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MGR/ZT « ESP LTD F-100 »
Published on 01/20/03 at 15:00When I first saw the ESP/LTD "F" shape a couple of years ago, I thought they had some pretty wicked curves on them, but they were kind of spendy (I only buy cheap guitars so I can have more of them!) But lo! This month MusiciansFriend.com dropped the price on this sweet axe to $199.99. I said to myself, "The time has come -- I MUST HAVE ONE!"
Like my wife did a few years ago, this guitar first drew my attention because of its great looks. It is simply a killer looking machine. The lack of a whammy bar/bridge setup is fine with me, as I have that on 3 other guitars, already. The sustain is great and it actually sounds really good unplugged from an amp. The whole thing feels really well balanced and solidly constructed -- certainly not a given with just any old $200 guitar. I opted for the black cherry finish and it is definitely the best choice of the 3 options for this model. The titanium was like a dull silver glitter finish and black wouldn't allow the great curves to be seen in a live setting. Go black cherry!! Did I mention it looks great?
There are a couple of minor issues to consider with this guitar. A slight fret buzz is present as shipped. I'm sure I can rectify that with a little adjusting. Also, the placement of the upper strap button is a bit awkward for the particular locking strap that I bought for it. I bought a Sure-lock strap, which is great, but the hard plastic end would rub the corner nearest to the strap button and with time, I'm sure it would damage the finish. I've chosen a regular leather-ended strap now and put the Sure-lock on a regular-shaped axe and all is well. Also of note, the "universal" F/B hardcase that is sold with for this guitar really is a poor fit. I have to squeeze the guitar in and the body end of the case has to be pushed down to latch it (theres enough cushion, though, to not hurt the guitar).
The build of the guitar is beautiful. The tuners are very solid, as is the rest of the hardware. There are some slightly noticeable streaks in the finish at the bottom, below the bridge and there's a tiny bubble on one of the lower edges. These are things that are probably unit specific to mine, but something to consider, all the same. Overall, it is well constructed and the jagged-yet-smooth curves are great to run one's hands over.
I am extremely pleased with my purchase of the F-100 and I'm so glad I'm not kicking myself for buying it when it was more expensive (if ya can't tell, I'm very budget minded). This is the first ESP addition to my stable and I wouldn't hesitate to add another.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
Like my wife did a few years ago, this guitar first drew my attention because of its great looks. It is simply a killer looking machine. The lack of a whammy bar/bridge setup is fine with me, as I have that on 3 other guitars, already. The sustain is great and it actually sounds really good unplugged from an amp. The whole thing feels really well balanced and solidly constructed -- certainly not a given with just any old $200 guitar. I opted for the black cherry finish and it is definitely the best choice of the 3 options for this model. The titanium was like a dull silver glitter finish and black wouldn't allow the great curves to be seen in a live setting. Go black cherry!! Did I mention it looks great?
There are a couple of minor issues to consider with this guitar. A slight fret buzz is present as shipped. I'm sure I can rectify that with a little adjusting. Also, the placement of the upper strap button is a bit awkward for the particular locking strap that I bought for it. I bought a Sure-lock strap, which is great, but the hard plastic end would rub the corner nearest to the strap button and with time, I'm sure it would damage the finish. I've chosen a regular leather-ended strap now and put the Sure-lock on a regular-shaped axe and all is well. Also of note, the "universal" F/B hardcase that is sold with for this guitar really is a poor fit. I have to squeeze the guitar in and the body end of the case has to be pushed down to latch it (theres enough cushion, though, to not hurt the guitar).
The build of the guitar is beautiful. The tuners are very solid, as is the rest of the hardware. There are some slightly noticeable streaks in the finish at the bottom, below the bridge and there's a tiny bubble on one of the lower edges. These are things that are probably unit specific to mine, but something to consider, all the same. Overall, it is well constructed and the jagged-yet-smooth curves are great to run one's hands over.
I am extremely pleased with my purchase of the F-100 and I'm so glad I'm not kicking myself for buying it when it was more expensive (if ya can't tell, I'm very budget minded). This is the first ESP addition to my stable and I wouldn't hesitate to add another.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com