ESP LTD GH-SV Electric Guitar in Black
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ESP LTD GH SV Gary Holt Electric Guitar in Black
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- SKU
- LGHSVBLK
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The mahogany body and neck with a maple cap give this guitar a thick, midrange-heavy foundation, and the neck-thru construction with a macassar ebony fingerboard adds sustain and a firm attack. The active EMG 81 in the bridge delivers the tight, cutting high gain that heavy riffing and lead work call for, while the EMG 89R at the neck offers a fuller voice plus coil-split access for cleaner, less compressed sounds. With a 24.75" scale, extra-jumbo stainless steel frets and a double-locking Floyd Rose 1000, it's aimed squarely at metal and modern alternative players who want dive-bomb capability and fast, aggressive playing.
ESP LTD GH-SV Gary Holt Electric Guitar in Black
The ESP LTD GH-SV captures aggressive, cutting tones with its active EMG pickup configuration and delivers rock-solid tracking through studio sessions thanks to its three-piece mahogany neck and double-locking Floyd Rose system. This signature model pairs thick, defined character with reliable hardware and professional-grade electronics, making it an excellent choice for recording heavy music that demands both clarity and sustain in the mix.
Playability & Construction for Studio Work
Neck-thru-body construction with a thin U-shaped mahogany neck and mahogany body with maple cap ensures consistent resonance across takes, while the 24.75" scale and macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets allow for precise intonation and quick passage articulation during complex recording sessions. The offset ESP SV body shape—with one side of the V more elongated than the other—creates a balanced platform that supports hours of tracking without fatigue.
Tone & Electronics for Recording
Direct-mount active EMG 89R pickup in the neck position with push-pull coil-splitting and EMG 81 in the bridge position deliver the thick, cutting tones required for heavy riffing and lead takes across modern alternative and metal genres. The double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system and Grover tuners maintain tuning stability across multitrack recording sessions and allow reliable return to pitch if dive bombs or whammy effects are tracked.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction with three-piece thin U-shaped mahogany neck
- Mahogany body with maple cap
- 24.75" scale length
- Offset ESP SV body shape with flat top and back
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid split block inlays
- 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
- Direct-mount active EMG 89R neck pickup with coil-splitting push-pull volume knob
- Active EMG 81 bridge pickup
- Double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system
- Grover tuners with 42mm locking nut
- Black finish with multi-ply red binding on body, neck, and headstock; red pickup covers and scripted LTD logo
- Includes ESP deluxe hardshell case
This Gary Holt signature model combines responsive electronics, professional hardware, and solid construction to deliver the tonal aggression and tracking stability that studio engineers and producers depend on when recording demanding heavy music.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
Specifications
| Body Style | Single Cutaway |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 24.75" Scale |
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickups | Active HH |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Made In | South Korea |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickup configuration does this guitar have?
The GH-SV features a direct-mount active EMG 89R neck pickup with a coil-splitting push-pull volume knob and an active EMG 81 bridge pickup, designed for thick, cutting tones with high output. Both pickups are wired through active electronics for consistent signal and clarity in heavy music.
Is this guitar suitable for standard tuning, or is it built for drop tunings?
The GH-SV is engineered for drop tunings and heavy music; its 24.75" scale length, thick mahogany neck-thru construction, and active pickups deliver the sustain and articulation needed for lower tunings. It can work in standard tuning, but its voice and hardware are optimized for the aggression and sustain of metal and hard rock.
What makes the neck comfortable for extended playing?
The thin U-shaped mahogany neck profile and offset body geometry are designed to minimize fatigue during long lead and rhythm sessions. The macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets supports rapid position shifts and aggressive playing styles without hand strain.
How does the Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo keep tuning stable?
The double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 system, paired with Grover locking tuners and a 42mm locking nut, secures the strings at both the headstock and bridge, ensuring tuning stability through extended playing, dive bombs, and other tremolo effects.
What genres and playing styles is this guitar best for?
The GH-SV is optimized for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and other heavy genres that demand aggressive tone and fast playability. Its active pickups, sustain-rich construction, and Floyd Rose system make it less suited for jazz, folk, or country music.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $140 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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