ESP has announced that they will release six new LTD 200DX guitars later this year, all priced in the $399 range. They consist of two of each of the EC-200DX, M-200DX and TE-200DX.
LTD 200DX
The ESP LTD guitar range is known for releasing high-quality, affordable instruments with modern appointments. These new EC-200DX, M-200DX, and TE-200DX models are just that, and they will sell for around $399 each.
EC-200DX
Based on their single-cutaway Eclipse model, the new EC-200DX has two finishes: blue burst and charcoal burst. Construction consists of a lightweight poplar body with a flamed maple top and a roasted maple neck with a rosewood fretboard.
The bolt-on neck has a 24.75” scale length, and the fretboard has 24 extra-jumbo frets and dot inlays.
LH-150
This model comes fitted with the LH-150 humbuckers, and it also offers single-coil tones controlled by a push-pull switch on the tone knob. The black chrome hardware consists of a TOM-style bridge and tailpiece.
M-200DX
As the name suggests, the LTD M-200DX is based on ESP’s M-body shape and is offered in blue burst and purple burst finishes. Again, this is a bolt-on neck model with a longer 25.5″ scale length.
Roasted Maple
The M-200DX features a roasted maple neck and a rosewood fretboard. It also has a poplar body, and this model has a poplar burl top. Hardware includes a TOM-style bridge with a string-thru body design.
Pickups for this model are the same LH-150 humbuckers as above, with the single-coil tones controlled by a push-pull switch on the tone knob.
TE-200DX
Finally, the TE-200DX is based on the LTD TE shape (T-Style) and has a poplar body with a poplar burl top and black body binding. It is available in purple burst and blue burst finishes.
This bolt-on roasted maple 25.5″ scale length neck model has a rosewood fretboard fitted with 24 extra-jumbo frets.
It also has the ESP LH-150 humbucking pickups with matching black chrome covers in the bridge and neck positions. Just like the other models in this new range, it has single-coil tones controlled by a push-pull switch on the tone knob.
Verdict
They look like a great value guitar range for players needing modern playability. Unlike many competitors, I love that ESP LTD can use roasted maple, rosewood, and fancy tops while keeping the price point way below the $500 region. The $399 price point is appealing, and the specifications and looks are excellent. Roll on, August!
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