Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,256
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$400
$1001+
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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP LTD SC-20". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The ESP LTD SC-20 is a must-have for guitarists who crave versatility under their fingertips. A tribute to the 20-year legacy of Stephen Carpenter, this electric guitar echoes the spirit of hard rock and alternative metal with a design rooted in Carpenter's original signature model. Crafted with a 3-piece maple neck-through body and solid alder wings, the SC-20 offers remarkable resonance, sustain, and clarity, making it a reliable companion for both studio sessions and live performances.
What sets this guitar apart is its unique pickup configuration. At its core, a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker delivers the tight, aggressive tones needed for those searing riffs. Complementing this are the ESP-designed single-coil and humbucker pickups in the neck and middle positions, which together with a 5-way switch, provide a broad array of tonal palettes—from crisp cleans to raw power. The 25.5-inch scale neck ensures balanced playability across diverse tunings, and the TonePros locking tune-o-matic bridge guarantees stability even under the most demanding playstyles.
Its Horizon-style body, known for high performance, is both lightweight and strikingly contoured, ensuring comfort during extended play. Whether you're channeling the heavy vibes of the late '90s or exploring new sonic territories, the ESP LTD SC-20 is equipped to handle it all.
Key Features:
- 3-piece maple neck-through construction with solid alder body wings
- Seymour Duncan JB humbucker at the bridge, ESP-designed pickups in neck and middle
- 25.5-inch scale neck with 24-fret Macassar ebony fretboard
- TonePros locking tune-o-matic bridge with through-body stringing
- LTD locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability
- Horizon-style body for improved resonance and articulation
Product specs
| Available since | January 2022 |
| Artist | Stephen Carpenter |
| Colour | Sunburst |
| Style | ST-Style |
| Body | Mahogany |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Frets | 24 |
| Scale | 684 mm |
| Pickups | HHS |
| Tremolo | None |
| Incl. Case | Yes |
| Incl. Bag | No |
| Top | None |
FAQs
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What type of music is the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst best suited for?
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The ESP LTD SC-20, designed in collaboration with Stephen Carpenter of Deftones, is ideal for heavy music styles like metal and rock, thanks to its HHS pickup configuration and robust mahogany body.
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Does the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst come with a tremolo system?
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No, the ESP LTD SC-20 does not include a tremolo system, offering a fixed bridge setup for stable tuning and enhanced sustain.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst?
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The ESP LTD SC-20 features a comfortable maple neck with an ebony fretboard, designed to facilitate fast playing and smooth transitions across its 24 frets.
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Is the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst suitable for beginners?
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While the ESP LTD SC-20 can be played by beginners, its features and design are more tailored towards intermediate to advanced players who appreciate its specific tonal qualities and playability.
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Does the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst include a case?
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Yes, the ESP LTD SC-20 comes with a case, ensuring protection and convenience for transport and storage.
Videos
Cream City Music
HIGH GAIN: ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-20 Electric Guitar Demo
Reviews
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Artist usage
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Chino Moreno is seen playing an ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst in several photos, including one from his time with Team Sleep. Interestingly, this guitar model is the same as the one used by Stephen Carpenter, although Carpenter's version was in sonic blue. The photo here serves as a visual confirmation of Moreno's use of this guitar.
Genre Usage
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