LM1CTM87MGO-B vs LMIRAGEDX87SW-B — Compare
ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock vs ESP LTD MIRAGE DELUXE '87 Guitar Snow White B-Stock
The M-1 CTM '87 is a neck-thru workhorse with a single high-output pickup optimized for metal and hard rock, while the MIRAGE DELUXE '87 is a bolt-on with dual pickups offering more tonal versatility across rock and progressive styles. Choose the M-1 if you want maximum sustain and single-pickup simplicity; choose the MIRAGE if you need switchable neck-to-bridge textures.
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ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
ESP LTD MIRAGE DELUXE '87 Guitar Snow White B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock | ESP LTD MIRAGE DELUXE '87 Guitar Snow White B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $959.20 | $959.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD M | LTD Mirage |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-thru construction provides superior sustain and stability for aggressive playing
- ✓ Single Seymour Duncan TB-6 with coil-split keeps signal path simple and focused
- ✓ EMG PA-2 boost switch adds dynamic range control for tone shaping
- ✓ Contoured body designed specifically for comfort during extended sessions
Why choose ESP LTD MIRAGE DELUXE '87 Guitar Snow White B-Stock
- ✓ Dual Seymour Duncan pickups (Hot Rail neck + TB-6 bridge) enable warm rhythm and aggressive lead tones from one guitar
- ✓ Push-pull coil splits on both pickups unlock single-coil textures for wider tonal range
- ✓ Bolt-on alder body delivers bright articulate attack with defined sustain
- ✓ Extra jumbo frets on bound Macassar ebony fingerboard supports fast playing and precision
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
Both excel in metal, but the M-1 CTM '87 is purpose-built for heavy genres with its single aggressive high-output pickup and neck-thru sustain, while the MIRAGE DELUXE '87 offers more versatility if you want to move between rhythm and lead without compromising tone in either role.
What is the main tonal difference?
The M-1 delivers punchy, articulate aggression with warm character from one pickup and boost control. The MIRAGE DELUXE '87 provides a brighter, more defined attack with switchable neck pickup warmth, giving you two distinct tonal voices in one instrument.
Are the necks different?
Both feature extra thin U-shaped maple necks with 25.5" scale, but the MIRAGE has a flatter 13.78" radius and extra jumbo frets for faster playing, while the M-1 has a 350mm radius optimized for smooth bending. The M-1's neck-thru construction also provides different sustain characteristics than the MIRAGE's bolt-on design.
Which one has better tremolo for aggressive use?
Both use the Floyd Rose 1000 bridge. The MIRAGE's locking hardware and 1 11/16" nut width are explicitly designed to keep strings secure during aggressive whammy bar use, making it the edge choice if tremolo diving is a core part of your playing.