Pricing and availability
Average Price: $682
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
The ESP LTD SC-500 Stephen Carpenter Signature guitar is a powerhouse built for those who demand precision and power from their instrument. Designed in collaboration with Stephen Carpenter, the renowned guitarist from Deftones, this guitar is crafted to deliver both the punchy aggression and the smooth articulation required in high-energy music. The SC-500's neck-thru-body construction ensures exceptional sustain and stability, making it a reliable choice for both stage and studio performances.
Equipped with a combination of premium materials and cutting-edge components, the SC-500 is tailored for modern players seeking versatility and performance. Its mahogany body provides a warm, resonant tone, while the maple neck and rosewood fingerboard offer a comfortable playing experience. This signature model also features a set of high-output pickups that deliver an explosive sound perfect for heavy riffs and intricate solos alike.
Whether you're playing in drop tunings or exploring complex chord voicings, the SC-500's robust design and advanced electronics will not disappoint. Its sleek contours and ergonomic design make it a joy to play, allowing you to focus solely on your music.
Key Features:
- Stephen Carpenter Signature Model
- Neck-thru-body construction for enhanced sustain
- Mahogany body with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
- High-output ESP-designed pickups
- 24 extra-jumbo frets for extended range
- Grover tuners for reliable tuning stability
- Tune-o-matic bridge with string-thru-body for improved resonance
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | SC-500 Stephen Carpenter Signature |
| Year | 2002 - 2003 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Black, Green |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Through |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HHS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD SC-500 Stephen Carpenter Signature?
-
The ESP LTD SC-500 features a neck-through construction with a maple neck, providing smooth access to all 24 frets and a comfortable, fast-playing profile suitable for various playing styles.
-
What type of music is the ESP LTD SC-500 best suited for?
-
The ESP LTD SC-500, with its HHS pickup configuration and alder body, is versatile but particularly excels in rock and metal genres, offering powerful tones and sustain.
-
How does the pickup configuration of the ESP LTD SC-500 affect its sound?
-
The HHS (humbucker-single-single) pickup configuration on the ESP LTD SC-500 provides a wide range of tonal options, from thick, heavy tones to bright, articulate sounds, making it adaptable for different musical styles.
-
Is the ESP LTD SC-500 suitable for advanced players?
-
Yes, the ESP LTD SC-500 is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring high-quality components and a versatile sound that can handle complex playing techniques and styles.
-
Does the ESP LTD SC-500 Stephen Carpenter Signature guitar have a string-through body?
-
Yes, the ESP LTD SC-500 features a string-through body design, which enhances sustain and resonance, making it ideal for players who seek a rich and full-bodied tone.
Videos
Essex Recording Studios
ESP LTD SC-500 Stephen Carpenter Deftones Signature Trans Green Guitar Up Close Video Review
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD SC-500 Stephen Carpenter Signature.
Mods and upgrades
-
Owners frequently replace factory pickups with EMG models for improved tone, reflecting Stephen Carpenter's preferred setup from the early 2000s.
Source -
A notable restoration involved installing an SD Nazgul pickup, original Floyd Rose tremolo, Wilky tuners, and Grayhill switches, all enhancing the guitar's performance.
Source -
An SC607B owner converted it to passive by installing an Invader pickup in the bridge and leaving a dummy cover in the middle.
Source -
Owners have upgraded to Fishman Fluence pickups, preferring the V2 with neon green lines for improved tonal versatility.
Source
User experience
-
One user restored a pawn shop find, noting it remained in good physical and structural condition despite 25 years of neglect.
Source -
The SC-500's heavier body and larger size can be intimidating initially for players transitioning from 6 to 7 strings, requiring an adjustment period.
Source -
Owners appreciate the SC models for their substantial feel, preferring them over lighter, thin-necked guitars, especially for heavier music styles.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
-
For the SC208, using fatter, stronger strings helps prevent frequent string breakage, aligning with the lower tunings typical of Stephen Carpenter's music.
Source
Build quality
-
The SC-500's weight varies, with one model at 8lbs 10oz, which is lighter than its appearance suggests.
Source
Features and functionality
-
Fishman Fluence V2 pickups offer three voicings, enhancing the guitar's sound options compared to the widely criticized V1.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-