When most players think about ESP, they think premium metal-centric guitars played by the likes of Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, George Lynch, and many other hard rock gods. Those of us on a budget will undoubtedly also think about price — as in, these guitars are going to cost you a good chunk of change. Luckily for us, ESP’s LTD brand of instruments offer affordable alternatives to their pricier models that don’t skimp on the core aspects of what makes a solid guitar. We recently reviewed the LTD EC-10, a $200 electric that just might be the best hard rock guitar for the price. But if you’re looking for something a little better with few more features (while remaining affordable), the ESP LTD M-200 might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
The Features
The M-200 guitar was created for players in need of a great instrument without breaking the bank. So while this is not the most feature-packed electric, it has all of the hallmarks of a solid guitar. LTD M-200 features a mahogany solid body, a 25.5″ scale ultra-thin U-shaped maple bolt-on neck, and a roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets. Like most other ESP guitars, the M-200 should satisfy hard rock and metal players who need a guitar that can with speed in mind. As far as pickups are concerned, the M-200 features ESP–designed LH-150 open–coil humbuckers. Other notable features include all–black hardware, locking nut and a Floyd Rose–style tremolo bridge.
The Build
While the M-200 is not going to rival a thousand–dollar guitar in terms of sheer quality, this is a great instrument in its own right, featuring the quality craftsmanship, and the looks of an electric that could easily go for a few hundred more. While the bolt-on neck might be a small letdown for some players, it’s to be expected at this price range and should not take away from the instrument’s overall value. One issue I had when I first took the M-200 out of the box was the action, which was a bit too high for my taste (but it was nothing that a quick adjustment couldn‘t fix). Minor initial setups aside, playing the M-200 was a smooth experience. From solos to classic guitar licks and, of course, heavy shredding, the M-200 is a blast to play and could easily work as a primary workhorse for gigs and practice sessions. Overall, the M-200 is a solid guitar that should last years of use.
ESP LTD M-200 @ $399.00
With the M-200, guitar players who are ready to shred have a truly affordable, high-quality guitar. The classic flat “slab” body of the M Series is offered here in mahogany, with a maple neck and roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets. These speedy bolt-on models with extra thin flat maple necks are available in Black and Alien Gray finishes, or with a flamed maple top in the M-200FM in See Thru Red and See Thru Black finishes. All of them feature an LTD by Floyd Rose tremolo and powerful, punchy ESP Designed pickups.
The Sound
Compared to the ESP LTD LH-100 pickups (like those included on the EC-10), the LH-150’s offer a similar flavor of tone, albeit with a bit more color and articulation. Overall, these are pretty good pickups, but they don’t reach the level of premium quality aftermarket sets like those from Duncan or EMG. Comparatively, they are a little colder and do lack some of the richness of more expensive models. But with that being said, they are good pickups in their own right. And when paired with a good high-gain amp or a solid overdrive pedal, you can easily churn out plenty of amazing metal and hard rock tones. But the M-200 is more than just a one-trick pony, as it can also deliver some solid sounds in the clean department as well.
The Verdict
All in all, the ESP LTD M-200 is an excellent hard rock guitar tailor-made for players looking for an affordable electric that doesn’t compromise too much on looks, quality, sound or playability. For the price, you’re getting a good quality guitar that definitely punches above other instruments at this price point. If you’re looking for your first hard rock guitar or something to keep on the side, you won’t get a better value than the ESP LTD M-200.
