Pricing and availability

Average Price: $4,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

For guitarists seeking a unique blend of killer aesthetics and high-performance, the ESP Alexi Blacky is a formidable choice. This electric guitar embodies the spirit of uncompromising rock and metal, boasting an ESP "V" shaped alder body that ensures effortless access to the 24-fret ebony fingerboard. The sleek, thin U-shaped neck is expertly crafted for fast, agile playing, allowing you to shred with precision and ease.

Built for those who demand powerful sound, the Alexi Blacky is equipped with a single high-output EMG-HZ F-H2 active humbucker. This pickup is perfect for delivering razor-sharp tones that cut through the mix with authority. Paired with a master volume control, it offers a straightforward yet effective setup, allowing you to focus on your performance without distraction.

The guitar's neck-thru-body maple construction not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides incredible sustain and stability. You'll appreciate the Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo, which lets you execute daring dive bombs and soaring vibratos while keeping your tuning rock solid. Finished with Grover tuners and sleek black nickel hardware, the Alexi Blacky is both visually striking and functionally robust, making it a standout in any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • ESP "V" shaped alder body
  • 24-fret ebony fingerboard
  • Thin U-shaped neck for fast playability
  • Neck-thru-body maple construction
  • Single high-output EMG-HZ F-H2 active humbucker
  • Master volume control
  • Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo
  • Grover tuners
  • Black nickel hardware

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model Alexi Blacky Alexi Laiho Signature
Finish Metallic Black Satin
Year 2009 - 2011
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape V-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the ESP Alexi Blacky?

The ESP Alexi Blacky features a thin U neck contour, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for shredding and technical playing styles.

What type of pickups does the ESP Alexi Blacky use?

The ESP Alexi Blacky is equipped with an EMG HZ F-H2 active pickup, delivering high output and clarity suitable for heavy metal and rock genres.

Is the ESP Alexi Blacky suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the ESP Alexi Blacky is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring a neck-through construction, Floyd Rose 1000 series tremolo, and high-quality components for professional-level performance.

Does the ESP Alexi Blacky have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the ESP Alexi Blacky is equipped with a Floyd Rose 1000 series locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning and expressive dive bombs.

What kind of wood is used for the body of the ESP Alexi Blacky?

The body of the ESP Alexi Blacky is made from alder, which is known for its balanced tone and resonance, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

TotalGuitar

TotalGuitar

Me And My Guitar: Alexi Laiho's (Children Of Bodom) ESP Alexi Blacky

Video thumbnail for Me And My Guitar: Alexi Laiho's (Children Of Bodom) ESP Alexi Blacky by TotalGuitar

Me And My Guitar: Alexi Laiho's (Children Of Bodom) ESP Alexi Blacky

TotalGuitar

TotalGuitar

Video thumbnail for Alexi Laiho ESP Signature Series 600 Blacky by The Music Zoo

Alexi Laiho ESP Signature Series 600 Blacky

The Music Zoo

The Music Zoo

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Alexi Blacky.

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest swapping the HZ pickup for a Black Winter, describing the HZ as giving an "angry" tone.

    Source
  • Some owners express interest in swapping out hardware for black nickel or black hardware to enhance the guitar's aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar can be fitted with a push/pull volume knob for a boost, and there's a bundle available that includes the ALX pickup and boost install.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user acquired an ESP Alexi Blacky for $2,400 after price negotiations, notable for a guitar listed originally at $3,700.

    Source
  • A user acquired an ESP Alexi Blacky from Japan for $1,100, including shipping, highlighting the potential savings compared to buying domestically.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners believe having an ESP logo on the headstock feels more prestigious compared to Edwards or E-II models, despite similar quality.

    Source
  • Edwards models are reported to have scalloped frets 20-24 and a gain boost switch, unlike LTD versions, providing additional playability and tonal options.

    Source
  • Edwards guitars are perceived to have more minor finish flaws than LTD models, despite offering features like scalloped frets that LTDs lack.

    Source

User experience

  • A buyer secured a near-mint condition ESP Alexi Blacky that had been traded twice before finding a "forever home."

    Source
  • Multiple users report that Edwards guitars provide excellent playability, even rivaling MIJ Jackson models from similar timeframes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's tone is appreciated for its aggressive sound, often associated with a heavy metal style, reflecting its design for Alexi Laiho’s music.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners note that the binding and inlays of the ESP Alexi Blacky have a distinctive black/green MOP look depending on the light.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alexi Laiho uses ESP Alexi Blacky

Alexi Laiho

Singer, Guitarist

Children of Bodom

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by TotalGuitar titled "Me And My Guitar: Alexi Laiho's (Children Of Bodom) ESP Alexi Blacky," Alexi Laiho showcases his custom ESP Alexi Blacky guitar. This solid body electric guitar features a matte black finish with gloss black pinstripes, black pearl sawtooth inlays, scalloped frets from 20 to 24, and black nickel hardware, along with a larger cutaway for enhanced playability.

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