Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,600

High-end/Boutique

$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 Stephen Carpenter SC_20 Green is a tribute to the legendary guitarist's two-decade collaboration with ESP, offering a finely-crafted instrument that blends tradition with rock innovation. The guitar's Horizon-style alder body is attached to a neck-thru, 3-piece maple neck, ensuring not only a stunning visual appeal but also delivering impressive sustain and clarity. This construction is ideal for those who demand precision in every note, from resonant lows to biting highs.

What sets the SC_20 apart is its unique pickup configuration. The bridge features a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker, known for its tight, aggressive mids, perfect for crafting colossal riffs. Complementing this are the ESP Designed LH-150 humbucker and LS-120N single-coil at the middle and neck positions, respectively. Together with a 5-way switch, these pickups offer a vast array of tones, from thunderous power to ethereal cleans, making it a versatile choice for any musician.

With a 25.5" scale length, this guitar is ready to handle a variety of tunings and string gauges, maintaining comfortable tension and tuning stability. Whether you're a seasoned player or an aspiring rocker, the Stephen Carpenter SC_20 Green is engineered to inspire and deliver, making it a must-have for those who seek both style and substance in their musical arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Horizon-style alder body with neck-thru, 3-piece maple neck
  • 25.5" scale length for diverse tunings
  • Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker for aggressive mids
  • ESP Designed LH-150 humbucker and LS-120N single-coil
  • 5-way switch for diverse tonal variations
  • TonePros string-through bridge and LTD locking tuners for stability

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model SC-20 Stephen Carpenter Signature
Finish 3-Tone Burst, See Thru Green, Sonic Blue
Year 2019 - 2025
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway, S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Blue, Brown, Green
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 13.78"
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HHS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the ESP LTD SC-20 Stephen Carpenter Signature guitar?

The body of the ESP LTD SC-20 Stephen Carpenter Signature guitar is made from alder and mahogany, providing a balance of bright and warm tones suitable for various music styles.

What is the pickup configuration on the ESP LTD SC-20, and how does it affect the sound?

The ESP LTD SC-20 features an HHS pickup configuration, offering versatility with a mix of humbucker and single-coil tones, making it adaptable for genres from rock to metal.

Is the ESP LTD SC-20 Stephen Carpenter Signature guitar suitable for advanced players?

Yes, with its neck-through construction, 24 frets, and versatile pickup configuration, the ESP LTD SC-20 is well-suited for advanced players seeking a high-performance instrument.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD SC-20, and how does it influence playability?

The ESP LTD SC-20 has a scale length of 25.5 inches, offering a familiar feel for players used to standard scale guitars, providing comfortable string tension and clear note articulation.

How does the neck-through construction of the ESP LTD SC-20 impact its performance?

The neck-through construction of the ESP LTD SC-20 enhances sustain and stability, providing a smooth transition between the neck and body for improved playability and tone consistency.

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

ESP LTD SC-20 review & Axe Fx III Deftones preset!

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD SC-20 review & Axe Fx III Deftones preset! by Sonic Drive Studio

ESP LTD SC-20 review & Axe Fx III Deftones preset!

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Video thumbnail for A Classic Deftones Guitar? ESP LTD SC-20 Review! by Sonic Drive Studio

A Classic Deftones Guitar? ESP LTD SC-20 Review!

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Video thumbnail for HIGH GAIN: ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-20 Electric Guitar Demo by Cream City Music

HIGH GAIN: ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-20 Electric Guitar Demo

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD SC-20 Stephen Carpenter See Thru Green Guitar Overview by Beau Monde Guitars

ESP LTD SC-20 Stephen Carpenter See Thru Green Guitar Overview

Beau Monde Guitars

Beau Monde Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD SC 20 STG Stephen Carpenter by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

ESP LTD SC 20 STG Stephen Carpenter

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique see-through green and Sonic Blue finishes stand out visually

  • Slim neck provides comfortable playability for rhythm and strumming

  • Seymour Duncan bridge pickup offers clarity and punch, even in lower tunings

  • Lightweight and ergonomic design enhances playing comfort

  • High-quality accessory parts like tuners and input jack

  • Smooth fretboard with low action ideal for diverse playing styles

  • XJ frets offer a unique feel that many find enjoyable

  • Encourages clean, acoustic-style playing with its versatile pickup configuration

  • Chunky, beefy tones with excellent harmonics and sound quality

  • Exceptional build quality for an LTD model, comparable to higher-end ESPs

CONS

  • Middle position humbucker may be intrusive for shredders

  • Pickup feedback can be an issue depending on the amp used

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Stephen Carpenter SC_20.

Comparisons

  • The SC-20 is compared to the LTD 400, 600, or 1000, with a focus on using EMG pickups or Seymour Duncan JBs for a metal tone.

    Source
  • For a tone similar to Carpenter's, a boosted or modded Marshall, or amps like the Ceriatone Yeti or a 5150, are recommended.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest trying a JB jr in the bridge or checking for routing under the pickguard for a humbucker installation, like the JB model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Rocktron Intellifex is noted for providing chorus, reverb, and delay effects, essential for approximating Carpenter's tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A good speaker cabinet is mentioned as crucial, acting as the final EQ in achieving the desired tone, especially for Carpenter's style.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Will Swan uses Stephen Carpenter SC_20

Will Swan

Guitarist

Dance Gavin Dance

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live Performance, along with old Dance Gavin Dance performances, Will Swan can be seen using Stephen Carpenter SC_20 Green guitar.

See how Christopher Day uses Stephen Carpenter SC_20

Christopher Day

Guitarist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via Photo

"I played my Stephen Carpenter ESP today at practice. As you can see it got me all googly eyed. @espguitars"

Genre Usage

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

More Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides