TEST: LTD SC-20

 Sometimes it is a bit more difficult to approach a test instrument without bias, especially if it is not the instrument itself. The ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst available for testing arouses namely already during the unpacking of the instrument a very good impression, however, the namesake of the signature instrument, Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter but creates some headaches with me, the same guitarist in recent times but by the denial of Corona, a statement that vaccination would be a fraud and as a crowning with the firm conviction that the earth is a disc (No joke!). To what extent LTD holds on to Mr. Carpenter as an advertising medium after such statements, the decision makers have to know themselves, of course, but since it is by no means my task to judge the absurd statements of this gentleman, I now turn to the actual instrument and try to put the signature character ad acta. The instrument deserves it!

The construction of the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst

Once again, ESP has a signature model manufactured in Korea under the trademark of its subsidiary LTD, which again leads to the still slightly confusing designation ESP / LTD on paper, but with a clear "LTD" on the headstock, but not without referring to the stronger "Designed by ESP" on the back of the headstock. Under the marketing aspect absolutely understandable, although I am of the opinion that LTD due to the predominantly very good manufacturing quality in recent years would actually no longer need this course of action.

The ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst is another variation of the beloved "Powerstrat", which takes a rough Stratocaster shape and provides the actual instrument with much more "thrust" than the classic original. In this case, LTD has decided on the good choice of a continuous, three-piece neck made of maple, which, according to the description, has the shaping of a "Thin U", which indeed describes the shape well. As fingerboard wood, ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst Macassar uses ebony with a medium-dark color scheme, which harmonizes very nicely with the color spectrum of the Burst finish. To provide the instrument with the necessary body, alder wing parts were used. The guitar is painted opaque black on the back and a 3-tone burst on the front, where the transition from black to red is truly only very subtly hinted at, but still clearly different from the 2-tone burst. Once again, LTD's finish is very clean and executed without any flaws.

As with most Powerstrat, great importance was placed on the comfortable playability of the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst, which already starts with the weight of the instrument. At just under 3.4 kg, even longer playing times can be completed without difficulty by musicians with back problems, especially since the classic back shaping in the upper area and an even flattening of the outer sides on the front of the instrument also increase playing comfort. At 649 mm, the instrument has a classic long-scale scale and should suit most powerstrat players with 24 jumbo frets, a nut width of 42 mm and a fingerboard radius of 350 mm.

The hardware of the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst

Unlike many other powerstrats, the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst does not have a vibrato system. Instead, the strings are fed through the body via a Tonepros Locking TOM bridge to generate maximum sustain yield. Once again, Asian manufacturing shows off good detailing by using a metal end ring to minimize the kink at the string guide into the body. A small detail, but a big step in reducing string breakage at the approximately 70 degree bend in the strings. The instrument is set to a 010 - 046 set from the factory.

The chrome colored locking tuners bear an LTD imprint, but appear to be an OEM product from one of the big names in tuners. In any case, the tuners do their job smoothly in the truest sense of the word. Strap locks are not included with the instrument, but it goes without saying that a corresponding system from LOXX, Schaller or similar should be installed on the instrument first.

The pickups

LTD goes with the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst in the field of pickups in several respects a very unique way. Not only that on this instrument the very rare HHS pickup arrangement is made, no one has also additionally decided for different pickup manufacturers and a slanted neck pickup. I think the last time I saw a slanted single coil pickup beyond the bridge position was on Steve Morse's signature instrument, especially in this orientation, one tends to take back the bass range on the neck and thicken the treble range. Perhaps this orientation is simply for ergonomic reasons, as it allows you to get a better grip on the treble strings in the higher registers without bumping into the pickup.

Due to the 24 frets of the fingerboard, there is anyway a latent "pressing narrowness" between the pickups between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge. Unusual, as already mentioned also the pickup selection, whereby the bridge position is occupied by the JB classic by Seymour Duncan, middle and neck pickups are covered by LTD own developments with the designations ESP Designed LS-120 at the neck and ESP Designed LH-150N in the middle. The pickups are switched via a very high-quality and accurately engaging 5-way pickup selector switch, combined with the typical master volume and master tone control.

The ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst in practice

When you pick up the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst for the first time, you immediately notice how ergonomically advantageous the instrument was designed. The guitar both hangs well on the strap and that it can be played in a relaxed manner while sitting. Neck shaping, fingerboard and string action allow for very relaxed playing and ensure fatigue-free handling. Even in unamplified condition, the instrument sounds very balanced and even, and even in the "difficult" positions, no dead spots or other "perishables" can be detected.

At the amp, the instrument also leaves a good figure, although honestly only 2 of the 3 pickups could really convince me. Certainly, the middle pickup always has a hard time compared to the neck and bridge variants, simply because it gets a more "trivial" vibration arc of the string, but even detached from this fact, the ESP Designed LH-150N both solo, as well as in the intermediate positions 2 and 4 in terms of character and assertiveness could not really put me in rapture. In contrast, the single coil on the neck scores unusually high with me. The sound is clear, pearly and still has enough punch to place itself well even in dense arrangements. About the bridge pickup, there is really nothing more to say than that Jeff Beck's signature pickup once again does a very good job in all areas of distortion, here you simply can not go wrong.

All in all, the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst convinces in almost all areas that make up a typical Powerstrat. Due to the continuous neck, even the higher registers with correspondingly small string amplitudes receive very good sustain, so that the instrument develops a very balanced and pleasant sound over the entire frequency range. In addition, the playability in terms of force is very good, since the entire concept of the instrument is designed for minimal resistance. A really very good instrument, which in my eyes / ears has only one weak point.

The sound files were recorded with an ENGL Savage MKII, a Marshall 412 Cabinet with Celestion G12 75T and 2 pieces of Shure SM 57.

Conclusion

With the ESP LTD SC-20 3-Tone Burst, the subsidiary of ESP introduces a very good all-round guitar based on Powerstrat in its portfolio. The instrument is very well made, has very good components throughout and offers an ideal basis for a wide range of sounds, be it clean crunch or high gain.

Those who are not put off by the crude statements of the instrument's namesake should definitely take a look at the instrument.

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.