You can’t move for references to ‘premium-spec at a budget price’ when shopping for a new axe these days. When it comes to value for money, modern players have never been so spoiled, with more roasted maple necks, stainless steel frets, and third-party hardware than we can shake a derivative headstock at. Frankly, it’s a brilliant time to go guitar shopping.
The Soloking MS-1 Custom comes via YouTube kings Andertons, who have an exclusive distribution deal for the China-based budget brand in the UK and Europe. Aiming to go headstock to headstock with the big players of the guitar world, this hot-rod double-cut is packing some serious specs to tempt players from more established names. It’s a seriously good-looking guitar, with its Bengal Burst finish offering an almost holographic ripple effect when viewed close up.
There were a few tiny blemishes on the review model we received, but nothing that would be noticeable from a stand or on stage. The roasted maple neck and fretboard combo is similarly attractive, and flawlessly presented with only a few small knots near the neck heel to betray the guitar’s actual price point. The MS-1 isn’t just some looker, either; it’s packing serious shred playability.
The roasted maple neck is billed as a modern ‘D’ profile and the feel is very much in Ibanez RG territory, albeit not quite that slinky. It still feels super-slick with legato runs, and bending on the jumbo stainless steel frets is a satisfying feeling that’.
