View other reviews for this product:
MGR/Pete « ESP MH301 »
Published on 06/04/03 at 15:00I had been playing my 1986 Japanese Stratocaster for too many years, through too much abuse. I decided it was time for a new mate. I did some research on-line, visited my local music store, plyed several different models, and decided ESP was worth a try. I bought this guitar at Samash.com, for $479.00 ($899.00 list) - a bargain. Normal retail is about $699.00.
First, the playability is very good. The neck is very similar to a Strat in thickness, but has a better overall feel. The action is very good, among the best I have experienced.
Second, Component quality is very high. The tuning keys, licensed floyd bridge, knobs, all very nice.
Third, finish and overall appearance are first-rate. You won't find any better. Nice top, but I will tell you for free - you don't get AA flame, curly, quilt, or birds-eye maple on guitars in this price range. With ESP, you do get a nice looking, thick quilt top, perfectly finished. Nicely done, ESP
Fourth, the sound is great. The EMG pick-ups are very, very nice. I changed out the EMG in the bridge position to a FRED for a while, but put the EMG back in because it sounded better in this case (and I love the FRED pickup.) The 5-way "mega switch" is a nice touch - gives you a couple of sounds where the Hums are split and paired - really nice tones.
Product integrity is great. After one year, the only problem I have had is with the arm of the trem unit not screwing in quite as securely as I would like. Sustain is great, as it should be for a neck-through.
As I mentioned, the trem arm is a pisser. Otherwise, no complaints. HOWEVER - (a big however) - when I received the guitar, right out of the box, with a QA sticker on the back, signed and tested in the good 'ol U S of A, gues what -NO sound out of 4 of the 5 positions on the switch. I opened 'er up and found a wire to the 5-way switch was not actually soldered in place. Nasty blemish on an otherwise great ownership experience.
Already did that above, but I will iterate - Other than the initial loose wire, this is a top quality product. This guitar easily compares to custom shop guitars, and you are hearing this from a guitarist with over 20 years of playing and buying experience. All I can say is - I will see how it ages over the next several years. The first year leaves a very strong impression that this is one of the best guitars I have played or owned.
Tough competition out there in Guitar land - great for us players. I have no reservations about the purchase of this guitar. I would buy it again. Striking to look at. I would even say it is an inspiring instrument to play.
At the very least, before you buy a guitar, you should spend an hour with an ESP M or MH series. I think it is a great guitar at any price.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
First, the playability is very good. The neck is very similar to a Strat in thickness, but has a better overall feel. The action is very good, among the best I have experienced.
Second, Component quality is very high. The tuning keys, licensed floyd bridge, knobs, all very nice.
Third, finish and overall appearance are first-rate. You won't find any better. Nice top, but I will tell you for free - you don't get AA flame, curly, quilt, or birds-eye maple on guitars in this price range. With ESP, you do get a nice looking, thick quilt top, perfectly finished. Nicely done, ESP
Fourth, the sound is great. The EMG pick-ups are very, very nice. I changed out the EMG in the bridge position to a FRED for a while, but put the EMG back in because it sounded better in this case (and I love the FRED pickup.) The 5-way "mega switch" is a nice touch - gives you a couple of sounds where the Hums are split and paired - really nice tones.
Product integrity is great. After one year, the only problem I have had is with the arm of the trem unit not screwing in quite as securely as I would like. Sustain is great, as it should be for a neck-through.
As I mentioned, the trem arm is a pisser. Otherwise, no complaints. HOWEVER - (a big however) - when I received the guitar, right out of the box, with a QA sticker on the back, signed and tested in the good 'ol U S of A, gues what -NO sound out of 4 of the 5 positions on the switch. I opened 'er up and found a wire to the 5-way switch was not actually soldered in place. Nasty blemish on an otherwise great ownership experience.
Already did that above, but I will iterate - Other than the initial loose wire, this is a top quality product. This guitar easily compares to custom shop guitars, and you are hearing this from a guitarist with over 20 years of playing and buying experience. All I can say is - I will see how it ages over the next several years. The first year leaves a very strong impression that this is one of the best guitars I have played or owned.
Tough competition out there in Guitar land - great for us players. I have no reservations about the purchase of this guitar. I would buy it again. Striking to look at. I would even say it is an inspiring instrument to play.
At the very least, before you buy a guitar, you should spend an hour with an ESP M or MH series. I think it is a great guitar at any price.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com