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Average Price: $799

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Description

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan Designed electric guitar is a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance, crafted for guitarists who crave versatility and power. With its Seymour Duncan H/S/S pickup configuration, this guitar is ready to deliver a wide range of tones, from smooth cleans to searing leads. The solid alder body, complemented by a flamed maple top, ensures a resonant and rich sound, while the rock-solid maple neck provides stability and comfort for even the most aggressive playing styles.

Designed with a nod to the iconic double-cutaway shape, the ST-1 offers easy access to higher frets, making it a favorite among shredders and technical players. The deep bottom cutaway and contoured neck heel enhance playability, allowing for intricate solos and expressive bends. Whether you're diving into heavy metal riffs or exploring more intricate melodies, the Floyd Rose tremolo system ensures your tuning stays locked in, even through the most intense performances.

Crafted in Japan by ESP's skilled luthiers, the LTD Elite series bridges the gap between custom shop quality and affordability, offering unmatched craftsmanship in its price range. The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan Designed is more than just a guitar—it's a formidable tool for any serious musician looking to push their limits.

Key Features:

  • Seymour Duncan H/S/S pickup configuration for versatile tone options
  • Solid alder body with a flamed maple top for rich resonance
  • Maple neck offering stability and comfort
  • Floyd Rose tremolo system for reliable tuning during dynamic play
  • Iconic double-cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
  • Manufactured in Japan, offering custom shop quality at an affordable price

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Elite ST-1
Finish Aqua Marine, See Thru Black, See Thru Black Cherry
Year 2013
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Red, Teal
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
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 Quilted

FAQs

What type of pickups are on the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan Designed?

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan Designed features an HSS pickup configuration with Duncan Designed pickups, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 suitable for heavy rock and metal genres?

Yes, the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 is well-suited for heavy rock and metal, thanks to its solid alder body, maple neck, and high-output pickups that deliver powerful and aggressive tones.

What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD Elite ST-1?

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 features a comfortable and fast-playing thin U-shaped neck profile, ideal for shredding and complex fretwork.

Does the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 comes equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning and expressive pitch modulation.

What materials are used for the fretboard on the ESP LTD Elite ST-1?

The fretboard of the ESP LTD Elite ST-1 is available in both maple and rosewood, providing options for different tonal characteristics and aesthetics.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- LTD Elite ST-1 w/Steven Bradley (IWABO)

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- LTD Elite ST-1 w/Steven Bradley (IWABO) by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- LTD Elite ST-1 w/Steven Bradley (IWABO)

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for LTD Elite ST -.1 present. by Steven Bradley (IWABO) @ Sound Service TV by Sound Service GmbH

LTD Elite ST -.1 present. by Steven Bradley (IWABO) @ Sound Service TV

Sound Service GmbH

Sound Service GmbH

Video thumbnail for LTD Elite ST-1 *** Kitarablogi.com by Kitarablogi

LTD Elite ST-1 *** Kitarablogi.com

Kitarablogi

Kitarablogi

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan Designed.

Build quality

  • The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan Designed is noted for its exceptional craftsmanship, comparable to higher-end models, with precise fretwork and a robust overall build.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the LTD Elite ST-1 favorably against Epiphones in the same price range, citing superior craftsmanship and component quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes Duncan Designed pickups, which are praised for providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with extensive guitar collections praise the LTD Elite ST-1 as a standout for its playability and tonal versatility, often exceeding expectations for its price range.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: ESP LTD Elite ST-1 Duncan and EMG Electric Guitars | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The ESP LTD Elite ST-1 delivers custom-shop playability and tone for the modern shredder at a mid-tier price. Built in Japan, it offers a choice between active EMG pickups for a mellower sound and Seymour Duncan pickups for a bright attack, appealing to diverse tonal preferences. Praised for its fast, U-shaped neck and thoughtful engineering, like the flip-type battery door and smooth fret slots, it caters to the demanding player. However, its price may be a consideration for some. Overall, it's a standout choice for both retro vibes and modern performance.

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