LM1CTM87DMP-B vs LM1CTM87MGO-B — Compare
ESP LTD M-1 Custom 87 Guitar Dark Metallic Purple B-Stock vs ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
Both are neck-through ESP LTD M-1 variants with similar hardware and pickups, but the M-1 Custom 87 emphasizes bright, punchy articulation for metal and djent, while the M-1 CTM 87 adds warmth and versatility for metal, hard rock, and blues. Choose the Custom 87 if you prioritize cutting-through density and tight sustain; choose the CTM 87 if you want more tonal warmth and flexibility across heavy and blues-influenced styles.
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ESP LTD M-1 Custom 87 Guitar Dark Metallic Purple B-Stock
ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD M-1 Custom 87 Guitar Dark Metallic Purple B-Stock | ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $959.20 | $959.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD M | LTD M |
| Body | SG Style | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD M-1 Custom 87 Guitar Dark Metallic Purple B-Stock
- ✓ Alder body contributes bright, punchy character optimized for cut-through in dense mixes
- ✓ Extra thin U neck contour minimizes hand fatigue during extended sessions
- ✓ Responsive electronics with coil split deliver articulate tones across gain settings
- ✓ Neck-through construction ensures superior sustain and resonance
Why choose ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
- ✓ Warmer tone with surprising versatility across metal, hard rock, and blues
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 bridge enables expressive pitch modulation for lead work
- ✓ Contoured body design optimized for comfort seated or standing
- ✓ Push-pull coil split and EMG PA-2 boost provide dynamic range control
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two guitars?
The Custom 87 features an alder body with bright, punchy articulation designed for dense mixes and high-gain clarity. The CTM 87 adds warmth to its articulate tone, making it more versatile across metal, hard rock, and blues styles while maintaining aggressive output.
Are the necks and hardware identical?
Yes—both feature a three-piece extra thin U-shaped maple neck, 25.5 inch scale, 24 frets, Macassar Ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius, and Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo. Both also use the Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion pickup and EMG PA-2 boost switch.
Which guitar suits djent and progressive metal better?
The M-1 Custom 87 is explicitly listed for djent and progressive play, with its bright alder body and tight sustain optimized for articulate, cutting high-gain tones in complex arrangements.
Can I play blues on either guitar?
The CTM 87 is listed for blues and offers surprising warmth alongside aggressive output, making it better suited for blues-influenced soloing. The Custom 87 is not recommended for blues and is strictly optimized for metal and hard rock.