ESP LTD PHX-200DX BLACK BURST guitar
Description
ESP LTD PHX-200DX Black Burst
The PHX-200DX is engineered for studio tracking and session work, delivering a lightweight, comfortable playing experience with its thin U-shaped roasted maple neck and offset Phoenix body contours. This solid platform bridges affordability and performance, making it a practical choice for home producers and engineers seeking a versatile instrument without compromise. The Black Burst finish on flamed maple adds visual appeal while the bolt-on construction keeps the instrument responsive and direct—ideal for capturing articulate takes and translating clearly through your recording chain.
Playability & Recording Response
The thin U-shaped roasted maple neck with satin finish provides smooth, fast fretwork across 22 extra-jumbo frets on a 13.78" fingerboard radius. Neck dimensions of 0.808" at the 1st fret and 0.896" at the 12th fret maintain consistency for tracking both lead lines and rhythm parts, while the 25.5" scale length offers traditional tension and sustain without excess finger stretch—reducing fatigue during extended session work.
Tone & Electronics for Mixing Versatility
The ESP LH-150 passive humbucking pickups deliver classic midrange punch and clarity that sits well in dense mixes, with the bridge pickup equipped with a push-pull control to split into single coil mode for tonal flexibility across different production contexts. A TOM-style bridge and tailpiece with black hardware ensures stable intonation and reliable sustain across the neck—critical for maintaining consistent tone across multiple takes and overdubs.
Key Features
- Poplar body with flamed maple top and Red Burst finish
- Gloss finish, solidbody construction with Phoenix offset body shape
- Bolt-on thin U-shaped roasted maple neck with satin finish
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
- 13.78" fingerboard radius and 25.5" scale length
- Neck depth 0.808" at 1st fret, 0.896" at 12th fret
- ESP LH-150 passive humbucking pickups
- Push-pull control on bridge pickup for single coil split
- TOM-style bridge and tailpiece with black hardware
- LTD tuners and reverse inline headstock
- Approximately 8.8 lbs weight
- Limited lifetime warranty on guitar; one year warranty on parts and electronics
The PHX-200DX combines efficient ergonomics, reliable electronics, and solid construction into a versatile tracking instrument that performs well across genres and production styles.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The PHX-200DX is a budget-friendly recording platform built on a responsive bolt-on platform with versatile pickups and clean midrange character. Its ESP LH-150 humbuckers capture classic punch and clarity, while the push-pull bridge control splits into single-coil mode for tonal flexibility across layers—ideal for tracking multiple guitar parts in a session without re-patching. The thin neck and extra-jumbo frets make fast, clean performances easier to capture in one or two takes.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar designed for?
The PHX-200DX is built for intermediate to advanced players. Its 22 extra-jumbo frets, thin U-shaped neck (0.808" at the first fret), and satin finish support fast fretwork and lead technique, while the 25.5" scale and classic humbucker tone work well for both rhythm and soloing.
Does this guitar have any onboard tone-shaping options?
Yes. The bridge pickup includes a push-pull control that splits the humbucker into single-coil mode, giving you two distinct tonal voices from one guitar—classic humbucker warmth for rhythm and clarity for lead work or cleaner tones.
What genres is this guitar best suited for?
The PHX-200DX is optimized for rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive styles. Its midrange punch, clarity, and humbucker character are not ideal for jazz, folk, or country applications.
What is the neck made of and how does it feel?
The neck is thin roasted maple with a satin finish, measuring 0.808" at the first fret and 0.896" at the 12th fret. This geometry supports fast, smooth fretwork and reduces finger drag, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions and lead technique across a 25.5" scale.
How heavy is this guitar and what is the body construction?
The PHX-200DX weighs approximately 8.8 lbs and features a poplar body with a flamed maple top and bolt-on neck construction, making it responsive and direct without excess body mass.
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