LALEXISAWTOOTHSE vs LAS1FRFMLMB — Compare
ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar vs ESP LTD AS-1/FR/FM/LIME BURST guitar
The Alexi Laiho is a neck-thru thrash-metal specialist with scalloped upper frets and extreme playability for speed techniques, while the AS-1 is a more versatile set-thru platform balancing metal aggression with cleaner, progressive tones. Choose the Alexi for pure extreme metal; choose the AS-1 if you need flexibility across hard rock, metal, and studio work.
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ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar | ESP LTD AS-1/FR/FM/LIME BURST guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,899.00 | $1,899.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Black Metal | — |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | — | Ebony |
| Neck | — | Maple |
| Neck Construction | — | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | — | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar
- ✓ Neck-thru construction and thin U-shaped maple neck maximize sustain and upper-fret access for extreme metal technique
- ✓ Scalloped frets (19–24) enable rapid position shifts and precision bending required for thrash and djent
- ✓ Single high-output EMG humbucker with simplified volume-only control keeps focus on raw aggression
- ✓ 25.5" scale length delivers tighter string tension ideal for downtuning and aggressive playing
Why choose ESP LTD AS-1/FR/FM/LIME BURST guitar
- ✓ Set-Thru construction and 24.75" scale offer comfortable playability for extended sessions without fatigue
- ✓ Dual Seymour Duncan pickups with coil-tap provide versatile clean-to-saturated tones beyond pure metal
- ✓ Flamed Maple top in Lime Burst finish adds striking visual presence for stage and studio
- ✓ Volume/Volume/Tone configuration with independent pickup control enables nuanced tone shaping
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for playing fast metal solos?
The Alexi Laiho's scalloped upper frets (19–24), thin neck, and neck-thru construction are purpose-built for extreme speed and position shifts. The AS-1 is fully capable but optimized more for balanced versatility than pure shredding speed.
Can the AS-1 handle the same downtuned, aggressive tones?
Yes; the AS-1's dual Seymour Duncan pickups and Floyd Rose bridge support aggressive metal tones. However, the Alexi Laiho's higher-output single EMG and tighter 25.5" scale give it a more specialized metal voice, while the AS-1 trades some pure aggression for tonal range.
What's the practical difference in scale length?
The Alexi Laiho's 25.5" scale delivers tighter string tension, favoring extreme downtuning and aggression. The AS-1's 24.75" scale is slightly more forgiving for bending and comfortable for long sessions, common in studio and touring settings.
Which has more tonal control?
The AS-1 offers more flexibility with dual pickups, independent volumes, coil-tap via push/pull, and toggle switching. The Alexi Laiho keeps it simple with a single volume control, prioritizing focus and directness over sonic variety.