TEST: LTD 351 NT

 I'm just thinking, who started this again? I think it was Fender about 40 years ago with their sister company Squier "Made By Fender".... Started with what? Well, once again I hopped into the time machine and thought about who finally established the production in Asian regions with the help of the nationally known company's own trademarks.

Whether it is Squier made by Fender, Epiphone made by Gibson or as in this case LTD made by ESP, the principle is always quite similar. One takes the in-house back catalog, saves a large part of manufacturing costs through foreign production and cost-intensive details and presents the end customer with a valuable instrument, which initially conjures up a skeptical look on the face of some customers in terms of selling price.

In the past, you could see the cost-cutting measures on the instrument at the second glance at the latest, but nowadays this is made much more difficult. The optically rather dull looking copies of the "original from Amiland" of yesteryear are history, especially when you take the LTD H 351 NT out of the case / bag / case for the first time.




Construction

One can't get rid of the impression that LTD wanted to show it to the eternal doubters in the matter of optics, since the instrument, which is manufactured in Indonesia, clearly sets with a whole series of decorative work on a high recognition value, which is otherwise only known from instruments beyond the 2,000 € mark. Stylistically, the instrument is clearly in the now resurgent market of powerstrats, which means a body shaping in the wide scatter radius of the Stratocaster, but with heavily pimped hardware and pickup assembly.

Body-wise, the construction is clearly in love with the classic Les Paul concept in terms of wood and hardware. Mahogany body plus maple top and fixed bridge speak a clear language, while a really extremely light mahogany wood was used. Rarely have I held such a light guitar in my hands with this choice of wood, the density of the wood used must have been rather moderate. The bridge sits in 2 guide sleeves made of metal, is therefore not directly embedded in the wood.

In terms of neck, the counterpart on maple base with rosewood fingerboard (24 frets) in glued-in form comes more to bear, form-technically as a strong round "D" executed. To get maximum sustain out of the construction, the strings are fed through the body and anchored with the ballends on the back of the body. The pickup used is the ever-popular EMG combination 81/85 (bridge / neck), which has already established itself as a standard configuration in the heavy range. Power is supplied via a 9V block, which is mounted in its own recess with direct access on the back of the instrument. Both pickups are switched via a 3-way switch.

The feel of this instrument is, as expected, like a wild boar, be it the rounded top guide, the beer belly milling on the back or the lower cutaway milling, wherever possible, as little as possible wooden resistance is put against the human body parts. Even the potentiometer knobs have been discreetly recessed into the top. The complete abalone binding of the entire body, the fingerboard and even the headstock is also striking. You can see, a lot of optical effort, all handcrafted flawlessly and cleanly executed.

How strongly the company ESP is involved in the production process at LTD, you can already see the ESP sticker on the wood reinforcement of the wood to the headstock and the fact that the tuners used come directly from ESP. Finally, the entire shaping of the ESP Horizon was taken over 1:1. Color-wise, LTD has applied a transparent black that allows the grain of the wood to subtly shine through.



Practice:

From the very first grip, the instrument feels very familiar, at least if you've held a Powerstrat in your hands before. The neck is nice and grippy, optimally balanced between the necessary mass for a decent grip and the appropriate slenderness for corresponding fretboard acrobatics. The body also plays its advantages to the full through the tasteful shaping and nestles comfortably against the body.

Despite the very light wood, the instrument has good sustain due to the overall construction. No note dies and also the playability is beyond all doubt up to the 24th fret. The H-351 can handle powerful rhythm playing just as well as delicate soloing, which is easy and relaxed due to the expected jumbo frets.

Even in dry mode, one can recognize the sound construction of the instrument. The sound responds quickly, seems percussive and fits tastefully into a tonally fitting overall picture. If you switch the amplifier to it, you get exactly the sound that you could expect based on the components. Played clean, the trebles bubble out of the speaker in a beautifully discreet and well-defined manner, just as one is used to from EMG pickups. Crystal clear with high assertiveness and free of any kind of vintage sound!

However, the main field of activity of this instrument will undoubtedly be the distortion department. Starting with decent crunch up to extreme high gain, all sounds from this league are reproduced by the LTD without any problems. When handled appropriately, the Artifical Harmonics make for very easy playback, the overtone response is aggressive yet appropriate without drowning in scratchy highs.



Conclusion:

"You get what you see" would be a fitting slogan for the LTD H 351 NT. Optics, appearance and sound form a healthy fusion of all the features that make up a true powerstrat. Due to the Indonesian manufacturing, you get detail specifications that are otherwise only found in higher price regions, along with good workmanship and attention to detail. For a street price below 700,- € you get a good working instrument, which also knows how to spoil the eyes of the spectator by tasteful pimping.

The guitar is also available with a full-length neck and a Floyd Rose vibrato system for the ambitious dive-bomb user. A very neat instrument, which should find its clientele!


Additional informations:

LTD Guitars is a renowned guitar manufacturing company known for producing high-quality electric guitars and basses. With a history spanning several decades, LTD Guitars has built a solid reputation for its craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to meeting the needs of musicians across various genres. This comprehensive report delves into the company's background, product range, manufacturing processes, marketing strategies, and its impact on the music industry.

Background
LTD Guitars was established in the 1990s as a subsidiary of the renowned guitar brand, ESP Guitars. The aim of creating LTD Guitars was to cater to the needs of musicians who sought high-quality instruments at more affordable price points. Over the years, LTD Guitars has evolved into an independent brand while still benefiting from ESP's expertise, craftsmanship, and design philosophy.

Product Range
LTD Guitars offers a diverse range of electric guitars and basses that cater to musicians of all skill levels and musical preferences. The company's product lineup includes signature models, traditional shapes, modern designs, and extended-range instruments. LTD Guitars is particularly known for its expertise in crafting guitars suited for heavy metal and hard rock genres, with many notable artists endorsing and using their instruments.

Manufacturing Processes
LTD Guitars places a strong emphasis on maintaining high manufacturing standards to ensure the delivery of instruments with exceptional playability, tone, and durability. The company employs a combination of traditional craftsmanship techniques and modern manufacturing technologies to create its guitars. Highly skilled luthiers and technicians meticulously assemble each instrument, paying attention to every detail, from the selection of tonewoods to the application of finishes and the installation of high-quality hardware and electronics.

Quality Control
To maintain consistency and ensure the highest level of quality, LTD Guitars has implemented rigorous quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process. Each instrument undergoes thorough inspections, including testing of electronics, playability assessments, and tonal evaluations. This stringent quality control process guarantees that every LTD guitar that reaches customers meets the company's exacting standards.

Innovation and Technology
LTD Guitars constantly strives to incorporate new technologies and innovations into its instruments. The company collaborates with renowned pickup manufacturers, such as EMG and Seymour Duncan, to offer a wide range of tonal options. Additionally, LTD Guitars has introduced innovative features like multi-scale (or fanned-fret) necks, ergonomic body contours, and extended-range instruments to cater to the evolving needs of modern musicians.

Marketing Strategies
LTD Guitars employs a multifaceted marketing approach to promote its products. The company engages in various marketing activities, including artist endorsements, participation in industry trade shows and exhibitions, strategic partnerships, and online marketing campaigns. By aligning with influential musicians and showcasing their instruments in high-profile events, LTD Guitars enhances brand visibility and credibility among its target audience.

Impact on the Music Industry
LTD Guitars has had a significant impact on the music industry by providing musicians with affordable yet high-quality instruments. The brand has successfully bridged the gap between beginner-level instruments and professional-grade guitars, making exceptional playability and craftsmanship accessible to a wider range of musicians. Many aspiring artists, as well as established professionals, have found their voice and inspiration through the instruments crafted by LTD Guitars.

Conclusion
In conclusion, LTD Guitars has firmly established itself as a leading guitar manufacturer, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and affordability. With a wide range of instruments catering to various musical genres and skill levels, the company continues to make a significant impact on the music industry. Through its meticulous manufacturing processes, cutting-edge technologies, and effective marketing strategies, LTD Guitars has gained the trust and admiration of musicians worldwide, solidifying its position as a go-to brand for electric guitars and basses.

ESP Guitars is a highly acclaimed guitar manufacturing company known for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and commitment to producing high-quality instruments. This comprehensive report delves into the background of ESP Guitars, its product range, manufacturing processes, marketing strategies, and its impact on the music industry.
Background ESP Guitars was founded in 1975 by Hisatake Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan. Initially, the company focused on creating high-quality replacement parts and custom guitars. Over time, ESP Guitars gained recognition for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, attracting the attention of professional musicians seeking instruments that could withstand the rigors of the stage.

Product Range ESP Guitars offers a wide range of electric guitars and basses designed to cater to musicians of all genres and skill levels. The company's product lineup includes signature models, traditional shapes, and innovative designs. ESP Guitars is particularly renowned for its expertise in crafting instruments suited for heavy metal and hard rock genres, with many notable artists endorsing and using their guitars.

Manufacturing Processes ESP Guitars maintains a strong commitment to producing instruments of the highest quality. The company combines traditional craftsmanship techniques with modern manufacturing technologies to create guitars that offer exceptional playability, tone, and durability. Skilled luthiers and technicians meticulously craft each instrument, paying meticulous attention to every detail, from the selection of tonewoods to the application of finishes and the installation of high-quality hardware and electronics.
Quality Control To ensure consistent quality, ESP Guitars implements rigorous quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process. Each instrument undergoes thorough inspections, including testing of electronics, playability assessments, and tonal evaluations. This stringent quality control process guarantees that every ESP guitar that reaches customers meets the company's exacting standards.

Innovation and Technology ESP Guitars continuously strives to incorporate new technologies and innovations into its instruments. The company collaborates with renowned pickup manufacturers, such as EMG and Seymour Duncan, to offer a wide range of tonal options. Additionally, ESP Guitars has introduced innovative features like multi-scale (or fanned-fret) necks, ergonomic body contours, and extended-range instruments to cater to the evolving needs of modern musicians.

Marketing Strategies ESP Guitars employs a comprehensive marketing approach to promote its products. The company engages in various marketing activities, including artist endorsements, participation in industry trade shows and exhibitions, strategic partnerships, and online marketing campaigns. By aligning with influential musicians and showcasing their instruments in high-profile events, ESP Guitars enhances brand visibility and credibility among its target audience.

Impact on the Music Industry ESP Guitars has had a significant impact on the music industry, particularly within the realm of heavy metal and hard rock genres. The company's dedication to producing instruments capable of handling aggressive playing styles and delivering powerful tones has made ESP guitars a go-to choice for countless professional musicians. The instruments have played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and aesthetic of many iconic bands and artists.

Conclusion In conclusion, ESP Guitars has established itself as a leading guitar manufacturer, renowned for its craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment to quality. With a diverse range of instruments catering to various musical genres and playing styles, the company continues to make a significant impact on the music industry. Through its meticulous manufacturing processes, cutting-edge technologies, and effective marketing strategies, ESP Guitars has solidified its position as a trusted and respected brand among musicians worldwide.