Are ESP LTD Guitars Good? – Or Just Cheap Knock-Offs?

Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Teemu Suomala

Are affordable and mean-looking LTDs really great guitars or are they just cheap original ESP knock-offs? If you are wondering about stuff like that, you are in the right place!

I have owned ESP LTD for 10 years and played dozens of them over the years (I have enjoyed playing most of them). Now I’m about to reveal all I have found out playing and researching LTDs.

Let’s get started!

Author: Teemu Suomala

More About Teemu▼

I first grabbed the guitar in 2009. I started this website in January 2020 because I couldn’t do window installation anymore due to my health problems. I love guitars and have played dozens and dozens of different guitars through different amps and pedals over the years, and also, building a website interested me, so I decided to just go for it! I got lucky and managed to get awesome people to help me with my website.

I also got lucky because I have you visiting my website right now. Thank you. I do all this for you guys. If you have any recommendations, tips, or feedback, just leave a comment, I would love to chat with you. I have also been fortunate to produce content for several large guitar websites, such as Songsterr, Musicnotes, GuitarGuitar, and Ultimate Guitar.

I spend my spare time exercising and hanging out with my wife and crazy dog (I guess that went the right way…).

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Are ESP LTD Guitars Good?

Quick answer: ESP LTD are great high-value guitars that are built for metal. Common budget guitar problems like fret buzz, rough fret edges, and other minor flaws can be present especially with cheaper models. But most of the time, LTD’s are ready to rock out of the box without extra hassle. Also, ESP LTD’s are usually not the most versatile, but they sound mean for sure.

Let’s dive deeper!

What’s Good?

• Tons of different models are available with different body shapes, pickups, and hardware
• High value for the money
• Fast playability
• Most models are affordable
• Solid pickups
• Sound mean
• Usually surprisingly versatile
• Hardware quality is usually top-notch
• Lefty models are available too
• Setup is usually good out of the box
• Extra jumbo frets on most models (great for shredding)

I’ll dive deeper into a couple of the most important factors.

Hardware Quality is Usually Top Notch

From cheap LTD EC-10 to my ESP LTD MH-400 to ESP LTD EC-1000 that I have played frequently, the hardware quality is something noticeable. LTD’s stay in tune like beasts! Bridge, fret wires, and everything has held up great in rugged use too when compared to other similar-priced models.

ESP LTD EC-10 had the best hardware quality of the 5 best electric guitars under $200 I tested.

Even though LTD’s are not my favorite guitars overall, to me, they offer one of the best quality hardware I have seen in under $1000 guitars.

Fast Playability

Thin U is one of the most common shapes LTD’s come with. It feels a tad wider from the shoulders than Ibanez guitars for example, but they still feel thin. This ensures good access to the fretboard and I especially like how sweep picking feels with LTD’s.

But I personally prefer the slimmer neck shape of Ibanez guitars (I have small hands).

Another reason for fast playability are the extra-jumbo frets. You don’t have to press strings much in order to fret a note. And especially with low action, playing really feels like a breeze.

Sound Mean, But Usually Surprisingly Versatile

LTD’s are metal guitars and for a reason. They sound mean. And it’s awesome that with LTD’s you have options with ESP’s stock pickups, EMG’s, and even with Seymor Duncans available.

But if I’m completely honest, LTD’s are not the most versatile guitars. For example, if I compare them to similar priced Ibanez models, the difference is pretty clear to me. But still, LTD’s are surprisingly versatile. They are not just metal guitars, and especially clean parts of your favorite metal ballads are something that LTD’s can handle easy-peasy.

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What Flaws/Cons Can Be Present?

ESP LTD guitars are not perfect. Here’s the downside:

• Not the most versatile
• Some cheap models feel cheap
• Some setup issues can be present out of the box (fret buzz, bad intonation, etc.)
• While finish and hardware issues are rare, they can happen (as with any guitar)
• Common Thin U-neck shape is not everyone’s favorite

What Features Do ESP LTD Guitars Offer?

Let’s look at what kind of features different ESP LTD guitars have when we compare differently priced models:

Price symbol meaning:

$= 150-300 Dollars

$$= 301-699 Dollars

$$$= 700-1100 Dollars

$$$$= 1101-1899 Dollars

$$$$$= 1900- Dollars

FAQ

Difference Between ESP and ESP LTD Guitars?

• ESP models are made in Japan and USA, while LTD models are made in China, Indonesia, or Korea (ESP LTD Elite models are an exception, they are made in Japan).
• Some ESP guitars are handmade (Custom Shop models for example), but all LTDs are manufactured in the production line
• ESP guitars have better quality woods, hardware, and pickups.
• ESP guitars are better in quality

Personally, I have no reason to get an original ESP. There are so many great LTD models available that offer me all that I need. I believe this is the case with most players. Of course, if you are a pro or you just have a ton of disposable income, original ESP’s might be a great option for you.

What Does ESP LTD Mean?

• ESP=Electric Sound Products
• LTD=Limited

Are ESP LTD’s Good for Metal?

ESP LTDs are made for metal. And based on my over 10 years of experience playing EPS LTDs, yes, they are good for metal.

This post about the best metal guitars under $500 has more great metal-machine options for you.

Who ESP LTD Guitars Are Good For?

If you are searching for a high-value guitar that offers mean tones, fast playability, and great hardware, LTD’s are an excellent option for you.

Are Cheap ESP LTD Guitars Good for Beginners?

ESP LTD EC-10 went through my home testing at the start of 2021. If you are a beginner metalhead, guitars like this LTD EC-10 are a great fit for you. So yes, ESP LTD guitars, even the cheap ones, can be great guitars for beginners.

Check this article if you crave more beginner metal guitar options.

Are ESP LTD Guitars Easy to Play?

LTDs offer fast and smooth playability. And in most cases, the body has contours that make the instrument more comfortable to hold on your lap. The thin U-neck shape featured in most LTDs is comfortable to me, but I recommend testing one out yourself before making the final decision. But all-in-all, I would say that ESP LTD’s easy to play.

Where Are ESP LTD Guitars Made?

ESP LTD’s are made in:

• China (cheapest models)
• Indonesia
• Korea

Here’s some proof:

Conclusion on Are ESP LTD Guitars Good

While ESP LTDs are not my favorite guitars at the moment, there’s no denying that they are great instruments. Especially for people searching for mean distortion. They also offer really good quality hardware and fast playability. And yes, you can get some LTDs with very little money…sounds like a good deal to me!

Hopefully this article helped you out, if you have any questions just leave a comment.

I wish you all the best and keep rocking!

Teemu

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