TEST: LTD AA-1 BLKS

 I admit that the topic of signature guitars has now reached a level that I find difficult to follow. While it used to be relatively easy to recognize a new instrument as a signature instrument, as there were only a small group of extremely technically high-quality musicians, all of whom of course received their own model, due to the fact that nowadays virtuosity is more of a thing Downer in the music sector is that it is much more difficult for the manufacturer to sell special instruments. Nevertheless, the company ESP with its sub-label LTD consistently follows through and manufactures the signature instruments of the really big names in the USA, while under the LTD label the second row beyond the stadium-sized headliners is supplied with instruments. For testing we have the ESP LTD AA-1 BLKS Alan Ashby, a guitar that is marketed under the name of one of the guitarists from the American metalcore band “Of Mice And Men”.

The construction of the ESP LTD AA-1 BLKS Alan Ashby

Two points hit me immediately after unpacking the instrument.

Point 1.

Okay, it's relatively clear who the mother of this instrument is.

A Fender Telecaster.

Point 2.

Wait a minute, the instrument in this version looks very familiar to me.

And in fact, Fender released an instrument back in the 80s called the Telecaster Black & Gold (https://reverb.com/de/item/68706931-fender-collector-s-edition-black- and-gold-telecaster), which of course differs greatly in details from the ESP LTD AA-1 BLKS Alan Ashby, but in principle leaves a similar basic impression. I was also able to check this in the A-B comparison, as I luckily own a corresponding Telecaster myself. But it should be self-explanatory that you obviously can't play metalcore with a Telecaster, so the instrument was modified in several ways towards metal. But everything in order.

First of all, you notice that the instrument is really very light. Not just light, but really very light, which is reflected in its weight of just under 2.8 kg. Back pain should really be ruled out with this instrument. Furthermore, the instrument has been reduced to the absolute bare essentials that you need for a rhythm guitar. A pickup, a volume control, no vibrator system, done. Very spartan, very functional and completely sufficient for many styles of music, especially metal. The pickup is probably the most popular version in the world, the Type 81.

The body, which is made of mahogany, has been painted throughout in a satin, matt black. Personally, I think it's a shame that, for example, the binding of the instrument cannot be seen, although, as always, this is purely a matter of taste. Many musicians will be very comfortable with this board guitar in the truest sense of the word due to the fact that it has no visual enhancements whatsoever.

The overall construction is based on a continuous, three-piece neck, also made of mahogany, to which the body wings were glued on. The fingerboard is made of dark Macassar Ebony and includes 24 XL stainless steel frets. Due to the lack of a neck foot, the transition from the neck to the body could be rounded off very ergonomically, which makes gripping at high positions much easier. On the back of the instrument there are only two plastic flaps, which are held in place with six or two screws.
This is the cover flap for the electronics or a small cutout for the battery regarding the active EMG pickups.

The neck, whose shaping is called “Thin U” from the factory, is indeed very slim and should not cause any problems even for players with small hands. In general, LTD seems to have taken care to keep the grip dimensions as small as possible with this instrument and has installed the short scale length of 62.8 cm (24.75 inches), which, in combination with the neck shaping, creates a very comfortable feel, especially in the lower registers enabled. However, it may also be the case that users with large hands or wide fingers may have problems achieving clear string separation. Here you should check in advance whether the dimensions suit you personally.

What is very pleasantly noticeable is the completely consistent optical principle of the Black & Gold version, which even goes so far that not only all hardware parts are covered with gold, but the frets have also been colored gold/bronze. In my opinion, a visual highlight if you like this color combination.

When it comes to hardware, the ESP LTD AA-1 BLKS Alan Ashby, which is manufactured in Korea, relies on tried and tested designs, namely a one-piece Tonepros Locking TOM bridge with a string guide through the body to optimize the sustain behavior and six locking tuners with LTD printing. The mechanics are of very good quality, so it could be that LTD is working with OEM manufacturers here, but who knows, maybe the Koreans have started manufacturing their own hardware by now. The body hole of the A string was a little out of alignment on the test instrument, but this had no effect on the sound and is probably just a sign of the fact that it was still made by hand.

What personally confuses me a bit is the mirrored arrangement of the tuners on the headstock. Maybe it's just a question of habit, but you don't see the pegs of the tuning mechanisms and can therefore only feel which peg you are currently working on and which made tuning seem a little more indirect for me personally. However, this is a purely subjective view and is not intended to generalize.

All in all, the guitar has a very simple elegance and could hardly be more subtle. What may be lacking in spectacular elements for one person or another will be just right for another. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether they like this type of instrument or not. The instrument comes with a matching case.

The ESP LTD AA-1 BLKS Alan Ashby in practice

What is immediately noticeable in the dry test is the extremely long sustain that the instrument exhibits. Due to the construction of the continuous neck and the side guide, the sides resonate for a very long time and support any form of guitar playing that requires long sustained tones, or where you often let a note vibrate for several seconds when playing solo.

The very thin and slender neck is indeed an adjustment for me, at least for my hands, which are primarily used to heavy sticks. However, I have to say that this slim design opens up completely new possibilities, for example it is much easier and easier to bring your thumb into chord playing or use it for side damping than is the case with other instruments. The ESP LTD AA-1 BLKS Alan Ashby was very well adjusted from the factory. No further adjustments were required to put the instrument in optimal condition.

In terms of sound, the LTD offers a very balanced vibration behavior, responds very well to your personal playing style and, in terms of style, offers significantly more tonal possibilities than are required in metalcore, although somewhat limited by the individual pickup. For example, depending on the equipment or pedals used, very good sounds in the ZZ Top style can be produced. It was not for nothing that Billy Gibbons, for example, during the time of the Antenna album, increasingly relied on instruments that were identical in shaping to a Tele and only equipped with a single pickup in the bridge area.

The only point of criticism that must be noted, however, is that the reverse tuner arrangement causes a problem, which can be heard very clearly in sound example 03. The low E string in particular now has a string length above the nut, which creates a clearly audible vibration of the string and makes the sound blurry and vague, especially with a higher degree of distortion and dampened playing. However, this can be done with a self-made damper, e.g. B. made of foam, which you clamp under the strings, can be fixed. The sound files were created with an ENGL Savage MKII, a 412 Marshall cabinet with Celestion G12 75T speakers and 2 pieces. SM57 created.

Finally, you have to attest that the instrument makes a very good overall impression. The construction, which at first glance seems comparatively spartan, allows you to get significantly more sounds out of it than it seems at first glance, especially if you have a high level of dynamics in your playing. Whether this is important in metalcore, however, is another matter.

Conclusion

With the ESP LTD AA-1 BLKS Alan Ashby, the Korean manufacturer has an instrument in its portfolio that, despite its simple elegance, has far more to offer than it seems at first glance. Although it was used by its namesake in the “stick out of the bag” area, you can certainly get other sounds out of the instrument, especially since the look also allows it to be used in other styles.

Definitely worth checking out for fans of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing section.

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Additional Informations:

Introduction:
LTD Guitars, a division of the renowned musical instrument manufacturer ESP (Electric Sound Products), has emerged as a prominent player in the world of electric guitars. With a commitment to quality, performance, and affordability, LTD has garnered a dedicated following among musicians of all genres. In this in-depth exploration, we delve into the fascinating origins, milestones, and innovations that have shaped the evolution of LTD Guitars into the powerhouse it is today.

The Genesis:
The story of LTD Guitars traces back to the early 1990s when ESP recognized a growing demand for high-quality, yet affordable electric guitars. Determined to meet this need, ESP established the LTD brand, with a focus on offering instruments that delivered exceptional value without compromising on craftsmanship or playability. From the outset, LTD Guitars set out to democratize access to professional-grade instruments, making premium features and designs accessible to a wider audience of musicians.

Founding Principles:
At the core of LTD Guitars' philosophy lies a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. Drawing upon ESP's decades of experience in crafting custom guitars for top-tier artists, LTD sought to distill that expertise into a range of production instruments that would meet the needs of players at every skill level. By leveraging modern manufacturing techniques, stringent quality control measures, and a keen understanding of market trends, LTD Guitars aimed to deliver instruments that exceeded expectations in terms of performance, playability, and reliability.

Early Innovations:
In its formative years, LTD Guitars wasted no time in making a name for itself with a series of innovative designs and features. One of the company's early successes was the introduction of the ESP LTD 400 Series, which showcased high-quality construction, versatile pickups, and sleek aesthetics at an affordable price point. The popularity of the 400 Series laid the foundation for LTD's reputation as a brand that offered exceptional value without compromise.

Building upon this momentum, LTD continued to push the envelope with a diverse lineup of guitars and basses, each tailored to meet the needs of different playing styles and musical genres. Whether it was the aggressive aesthetics of the Viper Series, the vintage-inspired charm of the EC Series, or the modern versatility of the MH Series, LTD Guitars demonstrated a keen understanding of the diverse preferences and demands of today's guitarists.

Expansion and Evolution:
As the brand gained traction and acclaim, LTD Guitars expanded its product offerings to include signature models developed in collaboration with some of the industry's most influential artists. These signature instruments not only paid homage to the unique playing styles and sonic preferences of the artists who endorsed them but also served as a testament to LTD's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Additionally, LTD Guitars ventured into new territories, exploring innovative materials, construction techniques, and hardware options to further enhance the performance and sonic capabilities of its instruments. From the incorporation of exotic tonewoods and advanced pickup configurations to the development of proprietary hardware and electronics, LTD continually pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of production guitars.

Global Reach and Impact:
Over the years, LTD Guitars has cultivated a loyal following among musicians around the world, earning a reputation for reliability, versatility, and performance. With a diverse roster of artists spanning genres ranging from metal and rock to jazz and blues, LTD instruments have become a fixture on stages, in studios, and in the hands of players of all levels. Whether it's the bedroom guitarist seeking an affordable yet capable instrument or the touring professional relying on a dependable workhorse for nightly performances, LTD Guitars has earned the trust and admiration of musicians worldwide.

Conclusion:
From its humble beginnings as a solution to a growing demand for accessible yet high-quality instruments to its status as a global leader in electric guitar manufacturing, the journey of LTD Guitars is a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and passion. By staying true to its founding principles while embracing new technologies and trends, LTD Guitars has remained at the forefront of the industry, inspiring and empowering musicians of all backgrounds to unleash their creativity and express themselves through the power of music. As the brand continues to evolve and expand its offerings, one thing remains certain: the legacy of LTD Guitars will continue to resonate for generations to come, shaping the sound of music for years to come.