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ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD Iron Cross Snow White James Hetfield Guitar with Case B-Stock

The AS-1 FM is a refined, versatile signature model built for jazz fusion and progressive styles with articulate tone and ergonomic comfort, while the Iron Cross is a purpose-built metal machine with aggressive, high-output pickups and a fast neck optimized for heavy riffs and drop tunings. Choose the AS-1 FM if you play fusion, neoclassical, or studio work; choose the Iron Cross if metal and hard rock are your primary genres.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar B-Stock

$1,279.20
View ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar B-Stock

ESP LTD Iron Cross Snow White James Hetfield Guitar with Case B-Stock

$1,279.20
View ESP LTD Iron Cross Snow White James Hetfield Guitar with Case B-Stock

Specs side by side

ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar B-StockESP LTD Iron Cross Snow White James Hetfield Guitar with Case B-Stock
Price$1,279.20$1,279.20
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
BodySingle CutawaySingle Cutaway
Body TypeSolidSolid
Scale24.75" Scale
Strings66
Frets22 Frets
FretboardRosewoodEbony
NeckMahogany
BridgeFixedFixed
YearUnknown2022
ConditionRefurbishedRefurbished

Why choose ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar B-Stock

  • Seymour Duncan '59/JB pickup pairing excels in both jazz and high-gain metal contexts
  • Comfortable body contours and U-contour neck designed for extended playing sessions
  • Versatile tone with articulate highs and responsive mids across multiple genres
  • 25-fret capacity with 305mm radius fingerboard suits fast neoclassical passages

Why choose ESP LTD Iron Cross Snow White James Hetfield Guitar with Case B-Stock

  • Dual EMG JH SET active pickups deliver high-output aggression and signature snarl for metal
  • Thin U-contour neck and 350mm radius fingerboard optimized for fast riffs and drop tunings
  • Includes hard case with purchase
  • TonePros bridge and extra-jumbo frets provide stability and quick position transitions in heavy styles
Bottom line: Jazz fusion and progressive players seeking tone versatility and comfort should choose the AS-1 FM. Metal and hard rock players prioritizing aggression and speed should choose the Iron Cross.

Frequently asked questions

Which guitar is better for jazz?

The AS-1 FM is explicitly designed for jazz fusion with articulate highs and responsive mids that work in both clean and high-gain contexts. The Iron Cross is not ideal for jazz due to its high-output active pickups and metal-focused design.

Which is easier for intermediate players?

The Iron Cross suits intermediate to advanced players with its thin, fast neck optimized for aggressive technique. The AS-1 FM is designed for advanced and professional players seeking refined playability and technique-focused reward.

How do the pickups differ?

The AS-1 FM uses passive Seymour Duncan '59 neck and JB bridge pickups for clarity and articulation across genres. The Iron Cross uses active EMG JH SET pickups designed specifically for high-output metal tones with signature Hetfield snarl.

What about tuning stability for drop tunings?

The Iron Cross with its 42mm nut and thin neck is engineered for drop tunings and aggressive playing. The AS-1 FM's 43mm nut and set-neck mahogany construction are designed for standard and alternate tunings across jazz and progressive styles, not specifically for heavy drop tunings.

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