LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
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TattooedCarrot
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
When I compared my LTD and ESP, they were the same model with the same pickups, A/B'd at the same time back and forth.
I found the fit and finish excellent on both. I hate to use the blanket over the amp analogy, but that's really what it was like, like taking a blanket off the amp when playing the ESP. The Ltd, while not bad alone, was noticeably less resonant and clear sounding than the ESP. If you played one now, and one later, it probably isn't something that one could really tell. But when immediately going back and forth, it was obvious. I think that's better woods and materials in effect there.
CNC programming and construction detail might all be the same, but the finishing touches and most of all the quality of the materials is the biggest difference.
Then there's always labor costs between the countries of origin and you'll simply pay more for guitars made in USA or Japan over something made in China or Indonesia. So that's part of the cost bump too and there's nothing additional the customer gets out of that except bragging rights, and I would argue some better resale based on reputation.
When I compared my LTD and ESP, they were the same model with the same pickups, A/B'd at the same time back and forth.
I found the fit and finish excellent on both. I hate to use the blanket over the amp analogy, but that's really what it was like, like taking a blanket off the amp when playing the ESP. The Ltd, while not bad alone, was noticeably less resonant and clear sounding than the ESP. If you played one now, and one later, it probably isn't something that one could really tell. But when immediately going back and forth, it was obvious. I think that's better woods and materials in effect there.
CNC programming and construction detail might all be the same, but the finishing touches and most of all the quality of the materials is the biggest difference.
Then there's always labor costs between the countries of origin and you'll simply pay more for guitars made in USA or Japan over something made in China or Indonesia. So that's part of the cost bump too and there's nothing additional the customer gets out of that except bragging rights, and I would argue some better resale based on reputation.
Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
I've played a few LTD Deluxes and found them very very nice guitars. I'd say better than my Epiphone. I can't speak for trying real ESPs because I haven't tried that many. I can speak for the jump from my Epiphone to my Hamer. I have a really really nice Epiphone LP quilt top. Tone is pretty good, the finish is impeccable. Neck is a little thick but strait and the frets are really good. In summary, a very nice cheaper guitar. (I think I paid abotu $500 for it in 2004 or so)
Then I got a Hamer Monaco Elite. It ruined me. Seriously, it's hard for me to play cheaper guitars now. It's even hard to play real Les Pauls. It's difficult to really put your finger on the difference sometimes, but I think it's just a lot of little things (and not so little like the woods etc.), that add up.
So that's just my experience with those two specific guitar types. Epiphone LP to Hamer Monaco Elite....it's not even close. To extrapolate that out to the LTD to the real ESP, I'd say you will definitely see a difference. Whether it's worth it or not to you is the real question though.
I've played a few LTD Deluxes and found them very very nice guitars. I'd say better than my Epiphone. I can't speak for trying real ESPs because I haven't tried that many. I can speak for the jump from my Epiphone to my Hamer. I have a really really nice Epiphone LP quilt top. Tone is pretty good, the finish is impeccable. Neck is a little thick but strait and the frets are really good. In summary, a very nice cheaper guitar. (I think I paid abotu $500 for it in 2004 or so)
Then I got a Hamer Monaco Elite. It ruined me. Seriously, it's hard for me to play cheaper guitars now. It's even hard to play real Les Pauls. It's difficult to really put your finger on the difference sometimes, but I think it's just a lot of little things (and not so little like the woods etc.), that add up.
So that's just my experience with those two specific guitar types. Epiphone LP to Hamer Monaco Elite....it's not even close. To extrapolate that out to the LTD to the real ESP, I'd say you will definitely see a difference. Whether it's worth it or not to you is the real question though.
3'scompany
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
I know this if off-track, but this is bizarre to me. If you had millions of dollars and made your living by performing you wouldn't use nice stuff? Leaving your '59 LP at home I can understand, but a standard ESP isn't really that hard to replace if something happens to it. It's like race car driver saying, "You know, lets just use street tires. After all, those race slicks are pretty darn expense and we know they're just going to get ripped to hell anyways."
I know this if off-track, but this is bizarre to me. If you had millions of dollars and made your living by performing you wouldn't use nice stuff? Leaving your '59 LP at home I can understand, but a standard ESP isn't really that hard to replace if something happens to it. It's like race car driver saying, "You know, lets just use street tires. After all, those race slicks are pretty darn expense and we know they're just going to get ripped to hell anyways."
TattooedCarrot
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
Most touring bands I've seen are broke, not millionaires. Somebody's been TIVO'ing Rock Star starring Mark Wahlberg me thinks.
3'scompany
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
I guess my confusion comes more from the DOWN/Metallica comments - especially the Metallica comment, though I realize now that wasn't you. I have no delusions about how much money most musicians make. I was one of those broke touring musicians a few years back. But that didn't stop me from bringing out my good equipment. I, personally, hope more people would choose to sound as good as possible and be vigilant about making sure their gear safe than half-ass it. Maybe I'm just less risk-averse?
I guess my confusion comes more from the DOWN/Metallica comments - especially the Metallica comment, though I realize now that wasn't you. I have no delusions about how much money most musicians make. I was one of those broke touring musicians a few years back. But that didn't stop me from bringing out my good equipment. I, personally, hope more people would choose to sound as good as possible and be vigilant about making sure their gear safe than half-ass it. Maybe I'm just less risk-averse?
verbotenco
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
I'd like to know more about them being broke. Can you elaborate really?
I'd like to know more about them being broke. Can you elaborate really?
TattooedCarrot
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
Really? This needs explaining? Am I the only one not thinking that bands who tour are all millionaires? I guess I'm in the wrong business then. Funny, when working near a House of Blues I saw more bands in sh**ty vans and rented U-hall trailers than custom tour buses, I guess they must be thrifty with their millions.
As in they don't have a lot of money.
Really? This needs explaining? Am I the only one not thinking that bands who tour are all millionaires? I guess I'm in the wrong business then. Funny, when working near a House of Blues I saw more bands in sh**ty vans and rented U-hall trailers than custom tour buses, I guess they must be thrifty with their millions.
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drpietrzak
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
It is certainly your choice to do this if you want to it is your risk. I see too many threads around the groups with "gear stolen" as part of the title and unless you have roadies security needs are not so easily addressed. They steal tailors from the back of tow vehicles in some cases. The comment that suggests that because someone does not take their "best" on the road does not mean they are half-***ing it. The artist is the key not the brush.
It is certainly your choice to do this if you want to it is your risk. I see too many threads around the groups with "gear stolen" as part of the title and unless you have roadies security needs are not so easily addressed. They steal tailors from the back of tow vehicles in some cases. The comment that suggests that because someone does not take their "best" on the road does not mean they are half-***ing it. The artist is the key not the brush.
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TattooedCarrot
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
Interesting. Iced Earth, who are on tour right now, posted a link to this article on their Facebook this morning.
http://www.metalinjection.net/its-just-business/bands-money-touring
Interesting. Iced Earth, who are on tour right now, posted a link to this article on their Facebook this morning.
http://www.metalinjection.net/its-just-business/bands-money-touring
3'scompany
New member
Nope. I know what it is like to live on $5 a day and to call a hard floor and a sleeping bag your "bed." I'm with you on the fact that being in a band is not near as glamorous as most people think.
Two things to ponder, which are by no means fact:
(1) It is easy to notice when a "Our gear got stolen" thread pops up because it sucks and, as musicians, we're all sympathetic to something like that happening and can imagine how crappy we'd feel if something similar happened. But how many bands go on tour without any of their gear being stolen? I'd venture to guess that having your stuff stolen - so long as you're exercising a reasonable amount of care - is far rarer than it not being stolen.
(2) I actually believe that your gear is safer under your own care than a roadie. They have no personal attachment to your gear, but you do. I watched my stuff like a hawk while on the road. I'd venture to guess roadies don't care as much. But... if you can afford roadies, you probably aren't worried about having a standard issue Gibson or ESP taken from you (unless there is something truly unique about it).
I agree my wording may have been a little strong, but if it is your passion and your craft, why settle for 8/10ths? Could Piccaso make a good looking painting with a set of Crayola watercolors? Of course. But it isn't going to have the depth and texture that nicer materials would.
But in the end, it's all about making the cost-benefit calculation that makes sense to you personally. We all weigh things differently. I'm done derailing this thread.
P.S. Yes, I think the jump from LTD to ESP is worth it if you can afford it.
verbotenco
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
Sorry for my ignorance. Evidently I was occupied with famous bands and musicians like Metallica, Anthrax, Steve Vai, etc, who supposedly have no financial problems, don't you think? And with the word 'touring', I imagine playing in football stadiums instead of clubs like House of Blues.
Sorry for my ignorance. Evidently I was occupied with famous bands and musicians like Metallica, Anthrax, Steve Vai, etc, who supposedly have no financial problems, don't you think? And with the word 'touring', I imagine playing in football stadiums instead of clubs like House of Blues.
NecroPolo
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
Depends on the player
On-topic: A really good buddy of mine who is undoubtedly a fan of Hetfield, was gringing a Truckster for awhile and scored a very nice ESP Eclipse recently. The Truckster against the Eclipse feels like a Kalashnikov machince gun against a superlight, precise sniper rifle. Both work really well in their context I think. Personally I'd go with the sniper rifle.
Depends on the player
On-topic: A really good buddy of mine who is undoubtedly a fan of Hetfield, was gringing a Truckster for awhile and scored a very nice ESP Eclipse recently. The Truckster against the Eclipse feels like a Kalashnikov machince gun against a superlight, precise sniper rifle. Both work really well in their context I think. Personally I'd go with the sniper rifle.
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TattooedCarrot
New member
Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
Understandable. Obviously superbands are the exception and not the rule. Not many people get that big. Even so, I know Metallica plays some LTD along with their ESP and Gibsons as well. But I bet you won't see Het's eek fuk explorer or his classic Flying V copy on the road with them as they're too valuable from an iconic perspective. Same way Billy G won't take Pearly on the road anymore either. I don't tour, but if I did I would prefer to take something like Edwards LP's on the road than my real '81 LP custom, just in case.
mwalluk
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
LTD lowerend guitars made in china, the rest are made in Korea.
LTD lowerend guitars made in china, the rest are made in Korea.
mwalluk
New member
Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
MEtallica is ENDORSED by LTD.... just saying. There's a reason why both guitarists have sig models. If they're on stage, they are required to have an LTD with them. Just like they have Randall RM series amps on stage with them (even if they are not plugged in).
MEtallica is ENDORSED by LTD.... just saying. There's a reason why both guitarists have sig models. If they're on stage, they are required to have an LTD with them. Just like they have Randall RM series amps on stage with them (even if they are not plugged in).
verbotenco
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Re: LTD To ESP:Worth the step?
Seriously man, the Randall aren't plugged in? I guess those Randalls truly suck like many people do.
Seriously man, the Randall aren't plugged in? I guess those Randalls truly suck like many people do.