LEXLBKMBLKREDBS vs LPHOENIX1000VWLH-B — Compare
ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin vs ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 Lefty Guitar Vintage White B-Stock
The EXL is a specialized metal machine with set-thru construction and a single high-output EMG 81, built for extreme tunings and aggressive single-coil tone. The PHOENIX-1000 Lefty offers neck-thru versatility with dual Seymour Duncan pickups (including a coil-split humbucker) and suits players who need both vintage warmth and modern aggression across multiple genres—plus it's left-handed.
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ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin
ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 Lefty Guitar Vintage White B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin | ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 Lefty Guitar Vintage White B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.00 | $959.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Black Metal | LTD Phoenix |
| Body | — | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | — | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | — |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | 2023 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin
- ✓ Set-thru construction locks in tight, focused articulation ideal for metal and djent
- ✓ Single EMG 81 pickup delivers the high-output aggression metal players demand
- ✓ Thin U-contoured neck and 24.75" scale optimized for speed and drop tunings
- ✓ Macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 stainless frets for durability under aggressive play
Why choose ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 Lefty Guitar Vintage White B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and resonance for longer-lasting notes
- ✓ Dual Seymour Duncan pickups with coil-split humbucker offer tonal range from clean to saturated
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with reverse headstock—rare and essential for left players
- ✓ Versatile across rock, hard rock, metal, and blues rather than metal-only focus
Frequently asked questions
Why is the EXL better for metal than the PHOENIX-1000?
The EXL's set-thru design, single high-output EMG 81, and thin neck are engineered specifically for aggressive playing, tight low-end control, and drop tunings. The PHOENIX-1000 prioritizes versatility across multiple genres, so its tone leans warmer and its pickup configuration is geared toward range rather than pure metal focus.
What's the main difference in construction and how does it affect tone?
The EXL uses set-thru construction for a tighter, more articulate response with defined mids. The PHOENIX-1000 uses neck-thru construction, which maximizes sustain and resonance, favoring a warm, full-bodied character. Set-thru is more aggressive; neck-thru is more expressive across dynamics.
Can I play blues and classic rock on the EXL?
The EXL is explicitly not ideal for blues and is voiced for metal and hard rock with aggressive upper mids. Its single pickup and tight tone character limit the creamy, warm qualities blues players typically seek. The PHOENIX-1000 is better suited for blues with its Seymour Duncan Phat Cat neck pickup and full-bodied mahogany tone.
What does B-Stock mean for the PHOENIX-1000?
B-Stock typically indicates cosmetic blemishes, returned stock, or minor imperfections that do not affect playability or sound. The PHOENIX-1000 is fully functional; this designation usually reflects pricing advantage rather than a defect in the instrument.