LTD Truckster Hetfield

The EC is one of ESP guitars most popular designs. A lot of artists have based their signature guitars off of the EC design. One of the newer James Hetfield signature guitars was like this. The Truckster is what they call it. It is bascially an EC with swapped out pickups and a crazy paint job. The paint job is like they painted multiple layers of paint and then sanded them down. You can feel the different layers in the paint job. It is pretty cool but it is not much of a relic finish because it is so contrived looking. The guitar has a mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fretboard. The frets are 22 xtra jumbo ESP frets. It has dual EMG pickups with an 81 in the bridge and a 60 in the neck Hetfields traditional setup. It has tone pros locking bridge system also. The pickup selector is down by the rest of the controls and takes the place of one of the tone controls. It still has a useless pickup selector up top. I also wonder why this guitar does not have an Earvana compensated nut. James must not like playing in tune or something.

UTILIZATION

The playability is alright with this guitar. It has more of a Gibson feel than a normal EC does. There is slightly more radius on the fretboard but not too much. It has really big frets so you can really dig in. You can also get a super low action on the guitar. The useless switch up top is annoying if you are use to Les Pauls or some other EC models. Locking tuners and bridge are great. Every company should be putting these on their guitars. The locking tuners keep you in tune and the locking bridge prevents the bridge from falling off when you change strings. Simple stuff that the big companies refuse to use.

SOUNDS

This guitar has the typical Hetfield sound. Hetfield has been using the same pickups since the early 90s and so his tone is pretty well known. The 81 and 60 set is well known. Whatever guitar you put them in they will pretty much give you the same tone. EMG pickups are an important part of the Metallica sound. The 81 in the bridge is a classic setup for metal. The 81 gives you great high end crunch and clarity even in the lowest of tunings. With the 81 harmonics pop right out and you get a nice searing high end tone. This high end is what keeps the sound nice and clear. The 60 in the neck is a pretty much neck only pickup. It is not super high output and is best used for clean tones. In the neck position I personally prefer an 85. The 85 has about the same output as the 81 and I think it is better for dirty solos in the neck position than the 60 is. Recently EMG came out with a Hetfield signature set so it will be interesting to see if ESP starts using that in the Hetfield signature guitars. The set is bassically an 81 and a 60 but hot rodded for even more attack. I wouldnt be surprised if ESP just keeps on putting the normal set in his guitars. The difference is not that much but the price difference is pretty big. Plus with the normal set you dont have to use them in just Hetfield signature guitars like you would with the Het Set EMG kit.

OVERALL OPINION

This guitar is 1800 dollars cheaper than the full ESP version and you get the same exact features. Same pickups same wood same everything. Just because it is built in a different factory means you can save almost 2000 dollars. Any differences you might notice that effect playability are easily fixed in a basic guitar setup. If you are looking for the black finish Truckster this is a way to get it without paying 2500 dollars. You get pretty much the same thing at a much lower price. ESP does this for a lot of their guitars. I have played both ESP and LTD versions and the difference is not worth as much as they charge. Like I said with a good setup both guitars are pretty much equal.

The Truckster is one of James Hetfields newer signature guitars. It is based off of one of James' personal guitars where they painted different layers of paint and then sanded it down to get a progressive relic look to it. The guitar is basically an EC series guitar with James' custom relicing on it and the pickup selector moved around to his specs. The EC series is one of ESP's most popular designs. It takes what the superstrat did to the strat and does it for the Les Paul. The body is slightly thinner and smaller and the neck is faster with a larger cutaway. The guitar has a mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fretboard. The frets are 22 xtra jumbo ESP frets. It has dual EMG pickups with an 81 in the bridge and a 60 in the neck Hetfields traditional setup. It has tone pros locking bridge system also. The pickup selector is down by the rest of the controls and takes the place of one of the tone controls. The upper pickup selector does not do anything. I dont know why they felt they had to include it.

UTILIZATION

The playability on this guitar is great for the most part. The frets are nice and big and the fretboard is pretty flat. I do wonder why this guitar does not come with the Earvana compensated nut like all the other guitars like this from ESP come with. I guess James does not like playing in tune. The useless pickup selector is annoying. When you are use to playing Les Pauls and similar guitars you will try and hit the upper horn selector on instinct. I dont have a problem with them moving it down to where the knobs are but when you do that get rid of the other one. The tone pros locking bridge is nice. It locks itself onto the guitar so it doesnt fall out when you are changing strings.

SOUNDS

With the EMG pickups you get the real modern Metallica sound. EMG's are some of the best active high output pickups you can get for metal. Since they are active they need a 9v battery to work. The 81 in the bridge is a classic setup for metal. The 81 gives you great high end crunch and clarity even in the lowest of tunings. With the 81 harmonics pop right out and you get a nice searing high end tone. This high end is what keeps the sound nice and clear. The 60 in the neck is a pretty much neck only pickup. It is not super high output and is best used for clean tones. In the neck position I personally prefer an 85. The 85 has about the same output as the 81 and I think it is better for dirty solos in the neck position than the 60 is. Recently EMG came out with a Hetfield signature set so it will be interesting to see if ESP starts using that in the Hetfield signature guitars. The set is bassically an 81 and a 60 but hot rodded for even more attack.

OVERALL OPINION

This guitar is good but it is not much different than the normal EC guitars. Some people may not like the finish either. Its a relic finish but it is so blatently fake its almost not really a relic. I probably sound like a broken record but the useless pickup selector is very annoying. I would recommend a normal EC over this guitar. With this guitar you are paying for Hetfields name and the crazy finish. The relicing around the knobs I have only seen on a few guitars where its real and it takes like 20 years to do that and it usually is only around the bridge pickup volume knob. People dont usually go around cranking on the tone knobs and the neck pickup volume knob. If you want to get this guitar I strongly recommend you play a normal EC first and think hard if the finish is really worth that much extra.

Very good build quality.
All mahogany.
I think every Truckster even LTD, is unique, because I have not seen one with the same wear patterns. The stroke sander should undoubtedly be given by hand. It is very successful on mine.
Three layers of different matt varnish, and more, I suppose, of a pore mouth of mahogany! In places sanding to give relic finish reached the wood.
Then we can see a good quality grain and no defects in the fiber orientation.
What impresses me is the quality of the polish. It is indestructible (or almost). Nothing to do with any gloss that will leave a mark or scratch at the slightest friction or shock. Including on high-end guitars.
This guitar is really built to last, even abuse, if we have the courage.
There is also a binding around the body and therefore not visible except at the wear due to the forearm! It reinforces the impression of quality and it can probably play on the impact resistance of the edges of the body.
Extra jumbo frets obviously pretty well finished at the ends.
The hardware is also relic, a bit dull original. Oxidation and wear will not score. It still it will last and last without moving.
I discovered AD mechanical and Sperzel is a killer. Very practical, no need to do 50 rounds, 1/2 turn only. Very reliable on holding the tuning and very aesthetic. Another success.
About electronics. 3 knobs enough with 3-way selector. 1 microphone volume and tone. The knobs are fairly resistant to rotation. Difficult to cut the volume of a sudden. Only point that might seem strange: the two volumes act recessive when two pickups sound. When you cut or a reduced volume, it cuts or reduces overall volume while the other remains at background. I will find it more convenient to let the independent volumes for each pickup. A little soldering and I will test it one of these days.
Anyway, the routine 50/50 mix between the EMG 60 and 81 is in perfect condition. So do 70/30 or 20/80, playing on volumes of each microphone is not necessarily useful.
The selector "ghost" may also be used for mods config. In fact, the cable ducts are provided. We can therefore replace the switch activated by a knob at the bottom and connect the switch from the top to become the true selector. This is great!

UTILIZATION

The handle, always with the matt varnish is quick and pleasant. The sleeves are specific ergonomics ESP (U "end"), very comfortable in all types of play
I just noted a micro defect in the application of varnish (ESP LTD and not, presumably) as a small grain is not seen but we feel the touch in one place on the back of the neck.
This can be confusing, it is again made to wear the sander at the headstock. As luck at the second fret. Curious for hetfieldienne scratch o). On mine it's almost a little digging. The wood is a little attacked but also the underlay fact that feel no variation between the varnish and wood. And it is absolutely not annoying to use. The guy at the sander may be due a little sleep or was revered for being confused with his wife the night before?
Access to acute is easy even though we would have liked 24 cases. Finally it was no longer a signature. And I doubt the easy accessibility of the 24th fret
One problem with the handle in my opinion is the narrowness of the headstock. When one is great (and I have not the big tubes at your fingertips), it is almost difficult to make a clean agreement on all the strings. on the other hand do not worry about what it is for the power chords on two or three strings.
The weight is light enough for mahogany. It is just over 3 kg. It is very well distributed.
About body shape is not as ergonomic as a type strat sitting. Indeed, the recess of the body that houses the leg is rather forward, forcing the arm to put back a little and can fatigue over time when the door on the right leg (for right ).
Standing nothing to say, but it does not facilitate the installation angle of the forearm which are also found on the type strat. This however, is not annoying, it is very well positioned.
Finally sound, SOUND, SOUND, it really is at the top. The EMG 81 on the mahogany, it sounds much better than on alder (and I have a custom MII). I rode with 10-52 remaining yet granted and I go there for the palm-mute version of H-bomb

SOUNDS

On microphones, it is understood Sir Hetfield when we tasted this config. No need to say more, there are plenty of opinions on the EMG 60 and 81.
You can play with a lot of style, even if you do not EMG for nothing ... This is mainly due to 60 gives versatility. After it is obviously impossible to have the sound of a single coil pickup in the bridge position.
The transition from 60 to 81 is very fluid and a lot more balanced between a 81 and 85 for example.
The mix EMG 60 +81 sets is really a killer. It provides all the roundness and warmth that is sometimes lacking at 81 for a change of style. The sound is dominated by the 81, but 60 brings something extra that you can not imagine playing it alone. With this mix, and probably thanks to the mahogany is approached in terms of sound of passive pickups keeping the exceptional accuracy and attack active EMG. Great for solos in my opinion. And I prefer to mix EMG 85 posittion handle for example.
The sustain is one of the best I've heard, thank you also to EMG coming out until the last vibration of the strings. And when it vibrates more, no parasite, nothing.
For sounds that can be drawn. I think we have a good pulling rope to make the most of the mahogany. Set of 10 very minimum. 11 or a hybrid like what I use would be ideal for low spit it right.
Then listen to Metallica from Justice to hear the sounds that can be drawn from the EMG. This guitar is made to get the best. I would add that we are not obliged to full effect on the EMG 60 for a great sound. For the 81, no how. Distortion!
on the other hand attention EMG are so precise, that any approximation, any parasitic friction fingers or plectrum to hear full pot! Beginners beware!

OVERALL OPINION

This is my 6th guitar.
I have since early 2013.
A value for money really good. It is more expensive than the LTD EC 1000 but has the great advantage of being hyper-resistant test of time and lose less value in use. No need to wait 10 years to realize. It also has better scalability with five holes for a Gibson knobs and other switches.
I did not finish my custom ESP MII or sonic accuracy (alder vs mahogany, too), but the strength, sound quality, accessories, versatility and violin did not put away in a register a slightly different course.
I also bought for failing to "use" my jewelry too.
Certainly it is not cut out for the shred, but the frets ESP monstrous and EMG, we will not be far.
For all that we find difficult is rhythmic better at this price.
In addition it will be easily customizable.
A LTD (almost) worthy of ESP.
Not ready to sell it!

Made in Korea.
Extra jumbo frets 22, EMG 81 (body) and 60 (sleeve).
Flip Ultra standard!
Switch microphone on the bottom 3 ct potentiomtres (2 volumes and 1 tone)
Submitted Switch prs top of the handle off (dco
3-piece set neck mahogany.

UTILIZATION

Handle fairly large but not as much a Les Paul Standard.
No catchy varnish for dplacement quick on the stick, we can play soon
Access in acute impeccable (it's a Les Paul shape).
More lgre a Les Paul Standard I think.
Her trs typ mtal so easy to find one!

SOUNDS

I play mainly mtal so trs big sound saturated fat.
The clean sounds are quite distinct, I t really enjoyable surprised by the potential of the guitar, its sound is rich enough for an ESP with EMG pickups.
I play a Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier Tte with a body of Vortex 4x12 Celestion, so I push the walls!
For trying the sound of this guitar, I find nothing wrong there!

OVERALL OPINION

I possde ending for this guitar for a month and I do not dcroche its ease of play (I have my ESP Explorer compltement dlaiss Grass Roots with the same mount microphones) .
I love the painting of this guitar, vintage cot throw a max, but painting it is even enjoyable trs in the wrist for the game
The report quality price of this guitar is trs good for me, I find irrprochable.
I do not think I regret my choice one day, unless I start playing the blues exclusiement, but m'tonnerait