ESP vs LTD Iron Cross with Blind Tests - Are the differences worth over 5000$ to you?

[@michael4591]

To save you one hour: „the esp is five times more expensive“ and the esp workers are highly skilled but the koreans are still doing one hell of a job“ lol

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Pretty much yeah, thats it 🤣

[@tallerdelamigo6806]

Always a Good samaritan .!!! 😂

[@andrewpardue3324]

@@GeorgeVGuitarsgood to have a quick overview…🤔 But that being said , Fvck it ! I’m a total guitar 🎸 nut… 🤪 so I’m gonna watch it all anyways! 😄 thanks for the great 👍🏻 in depth review brother! 🤟🏻😊

[@andrewpardue3324]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Hello 👋🏻 from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦 George. Hope you are having a great day and that you have a happy new year 🥳. I loved the review it was very well done and the funny bits of humour 🤭 between you and your friends as well, thanks. 😊 ( my favourite quote from the video “ it’s easy to look perfect… when you haven’t done anything!” So true ! Haha 😄 The ESP is awesome and basically flawless and at that price that is to be fully expected. Myself i would probably just get the LTD and be more than happy with a workhorse guitar that I’m not overly worried about putting a ding or scratch in it. I play the shit out of my guitars and I don’t care what it cost ! Guitars are meant to be played and unplayed guitar is unloved ❤! 😊 ( my #1 guitar is an Ibanez SZ720FM trans grey / black burst with flame fret markers, Seymore Duncan humbuckers. It’s a beautiful pc of art and a great playing guitar ( made in Korea) I bought it about 20 years ago now. I A/B’d about 30 guitars and that beast was the winner so I bought it. I have had zero problems with it in all that time. I usually run DR Black Beauties coated strings 42-8. I was also lucky 🍀 enough to get Joe Satriani to autograph it when he did a live show in Kelowna B.C. where I live. Joe is the main reason I was looking at Ibanez, I never dreamed that 10 years later he’d actually autograph it ! 😊super happy that happened it’s definitely a very top prized possession for me and I play it everyday. There are definitely some differences in fit and finish etc between the ESP / LTD but for me it doesn’t justify spending an extra 4 thousand bucks for what I can get out of amps and pedals that I already own. I have a borderline ridiculous collection of various guitars ( 11 electric, 2 acoustic and a Dean Metalman bass) 4 big amps- 2 Marshall’s , Peavy and an Orange 4 smaller practice amps ( the Laney sounds amazing for a tiny little thing!) and pile of BOSS, MXR pedals and a Dunlop Dimebag Crybaby from hell Wha pedal . I already do own an LTD-Alexi Laho signature V. ( Children of Bodem guitarist -R.I.P. 🕊️) It’s a great sounding guitar, plays easy and smooth also has a Floyd Rose and his signature pickup.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@andrewpardue3324 Thank you, ah that is so cool that you got Joe to sign it. Yeah man as I said the LTD is in my opinion one of the best LTD guitars and best value for money overall. You can't go wrong with it! :>

[@ohplezz]

The LTD is a fantastic guitar and, compared to the ESP, a tremendous value. I cannot justify spending the money on the ESP and I would not enjoy owning something so expensive. I wouldn't want to play it for fear of dinging it on something and guitars are meant to be played. Great video!!!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Thank you 👀

[@uv77mc85]

I had an LTD Truckster which is the worst Les Paul type guitar I have ever played. It was awful. Chibson quality. But I have had other LTD's that were great

[@guyincognito320]

I wish they'd add 1 mm to the nut. A 42 mm nut works on a 25.5" scale, but on a 24.75" that makes the fretting area feel too small. So it's this tremendous feeling guitar with stainless steel frets but it has a toy-like feel and looks tiny in my hands. The EC-01, which is a Les Paul Jr, has a 43 mm nut and you can see the difference in videos

[@martin_uriel]

This channel is a pure gold. Thanks George for the content you produce!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

🤘🏻 Glad u like it. I will make more soon :>

[@PatokaDaffy]

When compared side by side, without a doubt the LTD is a bit muddier and not that hot compared to the ESP, but i'd rather turn up the presence of my amp than spend 6 grand on a guitar :/. Amazing video as always bro, would love to participate in a blind test the next time :D

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Absolutely, you can compensate the difference in tone with a pedal and some amp settings. I will call you next time we do a blind test ;)

[@LanierLegal]

I have both, and the tone and feel improvement of the ESP is significant. Mostly I believe bc the ESP is sooo much heavier, wood quality i suppose, thus tone. Plus the neck construction is way better/more solid and is just shaped up better. It basically ruins LTD, and I don't even want an LTD anymore. LOL

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@LanierLegal Yeah I know exactly what you mean 🤣

[@CassiniProjekt]

@@LanierLegal I also have an LTD and ESP. I've been playing the LTD more as the neck is more comfortable to play on. It also has a greater selection of pickup choices with the coil tap. The hot rails in the neck is a unique pickup too. This isn't to say the ESP is a great guitar but for serious shredding the LTD wins. It's a neck thru as well which allows for greater upper fret access; however where it runs through the body is a bit rough at the wings, the ESP is a set neck and is flawless but there's no appreciable difference in tuning stability. In fact I'd argue the LTD has greater tuning stability with its Gotoh locking tuners compared to the ESP despite the fact that it has Sperzel locking tuners. The weight of the wood regarding tone could be argued both ways. The LTD is significantly heavier because the woods haven't been dried out as much compared to the ESP. The addition of the Floyd Rose also accounts for the increased weight profile. The contention goes that lighter weight guitars have "purer", more curated wood although the inverse of this are Gibson Les Pauls which weigh a tonne. Therefore I would argue 89.5% of the tone comes from the amp/speaker, 10% from the pickups and the remaining 0.5% from the woods (or less).

[@tsiakkiros]

Well said.

[@marsrideroneofficial]

I really love the design of that guitar

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yeah, its pretty cool. The only official Hetfield signature I kept in my collection.

[@marcelosebastianperalta1906]

Incredible video. I have a LTD EC 1000 T (2012 Korean Made). The ebony fingerboard is extremely black (probably ebony and not Macassar ebony). The construction in this one is stunning. Incredible quality for the price. Just change the EMG for DiMarzio Air Classic (but it's for personal preference). I have a ESP Standard EC Series, and is LTD is so close. I am very impressed with this. Thanks for video and greetings from Argentina!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Thank you Marcelo. Yes it is ebony in your EC 1000T, great guitar. Which colour is your ESP Standard?

[@marcelosebastianperalta1906]

@@GeorgeVGuitars It is Eclipse FM/SD (Cherry Sunburst) with flame maple top and Seymour Duncan JB and 59. The only difference I see with my EC 1000 T and LTD Iron Cross is the body on Iron, have maple top. EC 1000 has full body mahogany. And the EMG are 81/85. With DiMarzio's and all passive circuit, sound's incredible. Excellent harmonics and definide open chords.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@marcelosebastianperalta1906 Man you got a sweet guitar there 🖤

[@marcelosebastianperalta1906]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Thanks bro. Again, great video and greetings!

[@shreddinjoe]

I recently added the KH LTD purple sparkle to my collection...Their not cheap at $1400. I've never played a True ESP, however, I can say that the 602 KH is a badass machine. It's solid as can be, plays really nice, and sounds kickass. I don't see a reason a gigging guitarist should go spend $4000-6000 on an ESP, or any guitar for that matter. I can understand if your just plain rich, and/or a collector. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with Paying THAT much for any guitar

[@ohplezz]

I also have the purple sparkle LTD but I change the KH pickups for the Het Set.

[@rusty_shakleford3395]

Very Very in depth comparison. You covered it all. Great job.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Glad you liked it!

[@Numnutz]

In the words of my guitar teacher who is sponsored by a local music store and has owned several ESP and LTD guitars "Aside from a different neck profile or fretboard radius, there is no difference between an ESP and LTD while playing them, the only time you notice the differences is when you open them up or need to change batteries. Sure they are made in different countries, and they use 'better' wood, but those arent things you feel when playing them, so unless you want to go over your guitar with a lense every day to justify an extra 5000$, just get the LTD" I can't confirm or deny that statement as I have yet to play an ESP or LTD guitar, reason being is that I am currently waiting for my LTD Snakebyte to get shipped. But coming from a guy who has been playing both ESP and LTD guitars for 15+ years, I'm gonna trust what he's saying.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Uuuuuuhm, no 😳 As someone who has owned over 10 ESP and LTD guitars, played god knows how many more, worked at a guitar store for nearly 10 years, and gave people the chance to try and feel the difference I am giving you this advice: Always check for yourself and be careful with people make bold statements and have almost nothing to back them up besides "I have been playing for 15 years". I know people who have been playing for 50 and are still ignorant.

[@Numnutz]

@@GeorgeVGuitars He's been playing ESPs and LTDs for 15 years. "Nothing else to back it up", he doesn't have the bias of having spent 5000$ more on one guitar than the other, he gets them both for free. Unlike people who spend money on these guitars, he doesn't need to have a bias towards the more expensive one.

[@collectingtengu4905]

Also thanks to your review I went for a brand new LTD Iron Cross. Thanks for going so much into detail with your review. An edited- or new version of the video would be nice to only showcase the LTD version as you did with the ESP with focussing on the "little brother".

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yeah I will do that with a brand new 2022-23 one to showcase the new fingerboards and changes trough the years. You mad the right choice. The Iron Cross is one of the beat LTD Ecipses ever made

[@collectingtengu4905]

@@GeorgeVGuitars looking forward to that video.. as I always do with all the others you publish.

[@ec.1121]

The LTD is a great guitar.I bought it years ago when i was looking for a new metal guitar.Its more expensive now but when i got it only US players got a case.Euro players just got the box what was my only complaint on this guitar.I also changed the tuners with Sperzel's.

[@wimbosgorinchem]

Thanks again for an amazing review George. I really enjoy your video’s, please keep it up!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I am glad you enjoy them, Wim, really means a lot coming from a guy like you. 🖤

[@kimurajack8364]

I own an ESP Eclipse (Standard Series) upgraded with the Emg Het Set. I would say it's more or less the same as the Iron Cross, if not similar.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

You mean the LTD Iron Cross, right? Because the SS and the Kiso Eclipses are quite different.

[@kimurajack8364]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Sound wise I meant.

[@mcoon1987]

“Those are the same guitars.” “Trust me, they’re not.” Man I was laughing hard, that was a good one. Some people get it, some don’t. On paper, yes, they’re virtually identical. But if you play them, you can tell. It’s a lot more money for the ESP, and honestly they aren’t that much better, but for as nice as the LTD is that’s what it costs to get better. Import guitars are really really well done these days, and even though prices have gone up considerably recently, there are still good deals to be had. But the extra cash for the ESP is worth it, if you have it, IMO.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Absolutely 🖤🤍

[@josephclark5965]

Yes!! I guessed wrong and I like the LTD better! I usually like the sound of more expensive but not this time. LTD all the way. And is everyone in Bulgaria just born a great guitar player?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Everyone but me 🤣

[@saltan7036]

@george v guitars . I have a interesting question. I have Cort CR 200 updated with JH Hetset pickups. If i buy LTD Iron cross , will make diffirence for sound ? or other perceptible difference ?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

It will greatly affect the playability. You will not hear that much of a difference in the sound if your amp is not good enough to show you the difference. But trust me, the LTD will play much better than the cort, especially if it is set properly.

[@lesspainlesss]

Just Amazing!..I watched every single minute of the review...🤘..what about a comparison between iron cross and the truckster? ..Cheers from Greece

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I wanna do the ESP vs LTD truckster soon. I hd the SS trucksters both Black and grey but sold them. The Truckster and Iron Cross are just too different. Check this video out, It has the trucksters and Iron Cross in it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqCroYilobt6ZsU

[@toms4311]

I had the LTD before and one thing I've noticed that the quality coming out of the LTD factories aren't what they used to be. In my case the nut was not sitting level on the neck which was causing the E and A string to buzz BAD in certain places. Even after replacing the nut and a proper setup the issue wasn't corrected. It seemed that the one side of the neck was shimmed in a certain way where one end of the nut was shorter than the other side. Eventually, I sold the guitar. It makes to hesitant to buy another LTD. People that don't see the sound difference need to get better speakers or studio monitor headphones, the difference is there. Play ability is all in the guitar player and their preferences. Bigger question is do you have the funds and patience to get the ESP. I like the black truckster better.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yeah I am also not happy with the post 2019 LTD Iron Cross... or whichever year they started putting on the brownish fingerboards.

[@bassyey]

I don't even know why people keep metioning LTDs when Edwards is there lol. Just choose from ESP, E-II, or Edwards depending on you budget. Ditch LTD.

[@lesspainlesss]

I wonder if there are any differences between the iron cross and the truckster besides the different paint job...

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I had both, they are almost nothing alike. A lot of differences.

[@jsowder19]

Easy to tell the Gibson by itself because of where it doesn't have that cut out in the back. Which I LOVE on my iron cross.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

🤘🏻

[@lethalchaos19]

I own LTD iron cross and love it

[@NikoZombie]

Awesome video as always man. I have the LTD version but man i can't stand the Macassar ebony fingerboard. I got a pretty light tone one and it looks the same as rosewood and for me it ruins the whole look of the guitar (sounds killer though) Can't wait to sell it and jump to a ESP one.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yeah I was afraid the browner macassar would ruin it. maybe its time they pull the plug of the white IC production. if you don't get the ESP you can just buy one of the older LTD ones with ebony, they are great. I am glad u like it.

[@NikoZombie]

@@GeorgeVGuitars i recently got a ESP MX-2 and dude i want to upgrade all my LTD to ESPs now haha, but yeah older LTDs ebony are pretty good too.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@NikoZombie Yeah, once you go ESP, there is no going back :>

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

If you can't stretch to ESP custom shop there's always E-II. Lovely black ebony boards on them! They don't do a Hetfield signature E-II but there are plenty of Eclipse models with the Hetfield vibe.

[@sergeykichuk2586]

Great video! Thank you! You make me more and more to lean towards more expensive ESP version! Could you make comparison between Indonesian and Korea versions of Snakebyte ?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I think i did in my last Snakebyte White LTD review. I like the Korean better. And honestly i like the 2011 LTD Snakebyte best

[@romanshredz]

Awesome video ! I have a 2021 LTD Ironcross and this was so cool to see all the differences between the ESP vs LTD… other than what u see in specs on the ESP webpage. Cool video ! I did recently upgrade the plastic nut to a GraphTech nut and was thinking about upgrading the LTD tuners to the Sperzels.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Thats pretty much everything the LTD needs - a new nut and the spertzels. Now you have the perfect LTD. I al glad you like the video. Where is yours made, Indonesia or Korea?

[@romanshredz]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Mine was made in Korea. Do u know if the Sperzels will be a straight swap out ?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@romanshredz let me check tomorrow I have a set of brand new spertzels at the shop. Find me on instagram or facebook and remind me tomorrow I will check and send you a picture. I think they should work fine. I just gotta check the inner wall of the tuners.

[@romanshredz]

@@GeorgeVGuitars awesome will do ! Thanks so much for checking

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@romanshredz So I checked, they are not exactly 100% direct replacement but not too hard also. The LTD tuners have two anchor points on the back, the Spertzel has only one between them so you have to drill some small hole for each tuner. Not a big deal tho and you will not be able to see it, because the hole is under the tuner. P.S. Also turned out the Sperzels have that EZ fix system where the anchor actually makes its own hole in the headstock while you tighten the tuner. It is a sharp hollow small pin that burrows into the wood 👀

[@rolandolimon2260]

It’s in the high end !

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Ah yes, I hear 💰💰💰

[@inflamedcarnie]

I own a 'World Music' PRS SE, and the production quality and playability is phenomenal. My USA and Kiso ESP's, though, are on another level. It's nothing I can objectively measure, but they 'feel' like they just play themselves.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

True

[@rolanda.2653]

Thank you man! I was looking for such comparisson and if 5k is worth it.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Roland, I am glad I could help. Is it worth it to you?

[@rolanda.2653]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Generally speaking, The ESP is also a work of Art and should therefore not be compared in monetary terms; as you mentioned the small push to perfection comes with a great cost. With that being out of the way, I am a little bit torn. I feel like it is not justified for my income level, if it were higher, then yes. But, I would have to play them both, so I can get a sense of it. A good, smooth neck that enables shredding is important to me. I know this is not supposed to be a guitar like an Ibanez Jem Pia for example, nevertheless a 5k guitar neck better deliver in its own way. I guess I will go for the LTD as a second rhythm guitar. Cheers!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@rolanda.2653 A valid point. You will not be disappointed ;)

[@SirBilliam96]

To my ears, it sounds like the ESP model has a more full sound with more low end than the LTD, which sounds like the lows and mids were stripped. It's very subtle, but when played on headphones and a speaker system with a subwoofer you can definitely hear more low end with the ESP. Is that bit of extra low end worth $5000 to you? That's for you to decide lol. Great video!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Its not only the sound, the playability and build quality is totally different

[@SirBilliam96]

@@GeorgeVGuitars I definitely believe that! I have held an ESP side by side with the sister LTD model, and it feels more solid and has that extra polish that you would expect from an expensive instrument.

[@Cold_Hearted_World]

Can someone tell me if the ESP version is still in production? Trying to buy one, but they don't appear anywhere online?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yes it is but the wait list stretches to 1-2 years...

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Thomann usually have one every couple of months: www.thomann.de/gb/esp_iron_cross_sw.htm

[@Cold_Hearted_World]

Thanks mate!

[@perleconstruction8290]

excellent video ... thank you ...and I guessed wrong with GT1 and GT 2 ... thx

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I am glad you liked it. The LTD is amazing and great value

[@raymondcc11]

Nice Guitar you have there, George, One of the one James Hetfield has, Look gorgeous .

[@Turley30]

My LTD hasn't been around any smoke and in the case all but a couple of hours because I have other guitars. Were the black pinstripe is it looks like it's fading a yellowish tint into the white of the guitar. Probably stuff that the ESP won't do but again five times the price who cares

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yeah, not a big deal

[@ramadamkarimabdul]

Amazing video 🙌🏼

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@josephtamborra1321]

FYI, the LTD does not have abalone inlays. Abalone is more colorful with lots of blue/green/purple, and a little more expensive compared to Mother Of Pearl. What the LTD has is plastic imitation Mother Of Pearl, otherwise known as MOTO (mother of toilet seat).

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Pearloid ;)

[@josephtamborra1321]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Yes, pearloid is another name for it.

[@ShaneYoungblood-ob7jr]

I have an ec-1000[Korea] Duncan that compares to a LP Standard, so I couldn't imagine the ESP being much better

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Mmm :>

[@leonaudacity5313]

The ESP sounds just that little bit better, I’m thinking 15-20% better overall but a heck of a price difference unless you are flush with cash or a collector of fine craftsmanship/art.

[@Christianm1192]

Great review, thanks!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Im glad you like it, means a lot to me, keeps me going 🖤

[@Christianm1192]

@@GeorgeVGuitars looking forward for more content cheers

[@EliasAW]

I have the LTD Iron Cross, I want to change the battery, but can’t open the Cap, it’s stuck! Please help if you have any idea how to do it

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Force it with a thin screwdriver but be careful not to scratch the finish

[@BorislavZahariev]

Guessed it right again - The ESP sounds a little bit brighter compared to the LTD. :D

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I never doubted you 🖤

[@BorislavZahariev]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Now that I think about it, It would've been interesting to swap the pickups of the two guitars (thank God for the EMG's quick connection system 🙏) so we could see if the difference comes entirely from the wood and the guitar itself. To me personally, it makes no sense two exact same pickup sets to sound so different.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@BorislavZahariev Yeah i thought of that but I have compared the ESP to almost every modern Het signature and some of kirks, it has more gain then all of them. An d the pickups were measured, they are not hotter than the rest. Its the wood and the amazing work of the Kiso guys.

[@eastribe]

@@GeorgeVGuitars did you check the battery voltage for both guitars ?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Its not that, and its not the pickup height. Thats not the first guitar that has less gain than the ESP IC with the same het set.

[@keyboardwarria]

the higher quality materials, the craftmanship and years of experience of these luthiers, the japanese work ethic and super attention to detail is worth the 5k to me. These ESP guitars are works of art, LTDs are just knockoffs imo. I'd never buy a LTD, too many imperfections and blemishes that don't justify the "budget" prices

[@user-wy9vf9tw2p]

great video,i have the ltd 2021 and the knobs are uplifted like the ones in esp!wtf.cheers from greece

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

That is interesting? Is it made in Korea or Indonesia? I am glad you like the video

[@user-wy9vf9tw2p]

@@GeorgeVGuitars it is made in Korea.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

That's nice, they learned how to make the pots eventually. Is the Macassar ebony to brown on yours?

[@user-wy9vf9tw2p]

@@GeorgeVGuitars no its ebony.i was preety amazed by the guitar. btw.besides the small screw on the bridge which cannot be screwed properly. The guitar is flawless

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@user-wy9vf9tw2p Have you checked under the pickups?

[@jessekulbe1855]

Why the difference in fretboard radius? Everything else seems to be a cost cutting measure which obviously makes sense but the fretboard seems random to me

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yeah probably random production detail

[@fabienbourdier9847]

what was peter playing ? are those songs or impro ? id love to learn them

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I think he mixes Killswitch engage with his own stuff.

[@fabienbourdier9847]

@@GeorgeVGuitars thanks ! never heard of this band, i like it a lot. Do you happen to know which one is the first riff ? with sus2 chord

[@yeti1002]

Im one year late to the party .... If i had to choose LTD JH hands down . Why ? Im not picky , its a guitar, your suppose to play it . Sweat on it , of course you take care of it like its your baby. I have an early white ltd ec 1000 , all i did was change the pickups to dimarzio mo jo and paf joe . I dont like emgs very much . Esp $ 5000.00 not worth it.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

The LTD is great value for the money. With the ESP you will get your money back and then some eventually but yeah I get your point.

[@DM-rc4yu]

They sound pretty much identical, which is to be expected.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Get some monitors my dude ;)

[@paulozavala3232]

@@GeorgeVGuitarsI have a 10.000 euro setup and cant hardly hear any difference. Usually i prefer more expensive guitars. In this case i will go for the LTD!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@paulozavala3232 Alright 🤘🏻

[@yagzsumer299]

personally i dont really hear much of a difference. usually in these cases its down to craftsmanship and how does it feel while playing. i have never played an esp before do you think it is worth ?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Oh absolutely, and you don't even have to get the Custom shop signature stuff. Whichever you get - any LTD EC-1000, EII, ESP Standard Eclipse I am sure you will enjoy it.

[@themaggot8]

Pretty sure the inlays on the LTD are pearloid, not abalone.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I stand corrected, thank you, abalone is the greenish plastic stuff, Perloid is the white. ;) Both plastic tho. You got the idea - one is plastic the other is real mother of pearl.

[@rtomas47]

Abalone would be ugly tho, this isnt.

[@Masterfighterx]

4:33 Not Abalone, but Pearloid, but really nice Pearloid to be honest.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Someone is paying attention 🤍

[@Richard94758]

The mark under the bridge: AM COMING BACK

[@metro9636]

id take a guitar made in Korea any day

[@langstonlouis1895]

The same guitar I don’t care wtf anybody says. ESP/LTD is the #1 brand in my opinion, who’s production line is pretty much identical. Go watch the tone king video on it. All the most important parts are identical, same mahogany body. Same HET-SET Active pickups. They are the same guitar as far as I’m concerned. Plus true ESP’s are hard to come by. I think I’ve only ever seen in an actual guitar shop anywhere

[@Masterfighterx]

The top binding on the ESP is 7-ply back is 5, LTD is 7 front and back. Also, the ESP has perfect snow white binding and all LTDs for whatever stupid reason has cream binding..

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Nah the LTD has been used a lot, thats why.

[@Masterfighterx]

@@GeorgeVGuitars That of course adds to it, but by default LTDs has always had a cream-ish binding when it was supposed to be white

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@Masterfighterx Yeah I hear ya. It has been almost 7 years since I last saw an LTD IC brand new in person :>

[@patriknessboLemoran]

Why does the ironcross have s 5 ply binding? "Real" LPC have 7 ply

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Because its not a Gibson

[@patriknessboLemoran]

@@GeorgeVGuitars but there are grassroots, eclipses and edwards with 7 ply. And the IC is based on a gibson. So why not the ic ?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@patriknessboLemoran Hetfield's personal prefference I guess

[@sanyok9939]

Give a link to a video about the ESP factory 2014

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKW9lqxridqGoKs

[@ashleyjackson8538]

Quality instruments.

[@marzukiadipraja404]

I know it the iron cross 1 is the ESP

Наистина е тъжно, че дори по китари от по над 2000 лева се намират козметични или други забележки, било то и като позиционирането на врътките на потенциометрите. Не, че съм някакъв експерт или имам кой знае какъв опит, но чисто като купувач, който евентуално би възнамерил да инвестира такива пари, които са сериозна сума за която и да било част от света, считам, че не би трябвало да има буквално никакви забележки по един т.нар. high end инструмент, ако ще да са някакви супер мънички и незабележими от неопитното око и/или ухо неща. Като добавим и факта, че LTD са си преместили част от продукцията на "високия" клас от Корея в Индонезия и ако сега си вземеш EC1000, не знаеш къде ще бъде произведена твоята бройка, а ще пръснеш 2200 лева без значение от страната на произход, нещата с тази марка стават още по-сериозни. Не е готино, че в днешно време, за да си позволиш инструмент, който да няма никакви проблеми (съжалявам за перфекционизма, но считам, че имам право да го изразявам, когато се очаква от мен да похарча такива пари за китара), трябва да отделиш такава сума, каквато по-големия процент от любителите музиканти не могат, даже вероятно единици от всички, свирещи любителски, хора биха могли. Явно с масовата продукция и голямата конкуренция, качеството пада, а цените се вдигат. Както и да е, от известно време ти следя канала и сега, когато KZbin най-после ми активираха отново профила, успях да ти цъкна един subscribe. Надявам се да продължиш с този тип съдържание и се кефя на това, че ревюираш и достъпни неща, освен високия клас и то бая задълбочено и, надявам се, искрено и безпристрастно. Поздрави и весело (до)изкарване на празниците! :)

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Welcome back, благодаря ти, ще продължа скоро. За съжаление си прав, положението не е розово. Започнахме да намираме сериозни дефекти на китари до и дори над 10 хил лв, което вече е абсурд. Епифоните удариха цени от над 3 хил лв, като там няма да коментирам качество... засега. Хем изглежда все едно, че има развитие при повечето марки, хем е за сметка на цялостното качество...

[@brianpartridge5654]

Having active pickups the only differences are setup and playability due to the different radii of the necks without getting into the "tonewood" argument its even more irrelevant with "active pickups" imo

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Mmmm maybe

[@woolgum]

Just buy a used ESP. I guessed correct guitars at the end by the way. I also got all guitar correct in the recent spectre sound studio test.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

The IC still goes over 4000 euro used :/

[@woolgum]

@@GeorgeVGuitars sorry, I meant buy the standard series ESP. :) I just bought my seventh ESP Eclipse SS for $1000 used. Olympic white. 👌🏻

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@woolgum You got a great deal there. think we are gonna see less and less 1000E SS guitars, at least in Europe. Yeah i bought a couple of SS Eclipses over the years for around 1000 euro which is a crazy good deal by today standards. But these days some LTD and Epiphone models reach 1500 euro brand new which to me is absurd.

[@woolgum]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Indeed. I’m guessing because the Korean factory got so much good reviews. You’ll have to look at Indonesian builds or Chinese for cheaper. Like the lower LTD’s. I’ll always prefer a used ESP over a new LTD.

[@megahurtz30]

Great video !!!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I hope it was helpful

[@megahurtz30]

@@GeorgeVGuitars well, to me, they don't seem to sound even 500$ apart. But of course, in terms of materials, durability, finish, hardware quality, etc... the ESP is probably much better, but still, 5000$ is an insane amount. I would only buy the ESP if i was a wealthy collector, and probably would get a meet & greet with Metallica to get Hetfield to sign it.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@megahurtz30 Yep, that sounds reasonable. The LTD is a killer guitar already.

[@rick085]

You should do LTD Truckster X LTD Iron Cross

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

I have a Truckster Grey LTD available nearby but they are just too different with the Iron cross. I will probably do ESP vs LTD truckster eventually

[@rick085]

@@GeorgeVGuitars I really wanted to hear and see one side by side. I'm about to buy a gray Truckster or an Iron Cross (both LTD)

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@rick085 I had both, hit me up in facebook or instagram if you want to know something. I have some picks as well.

[@bat0088]

You simply can't compare two electric guitars with the same pickups. You will get the same identical sound... Even if you put those pickups in a table with strings... Only comparison you can do is about the construction and esthetical quality...

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Which I did ;)

[@bat0088]

@@GeorgeVGuitars yes indeed. This is one of the best guitar comparison videos around

[@J_Braz_]

LTD is charging $1599.99 for these new. I remember when they first came out they were under 1k.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@J_Braz_ I got two of them for around 500$ mint in 2014

[@J_Braz_]

@@GeorgeVGuitars dang! Like me. I'm always looking for a deal.

[@mrlocorio4291]

Bedroom warriors LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

HELL YEAH!

[@METALLICAxno0b]

The best compression ever ... I have LTD

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Than you! Enjoy it. Which year is it made?

[@KwAs_]

what is a guitarist's chair?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Like a barstool

[@KwAs_]

@@GeorgeVGuitars nice, I wonder what model

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@KwAs_ , something like that: www.gibson.com/en-US/Product/GA-STOOL2/GA-STOOL2

[@KwAs_]

@@GeorgeVGuitars this is not this same

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@KwAs_ Oh you mean my chair. Mine is not guitarist's chair its for piano: musicdivision.bg/athletic-bench-for-keyboard-players-bn-2-red-seat/

[@ShaneYoungblood-ob7jr]

1 was slightly better although 2 grew on me

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yeah both are usable :>

[@isaacroche3223]

The EMG Het set wins!!!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

For me and you - yes. For a lot of people the Fluence is the obvious choice :>>

[@dcflake5645]

It's very had to justify the difference in price of the ESP to LTD when it's in hand and by the sound but once you get into how the guitar is made and how ludicrsy more expensive it is to do it one way than the other then you understand. Whether that's worth anything to you...

[@mattshaw3225]

I have the LTD.....and this video made me feel like its a total piece of shit. however, I cant afford an ESP. I'm not a PRO guitar player, but no matter what, To me, it still kicks ass. Someday, ill be able to buy an ESP, but for now, I have 3, my Iron Cross, my LTD Vulture, and I think its damn awesome too! my last, is a LTD KH-202-----and I told JAMES in a backstage interview about, and he said, yeahhhhhh because KIRKS will make you play good. hahahaha.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Did you watch till the end tho? Both people preferred the LTD in the blind test, I said a couple of times that it is my favourite and I owned two, and 90% of the time I recommend the LTD. Why does that made you feel like it is s*it? You got a great guitar there. ;) Also most Pro players I know own cheaper guitars, because they beat them up on stage, although 1000$ ain't exactly cheap, just cheaper than the alternative ;)

[@leandromatias86]

@@GeorgeVGuitars I found an LTD like this used at Guitar Center however the previous owner took out a switch and put in a knob to make it look like a traditional Les Paul (2 volumes and 2 tones). At first I thought it was a fake guitar, but the Guitar Center salesman assured me it was a James Hetfield LTD.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@leandromatias86 That's an easy fix. If the price is ok, get it :>

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Your guitar isn't a piece of shit. High end LTDs are really exceptional guitars, and I do believe the ESP will suffer from the law of diminishing returns. Yes it's a better instrument but is it 5 times better? I doubt it.

[@Masterfighterx]

The ESP version also have a deeper and more pronounced dish carve

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

The carve is similar on both.

[@Masterfighterx]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Yes, but ESPs has always had a deeper and more pronounced one, I've had some ECs and Ecliplses and it's quite noticeable.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@Masterfighterx The finishing touches of the carves are done by hand. I imagine a more pronounced dish requires higher skilled workers, right :>

[@Masterfighterx]

@@GeorgeVGuitars I don't know why it wont let my posts show, but you can search for ''ESP Standard made in China''

[@Masterfighterx]

@@GeorgeVGuitars It was an ESP Rep that said it in an Andertons video when asked about the E-II ''and they're made in Japan'', he then answers something in the line of ''fit and finished'' ESP has never come forward with this, really bugs me as a guitar built in China shouldn't have a made in Japan sticker on it. And if they were open and transparent about it, it wouldn't be an issue, other than the pricetag of around $2k..

[@arthurcardoso1068]

any pedal?

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

No, straight into the Diezel VH4

[@emanuelesanzone8212]

Sound wise i don’t think they are that different

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

What are you listening trough? Phone speaker, headphones, monitors?

[@tormentridden]

The Ltd has that Ltd sound and the esp sounds gibsony

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Mmm kinda

[@san_dzo]

Esp great

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

🤘🏻

[@blackysalamanka]

Its a scam, they look identical and sound just the same. Those tiny tiny tiny differences dont justifice the prize. Unbelievable!

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Okay :>>>

[@noahbrewer2476]

No instrument is worth 5K unless all of the conventional guitar related problems somehow don't apply to it.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Collector's value ;)

[@noahbrewer2476]

@@GeorgeVGuitars fair, fair.

[@ArnulfVonMetz1]

@@GeorgeVGuitars Collectors value ... rather the Iron Cross black which hangs on your wall ;)

[@genustinca5565]

Seems like you are already biased to the custom shop 'quality' narrative. It's a lot of bull man.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Well duh :>

[@patrickshannon4516]

Yeah I'm not seeing the the five thousand dollar difference there's really no significant difference between the two biggest differences is one says esp on the headstock WOW that's one expensive headstock label.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

You havent watched the video :>

[@patrickshannon4516]

@@GeorgeVGuitars ain't no guitar worth five thousand

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@patrickshannon4516 For you maybe ;) I hae explained why is ot worth that much

[@patrickshannon4516]

​​@@GeorgeVGuitarsall the reason you explained do not matter to me I still don't think the esp is worth that I don't think it's worth over two thousand that's just my opinion and Ltd are worth seven hundred at the most.. They are however better than fender stratocaster

[@katiealways]

An EMG will sound the same on any guitar

[@Uberboogie]

On stage you won’t hear shit of a difference.

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Depends which stage but yeah

[@shreddinjoe]

Virtually no difference in tone..

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

What kind of speakers are you playing it trough?

[@shreddinjoe]

@@GeorgeVGuitars if there is a difference in tone, it's not much. Certainly not $4000 worth of difference

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

@@shreddinjoe I agree, especially with the EMG active pickups. But it's about playability, craftsmanship and collector's value where the +4000$ counts.

[@kevinc9292]

Same BS, different price tag.

[@Jason-vp8nd]

Made-in-china thumbs down

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

The LTD is made in Korea

[@rtomas47]

Thumbs down for what exactly?

[@AndreySedov]

Esp. More gain

[@GeorgeVGuitars]

Yep, noticeably