ESP LTD Xtone PS-1000 - Vintage Black Review

I can't imagine what else I would want in a semi-hollow.

This is a fantastic guitar. A thru-neck LP-shaped guitar is pretty hard to find; that, as well as the offset shape, make this guitar incredibly comfortable to play. Upper fret access is excellent. This model's a looker, too. The gold hardware on the matte black is classy without being gaudy. I ditched that pickguard, though. I don't think I actually have anything bad to say about… read more it, other than that I wish it came with metal gold knobs. Plastic speed knobs look cheap on any guitar, in my opinion. I swapped them out for an aftermarket set, and now it's perfect.I don't know a ton about P90s (this was my first guitar without humbuckers or single coils), but they sound great to my ears. Same with the electronics: I don't know much, but I haven't had any issues. I may swap the pickups and guts out someday for something "better," (we all know the tone chasing never ends), but there's absolutely nothing bad about the stock offerings. I'm a big Queens of the Stone Age fan, and I am just nailing Josh's tone with this guy.TL;DR, this is one of the best guitars I've ever played, and I will never let it go. If you need a P90 guitar you can still shred on, are looking for a semi-hollow that isn't enormous, or just want a great guitar for the sake of it, buy one immediately. The ESP LTD 1000 line in general is really where some magic happens. It's the perfect balance between quality and affordability for anyone that can't afford multiple E-IIs or ESP USA/Customs (although I still want one of those someday). The half-star off has nothing to do with the guitar, and is simply because the matching ESP hardshell case, like all ESP cases, is absurdly overpriced. ~$ for a hard case, especially one that isn't form-fitting, and doesn't have a particularly sturdy handle, is highway robbery. I have heard (but not yet confirmed) that the Gator GW-JAG is fits this guitar, if a little tightly, and at $150 is much more reasonably priced.

---

Cancel Comment

Excellent guitar

Great looks feel and sound right out of the box

---

Cancel Comment

ADORATION

I absolutely LOVE this guitar! The overall playing is fantastic, super smooth...the tone is amazing in all three positions. I really like the unique layout of the controls! Now make a hardshell case for my baby! I CANNOT FIND ONE ANYWHERE THAT FITS IT WELL!!! Gator makes a nice soft/sturdy case that fits...but I tour so I really need a hardshell in the future for her.

---

Cancel Comment