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Average Price: $450
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$400
$1001+
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Description
The ESP LTD ST-203 is not just an electric guitar; it’s a tribute to vintage style and modern playability, designed for musicians who appreciate a classic aesthetic with contemporary performance. Crafted for both aspiring guitarists and seasoned players, this solid body electric guitar delivers a sound and feel that pay homage to the golden era of rock while incorporating today's advanced features.
With a distressed finish that provides a well-loved, vintage look, the ST-203 captures the essence of iconic 60s guitars. The lightweight alder body ensures comfort and resonance, while the maple neck with a thin "U" profile offers fast playability and a smooth grip, perfect for intricate solos or rhythm work. The 22 extra-jumbo frets on the rosewood fingerboard make bends and slides effortless, catering to a wide range of playing styles.
Equipped with three ESP-designed single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers a versatile tonal palette, from bright, crisp highs to warm, full-bodied lows. The controls are simple yet effective, with a 5-way pickup selector switch, master volume, and two tone controls, allowing players to dial in their desired sound with precision. The vintage-style tremolo bridge adds to the guitar's old-school appeal, providing classic vibrato effects without sacrificing tuning stability.
Key Features:
- Solid alder body with a distressed finish
- Maple neck with a thin "U" profile
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
- Three ESP-designed single-coil pickups
- Vintage-style tremolo bridge
- 5-way pickup selector switch
- Master volume and two tone controls
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | ST-203 |
| Finish | Distressed 3-Tone Sunburst, Distressed Black |
| Year | 2010 - 2015 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, Brown |
| Finish Features | Relic |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the ESP LTD ST-203's pickups?
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The ESP LTD ST-203 features a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, offering bright, clear tones with a vintage character. This makes it well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and pop.
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Is the ESP LTD ST-203 suitable for beginner guitarists?
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Yes, the ESP LTD ST-203 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable S-style body, smooth maple neck, and versatile sound. Its distressed finish also adds a unique aesthetic appeal without compromising playability.
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How does the relic finish affect the playability of the ESP LTD ST-203?
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The relic finish on the ESP LTD ST-203 is purely aesthetic, designed to give the guitar a vintage look. It does not affect the playability or sound quality of the instrument.
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What type of wood is used for the body of the ESP LTD ST-203, and how does it affect the sound?
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The ESP LTD ST-203 has an alder body, which provides a balanced tone with pronounced midrange, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles.
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Does the ESP LTD ST-203 have a tremolo bridge, and how does it function?
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Yes, the ESP LTD ST-203 features a tremolo bridge, allowing players to perform pitch variations and vibrato effects. This bridge type is popular for its expressive capabilities in various musical genres.
Videos
Rob Chapman
ESP LTD ST203 Demo at Andertons
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD ST-203.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
User experience
Setup and maintenance
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The ST-203's action may initially be too high, requiring neck adjustments for optimal playability.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
111
Perfect for traveling or practice
I bought one of these used from GC a few years ago. It'd been modded - someone replaced the pickguard and pickups with a single humbucker and single volume (no tone) knob. I love it. It's light and the neck is comfortable so when practice runs long I can stand to play it all evening. Again, not the stock pickup, but the sound I get out of mine is awesome.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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