Pricing and availability

Average Price: $456

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

Elevate your performance game with the ESP LTD M-103 FM, a solid body electric guitar designed to deliver versatile sound and sleek aesthetics. Crafted with an agathis body and complemented by a stunning flamed maple top, this guitar is a visual and auditory delight. The Floyd Rose Special bridge ensures your tuning remains rock-solid, even when you're unleashing creative fury on the whammy bar. With its 25.5" scale maple neck and maple fretboard, it offers a smooth playing experience, enhanced by extra jumbo frets that are perfect for bend-heavy solos.

The M-103 FM is equipped with a dynamic pickup configuration: a humbucker at the bridge and two single-coil pickups, providing a vast array of sonic possibilities. Whether you're playing searing leads or chunky rhythms, this guitar has the tonal flexibility to cater to any genre. With its sleek black hardware adding a touch of sophistication, it’s not just about sound—it's about style too.

Perfect for both budding guitarists and experienced players, the M-103 FM brings quality and performance to the forefront without breaking the bank. It’s a reliable partner for every jam session, studio recording, or live performance, making it a must-have addition to your musical arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Agathis body with flamed maple top
  • 25.5" scale maple neck with maple fretboard
  • Extra jumbo frets
  • Floyd Rose Special bridge for tuning stability
  • Pickup configuration: 1 humbucker, 2 single-coils
  • Sleek black hardware

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model M-103 FM
Year 2008 - 2016
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
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 Flamed

FAQs

What type of neck does the ESP LTD M-103 FM have?

The ESP LTD M-103 FM features a bolt-on maple neck with an extra-thin flat contour, providing fast playability and comfort, especially for lead guitarists.

What is the pickup configuration of the ESP LTD M-103 FM?

The ESP LTD M-103 FM has an HSS pickup configuration, featuring one ESP LH-150 humbucker in the bridge position and two LS-120 single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, offering versatile tonal options.

Does the ESP LTD M-103 FM have a tremolo system?

Yes, the ESP LTD M-103 FM is equipped with a Floyd Rose Special tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and stable tuning.

Is the ESP LTD M-103 FM suitable for beginners?

With its versatile pickup configuration and comfortable neck profile, the ESP LTD M-103 FM is suitable for both beginners and intermediate players looking for a high-performance guitar.

What is the body wood of the ESP LTD M-103 FM?

The body of the ESP LTD M-103 FM is made from basswood, which provides a balanced tone with a flamed maple top for added aesthetic appeal.

스쿨뮤직

스쿨뮤직

LTD M 103FM

Video thumbnail for LTD M 103FM by 스쿨뮤직

LTD M 103FM

스쿨뮤직

스쿨뮤직

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD M-103FM - Out Of The Box by Stephen Toback

ESP LTD M-103FM - Out Of The Box

Stephen Toback

Stephen Toback

Video thumbnail for MA รีวิว : LTD M-103FM by Music Arms

MA รีวิว : LTD M-103FM

Music Arms

Music Arms

Video thumbnail for Test LTD M-103 FM by AMTECH MUSIC STORE & SERVICE

Test LTD M-103 FM

AMTECH MUSIC STORE & SERVICE

AMTECH MUSIC STORE & SERVICE

Video thumbnail for LTD M-103FM Guitar Review!!!! by Jesse Mason

LTD M-103FM Guitar Review!!!!

Jesse Mason

Jesse Mason

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD M-103 F M by Bionic Fly

ESP LTD M-103 F M

Bionic Fly

Bionic Fly

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD M-103 Flame Maple Electric Guitar See-Thru Black by mocasea

ESP LTD M-103 Flame Maple Electric Guitar See-Thru Black

mocasea

mocasea

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD M-103 FM.

Build quality

  • It's been noted that the fretwork should be inspected before purchase, along with checking the neck for straightness.

    Source
  • Some find the pickup selector switch feels loose and may require tightening over time.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners consider Gotoh bridges a high-quality upgrade, significantly better than the stock Floyd Rose Special.

    Source
  • Users suggest upgrading to DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups for enhanced metal tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ESP LTD M-300FM, found at around $200, is noted for having better pickups than the M-103 FM but shares the same bridge concerns.

    Source
  • Schecter Omen Extreme is highlighted as a top choice in the sub-$500 range, favored for its build and tonal capabilities over the M-103 FM.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Fans of Dimebag and similar metal styles find the Floyd Rose bridge desirable despite its issues.

    Source
  • Guitarists playing thrash metal styles prefer the guitar's natural mid-range punch.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In some regions, even mid-range guitars like Indonesian imports are sold at inflated prices, making the M-103 FM a more attractive option.

    Source
  • Used Schecter Hellraisers are recommended for their high quality at a lower price point, often found as low as $270.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners recommend a neck relief of 0.25mm to minimize fret buzz around the 7th fret.

    Source
  • Owners advise avoiding Floyd Rose systems for frequent tuning changes due to setup complexity and instability in cheaper models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the stock tuners can slip after a few months of heavy use.

    Source
  • ESP guitars are noted for their generally comfortable neck feel and pleasing tone, contributing to a positive playing experience.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • ESP and Schecter guitars share similar neck profiles, being round at the back and narrow at the nut, contrasting Ibanez's wider, flatter necks.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD M-103FM Review: I personally adore the action on this thing and how smoothly... | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP LTD M-103 FM stands as a dependable choice for aspiring gig players and seasoned rockers alike, offering solid sound and durability at a budget-friendly price. Its versatility across genres is commendable—whether you're shredding metal or exploring jazz, it holds its ground. The guitar’s action is praised for enabling fast, smooth leads, but the single coils can be noisy, and the halfway pickup positions are a bit of a letdown. While the Strat-like shape might not win everyone over immediately, its build quality ensures it withstands rough handling. Tuning with the Floyd Rose bridge can be cumbersome, yet it remains stable. All things considered, this guitar is a sturdy, reliable companion for those seeking performance without breaking the bank, though a few quirks may require adjustment.

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides