Photo credit: Novo Guitars
“Of course I live in Nashville” was one of those fleeting social media farts, passing through the cities digestive track over a span of 2 or three weeks like clockwork; its fate following a predestined schedule ending with delete. The casual consumer of today´s media fast food may have however missed a deeper truth buried under the jokes that accompanied the phrase. Edward, my editor was saying he thought I might want to look at a hot new guitar that people were buzzing about and if I agreed they would have one sent to me. Little did I know that by the time I was expecting my shipment, the builder’s team had already tried to deliver it to my door… twice. How could that be I asked myself. The answer was “Of course, I live in Nashville!” And so does the company Novo established in 2014 by luthier Dennis Fano.
The shipment was an incredibly well set up Solus H2. According to old Mr. Webster the word Solus means “alone or unaccompanied”. Often used in stage directions for male actors, the name could not be more appropriate. The H2 is a man’s guitar, that’s the truth. Unless you come out kicking it like Joan Jett you will never truly unlock the secrets of this axe. Hats off to Dennis Fano. Every detail has been given attention to; from the Kluson Supreme tuners to the gold finish on the Fralin Pure PAF humbuckers - it´s more than done right. Quite frankly it´s one good looking guitar. The lightly distressed finish gives it a warm feel and makes me want to get out my leather. I noticed right away that the neck is a little shorter than what I’m used to, but I counted each fret to be sure. (22) and a scale length of 24.75 in. So I take her out for a spin hmmm let’s try some basics Free “All Right Now” nice. BTO “Ain’t Seen Nothin Yet”. Louder.. that’s when I noticed something here. This guitar vibes, you can feel it. It’s almost like she’s mad under the surface. Around 6 on the volume pot - that´s when she cuts loose. Her maple C neck is silky and fast. Let’s try a little more “Mas Tequila”, Sammy would love this beast. Running through a little medley of styles with Terrible Ted’s “Got to Live it Up” I’m killing it here ladies and gentlemen. Lighter than most Fender Ts, she’s nicely carved with the performer in mind. Hmmm, when I turn her over, I see bolts. Ok, I got them on my Tele too but there’s always going to be a set neck vs. bolt on neck rivalry. This is what I think: if this guitar is for what I think it is, namely lots of tough shows than somebody’s tech is going to be thankful that it´s bolted.
Angus Young solo, CHECK! She’s screaming.
Guitar Thrills Broadcast
But what about the other stuff? Country is where my heart lies so let’s clean it up. Brett Mason and Brad Paisley would be proud of my efforts, but this is where things change. The chunky C neck is making it difficult for my little hands and my chicken pickin´ sounds less sharp than I want it to. So where to? I ask myself. The answer came in a blinding flash and with it a new vein of pure gold.
Where’s that slide? Got it .. and away we go! Lee Roy Parnell “What kind of fool”- yup that’s where it´s at. I can feel each note all the way through the body. I´ve got sustain for days, no years. “Just Got Paid” sounds incredible no, unbelievable.
Looking down at the pots I see something I wish I could change. The Solus has one volume pot, one tone pot and is also equipped with a normal 3-way toggle switch - rear (both) front. Having a volume knob for each pickup would be nice if you are takin this masterpiece into the studio.
The Solus was built with a purpose, that’s easy to see, she’s not for newbies or soft rock lovers or for that matter your living room. The price tag she’s wearing also does not match to any of the aforementioned groups. If you are a professional guitar player this axe is something you should seriously consider taking on the road. The Solus can handle a variety of situations which is something that I personally want when I am touring. Don’t get me wrong I love each one of my trusted workhorses, but I can see the Solus replacing at least two of them on the bus.
Great job from the Solus team.
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
