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Average Price: $1,212

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The ESP LTD EX-351D is a commanding presence in the world of solid body electric guitars, offering a blend of aggressive aesthetics and versatile performance. Crafted for those who crave a powerful sound and striking design, this guitar is tailored for musicians who push boundaries on stage and in the studio. Its set-neck construction ensures exceptional sustain and resonance, delivering a full-bodied tone that’s perfect for both heavy riffs and intricate solos.

Equipped with a pair of ESP-designed humbuckers, the EX-351D offers a wide tonal palette, allowing players to easily switch from smooth cleans to gritty overdrives. The three-way toggle switch adds to its versatility, making it adaptable to multiple genres. Its mahogany body and neck provide a robust foundation, while the rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth surface for effortless playability.

The EX-351D also features a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop tailpiece, ensuring solid tuning stability and precise intonation, making it an ideal choice for live performances and studio recordings alike. Whether you're shredding on stage, recording in the studio, or practicing at home, the ESP LTD EX-351D is a reliable companion that commands attention and respect.

Key Features:

  • Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Mahogany body and neck for a solid tonal foundation
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • ESP-designed humbuckers for versatile sound options
  • Three-way toggle switch for easy tonal adjustments
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop tailpiece for stability and precise intonation

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EX-351 D
Finish Black with Silver Diamond Plate
Year 2002 - 2003
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Silver
Finish Style Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD EX-351D's pickups?

The ESP LTD EX-351D features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a powerful and aggressive tone ideal for rock and metal genres. The humbuckers are designed to deliver high output with minimal noise, making them suitable for heavy distortion and high-gain settings.

What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD EX-351D?

The ESP LTD EX-351D features a set-neck construction with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, offering a smooth playing experience. The neck is designed for fast playability, making it comfortable for quick solos and complex riffs.

Is the ESP LTD EX-351D suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the ESP LTD EX-351D is primarily geared towards intermediate to advanced players due to its aggressive tone and unique body shape, beginners interested in rock or metal genres may also find it appealing for its distinctive style and sound.

How does the ESP LTD EX-351D's X-style body shape affect playability?

The X-style body shape of the ESP LTD EX-351D offers a striking visual presence and provides good balance when standing. However, its unconventional shape might require some adjustment for players used to traditional guitar bodies.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD EX-351D, and how does it impact playability?

The ESP LTD EX-351D has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which contributes to a slightly warmer tone and makes bending strings easier. This scale length is common in many rock and metal guitars, offering a comfortable playing experience for lead and rhythm guitarists.

Krupi Guitars

Krupi Guitars

ESP LTD EX-351D with EMG Het Set

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EX-351D with EMG Het Set by Krupi Guitars

ESP LTD EX-351D with EMG Het Set

Krupi Guitars

Krupi Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EX-351D Electric Guitar Sample/Prototype by 6-String

ESP LTD EX-351D Electric Guitar Sample/Prototype

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 LTD EX-351D.

Features and functionality

  • The EX-351D comes with EMG 81/60 pickups and Grover locking tuners as standard, enhancing tuning stability and sound quality for live performances.

    Source
  • The gun metal finish version evokes a distinct tonal style, encouraging unique riffing patterns, possibly due to its single bridge pickup configuration.

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Comparisons

  • The EX-351D has been compared with the EX-400, with owners noting minimal weight difference, likely due to the aluminum plates used in the design.

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  • The natural finish version released later is highly sought after, with collectors expressing regret over missed purchasing opportunities.

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User experience

  • Long-term owners appreciate the EX-351D for its durability and consistent performance over 20 years, often using it alongside other ESP models.

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  • Owners find the EX-351D to be a "total metal machine," suggesting it excels in heavy metal genres.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users express interest in acquiring the spalted maple version of the EX, indicating its desirability among collectors despite pricing concerns.

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  • Some owners replace the stock pickups with the Het Set, indicating a preference for a heavier, more aggressive sound profile.

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  • Owners upgrading to a TUSQ nut report improved tone and resonance, finding it a worthwhile $15 investment.

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  • Gotoh locking tuners and Gotoh Chrome Bridge are popular upgrades, enhancing stability and performance.

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  • Installing the EMG 81/85 combo is a sought-after modification for those seeking a more aggressive sound profile.

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Use cases and applications

  • The EX-351D's unique single pickup design provides a playable space that alters playing dynamics and encourages different musical exploration.

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  • The guitar is commonly set up in D tuning, aligning with its strong usage in metal genres.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Fret leveling and setting up for D tuning are common practices among owners to optimize playability for metal styles.

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Critic Reviews

LTD EX-351D Review: It looks great and it sounds good. I have this guitar... | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP LTD EX-351D is a solid choice for metal enthusiasts, boasting a sturdy mahogany explorer body and a short scale neck for comfortable playability. Its EMG HZ humbuckers deliver a dark, metal-friendly tone, particularly shining in clean neck pickup settings. However, it falls short in versatility, with a less impressive bridge pickup sound. Build quality is a mixed bag; while durable, the guitar faces issues like oxidizing hardware and loose components. Despite these, it remains a reliable instrument, especially for its price point, offering a commendable, albeit niche, playing experience.

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Artist usage

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See how Tomasz Wróblewski uses ESP LTD EX-351D

Tomasz Wróblewski

Bassist

Behemoth

...
Verified via YouTube

Tomasz Wróblewski uses the ESP LTD EX-351D guitar during Vesania's live performance of "Rage of Reason" at Warmaudio in Lyon, as shown in a video by Carcharoth999 on YouTube.

See how Vince Neil uses ESP LTD EX-351D

Vince Neil

Singer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via Photo

In a 2004 photo taken at Crobar NYC, Vince Neil is seen using an ESP LTD EX-351D electric guitar.

See how Lee Altus uses ESP LTD EX-351D

Lee Altus

Guitarist

Exodus

...
Verified via YouTube

he can be seen playing the guitar in this live performance

See how Rick Hunolt uses ESP LTD EX-351D

Rick Hunolt

Guitarist

Exodus

...
Verified via Photo

he can be seen playing the guitar in this image

See how Dan Jacobs uses ESP LTD EX-351D

Dan Jacobs

Guitarist

Atreyu

...
Verified via Photo

"Preparing for #thecurse #esp #guitars #ex351 #dj600 #espdj600 #atreyu #practicetime"

See how Garrett Peters uses ESP LTD EX-351D

Garrett Peters

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Played in the video and mentioned in the description.

Genre Usage

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