LIRONCROSSSWLH-B0439 vs LJMIQMDBLM — Compare
ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439 vs ESP LTD JM-I Josh Middleton Guitar Deep Blood Moon
The Iron Cross is a left-handed thrash-metal specialist with dual EMG pickups tuned for crushing rhythm tones and drop tunings, while the JM-I is a versatile right-handed progressive instrument with a single Fishman Fluence pickup designed for high-gain and clean tones. Choose the Iron Cross if you play thrash metal and need a lefty; pick the JM-I if you want genre flexibility and modern studio/touring capability.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439
ESP LTD JM-I Josh Middleton Guitar Deep Blood Moon
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439 | ESP LTD JM-I Josh Middleton Guitar Deep Blood Moon | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,133.00 | $1,599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD James Hetfield | LTD Josh Middleton |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Jazzmaster |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Maple |
| Neck Construction | — | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | — |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tune-O-Matic |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439
- ✓ Left-handed configuration unavailable in Product B
- ✓ Dual EMG JH pickups engineered specifically for aggressive metal rhythm tones
- ✓ Shorter 24.75" scale length favors lower tunings and warmer tone
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers significant savings on a premium signature model
Why choose ESP LTD JM-I Josh Middleton Guitar Deep Blood Moon
- ✓ Single Fishman Fluence pickup with voice selection provides high-gain and articulate clean tones in one guitar
- ✓ Longer 25.5" scale length supports modern string tension and note clarity
- ✓ Roasted maple neck offers durability and minimal maintenance during touring
- ✓ String-thru-body bridge design enhances sustain and intonation stability
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for drop tunings?
The Iron Cross suits drop tunings better due to its shorter 24.75" scale length, which provides warmer tone and enhanced low-end punch. The JM-I's longer 25.5" scale is optimized for standard and slightly-lowered tunings with modern string tension clarity.
Can the JM-I handle metal as well as the Iron Cross?
The JM-I is capable of high-gain metal through its Fishman Fluence pickup, but it is voiced for versatility across progressive and modern metal styles rather than pure thrash. The Iron Cross dual EMGs are specifically engineered for crushing rhythm tones in traditional thrash and drop-tuned metal.
What is the main tone difference between the two pickups?
The Iron Cross uses dual active EMG JH pickups optimized for tight low-end articulation and high-output rhythm punch, while the JM-I uses a single Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic Humbucker with selectable voices for noise-free high-gain and clean tones.
Why is the Iron Cross only available in left-handed configuration?
The Iron Cross is a left-handed signature model of James Hetfield; right-handed players should consider the JM-I or other ESP LTD models. The JM-I Josh Middleton signature is available in right-handed configuration only.