Marjor differences between ESP and LTD?

[jlb32]

Have had friends with similar experiences that have done the same thing, and one guy that swore he could tell the difference....we bagged a headstock on a NGD and dude was sure it was an ESP. Was an LTD.

So your friend couldn't read? ESP's have the "ESP" inlay on the 12th fret. Ltd.s have the "model name" inlay on the 12th fret.

They both are good guitars. People will like what they like but I personally can tell a big difference. I've just never been able to gel with any Ltd. I've owned and I've tried many many times.

Personally think it's a bone headed move to get rid of the ESP Standards for the Ltd. Elite line. IMO ESP will find that out pretty quickly.

 

[Buddha92]

It breaks down like so...
Esp your paying for wood quality, fret quality, better tops and a certian vibe that is hard to find in ltds.
But the older ltd s are freaking great. I have a sc200 as well, its awesome but its made in korea, now theyre made in china.
you feel the differences, im a huge,fan of the 1000 series ltd s theyre pretty damn close to esp quality. Most of the time your just paying for the name of ESP.

 

[JerEvil]

... Most of the time your just paying for the name of ESP.

And the wood quality, fret quality, better tops?

 

[Ventura]

... Most of the time your just paying for the name of ESP.

And the wood quality, fret quality, better tops?

Exactly. In the case of ESP versus LTD, it's not just marketing. You'd have to be a hamfisted moron not to notice the difference in a blindfolded strum-test. The ESPs are just perfectly built and the quality is obvious - even if superstrats aren't your thing. The LTD? They feel a bit knocky and not as refined. Simple. But that's NOT TO SAY you can't have an LTD that just kicks all kinds of ass. Outside of the objective aspects - build quality, attention to detail, level of finish, set up, etc. - the subjective are just that, and entirely up for debate on an opinion-to-opinion basis.

 

[rocknrolla]

I have both and either has great value for the money.
My custom shop EXP is like fucking Excalibur and the guitar by which I measure all others.
My EC1000 plays and sounds amazing, came with EMG's, locking tuners (the thing never goes out of tune), and the tone pros locking bridge too.
I'm currently scheming on how to get myself a new LTD Snakebite without having to go through the divorce process.
Figure out how much you want to spend and buy with confidence.

 

[Buddha92]

... Most of the time your just paying for the name of ESP.

And the wood quality, fret quality, better tops?

Already stated that....