Best ESP LTD Guitars With EMG 81TW Pickups in 2025

Here you'll find the best ESP LTD guitars with EMG 81TW pickups.

After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.

There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.

1. ESP LTD F-1001

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ESP LTD F-1001
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Playability 77
Sound 78
Build quality 75
Value for money 77
Overall Score 77

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: C (9 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (13 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
  • Pickups power: Hot (8 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • 2 Prices - New from $1,299 >
  • From ESP LTD's 2022 F series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • 3pc Maple neck
  • Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
  • Floyd Rose 1000SE bridge
  • Extra Thin U Set neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Grover tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show Overview
  • 2 Prices - New from $1,299 >
  • From ESP LTD's 2022 F series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • 3pc Maple neck
  • Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
  • Floyd Rose 1000SE bridge
  • Extra Thin U Set neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Grover tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show All Specs
ESP LTD F-1001 Specifications
ESP LTD F-1001
General
Brand: ESP LTD
Year: 2022
Configuration: H
Strings: 6
Made in: Indonesia
Series: F
Colors: Blue
Left-Handed Version: No
Body
Type: Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany
Bridge: Floyd Rose 1000SE
Neck
Neck Joint: Set
Tuners: Grover
Fretboard: Macassar Ebony
Neck Material: 3pc Maple
Decoration: Offset mother-of-pearl dot
Scale Size: 25.5"
Shape: Extra Thin U
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.748'' (19mm) - 12th Fret: 0.827'' (21mm)
Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16"
Nut: Locking
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: EMG 81TW (Humbucker / Active)
Switch: 0
Knobs: Dome
Pickup Mods: Coil Split
Volume Controls: 1
Tone Controls: 0
Hardware
Strap Lock: No
Hardware Color: Black
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP LTD F-1001
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Coil Split Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Retainer Bar
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

All Prices

2. ESP LTD Arrow-NT Arctic Metal

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ESP LTD Arrow-NT Arctic Metal
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Playability 82
Sound 74
Build quality 70
Value for money 80
Overall Score 75

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: D (30 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (41 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
  • Pickups power: Hot (8 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
  • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • 3pc Maple neck
  • Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
  • Tonepros Locking TOM w/ String Thru bridge
  • Thin U Neck-Through neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • LTD Locking tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show Overview
  • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • 3pc Maple neck
  • Macassar Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
  • Tonepros Locking TOM w/ String Thru bridge
  • Thin U Neck-Through neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • LTD Locking tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show All Specs
ESP LTD Arrow-NT Arctic Metal Specifications
ESP LTD Arrow-NT Arctic Metal
General
Brand: ESP LTD
Year: 2021
Configuration: H
Strings: 6
Made in: Indonesia
Series: Arctic Metal
Colors: White
Left-Handed Version: No
Body
Type: Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany
Bridge: Tonepros Locking TOM w/ String Thru
Neck
Neck Joint: Neck-Through
Tuners: LTD Locking
Fretboard: Macassar Ebony
Neck Material: 3pc Maple
Decoration:
Scale Size: 25.5"
Shape: Thin U
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm)
Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 13.78"
Nut: Plastic
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: EMG 81TW (Humbucker / Active)
Switch: 0
Knobs: Dome
Pickup Mods: Coil Split, Killswitch
Volume Controls: 1
Tone Controls: 0
Hardware
Strap Lock: No
Hardware Color: Black
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP LTD Arrow-NT Arctic Metal
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Neck-Through Build
  • Coil Split, Killswitch Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

All Prices

    3. ESP LTD M-HT Arctic Metal

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    ESP LTD M-HT Arctic Metal
    FIND IT ON:
    Amazon logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    Playability 78
    Sound 73
    Build quality 75
    Value for money 75
    Overall Score 75

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: C (9 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (13 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
    • Pickups power: Hot (8 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Amazon logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $1,186.92 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
    • Alder body
    • 3pc Maple neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Hipshot w/ String Thru bridge
    • Extra Thin U Neck-Through neck
    • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show Overview
    • 1 Prices - New from $1,186.92 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
    • Alder body
    • 3pc Maple neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Hipshot w/ String Thru bridge
    • Extra Thin U Neck-Through neck
    • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show All Specs
    ESP LTD M-HT Arctic Metal Specifications
    ESP LTD M-HT Arctic Metal
    General
    Brand: ESP LTD
    Year: 2021
    Configuration: H
    Strings: 6
    Made in: Indonesia
    Series: Arctic Metal
    Colors: White
    Left-Handed Version: Yes
    Body
    Type: Solid Body
    Body Material: Alder
    Bridge: Hipshot w/ String Thru
    Neck
    Neck Joint: Neck-Through
    Tuners: LTD Locking
    Fretboard: Macassar Ebony
    Neck Material: 3pc Maple
    Decoration:
    Scale Size: 25.5"
    Shape: Extra Thin U
    Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.748'' (19mm) - 12th Fret: 0.827'' (21mm)
    Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
    Fretboard Radius: 13.78"
    Nut: Plastic
    Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'')
    Electronics
    Bridge Pickups: EMG 81TW (Humbucker / Active)
    Switch: 0
    Knobs: Dome
    Pickup Mods: Coil Split
    Volume Controls: 1
    Tone Controls: 0
    Hardware
    Strap Lock: No
    Hardware Color: Black
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    ESP LTD M-HT Arctic Metal
    • Stainless Steel Frets
    • Locking Tuners
    • Expensive Wood
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Neck-Through Build
    • Coil Split Pickups
    • Luminescent Inlay
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Tremolo
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    4. ESP LTD M-1001NT

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    ESP LTD M-1001NT
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    Playability 75
    Sound 74
    Build quality 72
    Value for money 74
    Overall Score 74

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: C (9 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (13 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
    • Pickups power: Hot (8 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    • 3 Prices - New from $1,099 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2022 M series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Quilted Maple top
    • Alder body
    • 3pc Maple neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Tonepros Locking TOM w/ String Thru bridge
    • Extra Thin U Bolt-On neck
    • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show Overview
    • 3 Prices - New from $1,099 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2022 M series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Quilted Maple top
    • Alder body
    • 3pc Maple neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Tonepros Locking TOM w/ String Thru bridge
    • Extra Thin U Bolt-On neck
    • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show All Specs
    ESP LTD M-1001NT Specifications
    ESP LTD M-1001NT
    General
    Brand: ESP LTD
    Year: 2022
    Configuration: H
    Strings: 6
    Made in: Indonesia
    Series: M
    Colors: Gray Burst
    Left-Handed Version: No
    Body
    Top: Quilted Maple
    Type: Solid Body
    Body Material: Alder
    Bridge: Tonepros Locking TOM w/ String Thru
    Neck
    Neck Joint: Bolt-On
    Tuners: LTD Locking
    Fretboard: Macassar Ebony
    Neck Material: 3pc Maple
    Decoration: Offset Dots
    Scale Size: 25.5"
    Shape: Extra Thin U
    Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.748'' (19mm) - 12th Fret: 0.827'' (21mm)
    Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
    Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16"
    Nut: Plastic
    Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'')
    Electronics
    Bridge Pickups: EMG 81TW (Humbucker / Active)
    Switch: 0
    Knobs: Dome
    Pickup Mods: Coil Split
    Volume Controls: 1
    Tone Controls: 0
    Hardware
    Strap Lock: No
    Hardware Color: Black
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    ESP LTD M-1001NT
    • Stainless Steel Frets
    • Locking Tuners
    • Expensive Wood
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Coil Split Pickups
    • Compound Radius Fretboard
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Tremolo
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    5. ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal

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    ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal
    FIND IT ON:
    Amazon logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    Playability 83
    Sound 73
    Build quality 67
    Value for money 79
    Overall Score 74

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: D (30 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (41 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
    • Pickups power: Hot (8 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Amazon logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    • 1 Prices - Used from $917.08 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 24.75"'' scale
    • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
    • Mahogany body
    • 3Pc Mahogany neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece bridge
    • Thin U Set neck
    • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show Overview
    • 1 Prices - Used from $917.08 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 24.75"'' scale
    • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
    • Mahogany body
    • 3Pc Mahogany neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece bridge
    • Thin U Set neck
    • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show All Specs
    ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal Specifications
    ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal
    General
    Brand: ESP LTD
    Year: 2021
    Configuration: H
    Strings: 6
    Made in: Indonesia
    Series: Arctic Metal
    Colors: White
    Left-Handed Version: Yes
    Body
    Type: Solid Body
    Body Material: Mahogany
    Bridge: Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece
    Neck
    Neck Joint: Set
    Tuners: LTD Locking
    Fretboard: Macassar Ebony
    Neck Material: 3Pc Mahogany
    Decoration:
    Scale Size: 24.75"
    Shape: Thin U
    Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm)
    Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
    Fretboard Radius: 13.78"
    Nut: Plastic
    Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'')
    Electronics
    Bridge Pickups: EMG 81TW (Humbucker / Active)
    Switch: 0
    Knobs: Dome
    Pickup Mods: Coil Split
    Volume Controls: 1
    Tone Controls: 0
    Hardware
    Strap Lock: No
    Hardware Color: Black
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal
    • Stainless Steel Frets
    • Locking Tuners
    • Expensive Wood
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Coil Split Pickups
    • Luminescent Inlay
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Tremolo
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    6. ESP LTD Phoenix Arctic Metal

    Compare
    ESP LTD Phoenix Arctic Metal
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    Playability 78
    Sound 73
    Build quality 72
    Value for money 74
    Overall Score 74

    What our users think

    • Neck access to high frets: Normal (1 vote)
    • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
    • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
    • Weight: Slightly heavy (1 vote)
    • Neck profile shape: D (30 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (41 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
    • Pickups power: Hot (8 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $1,099 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
    • Mahogany body
    • 3Pc Mahogany neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece bridge
    • Thin U Neck-Through neck
    • 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show Overview
    • 1 Prices - New from $1,099 >
    • From ESP LTD's 2021 Arctic Metal series
    • Made in Indonesia
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
    • Mahogany body
    • 3Pc Mahogany neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: EMG 81TW (Humbucker/Active)
    • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
    • Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece bridge
    • Thin U Neck-Through neck
    • 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
    • LTD Locking tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show All Specs
    ESP LTD Phoenix Arctic Metal Specifications
    ESP LTD Phoenix Arctic Metal
    General
    Brand: ESP LTD
    Year: 2021
    Configuration: H
    Strings: 6
    Made in: Indonesia
    Series: Arctic Metal
    Colors: White
    Left-Handed Version: Yes
    Body
    Type: Solid Body
    Body Material: Mahogany
    Bridge: Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece
    Neck
    Neck Joint: Neck-Through
    Tuners: LTD Locking
    Fretboard: Macassar Ebony
    Neck Material: 3Pc Mahogany
    Decoration:
    Scale Size: 25.5"
    Shape: Thin U
    Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm)
    Frets: 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
    Fretboard Radius: 13.78"
    Nut: Plastic
    Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'')
    Electronics
    Bridge Pickups: EMG 81TW (Humbucker / Active)
    Switch: 0
    Knobs: Dome
    Pickup Mods: Coil Split
    Volume Controls: 1
    Tone Controls: 0
    Hardware
    Strap Lock: No
    Hardware Color: Black
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    ESP LTD Phoenix Arctic Metal
    • Stainless Steel Frets
    • Locking Tuners
    • Expensive Wood
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Neck-Through Build
    • Coil Split Pickups
    • Luminescent Inlay
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Tremolo
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

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