Looking at upgrading from my Epi LP Standard Pro to something a bit higher quality and versatile. I really only have space for 1 guitar, and as I’m just jamming alone/recording and not gigging I can’t justify a second. My problem is I play a bit of everything. I lean a bit more into 80’s metal and modern Prog metal, though like all rock from all generations, but also bust out blues, jazz, and country on occasion and really love melodic finger picking. I know no guitar really hits all of those perfectly so just on the hunt for something that does all of those well enough.
What I’m looking for: budget is $1200, ideally want new, want a tremolo, HH configuration (ideally w/ coil tap), 24 frets, and faster neck than my LP.
What I don’t like: demoed some Jacksons and Ibanezes and the necks just didn’t vibe with me. I don’t want another single cut this time around. Kinda looked at Charvel but couldn’t demo one and don’t love the Fender headstock. Floyd Roses are annoying but I can deal.
What I’m thinking:
~ ESP LTD H3 1000 FR, there are none around me to demo so I tried some other 1000 tier LTDs to bench mark it.
POSITIVES – LOVE the shape of the H3
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Really like the pickup configuration (based on 100 hours of YouTube listening / comparisons)
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The neck just feels right
NEUTRAL – Color I’m neutral on (see-thru black)
NEGATIVES – Floyd Rose is a pain – Right at edge of budget
~ PRS SE Custom 24-08
POSITIVES – Love the color and shape (see-thru blue)
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Neck pickup sounds exactly how I want
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The individual coil splitting switches are a game changer
NEUTRAL – Neck feels nearly the same to my LP, not a problem but I like the LTD’s a bit better
- Would upgrade/customize some of the hardware right away to authentic PRS, I like tinkering so this is fine
NEGATIVE – Rear pickup leaves a lot to be desired for my style so I would probably replace right away, only a negative because at this price point I expect better and the cost of a pickup pushes this to nearly tie the LTD
Curious as to this sub’s thoughts on the two and if there are any other options I should be looking at?
submitted by /u/O_Lucky
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