LTD ST-203FR Maple

LTD is made by the parent company ESP. You could say LTD is ESP's budget line, but don't let that fool you, they put out some cool guitars.

I checked out my local music shop and saw this came in. My instant draw to the LTD was the Floyd Rose and the humbucker in the bridge. $399 was a great price, but I didn't buy it. I played it through a Fender Hot Rod Deville for about an hour.

The satin neck gives it that worn in feel. As I climbed up the neck I felt like I had been there many times before. The Floyd Rose had a solid tension with great tuning. I was able to go nuts on the bar and the guitar didn't go flat.

The pickups are a single, single and humbucker configuration. The bridge was a screamer, no need to upgrade it. The neck was warm and bell-like similar to a nice Strat.

The distressed look is give or take. From 10' back this guitar actually looks naturally worn, but upon close inspection you can tell it is just factory roadworn.

There is an LTD logo printed in the 12th fret. Another minor cosmetic setback that isn't a deal breaker, just isn't a plus.

The body is alder and the neck is maple.

Pickups are one LH-150 Humbucker in the bridge and two LH-120 single coil pickups in the middle and neck position.

The Floyd Rose and tuners are not top shelf, but they aren't bargain bin gear either, you can rock out all evening on this and never stray far from some fine tuning.

Finally an affordable relic'd guitar with plenty of personality both visually and tonally. I will warn you, once you pick it up it will be tough to put down, fits just like your favorite worn sweatshirt!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com