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ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar vs ESP LTD IRON CROSS/SW guitar
The AS-1 FM is a versatile signature model built for jazz fusion, neoclassical metal, and dynamic clean-to-heavy playing, while the Iron Cross is a dedicated high-output metal weapon optimized for aggressive riffing and thick distortion. Choose the AS-1 FM if you need tonal flexibility across genres; choose the Iron Cross if metal and hard rock are your primary focus.
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ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar | ESP LTD IRON CROSS/SW guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599.00 | $1,599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | — | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | Unknown | 2022 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Alex Skolnick AS-1 FM Lemon Burst Signature Electric Guitar
- ✓ Seymour Duncan '59 and JB passive pickups provide articulate, genre-spanning tone from jazz to metal
- ✓ Comfortable body contours and U-neck profile suit extended sessions and fast neoclassical passages
- ✓ Versatile electronics with push/pull function allow tonal shaping across clean and high-gain contexts
Why choose ESP LTD IRON CROSS/SW guitar
- ✓ Dual EMG JH active pickups deliver high-output aggression and signature metal snarl
- ✓ Thin U-neck contour and 42mm nut width optimized for fast, heavy riffing technique
- ✓ Rock-solid tuning stability and powerful sustain engineered specifically for metal and hard rock demands
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for jazz fusion?
The AS-1 FM is purpose-built for jazz fusion with its Seymour Duncan '59 and JB combination delivering articulate highs and responsive mids suited to melodic playing. The Iron Cross's high-output active EMGs and metal-focused voicing make it less ideal for jazz contexts.
Which is better for metal?
Both handle metal, but the Iron Cross excels with its EMG JH active pickups delivering signature high-output aggression and thick, focused tone specifically engineered for metal. The AS-1 FM is more versatile across metal styles but lacks the dedicated metal voice of the Iron Cross.
What are the key hardware differences?
Both feature set-neck mahogany construction, 24.75 scale, 22 XJ frets, and Tonepros locking TOM bridges. The AS-1 FM has a 305mm radius and 43mm bone nut; the Iron Cross has a 350mm radius and 42mm nut, making the Iron Cross slightly faster and flatter.
Which pickup system is better?
Seymour Duncan '59 and JB passives (AS-1 FM) offer articulate clarity across genres with lower output and more dynamic response. EMG JH active pickups (Iron Cross) deliver high output, consistent aggression, and signature metal snarl with less dynamic range—a trade-off favoring focused metal tone.