TEST: LTD Arrow Black Metal

 Heavy Metal! So, about 70% of all readers have now already left the website at this introduction and turn to other pages, about 30% are looking forward to a report that deals with all the clichés and concomitants of this genre. Metal is indeed a phenomenon. By many musicians pitifully smiled at, by many fans idolatrously loved, but in terms of energetic live performance still by far in first place. Whether the early death of Alexi Laiho, brought about by severe alcohol abuse, will contribute to a sales promotion of the LTD Arrow Black Metal available for testing, remains to be seen, since the frontman of Children Of Bodom played almost without exception a similarly designed variation of the mother company ESP. But the fact is, this body shape knows only one musical direction, so get out your fries and get into the mosh pit.

The construction of the LTD Arrow Black Metal

The instrument reached me in a standard cardboard box, but was unfortunately again only surrounded by a simple cardboard box inside. As almost without exception with all instruments, which are traded below about 1,000 €, also the LTD Arrow Black Metal is manufactured in Indonesia, which has long since overtaken China in the field of instrument manufacturing. It is always amazing how good the manufacturing quality of the Muslim country has become in recent years, which is also evident in the LTD Arrow Black Metal at first glance.

The instrument, which is finished in matte black throughout, is cleanly crafted and already has a good setting from the factory. The comparatively massive body, which consists of a continuous, three-piece neck made of maple and glued mahogany wings, brings with just under 3.8 kg already quite a bit on the scale, but is still far from the 5 kg monsters of the Gibson days from the eighties. In general, one or the other will have his joy with the expansive body shape. Of course, the asymmetrical liaison between a Flying V and a RR has its fans in the Hard'n'Heavy camp, but you have to live with the fact that at least the upper, strongly protruding horn will hold its varnish for just a few days, after that the varnish is off, or at least heavily scratched!

The reason is obvious. I truly have an abundant arsenal of guitar stands and only one stand, the K&M 17605 Roadie Translucent - https://www.thomann.de/de/km_17604_roadie_transluzent.htm - was able to hold the instrument without one of the horns or the back of the instrument resting on a hard edge due to its design. Not even the usual hanging stands could handle the shape, let alone the usual setting stands. So if you don't want to store this instrument in a suitable bag or case all the time, you should get an appropriate stand or live with the fact that the visual wear and tear of the instrument will start very early here.

The individual components

Let's start with the general equipment of the instrument, whose components are of very high quality throughout. The tuning machines, also in black, are made by Grover and work together with the Floyd Rose 1000 vibrato system, which is kept simple but functionally flawless. The headstock was installed as a further optical "booster" in the reversed version and thus nicely continues the angle of the lower cork horn. The vibrato system is free-floating mounted with all its known advantages and disadvantages. The neck profile is described as "Thin U", which indeed fits the shaping well. Moreover, the instrument features a Macassar Ebony fingerboard with 24 stainless steel jumbo frets. The dimensions nut width 42 mm, scale length 648 mm, fingerboard radius 350 mm also correspond to the standard values, which are popular in this segment.

Since in the preferred area of use of the LTD Arrow Black Metal a neck pickup is almost never used anyway, LTD has dispensed with it completely and also left out any form of tone control. In the bridge position, on the other hand, the all-time classic from EMG, Model 81 was installed, which has already been used in hundreds of thousands of heavy guitars. To accommodate the necessary battery of the active electronics, the LTD Arrow Black Metal has a corresponding, separately accessible battery compartment on the back of the body. Due to the very low battery consumption, which would amount to about 1.5 years of daily 2-hour practice, you will only occasionally see the compartment from the inside. To further enhance the all-black attitude of the instrument, even the silver lettering of the pickup has been dyed black, so that at the first moment you might get the idea that the pickup could be a cheap copy. As a special feature, the instrument has an EMG TKO Kill Switch, which is known to produce rhythmic "stuttering sounds".

The LTD Arrow Black Metal in practice

As is well known, anything that even remotely features the body shape of a Flying V presents a picture of jamming when played sitting down. Of course, you can wedge the instrument between your legs to generate some decent stability for the body, but in doing so it offers a look that will hopefully never find its way onto social media. Playing the metal axe with the posture of a 12-year-old practicing hiking guitar with a footrest is not possible. When played standing up, on the other hand, the long horn with its additionally flattened armrest ensures the comfort that is familiar from other cantilevered shapes, such as the Explorer Form. Significantly, both shapes also share the same problems regarding their handling in stand mode.

What strikes the ear already unamplified is once again the immense sustain, which the instrument displays despite the Floyd Rose system, due to the continuous neck. It is a real pleasure to see that the industry is increasingly relying on this superior construction principle even for less expensive guitars, as it offers only advantages for the vibration behavior of the instrument. The tone resonates for a very long time, yet is not sluggish in response and offers a high-quality overall impression.

Whether you like the shape of the LTD Arrow Black Metal or not is purely a matter of taste, but what this shape allows is a very good playability up to the 24th fret, where the rounded body transition also contributes its part. Where there is nothing, nothing can interfere, and since the body area opposite the upper area allows the fingers free rein due to its additional recess in the lower area, melodies or shredding attacks can be implemented very well even in very high registers.

Otherwise, the instrument behaves exactly as you would expect from its outward appearance. The LTD Arrow Black Metal offers a very tight, frequency-balanced tone that, with the right choice of amplifier and setting of the same, will assert itself well in the band context, which, as expected, can be attributed to the pickup choice. As before, the EMG 81, with its subtle midrange boost, is in first place among the most popular bridge pickups in the high gain range, simply because its well-balanced sound is neither muddy in the low end nor scratchy in the high end.

The instrument leaves an all-around very good impression and only has to deal with one shortcoming, which happens to every instrument with a matte black finish. Within a very short time, the entire instrument is covered with fingerprints, which are not very noticeable in the headlights, but always generate a hint of "Bäh" in normal daylight. A quick wipe and it's all gone, or you can give in to the attitude of the tool and give the instrument a good patina of sweat, soot and dirt, just as it should be.

Conclusion

With the LTD Arrow Black Metal, the subsidiary of the ESP Group carries a very good budget product from the hard'n'heavy camp in its ranks. The instrument is perfectly crafted, has only high-quality components built in and is guaranteed to bring a beaming smile to the lips of the corresponding target group.

Due to the three-digit retail price, the Indonesian-made instrument offers a lot of guitar for the money and will find its buyers under guarantee. If you can live with the inevitable problems of the body haptics and have the gain control of your amp primarily set to the right stop, you should definitely test the instrument.

Additional informations:

LTD Guitars is a renowned company that has made a significant impact on the world of electric guitars. With a rich history spanning several decades, the company has gained a reputation for producing high-quality instruments that cater to a wide range of musical styles and preferences. This comprehensive report aims to provide a detailed overview of LTD Guitars, including its history, product range, craftsmanship, technological advancements, artist collaborations, and industry impact.

History and Background: LTD Guitars was established in 1996 as a subsidiary of ESP Guitars, a prominent manufacturer of custom guitars and basses. The purpose of creating LTD Guitars was to offer more affordable alternatives to the premium ESP models without compromising on quality. Over the years, LTD Guitars has grown to become a well-respected brand in its own right, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Product Range: LTD Guitars offers a diverse range of electric guitars and basses, catering to various playing styles and genres. Their product lineup includes:

Signature Series: LTD Guitars collaborates with renowned artists to create signature models that capture their unique playing preferences and aesthetics. These guitars are built to the exact specifications and requirements of the artists, offering fans and musicians the opportunity to own an instrument inspired by their idols.

b. Standard Series: The Standard Series encompasses a wide variety of electric guitars and basses designed for players of all levels. These instruments feature solid construction, quality tonewoods, and reliable hardware, providing an excellent balance between affordability and performance.

c. Deluxe Series: The Deluxe Series offers upgraded features and premium components, including high-quality pickups, exotic tonewoods, and enhanced aesthetics. These guitars are designed for players who seek professional-level instruments with improved playability and tonal versatility.

d. Signature Basses: LTD Guitars also offers a range of signature bass guitars designed in collaboration with renowned bassists. These basses combine ergonomic designs, powerful pickups, and exceptional build quality to deliver a rich and versatile low-end experience.
Craftsmanship and Quality: LTD Guitars prides itself on its craftsmanship and commitment to producing instruments of the highest quality. Each guitar and bass undergoes meticulous construction and rigorous quality control processes to ensure consistency and playability. Skilled luthiers and technicians work closely together, handcrafting each instrument to meet the brand's stringent standards. The use of premium tonewoods, precise fretwork, and top-tier hardware contribute to the overall excellence of LTD instruments.

Technological Advancements: LTD Guitars embraces technological advancements to enhance the playability and performance of their instruments. The company incorporates modern features such as active pickups, innovative tremolo systems, and ergonomic body contours to meet the evolving needs of contemporary musicians. Additionally, LTD Guitars leverages advancements in manufacturing techniques, such as computer-aided design and CNC machining, to ensure precision and consistency in their instrument production.

Artist Collaborations: LTD Guitars has forged successful collaborations with a wide array of influential artists across various musical genres. By working closely with these musicians, LTD Guitars gains valuable insights into the specific needs and preferences of professionals. This collaboration leads to the development of signature models that not only reflect the artist's personality but also provide players with instruments that excel in tone, playability, and aesthetics.
Industry Impact: LTD Guitars has made a significant impact on the electric guitar market by providing players with high-quality instruments at various price points. The company's commitment to craftsmanship, technological innovation, and artist collaborations has earned it a loyal following among musicians worldwide. Whether used on stage, in the studio, or during practice sessions, LTD Guitars continue to inspire and empower musicians to achieve their creative visions.

Conclusion: LTD Guitars has established itself as a reputable brand in the world of electric guitars, offering a wide range of instruments that cater to diverse musical styles and budgets. Through its commitment to craftsmanship, quality, technological advancements, and collaborations with influential artists, LTD Guitars continues to shape the industry and provide musicians with instruments that meet their specific needs. With a rich history and a dedication to innovation, LTD Guitars is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in the years to come.