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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.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD Signature Series AW-7 Baritone Demo by Alex Wade (Whitechapel)

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD Signature Series AW-7 Baritone Demo by Alex Wade (Whitechapel) by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD Signature Series AW-7 Baritone Demo by Alex Wade (Whitechapel)

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for LTD/ESP | AW-7 Alex Wade | Review/Demo by Milian Malivuk Music

LTD/ESP | AW-7 Alex Wade | Review/Demo

Milian Malivuk Music

Milian Malivuk Music

Video thumbnail for LTD AW-7 – Playthrough by Extended Range Guitar Nerds

LTD AW-7 – Playthrough

Extended Range Guitar Nerds

Extended Range Guitar Nerds

Video thumbnail for StringsGuitarShop - Gear Spotlight: ESP LTD AW-7 by Jonas Wolf

StringsGuitarShop - Gear Spotlight: ESP LTD AW-7

Jonas Wolf

Jonas Wolf

Video thumbnail for Jon Symons - 'Altijam' (ESP LTD AW-7 & OwnHammer HHC2 EVH) by Sonic Drive Studio

Jon Symons - 'Altijam' (ESP LTD AW-7 & OwnHammer HHC2 EVH)

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | ESP LTD AW-7 Baritone | Baritone - 7-String - Open Grain Black Satin by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | ESP LTD AW-7 Baritone | Baritone - 7-String - Open Grain Black Satin

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

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

  • The ESP LTD AW-7 is favored over Agile for consistent quality, with Agile's quality control being hit or miss.

    Source
  • The LTD EC 1007 is noted for its Evertune bridge and versatility, especially when compared to similar models like the Schecter OT or OP series.

    Source

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

  • The AW-7 is recognized as a reliable workhorse guitar, especially for genres like those played by Whitechapel.

    Source
  • Owners of the LTD AW-XJ7 appreciate the guitar despite its higher price for a Korean-made model, attributing value to its Evertune bridge.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Alex Wade of Whitechapel uses the AW-7 for Drop G tuning live, although he recorded with a different model, highlighting its genre suitability.

    Source
  • The LTD AW-XJ7 is favored for metal genres, with users reporting satisfaction in tunings as low as F# over B standard.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Wade uses LTD AW-7

Alex Wade

Guitarist

Whitechapel

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

Alex Wade uses the ESP LTD AW-7, as detailed on The ESP Guitar Company's official website.

See how Chris Davis uses LTD AW-7

Chris Davis

Guitarist, Drummer

The Ghost Inside

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Chris shows off the Ltd aw-7 he owns

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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