ESP LTD MH-103 Guitar Review

The ESP guitar brand has instruments geared toward most any type of musician. Their specialty, however is aimed at those guitar players looking to play rock genres. This undoubtedly makes ESP lean toward a not-so-versatile reputation. They are trying to combat this with guitars like the ESP LTD MH-103. In this article, I'll take a closer look at the MH-103 to see what separates it from other similar ESP's.

Features: The body of the ESP LTD MH-103 is, in an effort to lower production costs and use better quality parts elsewhere, made of basswood. Admittedly, you won't find many guitars made of basswood in this price range. There is just one finish available with the MH-103, and that is "See-Thru-Blue". It has a deep, almost aqua look, and it will definitely make its owner stand out. The neck is set into the body, and is made of maple wood. Its fretboard is made of maple as well, and has twenty four extra jumbo frets with black dot inlays. The maple neck on the ESP LTD MH-103 makes it take on a very Stratocaster-esque look. All of the hardware on the guitar, including the ESP brand tuners, and double locking tremolo bridge, is made of black nickel. Electronically, the ESP LTD MH-103 has two ESP brand single coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, and an ESP humbucker in the bridge position. It also has one volume and one tone control knob, and a five way selector switch.

Playability: Despite the ESP LTD MH-103's moderate deviance in look and sound from a normal metal guitar, its playability remains almost exactly the same. The thin neck with jumbo frets means that complicated runs and fast solos can be done with relative ease. Also, the basswood body is very light and comfortable.

Sound: This is the area in which the ESP LTD MH-103 separates itself. ESP brand pickups are often considered a little weak for hardcore metal instruments. But, for a versatile guitar, they fit perfectly. The single coils provide bell like clean tone and a nice dirty sound on the high end, and the humbucker can get downright nasty for rhythm playing. You'll certainly be able to find a tone you like with the ESP LTD MH-103.

Overall: Most musicians looking for a guitar that can play anything tend to shy away from the ESP brand. But, the ESP LTD MH-103 is an exception that shouldn't be overlooked. At around $350 dollars, its value is great for intermediate or even more advanced guitarists.