Instead of the usual one signature model deal, Ola Englund’s Washburn Parallaxe Solar Series starts off with 9 models that cover a wide range of price points.
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These new models are part of Washburn’s recent barrage of new electric guitars called the Parallaxe Series designed to appeal to metal guitar players with their improved playability and sharp looks.
The Solar Series consists of 6 and 7 string guitars, 5 of which will be high-end models built in Washburn’s USA Custom Shop just outside of Chicago, while the other models serve as affordable alternatives.
The models include the PX-SOLAR160WH, PX-SOLAR160C, PX-SOLAR170C, PX-SOLAR16ET, PX-SOLAR17ET, PX-SOLAR6, PX-SOLAR7, PX-SOLAR6 and PX-SOLAR7.
Aside from playing for bands like Feared and Six Feet Under, Ola Englund is also known for his YouTube demos that gear toward metal music. His YouTube stint must have given him quite the headstart when he was co-designing his signature line – utilizing the experience he gained with multiple brands of guitars and at the same time regularly hears the suggestions from the metal playing community. The result are guitar designs that combine his preference and requested features by actual players.
Surprisingly, all the guitars come with a traditional 25.5″ scale length, which will be familiar to Strat and Tele players, the main difference however is that these guitars have 24 frets. The double-cutaway shape is also not a stranger, along with the use of alder for the body. Thankfully you can’t mistake it for a Strat because of the sharper and contoured edges, as well as the full access neck joint.
Other common features include the use of the Buzz Feiten Tuning System, Grover 18:1 Locking tuners, Spring Silencers, big brass trem blocks, and ebony fretboards with super jumbo frets – with all the hardware and electronics made in the USA.
The high-end models feature either a Hipshot Fixed Bridge or the impressive Evertune F-type bridge, both of which are known favorites of Ola. The choice of pickups are different depending on the models, but all come from Seymour Duncan.
I have to admit that the overall design is the most elegantly-aggressive I’ve seen in quite a while, and it’s easy to see why many are looking forward to give these guitars a try, and possibly take one home. For more information on the new Ola Englund Parallaxe Solar series, visit Washburn.
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That’s a sweet looking axe, but the bridge is pretty damn ugly. Why not just put a Floyd Rose on it? Love the polar white color!