Pricing and availability
Average Price: $800
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Meet the ESP LTD AW-7, a powerhouse 7-string electric guitar that pushes the boundaries of modern metal and progressive rock. Engineered in collaboration with Alex Wade, the guitarist of the acclaimed band Whitechapel, this instrument is built to deliver intense sonic depth and versatility. Its extended 27" scale length is perfect for tuning down without compromising playability, offering a unique platform for intricate riffs and heavy chugging alike.
The AW-7 features a robust 5-piece maple, walnut, and paduak neck-through design, ensuring exceptional sustain and stability. Topped with an ebony fretboard and equipped with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, this guitar allows for effortless bends and precise finger positioning. DiMarzio D-Activator 7 passive humbuckers bring a dynamic edge, providing the hot output of active pickups while maintaining the tonal flexibility of passives. Whether you're laying down crushing rhythms or soaring solos, these pickups deliver punchy lows and articulate highs.
Designed for the gigging musician, the AW-7 includes locking tuners and a Hipshot fixed bridge for rock-solid tuning stability. The simple control layout with a single master volume knob and a 3-way pickup switch keeps you focused on your performance, not on the knobs.
Key Features:
- 7-string electric guitar designed with Alex Wade of Whitechapel
- 27" baritone scale for optimal downtuning
- 5-piece neck-through construction for superior sustain
- Ebony fretboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
- Dual DiMarzio D-Activator 7 pickups for dynamic and powerful tones
- Locking tuners and Hipshot fixed bridge for enhanced tuning stability
- Simple control layout with a master volume knob and 3-way pickup switch
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | AW-7 Alex Wade Signature |
| Finish | Blood Red Sunburst |
| Year | 2012 - 2015 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Red |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Through |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 7-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Flamed |
FAQs
-
What kind of music is the ESP LTD AW-7 best suited for?
-
The ESP LTD AW-7 is ideal for heavy metal and rock genres, thanks to its 7-string design and powerful humbucker pickups, which provide deep, aggressive tones suitable for low-tuned riffs and complex solos.
-
How does the neck-through construction of the ESP LTD AW-7 affect playability?
-
The neck-through construction enhances sustain and provides a smooth transition between the neck and body, allowing for easier access to higher frets, which is beneficial for technical playing styles.
-
What are the tonal characteristics of the ESP LTD AW-7's pickups?
-
The ESP LTD AW-7 features humbucker pickups that deliver a clear, punchy sound with a strong low-end response, making them perfect for heavy, distorted tones typical in metal music.
-
Is the ESP LTD AW-7 suitable for beginners?
-
While the ESP LTD AW-7 is a high-quality instrument, its 7-string setup and advanced features make it more suitable for intermediate to advanced players looking to expand their tonal range.
-
What makes the Blood Red Sunburst finish on the ESP LTD AW-7 unique?
-
The Blood Red Sunburst finish, combined with a flamed maple top, gives the ESP LTD AW-7 a striking visual appeal, enhancing its stage presence while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
Videos
ESP Guitars USA
ESP Guitars: LTD Signature Series AW-7 Baritone Demo by Alex Wade (Whitechapel)
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD AW-7.
Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
-
For Drop G tuning, AW-7 users might need thicker strings to maintain tension, as noted by a user who uses .14 to .68 gauge strings.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The AW-7 has a 25.5" scale, which might require heavier strings for lower tunings compared to the Agile's multi-scale (25.5"-27") range.
Source -
The LTD AW-XJ7 includes an Evertune bridge, which owners find particularly useful for maintaining stable tuning in low tunings like F#.
Source -
The LTD Phoenix Black Metal model is compared to a Meshuggah FTM33 in terms of vibe, offering steel frets and a set-through neck at a lower cost.
Source
User experience
Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More LTD Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jc986Gear IQ 425
-