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Average Price: $450

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The ESP LTD TE-202 with mods is your gateway to vintage vibes combined with contemporary playability. Crafted with a nod to classic designs, this solid body electric guitar offers a distinctive feel and tone that appeals to both traditionalists and modern players. Its custom modifications enhance its sonic versatility, allowing you to explore a wide range of musical genres with ease.

Under its sleek exterior lies a powerful combination of a bolt-on maple neck and a basswood body, ensuring a balanced resonance and sustain. The neck's thin U contour and 22 extra-jumbo frets provide a comfortable playing experience, whether you're shredding solos or laying down rhythm sections.

The TE-202's electronics include a pair of ESP-designed pickups that deliver a punchy output with clarity and definition. These pickups, coupled with its modified circuitry, ensure you can dial in the perfect tone for any gig or recording session. With a three-way switch and a master tone control, you have full command over your sound, offering you everything from bright, cutting leads to warm, full-bodied chords.

Perfect for the studio, stage, or jam sessions, the ESP LTD TE-202 with mods is not just a guitar; it's a statement piece for any musician looking to stand out.

Key Features:

  • Solid basswood body
  • Bolt-on maple neck with thin U contour
  • 22 extra-jumbo frets
  • ESP-designed pickups with modified circuitry
  • Three-way switch and master tone control
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern enhancements

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model TE-202
Finish Distressed 3-Tone Sunburst, Distressed Black
Year 2011 - 2015
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
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 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD TE-202's pickup configuration?

The ESP LTD TE-202 features a single-coil pickup in the neck and a humbucker in the bridge, offering a versatile range of tones from warm, clear neck sounds to powerful, high-output bridge tones suitable for rock and blues.

Is the ESP LTD TE-202 suitable for beginner guitarists?

With its comfortable T-style body, bolt-on neck, and versatile pickup configuration, the ESP LTD TE-202 is suitable for beginners who want a reliable guitar for practice and performance.

How does the relic finish affect the ESP LTD TE-202's appearance and feel?

The distressed finish gives the ESP LTD TE-202 a vintage, worn-in look and feel, appealing to players who prefer an instrument with character and a classic aesthetic.

What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD TE-202?

The ESP LTD TE-202 features a thin U-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

Does the ESP LTD TE-202 take pedals well?

Yes, the ESP LTD TE-202's versatile pickup configuration and solid alder body make it compatible with a wide range of effects pedals, maintaining clarity and articulation.

youKnowWho3311

youKnowWho3311

ESP LTD relic tele. Seymour Duncan mods

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD relic tele. Seymour Duncan mods by youKnowWho3311

ESP LTD relic tele. Seymour Duncan mods

youKnowWho3311

youKnowWho3311

Video thumbnail for Ltd TE 202 - Guitar Licks by Anderson Tocci

Ltd TE 202 - Guitar Licks

Anderson Tocci

Anderson Tocci

Video thumbnail for Modified/upgraded LTD/ESP TE-202 Karl Sheridan. by Karl Sheridan

Modified/upgraded LTD/ESP TE-202 Karl Sheridan.

Karl Sheridan

Karl Sheridan

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone with classic Telecaster sound quality

  • Solid build quality and durable components

  • Comfortable D-shaped neck suitable for chords and lead playing

  • Distinctive distressed look adds unique aesthetic appeal

  • Versatile sound suitable for various genres like rock, jazz, and more

  • Jumbo frets enhance playability and comfort

  • Stays in tune consistently, reducing the need for constant adjustments

  • Offers great value for the quality and features provided

CONS

  • Neck humbucker may sound too dark for some players

  • Fret edges might need filing for optimal comfort

  • Stock pickups and tuners could benefit from upgrading

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD TE-202 with mods.

Build quality

  • The TE-202 may have finish defects, but some users report these are often hard to detect and don't affect playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The TE-202 offers a more comfortable, flatter neck radius preferred for metal, along with a pickup configuration ideal for 80s/90s new wave and alt rock.

    Source
  • The TE-406 model comes equipped with active pickups requiring batteries, making it suited for metal genres due to their high output.

    Source
  • Steinberger TransTrem 3, compatible with headless guitar designs, is praised for perfect balance and improved tuning stability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users appreciate the TE-202 for its versatility, especially when playing clean tones or using a Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive for genres like blues/rock and punk/grunge.

    Source
  • While designed for heavier rock, with pickup swaps, these guitars can handle funk and other versatile styles effectively.

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  • The TE-202 is favored in genres like metal, punk, and hard rock, especially when modded with high-output pickups.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners feel the "LTD" branding gives the TE-202 a more special feel compared to Squier models, despite similar performance.

    Source
  • Some players report that after several years, the TE-202 requires nut and tuner replacements to maintain tuning stability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Common mods include replacing the nut, bridge, tuners, capacitors, and pots to significantly enhance sound quality on budget models.

    Source
  • Owners frequently swap stock pickups for Seymour Duncan Hot Rods or the Infiltrator in the bridge for enhanced punk/hard rock tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer Squier Affinity Teles for single-coil neck pickups over ESP's neck humbuckers, despite the TE-212 being a close contender.

    Source
  • ESP/LTD TE models, including the TE-202, are considered "super Teles," favored for their reshaped bodies and modern features compared to traditional Teles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The hardware on lower-budget ESP models is often considered cheap, but easily upgradeable to improve performance.

    Source
  • Users recommend using #0000 steel wool or scotch-brite pads to achieve a satin finish on glossy necks for smoother playability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review – ESP LTD TE-202 with Creamery Pickups (’71 Wide Range and Vintage Nocaster) | Samsen's Blog

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The ESP LTD TE-202 with Creamery Pickups emerges as a unique alternative in the Telecaster realm, offering a classic feel with enhanced playability thanks to its neck and fret design. While the stock pickups and electronics were a letdown, leading to inconsistent volume and tone issues, the move to Creamery Pickups transformed this guitar into a tonal dream. The custom pickups delivered balanced output and vibrant tones, fulfilling the player's sonic aspirations. Despite initial setbacks, the modifications make the TE-202 a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive Tele vibe with personalized sound options.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
jakenunez

A Tele with an Old School Look, Modern Feel

I recently nabbed one of these bad boys for a good price, after finding out about it out of nowhere. I had been looking for a Tele for some time, but didn't have the money for a Baja or Nashville edition. So, the LTD model, with it's distressed look, came thru. It's a pretty standard Tele, black with a maple neck and white pickguard. However, what makes it stand out is its 22 jumbo frets, humbucker in the neck, a slim D-shaped neck, and only single body binding. The guitar itself is very comfortable and smooth. It took me a little to get used to the bridge, but now it's all good. Soundwise, the stock pickups aren't bad at all. The bridge has got that nice little twang, and the neck is pretty creamy and full. Overall, I am impressed, but will eventually replace the stock pickups and tuners, aiming for some Seymour Duncans and locking Sperzels. I definitely would buy another one if lost, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a different kind of Tele :)

Note: I no longer have this Tele anymore lol

T

A very versatile and very comfortable guitar

I call her "Caroline" on my guitar. In my country, the lefties find it hard to get good guitars in terms of quality / price. I bought this guitar a year ago and still can not believe how comfortable and versatile it is, the D-shape neck, the jazzy neck pickup and the pretty bridge pickup, make it an ideal guitar to play any genre. The only thing that would change him are the pickups for some Dimarzio and the tuners. I use it to play Experimental Rock, Progressive Rock and Jazz but I recommend it for any style.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses LTD TE-202 with mods

Rob Chapman

Composer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Rob and Lee challenge eachother to buy and mod guitars. The are given a budget of 600 british pounds. this includes guitar and any mods. Rob setled on an esp tele after asking a guitar assosiate at andertons. Rob had a bareknucle mule placed in the neck, and a duncan quarter pounder in the bridge. He also had the fretboard scalopped.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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dusko

dusko

Gear IQ 180

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