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Hatsubai « Pretty good considering »
Published on 09/05/11 at 16:46This guitar is a lot closer to the actual signature model that Jeff uses. In fact, it's very close to the normal ESP one, and it's a great deal for those looking for a quality guitar without the huge price tag. The guitar features an alder body (we call them "wings" as it's a neck-thru guitar), a maple neck with an ebony fretboard, 24 extra jumbo frets, unique inlays, a Kahler bridge, binding, two EMG humbuckers, one volume, one tone and a three way switch.
UTILIZATION
The overall build quality of this is pretty good. The frets are in good shape, and they were finished quite nicely. The ends aren't as nice as the normal ESP standard series, but you're getting what you're paying for. It's still good, and there aren't any issues with them cutting up your hand every time you go up and down the neck. The guitar itself was a bit heavy given its neck-thru construction, but it isn't too bad. The biggest issue with this guitar is that it has a Kahler bridge. These bridges feel very odd, and I can't get over how they dull the overall tone of the guitar.
SOUNDS
The guitar sounded pretty good thanks to the EMGs. The guitar had an EMG 81 in the bridge and an EMG 85 in the neck. The EMG 81 in the bridge delivered a great tone for metal. It's bright with tons of harmonics, and it cuts through even the densest mix out there. Some people dislike how bright it can be, and I understand that, but it works awesome in a recording or live setting. The EMG 85 in the neck is super fat, and you can get some sick lead tones out of it. Clean tones are a bit dull sounding, maybe even a bit hi-fi sounding, but they're not too terrible if you add some effects to it.
OVERALL OPINION
The guitar is pretty good considering the price. You get a lot for your money. If these came with a different bridge, I would look into possibly buying one. They're pretty cool, and I have been a big time Slayer fan for years. I just can't get over how bad this bridge is...
UTILIZATION
The overall build quality of this is pretty good. The frets are in good shape, and they were finished quite nicely. The ends aren't as nice as the normal ESP standard series, but you're getting what you're paying for. It's still good, and there aren't any issues with them cutting up your hand every time you go up and down the neck. The guitar itself was a bit heavy given its neck-thru construction, but it isn't too bad. The biggest issue with this guitar is that it has a Kahler bridge. These bridges feel very odd, and I can't get over how they dull the overall tone of the guitar.
SOUNDS
The guitar sounded pretty good thanks to the EMGs. The guitar had an EMG 81 in the bridge and an EMG 85 in the neck. The EMG 81 in the bridge delivered a great tone for metal. It's bright with tons of harmonics, and it cuts through even the densest mix out there. Some people dislike how bright it can be, and I understand that, but it works awesome in a recording or live setting. The EMG 85 in the neck is super fat, and you can get some sick lead tones out of it. Clean tones are a bit dull sounding, maybe even a bit hi-fi sounding, but they're not too terrible if you add some effects to it.
OVERALL OPINION
The guitar is pretty good considering the price. You get a lot for your money. If these came with a different bridge, I would look into possibly buying one. They're pretty cool, and I have been a big time Slayer fan for years. I just can't get over how bad this bridge is...