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Average Price: $799

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash your inner rock titan with the ESP LTD Elite ST-1, a solid body electric guitar that marries timeless design with ferocious sound. Made for those who crave an explosive mix of style and performance, this guitar boasts a robust alder body crowned with a flamed maple top, ensuring both visual allure and sonic depth. The maple neck offers a seamless playing experience, sustaining your riffs with a resonant low-end punch and midrange clarity.

At the heart of the Elite ST-1 is its Seymour Duncan H/S/S pickup configuration, featuring a high-output humbucker and two single-coil pickups. This setup delivers a versatile tonal palette, perfect for grinding rhythms and searing solos alike. Whether you're crafting intricate melodies or unleashing heavy riffs, the Elite ST-1 responds with precision and power.

The guitar's classic double-cutaway design isn't just for looks; it provides easy access to the upper frets, making it a breeze to execute those complex techniques. The Floyd Rose tremolo bridge and Gotoh tuners ensure your strings stay in tune, even during the most intense dive-bombs. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 is your gateway to a world of bold musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Solid alder body with flamed maple top
  • Maple neck for smooth playability
  • Seymour Duncan H/S/S pickup configuration for versatile tones
  • Floyd Rose tremolo bridge and Gotoh tuning machines
  • Designed for rock and metal enthusiasts seeking premium performance

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Elite ST-1
Finish Aqua Marine, See Thru Black, See Thru Black Cherry
Year 2013
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Red, Teal
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Quilted

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD Elite ST-1?

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 features a comfortable thin U neck profile, ideal for fast playing styles and providing excellent playability for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 have, and what tones can they produce?

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 is equipped with an HSS pickup configuration, featuring a humbucker at the bridge and single-coils in the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones from powerful rock and metal to bright, clear cleans.

Is the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 suitable for advanced players or beginners?

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction and versatile sound options, but it can also be a great choice for ambitious beginners looking to invest in a reliable and adaptable instrument.

Does the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 features a locking tremolo bridge, which provides excellent tuning stability and allows for expressive vibrato effects.

What materials are used for the ESP LTD Elite ST-1's body and neck?

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 has a solid alder body with a quilted maple top and a maple neck, offering a balanced tone with a combination of warmth and brightness.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

ESP LTD Elite Guitar Demo - New Japanese Made LTD Guitar

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Elite Guitar Demo - New Japanese Made LTD Guitar by Rob Chapman

ESP LTD Elite Guitar Demo - New Japanese Made LTD Guitar

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan and EMG Electric Guitars by Guitar World

ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan and EMG Electric Guitars

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for NAMM '13 - ESP Guitars LTD Elite Series ST-1 by Premier Guitar

NAMM '13 - ESP Guitars LTD Elite Series ST-1

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- LTD Elite ST-1 w/Steven Bradley (IWABO) by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- LTD Elite ST-1 w/Steven Bradley (IWABO)

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Demo at GAK by GAK

ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for ESP Ltd Elite ST-1 Demo ( The Wicker Man Cover ) by Jose Laney

ESP Ltd Elite ST-1 Demo ( The Wicker Man Cover )

Jose Laney

Jose Laney

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2013 ESP LTD Elite ST-1 by Guitar Gear Guy

NAMM 2013 ESP LTD Elite ST-1

Guitar Gear Guy

Guitar Gear Guy

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan See Thru Black Cherry 2013 Electric Guitar by 6-String

ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan See Thru Black Cherry 2013 Electric Guitar

6-String

6-String

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Guitars ESP LTD Elite ST-1.

Comparisons

  • The E-II model is priced about $300 more than the LTD Elite ST-1, despite having similar specs, possibly due to manufacturing location differences.

    Source
  • ESP LTD Elite ST-1 is often compared favorably to models like the Ibanez RG550 in terms of quality, despite price differences.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express a long-term satisfaction with the LTD Elite ST-1, suggesting it as a worthy investment for years of use.

    Source
  • Some owners are drawn to the blue model with a maple fingerboard, highlighting its visual appeal.

    Source
  • LTD guitars, including the Elite ST-1, are praised for their exceptional craftsmanship, especially when compared to models like Epiphone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bolt-on neck design is praised, challenging the perception that only set-in necks are desirable in high-end guitars.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Canadian buyers face availability challenges, indicating regional variations in stock and accessibility.

    Source
  • LTD guitars are often considered high quality for their price, comparable to higher-end Ibanez models, yet more affordable than ESP USA models.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners note that the components on LTDs are noticeably cheaper than on ESPs, but this can be mitigated with component upgrades.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some suggest replacing LTD's stock pickups with higher-end models like EMG Het Set or Seymour Duncan JB for improved tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD Elite ST-1/M STBC review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

ESP's LTD Elite ST-1 is a stunning rock guitar that combines affordability with high-quality craftsmanship. Its gorgeous design features a quilted maple top and a comfortable neck, making it visually and playably appealing. Tonally versatile, it excels across various genres, particularly modern rock, thanks to its quality Seymour Duncan pickups. However, the use of a Korean-made Floyd Rose bridge instead of an original may raise eyebrows among purists. Overall, this model represents a significant value in the LTD lineup, offering a high-end vibe at a competitive price.

positive

Review: ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan and EMG Electric Guitars | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

ESP's LTD Elite ST-1 stands out with its impressive blend of playability and tonal versatility, appealing to both modern shredders and classic rock enthusiasts. The thoughtful design features like a thin U-shaped neck and quality fretwork enhance the playing experience. However, while the Duncan and EMG pickups offer distinct sounds, some may find the price point steep for a midrange guitar. Ultimately, the ST-1 offers a compelling package of quality and performance that justifies its cost for serious players.

positive

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