Strategic variation is the process of leaving certain specifications open or undefined until the guitar goes into production. We alter important details to create a wide array of possibility and potential for each model.
These can be practical things like nut width, string spacing, neck profile, frets and pickup choices. Obvious things like custom inlays for aesthetic purposes, and also wood options for tonal considerations. But more importantly, subtle things like brace height and shape, internal chambers on electrics, and special treatment of the acoustic soundboard depending on your sonic goal.
Why is Solstice built on this idea?
Because strategic variation is the key to creating individual and unique masterpieces within our set of models. Each player is a little different. Same with each piece of wood. This approach gives you the opportunity to discover a guitar with the best specs for your hands and ears. This is what leads to an incredible musical experience.
Do other builders have a similar approach? Absolutely. We call it Strategic Variation because this is a foundational concept for us, but a purposefully limiting one. It's not called 'endless variation.' The strategy is built into the process for every guitar, and always will be. When we prep an internal order for processing, we choose a set of alterations for its future unknown player. This means when I carve a neck, I'm thinking about you and the future relationship the guitar will forge with your hands. When I choose the woods, I'm thinking about the ideal voicing for your playing style. Rarely are we trying to recreate the exact same guitar.
The variables for each model are extensive. We give detailed attention to every individual feature. Strategic variation allows us to produce instruments that are independent and specialized, every time.
