Pricing and availability

Average Price: $527

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

When you need to push the boundaries of your sound, the ESP LTD SC-338 Stephen Carpenter Signature is your ultimate weapon. This 8-string solid body electric guitar is crafted for those who crave earth-shattering tones and expansive range. Designed in collaboration with Stephen Carpenter of the Deftones, this guitar is perfect for delivering the heavy, nuanced sound that defines modern hard rock.

The SC-338 features a sleek Horizon-style basswood body, giving it a lightweight feel without sacrificing resonance or sustain. Its ESP-designed ALH-208 active humbuckers ensure each note you play is imbued with clarity and power, from the deepest lows to the most screaming highs. The thin U-profile maple neck provides effortless playability, allowing your fingers to glide across the fretboard with ease.

Whether you’re chugging through drop-tuned riffs or exploring intricate melodic lines, the SC-338 offers unparalleled tuning stability thanks to its TOM-style fixed bridge. Perfectly balancing affordability with premium features, this guitar is not just an instrument, but a statement for any forward-thinking guitarist ready to revolutionize their sound.

Key Features:

  • Stephen Carpenter signature model
  • 8-string configuration for extended range
  • Lightweight Horizon-style basswood body
  • ESP-designed ALH-208 active humbuckers
  • Thin U-profile maple neck for fast playability
  • TOM-style fixed bridge for tuning stability

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model SC-338 Stephen Carpenter Signature
Year 2013 - 2014
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 7-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD SC-338 Stephen Carpenter Signature guitar?

The ESP LTD SC-338 features a Thin U neck contour, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What type of pickups are in the ESP LTD SC-338, and what tones can they produce?

The guitar is equipped with ESP Designed ALH-208 active pickups, which provide a powerful and clear tone ideal for metal and hard rock genres.

Is the ESP LTD SC-338 suitable for extended range playing?

Yes, the ESP LTD SC-338 is a 7-string guitar, making it suitable for extended range playing, allowing for deeper, heavier tones.

Does the ESP LTD SC-338 have a fixed or tremolo bridge?

The ESP LTD SC-338 features a fixed bridge, offering stable tuning and enhanced sustain.

What materials are used for the body and neck of the ESP LTD SC-338?

The body of the ESP LTD SC-338 is made from basswood, and the neck is constructed from maple, providing a balanced tone with a smooth playing feel.

Александр Голицын

Александр Голицын

ESP LTD SC-338 8 string (Stephen Carpenter model)

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD SC-338 8 string (Stephen Carpenter model) by Александр Голицын

ESP LTD SC-338 8 string (Stephen Carpenter model)

Александр Голицын

Александр Голицын

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD SC-338 8-String Guitar Demo/Review by Shawn Davis

ESP LTD SC-338 8-String Guitar Demo/Review

Shawn Davis

Shawn Davis

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD SC-338 Stephen Carpenter Signature.

Setup and maintenance

  • The 25.5" scale length requires 80 gauge strings for F# tuning to maintain tension, unlike typical 8-strings with longer scales.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SC-338's 25.5" scale length contrasts with Schecter 8-strings, which have a more suitable 27" scale for better string tension and intonation.

    Source
  • Agile 8-strings with a 27 or 28-inch scale are recommended for better tension and stability over the SC-338.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The inline headstock design is rare in affordable 8-strings, affecting balance and neck dive.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report frequent tuning instability and intonation issues due to the short scale length of the SC-338.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to Fishman pickups is suggested for improved tone, especially for modern metal styles.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides