Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

S

sac

New member
I am currently shopping and had the pleasure of playing the KH202 today. It is a very nice playing instrument for $500. While on the ESP web site, I came across the DV8-R and my 17 year old's heart started pounding. LOL. For the money it looks to be out fitted very nicely. Duncans, Sprezels, Tone pros and a neck thru. Has any one laid hands on one of these beasts? Oh yeah It even comes with Dunlop strap locks all for around $800. Oh yeah one other question, where are these units put together. The 202 is lower end andbuilt in Korea.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

Love 'em ~ sustain for days.
:headbang:

Edit ~ I was refering to the DV-8 (not so much of a big fan of the kh model)
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

Yeah with the fixed bridge and thru neck I'm thinking this thing has to ring for days. LOL.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

and the JB/Jazz is GREAT in there, neck-thru mohogany really makes a JB shine!
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

my roomate has a dv-8, and its amazing (other than the fact that he puts 9s on it, the puss). really well constructed, great playabilty & sound. id say its worth the extra $$$
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

Are the mid range LTD's made in korea or japan? Not that it really matters. I know the KH202 I played was a korean model and it had no fret buzz and played like a dream. Is this typical of LTD/ESP guitars or did I just get lucky? The same day I must have picked up 5 Jackson DK2 and RR3 models and they are no where near as nice off the rack. They all had fret buzz issues and that trem system, I think the model is a Jt 502 or something close to that. Not very impressive.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

Generally, LTD's are good quality. For example, the Axxion... one guy who has both the LTD and ESP versions says there's no difference in quality between them. The main concern on the KH-202 would be the licensed floyd - the quality isn't liable to be that great.

I can sympathize with your 17 year old's heart... I was going to buy an KH-602, but wasn't allowed to... because of the skull and crossbones inlay :smack:
 
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Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

LTDs are not made in japan. I could go for an LTD kamikaze...but of course...not gonna happen.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

Are they all korean? Funny thing about korean made is I had a korean made RG and thought I was up gradeing when I bought the J Craft assembled RG 1570 supposedly Ibanez's elite Japanese luthiers. The cheap korean made was a nicer sounding guitar acoustically as well as set up nicer. Go figure.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

that DV-8 is a sick guitar. They got one round here for about 550 used...totally killer axe for the money. I got too many guitars though ;).
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

I'm actually surprised to hear that the DV-8 ESP signature model only goes for $800. That's quite the price, especially considering how good you guys say they are. I've seen signature models for at least $1500 around here.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

Hey Krank. How do these guitars feel and play to you. It looks like I am going to have to buy this thing sight unseen. Special order and all. I am looking at the ESP/LTD DV8-R at $804 compared to the DV8 at twice that price which is the actual ESP model. Same guitar different shop.
 
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Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

sac said:
Are they all korean?
Click to expand...
No. The higher-end models you are looking at are, but anything in the 50 or 100, and I think the non-signature 200 series are Indonesian. Don't let that scare you, though... I tried out the MH200, and it's a neck-thru with a maple top, and you'd never guess it's Indo-made.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

Yeah like I said about the J Craft team, maybe these third world luthiers have more pride in their work.
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

No doudt! If only he had 12 months SAC like SAM TRASH MUSIC. LOL!!!
 
Re: Looking for input on a ESP DV8-R and KH202

I'm a big fan of the heigher end kh series like the kh602. I don't really care for v shaped guitars and I like having the floyd and EMG's. I can tell you that the higher end ltd guitars are a freakin' great value for the money. Both of my kh's are practically flawless in all respects. If you like the DV-R, go for it. I doubt you will be dissapointed. I think you'll like it better than the low end kh202.
 
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