LAA1BLKS-B vs LHORIZONCTM87BLKLH — Compare
ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case vs ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Lefty Guitar in Black
The AA-1 is a signature model optimized for precision and extended-range work with a shorter scale and active electronics, while the Horizon Custom '87 is a left-handed shredder built for extreme vibrato techniques and tonal versatility via coil-splitting. Choose the AA-1 if you want focused high-output clarity for studio and extended-range metal; pick the Horizon Custom '87 if you're left-handed and need a Floyd Rose tremolo with passive electronics and coil-split flexibility.
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ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case
ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Lefty Guitar in Black
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case | ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Lefty Guitar in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.20 | $1,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | — | LTD H |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tremolo |
| Year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case
- ✓ Neck-through mahogany construction with exceptional sustain and resonance
- ✓ 24.75-inch scale supports extended-range work with balanced string tension
- ✓ EMG 81 active electronics deliver high-output articulation and powerful midrange
- ✓ Thin U-contour neck and 24-fret fingerboard reward speed and precision
Why choose ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Lefty Guitar in Black
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking tremolo enables extreme vibrato and dive bombs
- ✓ Coil-splitting on both pickups expands tonal range from humbucker power to single-coil clarity
- ✓ Extra-thin maple neck and extra-jumbo frets optimized for fast legato and aggressive bending
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with full professional hardware and setup
Frequently asked questions
What's the key difference in scale length?
The AA-1 uses a 24.75-inch scale, while the Horizon Custom '87 uses a standard 25.5-inch scale. The shorter AA-1 scale maintains balanced tension for extended-range tunings, while the Horizon's longer scale supports modern shredding applications.
How do the pickup systems differ?
The AA-1 features a single EMG 81 with active electronics for high-output clarity and consistent response. The Horizon Custom '87 uses dual Seymour Duncan pickups (TB-5 bridge, Hot Rails neck) wired to passive electronics with coil-splitting, offering more tonal variety between humbucker and single-coil modes.
Which guitar is better for vibrato-heavy playing?
The Horizon Custom '87 includes a Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking tremolo system designed for extreme vibrato techniques and dive bombs. The AA-1 uses a fixed TonePros TOM bridge, which prioritizes tuning stability and resonance over vibrato effects.
Is either guitar left-handed?
The Horizon Custom '87 is explicitly a left-handed model. The AA-1 description does not specify handedness, implying it is right-handed.