it over the border themselves?

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

​@@Leychenno, that's smuggling bro. No one's smuggling guitars large scale. Drugs are focused on

[@Leychen]

@@jackbootshamangaming4541 it's not necessarily smuggling if you're not doing it on a large scale but for personal use. I mean i'm not familiar with south american laws but i'd expect people are allowed to take their personal guitar across the border for free?

[@flyingrat492]

@@Leychenyou’d still pay the tax if you either sold it there or were a citizen of Brazil bringing it into the country

[@freddyray6805]

Totally agree with you meu amigo. Imported Guitar prices are just a reflection of the age old closed market mentality we see in Brazil, from cars to guitars. I would rather have a purpose built guitar but if you plan to use this as an investment a Registered imported guitar will keep its price years down the line.

[@mykuntstynx9463]

Dude, my dad is so guilty of this. He's been obsessed with finding a fake Gibson for months now. I've been able to talk him out of it for now. He just bought an Epiphone Les Paul custom. It's beautiful. It plays fantastic. He literally currently has a microfiber cloth covering the Epiphone logo on it as it sits on it's stand....

[@pyromaestro]

Burny,Edwards,tokai there are a bunch of Japanese Gibson/les Paul copies that are highly sought after many who's prices have risen in value to a point they cost as much as the Gibson's. Go watch kdh video where he buys his buddy a guitar, after multiple stores and playing many guitars he buys a Japanese made Burny LP. Those Japanese copies were so well made they smoked the Gibson's of the 70's & 80's . Epiphone do make some nice guitars but I'm afraid will never be as sought after or be made to the standard of those Japanese copy models. I gotta side with your dad on this one .

[@heggy_69]

I feel like I'm the opposite, man that old epiphone headstock is beautiful. And the name epiphone just looks more aesthetically pleasing

[@_vixen_4504]

@@heggy_69 Man where are you from, Bizarro world.

[@ilmisxx2]

A good guitar is a good guitar, when you know what you are doing you should always play before buying. I've encountered both, complete duds made by fender/gibson/suhr etc. And some absolutely perfectly performing squiers and epiphones. The best guitar I've ever played was a japanese made squier, amazing resonance, sustain and tone, every note just bloomed endlessly, I wish I bought that one...

[@mavisser3211]

this made NO sense.

[@freddyray6805]

KDH, thank you for this. I have commented many times on this special quirk in Brazil and other places. Taxes, distance, materials and the special "brazil factor" i.e. status symbol due to purchase power by the better off are massive factors in the disproportionate prices for imported goods. Some people are prepared to pay 70 to 80,000 reals for a top end Gibson that would be worth 10k or less in the US. These items become investment products and not necessary for playing , unfortunately.

[@DMSProduktions]

Such NARCS!

[@gitarmats]

Solar seems cool. Never tried one, but they seem to be doing cool stuff.

[@Undercoverfire]

I've had a Solar Type V with a Floyd since 2019 and it plays amazingly well. Great features for the price I paid ($900 USD before customs/taxes). Stock pickups are great, too. They're just Duncan Designed, but they're made to Ola's spec so they're really versatile and distort really nicely.

[@gartherino]

Another great post, thank you. I'm actually surprised, I would have thought most counterfeit guitars were bought by people being naive and getting ripped off.

[@SHARt_murmur]

With ya on all of this, super cool and would love to see more of it!

[@DizzyDez613]

Ola continues to show his business savvy. He’s earned and deserves every cent he’s made.

[@allendean9807]

Your latest video on emerald guitars was fantastic! That short scale 12 string is super cool! I’ve always loved that they have lefties in mind- we’ve gotten enough shade from the big guys!

[@matcarpes]

I'm Brazilian and I didn't know this was happening! Thanks for covering it

[@balmain2496]

Oh sweet summer child, have you checked the prices here in Argentina? Brasil’s economy is like a paradise to us.

[@david-eler]

3:09 I'm pretty sure the average salary is WAY lower than this. For example, this would be the month's salary of a Senior Web Developer. The monthly minimum wage here is R$ 1320, and I believe the average Brazilian salary is just a bit above that. So it wouldn't be just over a month of salary savings to buy a Silver Sky SE, it would be almost a YEAR of salary savings, without expending much

[@ericdpeerik3928]

I thought you were going to ruin the brand, but I'm pleasantly surprised. There is a small amount that's going to end up outside the intended region though, but it doesn't really matter in the bigger picture.

[@PeterMoore350]

I have 5 Solar guitars. Been playing for 50 years. Took me 40+ years to find *my* perfect guitar neck and Solar has nailed it. No pattern thin pattern wide pattern wide pattern sewing machine thicks shallow up down and all around necks like PRS. One neck. Be it a V an S single cut GC ? If you’ve played a Solar but maybe now you want to try a V ? You don’t have to f”ing worry about the neck. Pick colour and type of bridge and you’re done. Solar customer support is stellar too despite crap on the internet you might read. Cheers from NZ 😎🤘🎸

[@GlobalTossPot]

Solar claim their guitars are revolutionary but there is zero things revolutionary about them. They feature everything every other brand offers. If you think an Indonesian made guitar is the best you’ve played in 50 years, you clearly haven’t tried every single brand out there. And their QC is terrible. Just an over hyped brand that people are only buying because Ola’s name is attached and they’re cheap. He’s not stupid; he knows making more affordable guitars will make him more money because it caters to a bigger majority of players. At the end of the day it’s just a business like every other. People are gullible when it comes to a business’s model

[@PeterMoore350]

@@GlobalTossPot i've had 6 Solar guitars - currently i have 5 (sold one to pay some medical bills). You say their QC is terrible - all 6 of mine were perfect. I can only go on what is in front of me, not BS internet rumours based on no facts. Solar's QC is some of the best out there and they exceed industry metrics.

[@lucasfigueroa1602]

i live in chile, south america, where guitars are almost 3 times more expensive (specially budget guitars and budget amps) and that makes two brands called Epic Chile and Freeman Guitars, both terrible manufacture and bad guitars in general, being the main guitar brands owned, which is really sad considering some of this guitars after a year just, stop working, either because of the neck having nut problems or the electronics just dying, i literally had to replace the neck (yes, it was cheaper than a new guitar but not for much) my amp it's a Fender Champion 40 which in the US is less than 250 dollars (i think) and here was bought at 350 dollars, and it happens with other brands, Epiphone 200 dollars guitar are sold at almost 500 dollars, squiers that are at 150 dollars are sold at 250-300 dollars (unironically the least expensive options out there) harley bentons are sold at a straight up x2.5 price, most Laney, Vox and Orange amps are sold at x3 of the original price and i can go and on for minutes, it's a really shitty situation

[@IJL-Old]

I immediately thought of Tainá from Crypta. I'm sure there's help with artist pricing for her already, but I'm sure this is something she'd appreciate as a Solar artist and having even an offshoot of her endorsed brand available in Brazil. Really puts into perspective just how expensive those guitars must've been for her which isn't something I'd thought about without this. And, being a Brazilian band that is doing super well lately, I wouldn't be surprised to see her using the S line in the future not just for her own expense but for really, really solid marketing.

[@erlannderrantem6972]

Tainá is an awesome guitarist! She might have bought her guitar abroad though, would make sense for an artist, who tours outside of their own country.

[@IJL-Old]

@@erlannderrantem6972 I would think so as well, only that I know she had the V when Crypta was unveiled and hadn't toured yet and think she was the only one who hadn't really toured at all in the beginning there. Know she had a Jackson Warrior, but my guess is she probably paid the full price for the V and then maybe did as you say, and bought the other models while out in Europe touring.

[@sasmitha8446]

Tax in Sri Lanka where I live is 52%. 😥 Granted its not as bad as it is in Brazil, but when the local dealers get to it, the price is about 60% more than American retail. 😥

[@aplanebagel]

I was actually thinking they should do that 3 days ago .... I'm glad they did !!

[@TheMack]

Solar seems to be a down to earth company. How can it not be with the ultimate metal Swede as owner, Ola Englund! Music for the people, by the people. Not more money to the sorporate greed which many bigger companies seems to live by, the customer suffers. Good on Solar!

[@MartinBryan]

Excellent video, man.

[@BrotherHoodMovies331]

good lord, that title scared me for a second there, thought Ola had done a kiesel for a moment, but thankfully this is good news.

[@niall0]

Nice to see some more positive videos

[@eduluke2010]

Thanks for bringing this up. Please keep in mind, 60% import tax if you import via government services (national post office or through sea ports). If you want use private companies like Fedex and such, import tax goes to 100% of the product original value + shipment cost summed. =)

[@Vindicator18]

The sad thing is that Australia is in a similar boat. A Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V is $5500.

[@kaiying74]

I've seen a few products marketed specifically for the Brazilian market, I always wondered why they seemed to be the only South American country getting this, now it's making sense. Good video pal.

[@quintessenceSL]

Regional pricing tends to mean rich countries can import for far less than buying locally, destroying overall profit margin.

[@jasonyouthmusic]

I’m an American living in Brazil 🇧🇷 actually. I think it’s cool that Solar is trying to make more affordable guitars. I have only played one Tagima guitar in my life which is from their Memphis Series (I have no idea the year since I bought it 2nd hand at a guitar shop here for around BR$1,000). The minimum wage in Brazil is actually BR$1,302 reais per month though man not 8,560 BRL as google stated more for people in super high paying jobs. Most jobs here in Brazil are BRL 1,302. I’m currently an English Teacher online over here and even I don’t make 1,302 reais a month man hahahah. So, it technically would take many Brazilians months to years to be able to afford a 8K Reais guitar. I do agree with you on the taxes here in Brazil being a lot. I have lived here for almost two years now and they are absolutely outrageous. Had my dad from the U.S. send me my focusrite solo, beyerdynamic headphones, Akai MPK Mini Keyboard (that were all pretty much used by the way) and the customs over here held it until I paid them nearly 700 reais just to be able to have them send it to the house where me and my wife live here in Brazil. Absurd.

[@nao.to.nem.venddo]

Yikes

[@nao.to.nem.venddo]

Memphis guitars are the cheapest line of Tagima guitars, if you ever get the chance try ou their True Range series. They are awesome

[@alejandrotarazona5359]

I'm a gringo*

[@mtrhd.]

Your videos are consistently good, but please don't lower your standards by naming them with............ .............. .............. ............... ............. ............ click-baity titles.

[@Ariund0]

I was a bit worried when I first clicked. But, glad I watched all the way through. It's really awesome that Solar is doing such reasonable prices.

[@rodrigozamo]

I'm from Mexico, and indeed, similarly, we are paying the same product + 20% import tax, +16% Added Value Tax or the equivalent of sales tax for all you Americans... and no.. Mexican made Fenders EVH's and Charvels are not cheaper just because they are made locally, we get them at the same proportional price as they are in USD + taxes... and yes, the financial power is proportionally not the same. This is a brilliant move to actually offer budget models in places where they are truly needed at.

[@shanewilliams247]

I just compared the prices for the SE in Australia and the price actually does look same as the US after conversion which is actually surprising, Gibson on the other hand likes to throw in a 30% increase for us

[@egg43002]

Gibson prices in Australia have become absurd. Always buy used.

[@fuzzymuppet1990]

im still waiting for charvel to remake the model 1 from the 80's at a 2-400 dollar price range ..1 humbucker, one vol, cheap strat trem, and pointy headstock. kramer did it with their baretta special, just sayin' !

[@micksmobilemechanics]

Here in Australia we pay a fair bit more for guitars too But it always stands out to me how much guitars are in Japan A quick look at reverb and eBay Ormsby guitars are more than double there what we pay here in Australia

[@gabrielsales9560]

Thanksman, I didn't know about this solar line of guitar, helped me pick my next axe

[@azuraug8693]

This is dope, makes me wanna give their brand a try

[@mrhyde2250]

I must hear you say “budget” more often. Your accent is brilliant!

[@luiza177music]

That's some real shit right there. Guitar and music gear in general prices in Brazil are beyond crazy. They've always been that way, but it's currently probably the worst it's been in a long, long time.

[@MashaT22]

I’ve wondered about these guitars. I’d love for a KZbinr to get hold of an S by Solar (perhaps even a few) to compare to the main Solar line. It would be interesting to see if/where they’re cutting corners. S by Solar has existed for some time yet I can’t find any examples online anywhere. Would be great if a KZbinr could arrange to get a few models from S by Solar. Honestly, I don’t think this should be a regional thing. Solar and other brands should do this worldwide. People who want the main line will still buy it. The rest who can’t afford it will have another option that’s likely a much better quality than Chibsons because it will go through a much stricter QA process (at least where Solar is concerned). Counterfeits and knockoffs are a worldwide problem that would be largely eliminated if legit brands did this sort of thing everywhere. I am hoping Solar will extend this line to the US in the future - and that other companies will follow suit.

[@Snivic-music]

nickel frets instead of stainless steel, no locking tuners, bolt on, plastic nut, techwood fretboards, and nameless pickups. That saves quite alot on the total price

[@AustinCain-q6v]

Yo KDH, can I please get input on a problem I have man... I ordered a esp ltd arrow 200, with the intention to upgrade, and I'm debating on what the most useful thing will be to me, whether it be installing actives to accommodate my metal taste, new studio monitors to overall improve sound, or the dreadful decision to upgrade some of the faulty Korean made hardware like the already broken 3 way toggle switch, any thoughts?

[@Walkerbjj]

You're right. I am American but lived in Brazil from 2017 to 2022. ANYTHING imported is astronomically high. Plus their currency is very weak compared to the dollar so it feels like you're paying about 5x the price of certain things. ON THE FLIPSIDE, getting things built in Brazil aren't expensive. I had an unbelievable guitar custom built there for what's equivalent to $750 usd . I have builder friends here in the US that told me that would charge atleast $4000-5000 for the same guitar. I absolutely love Brazil though

[@dalazerkitteh]

Here in Argetina the same PRS Silver Sky SE costs around 1.4 million pesos (~1400 USD) and the average salary is around 250k pesos (~250 usd). This means that, for the average worker, buying one equals to almost 6 months of work, assuming you don't use your money somewhere else... like buying food or paying rent. Do not look at the exchange rate shown in Google and the majority of websites, that rate (1 USD = 370 ARS) is only available to certain parties/companies. The real exchange rate, as of today, for the average citizen is closer to 1 USD = 1000 ARS.

[@shoyub0b]

brazil mentioned!!!!! 🇧🇷😎🇧🇷😎🇧🇷😎🇧🇷

[@JessePoage]

kkkkkkk

[@jlGenozzV]

Come to Brazil!!!

[@nikeisagreekgoddess4135]

Well, this means nothing if the instruments are shit.

[@michaelgriffin5304]

Localization is always a great idea to me. Whether it be games or guitars, spread the love!

[@YeshwantP]

It's the same in India lol, the insane markup on what will be considered as midrange guitars in the US makes them premium for us. Hopefully S launches in India too.

[@saarangnarayan123]

It's not as bad as Brazil, tbh. Since the 90s, things have been more reasonable in India (although the economy is growingly worse). I agree getting gear at affordable prices is a PITA in India, but about half of it is priced equal (or in the case of brands like Ibanez and Cort, even LESS) than the equivalent $/£ rate. The difference that does exist in the other half is kinda pointless because it is a more "literal" translation of prices. So for example if a guitar is priced at $2000 in the US, it will be priced at INR 2,00,000. While this is a bit of a hit price-wise (since $2k is about INR1,70,000), I don't think it's that much of a hit in India in terms of the % of people who can afford it when compared to Brazil. Unfortunately India's current regime wants to go the route that the Brazillian government took that made their economy that way so who's to say what it's going to look like if we have yet another term of this government in power.

[@AlefSousa017]

I legit almost cried when I saw the announcement of S by Solar a couple months ago and that Brazil was one of the main countries they'd be available in, as you showed it yourself, guitars are REALLY expensive here! Now I can finally dream of being able to actually afford a 7 string guitar lol. You talked about the average wage, but if we bring that to minimum wage, it gets even crazier. Here in Brazil, more than 70% of the population earns at MOST 2x the minimum wage here (it's currently at R$1320,00. So most people live with R$2640,00 at best, which makes it around $540.00). Someone that earns R$8000,00 is almost making it to the top 5% of richest people in the WHOLE country (the top 5% most rich population here currently makes R$10.000,00 or more), so the average wage isn't actually average at all if we consider how much money most of the population actually earns. It's agregious. Ola really understood that from the times he visited and I'm so glad he came up with S by Solar!

[@dylanmcdougall5758]

that’s actually heartbreaking how little money people make in brazil, i only started working full time a few months ago after finishing university and my salary in the UK is roughly 15,000BRL

[@Duevel]

When I'm reading something like this, I'm happy to live in Germany...

[@MatheusLeston]

Just to add another piece of information that illustrates how imports here in Brazil are a bit of a madness: indeed, the tax is 60%, which is already outrageous. However, this only applies if the product is sent through the regular, state-owned postal service. If the product is sent through a service like DHL, FedEx, UPS, these companies not only charge fees (which are not very significant), but they also have to pay additional state taxes on top of the 60% federal tax. So, the total can end up being approximately 100%. Yes, we buy a product and end up paying DOUBLE.

[@liamartinproductions]

The reason why more companies don't do this is because in most countries the prices are already "geolocked" in that they use only 1 official distributor. The difference being most countries don't have exorbitant import taxes so if the locked prices are too high people import them privately

[@rodrigosallesguitar]

Things are REALLY shitty here in Brazil, man. There are all types of taxes, not just import taxes. Furthermore, in addition to abusive taxes, sellers are unable to negotiate directly with brands. There is always an importer/distributor in the middle. Thus, the customer ends up paying for all taxes and covering the profits of the importer/distributor and the seller. And let me tell you something... they say that these taxes serve to promote the development of our domestic production, but that's complete nonsense. This doesn `t happen. We have some cool brands and luthiers, but they are not cheap either because all the parts (bridge, pickups, tuners, etc.) are imported.

[@Zafi000]

Most of the people here in Brazil have a lower wage. I think you shoud deepen your research. Half of the country earn up to 3k reais. This number of 8k is for 10%(or less) of the people here.

[@dundun8640]

Solar came to Brazil!

[@RussInCanada]

Sepultura had to store their gear in the US, to avoid insane taxes that they'd have to pay every time they bought it home. They just kept a bunch of cheap gear at home for practice.

[@YouTube_gets_dumber_each_year]

Wow, thanks for that info. Do you know where they kept their gear specifically? Max and Andreas had some really cool BCR and Jackson/Charvel guitars. I couldn't imagine being so far apart from such amazing instruments.

[@RussInCanada]

@@KZbin_gets_dumber_each_year I have no idea. There's storage places that specialize in storing touring rigs for bands. There is a big one in Nashville that was flooded a few years ago.

[@keithcostanza96]

I first fell for the “omg stainless steel frets, roasted maple compound radius neck for only (insert insanely low price here) with help from a couple of KZbinrs who seem to never or rarely play a budget guitar that they don’t love, and use clickbait titles like “how are they able to charge so little for these specs?” But I learned that having a “cheap” guitar with nice specs, but shitty electronics was holding back my playing in the sense that the feel and response from picking a fretted note, or even if you try 2 hand tapping and see how the pickups barley register the sound. When I finally played something with good pickups that responded to different pick attacks and techniques it was a game changer. Harley Benton makes some cool models but those “Roswell” pickups or “Tesla” pickups…idk (the fusion with EMGs to me is their best model for that reason) This is why the Cort G300 pro or whatever it’s called is the best value guitar in the world IMO. Stainless steel frets, compound radius roasted maple neck, one of them is made with mahogany, tusq XL nut, v shape neck but most importantly Seymour Duncan HH set JB TB-4 and Jazz SH-2. When you find a budget guitar with good pickups that would cost a decent penny by themselves, to me it makes the biggest difference.

[@bigwomp932]

Budget guitars have come so far, it's crazy. I have a squier VM jazzmaster and it's my main instrument right now just because it plays so well.

[@larseikind666]

This is good. This is VERY good. Solar has my full support. Now, let's see if other brands might find this useful. So what do you say, Gibson and Fender? Are you up for a challenge?

[@magnobeliero236]

Hey man, Brazilian dude here. I have an observation regarding the average brazilian salary shown at around 3:11. Actually, while that there might be an average of 8,56K, around 90% of the people live off of 3k or less. In fact, most people you'll ever come across live off of a minimal salary of 1320 BRL which is around 270 USD. That makes the price tag for guitars even crazier than you might have thought.

[@GustavoVegliaVicO.M.]

mate i live in brazil and i've used the example of the silver sky as the most nonsense deal to one of my friends hours before you release the video. I'm quite surprised by the coincidence, or maybe this is the most ludicrous example at the moment. Thankfully i still have nice guitars and their prices hold up VERY well, but you have to grind to be able to afford them.

[@ForTiorIJohnny]

ngl i´d love to have the chance to get a budget Solar. i hope the demand gets high enough that they´ll become available world wide.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

It would make even more sense to have one of the brasilian manufacturers license produce the guitars to push the prices down even further seeing as there is a local industry.

[@michaelpilgrim8131]

Phew. Thanks for not destroying Ola, or pointing out that he destroyed himself, or whatever it is that you do. You had me scared for a second there.

[@lightbulbsun4421]

Here in morocco we have often relied on relatives coming for Europe to get our hands on guitars. There is a few shops now that import guitars but the choice is very limited.

[@derbutzehades8628]

I think you don't need to work with such misleading titles (I thought this was a negative review) because I (and maybe others) got to know you partly through your criticism videos. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't know that 90% of KZbinrs use tricks like that, but I think you are, because of your videos (which have a high standard of research and transparency with the community) better than 90% of other KZbinrs. It's still a good video. I just find it disappointing that you choose the title as if you were criticizing "Solar" when they are clearly a positive example of import brands. Greetings from Germany (Sry if I made any spelling mistakes)

[@reverendg5937]

Thanks for bringing this to light

[@jagerking7020]

Solar and Ola seems like cool company but the aesthetic isnt for everyone.

[@caseysmith544]

I hope Australia and NZ becomes one of the places where these Solar S Guitars get sold as they have to deal with the issues of a USA or European brand being so much more expensive than in USA or Europe due to the fact of geographical location being so odd. Now with the country they are made in overseas this should help as Australia is big into slightly off not exactly look identical items sold from China that are from own Chinese brands Like Firefly or Cozart and not an exact clone copy from a preferred to stay as no name company or exact copy that just uses a company name for an OEM product that is sold to multiple sellers.

[@cc_mountain]

How do they do it? Do they open a factory on-site?

[@LeonBerduo]

I can really relate to this video, Fenders and other big guitar brands are twice as expensive here in Guatemala as they are in the US, and yeah… salaries are a joke here. Having hobbies is expensive in Latam sadly.

[@Timmyfigs]

This is a pleasant break to a run of scandals lately. Thanks for the good news!

[@LucasdeFarias]

Great video Bro. Just one correction the avarage sallary in Brazil is 2.924,00 Reais, witch is the same as 601,11 USD. The minimum wage is 1.320 Reais that is 271 USD. Less than 1% of our population get the sallary of 8.518,00 Reais per month.

[@TheTactical6string]

That explains why I had a dude buy my sun valley shredder a few years ago and didn't care that it was $110 in shipping.

[@baumansound]

Thanks for raising awareness of this issue in Brazil.... is F*D!!! I do thinmk this awareness needs to happen WITHIN Brazil. Somehow, people LIKE to pay more because it feels more premium, despite people not even aknowledging that what they are paying for is not even the product, is just the random super high import tax. A PS6 was over 7kdollars in BR when it launched BTW lol.

[@freddyray6805]

Especially the PPP

[@cameroncorrosive925]

that is a great idea, they need to hit that $300 budget guitar. that would open up the market to killer intro instruments. Fender/ Squire has had the "bullet" guitar for years, this could be the new gen squire.

[@Cannibal_Actual]

Yea geographic pricing is messed up, it’s one thing if it’s cheaper because of shipping but it’s another to charge one customer more because you perceive they make more money so you make them buy a part of somebody else’s guitar.

[@RiloRox]

yeah thats a fucking nightmare in brazil. I went to a guitar store there and asked where all the gibsons and american fenders are and the guy said that they dont stock them because no one is able to afford it anyway...

[@Sewersyrup]

Great Vid, but a small petty peeve regarding numbers: That avg wage in Brazil you have shown is skewed by a huge margin and taking in account millionaires public servants, which will even out the line higher, but don't be fooled, people that win 8k r$ per month are already at the top 10% wealthiest people in this country and considered very succesful(not that this means much, as the cost of living here have skyrocket in the past decade), still most of the population unfortunately wins 1-3 minimal wages, 1.320 r$ is the minimal wage without the mandatory discounts, even with a university degree you will be hard pressed to find jobs paying more than 3k maybe 4k per month at first and those are again, before discounts and taxes. So, the prices are even more ludicrous when you realize that for the majority of the population a guitar WILL cost basically more than what they win in a whole year, this is double special for Fender and Gibsons, in fact many in the music industry here often say that Gibson is a brand for Lawyers and Doctors due to how prohibitively expensive they have become.

[@water9026]

what's that blue guitar in the back?

[@BlockDefender]

I like that Gretsch has high end guitars and cheaper guitars still under the gretsch name

[@courier11sec]

There is always room in every video for a cat appearance. Liked for Gingy.

[@justsomedude5727]

How do they cut the prices, is it just cheaper build quality/parts or are they able to open factories in the countries they wish to sell in to avoid import taxes? KDH come to brasil

[@mohitrahaman]

Really interested if they do a launch in India. Cort guitars are really good anyways and are very popular over here, cheap but not in the quality usually, and most of these budget brands are manufactured at the same Indonesia Cort factory ig

[@anyshittynickname]

one information for you: 8000 Reais is considered a very good wage in Brazil. 90% of people in Brazil make less than 3400 a month.

[@Sticky_Tea]

Hell, even the Big Mac has different prices all over the Netherlands and it's a small country S by Solar seems to be pretty cool

[@PedrodeFarias]

As a Brazilian i need to correct this: A PRS Silver Sky costs 10 times to minimum monthly wage. 10! And costs 80 - 100 gigs to pay a guitar like this here.

[@guitarrilho502]

Even the S by solar costs around 2000 to 3000, this is the fault of Brasil's culture and the taxes, I'm Brazilian and this is usually the stuff that kills you, we cant afford or justify anything, I've been wanting a Dean ML Modifier since i started playing, 10 years ago, but how will i justify taking a R$5000 (reals, our currency) being a regular working Joe on the road for gigs that for gigs that dont pay even ⅐ of that, and i wont even get into how unfair our minimum wage payments are. But i have to agree with you on the point that, yes, Ola's strategy is genius, and its awesome to see that people are aware of our situation and cares about it. I could ramble on for longer, but it wouldn't change anything. I think Brasil is one of the few countries that punishes their musicians, a country so rich in musical culture.

[@lazrbeam117]

Gin-gy aggressive lick at 2:03 is hilarious

[@80s_kid]

In addition to the taxes, the difference in the value of the currencies can be also a suck when paying, if the currency in your country is not dollar/euro.

[@CaptainJack2048]

Now, if only they'd buck the other trend of the guitar building industry and make all their models available left handed, they might be worth a look.

[@WLS_Churchill]

There's an indie game developper that does the exact same thing, 65% of the total sale comes from Brazil