LAA1BLKS-B vs LVIPER1000VBLH — Compare
ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case vs ESP LTD VIPER-1000VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar
The AA-1 is a right-handed neck-through design with 24 frets and a single EMG 81 pickup, offering maximum sustain and fast playing feel. The VIPER-1000VB is a left-handed set-thru with 22 frets and dual-voicing Fishman Fluence pickups, built for left-handed players seeking tonal flexibility. Right-handed players should choose the AA-1; left-handed players should choose the VIPER-1000VB.
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ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case
ESP LTD VIPER-1000VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case | ESP LTD VIPER-1000VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.20 | $1,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | — | LTD Viper |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | — | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | HH |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case
- ✓ Neck-through construction maximizes sustain and resonance
- ✓ 24 frets provide extended range access
- ✓ EMG 81 delivers focused, high-clarity high-output tone
- ✓ Thin U-contour neck favors speed and precision playing
Why choose ESP LTD VIPER-1000VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar
- ✓ Purpose-built for left-handed players with asymmetrical double-horn design
- ✓ Dual-voicing Fishman Fluence pickups offer tonal flexibility via push-pull controls
- ✓ Set-thru neck balances sustain with ease of construction and body resonance
- ✓ Gold hardware and aged-look finish project premium stage presence
Frequently asked questions
Why does one have 24 frets and the other 22?
The AA-1's neck-through design and 24.75-inch scale accommodate 24 frets for extended upper-fret access, ideal for modern metal and extended-range playing. The VIPER-1000VB's set-thru construction with 22 frets reflects its focus on aggressive midrange and rhythm work rather than high-fret soloing.
What is the key difference in pickup design between these two?
The AA-1 uses a single EMG 81 active pickup for consistent, high-clarity output and focused aggression. The VIPER-1000VB features dual Fishman Fluence Modern Humbuckers with push-pull tone controls that switch between ceramic bridge (crunch) and alnico neck (fluid) voicings, offering greater tonal range.
Which is better for drop tunings and heavy riffing?
Both excel in drop tunings and metal. The AA-1 emphasizes articulate clarity and precise articulation, while the VIPER-1000VB's full-bodied mahogany resonance and dual-pickup voicing flexibility give you more tonal character for experimenting with crunch versus smooth rhythm tones.
Is one significantly easier to play than the other?
Both have thin U-contoured necks and fast playability. The AA-1's 24-fret neck-through design maximizes upper-fret access; the VIPER-1000VB's set-thru construction feels slightly less extended but is designed specifically for left-handed ergonomics and responsiveness.