TEST: LTD MK-600 BLKS

 Where it says Kreator, there's metal inside. Hardly any German band, which was founded under the name "Tyrant" in 1982, can be credited with such a constant rise in popularity throughout its career as the Essen institution in the field of thrash metal. Singer, guitarist, songwriter and boss of the "democratic dictatorship", according to his own statement, is Miland "Mille" Petrozza, whose popularity in terms of metal and vegan lifestyle has long since left the domestic realms and taken on a worldwide notoriety. To adequately put his riff attacks into action, Mille collaborated with LTD, which belongs to the Japanese manufacturer ESP, and developed his signature model LTD MK 600 BLKS. As then, the chromatic saddled, the preamp to 10 and off for it.

The construction of the LTD MK 600 BLKS

Rarely is a body shape so closely associated with a musical style as the Flying V is with metal. Although the shape has also been used in rock styles and with Albert King even an icon of blues had declared the shape his favorite, the general tonal orientation of this type is still called high gain. However, the LTD MK 600 BLKS, which is to be considered a variation of the in-house Arrow series, is not a copy of the model introduced by Gibson in 1958, but a variation modified in several points. To what extent the spicing up of the original version or the avoidance of lawyer's letters from the lawsuit-happy Americans is responsible for this can only be guessed.

Fact is, however, that the general styling comes along clearly more aggressively than the original, which quite accommodates the sonic orientation. In general, you should show a proper attitude, because the instrument is not a cute cuddly cat in terms of haptics and weight. The included case already goes more in the direction of a doubleneck due to the protruding tips of the instrument and the weight of the instrument of about 3.7 kilograms also contributes its part.

Nevertheless, despite some parallels, the body shape bears independent traits and can by no means be called a copy, even though every musician will probably forever refer to the shape as the Flying V. Besides the semicircular cutout behind the vibrato system and the shaping at the edges of the body, it is especially the asymmetrical embouchure, where the body wings were glued to the continuous neck. To ensure better playability in the uppermost positions, the lower half of the body grips much higher up, actually allowing for easy handling up to the 24th fret. A bit confusing is the finish transition from the black satin finish body to the natural finish neck, where a visually obtuse angle on the back of the neck represents different finish transitions.

The neck

As mentioned earlier, the construction of the LTD MK 600 BLKS is based on a continuous neck, a fact that is still comparatively rarely encountered. Nobody wants to deny that a broken neck is much easier to replace in bolted form and that this was quite a veritable argument in Leo Fender's heyday, but compared to the vibration technical data of a continuous neck, the vast majority of bolted or even glued necks can hardly keep up.

For the fingerboard, we used what is often referred to as "Bolivian rosewood", Pau Ferro, which has similar vibration characteristics to regular rosewood, which is heavily regulated by CITES regulations, only the color is slightly lighter. The fingerboard features 24 jumbo frets and small dot inlays at the relevant frets.

The headstock of the Korean-made instrument was also milled from the 3-piece neck and has the famous "knob" below the nut to stabilize the transition point weakened by the trussrod milling. The tuners are from Grover and are mounted on a reversed headstock.

The LTD MK 600 BLKS also has a Floyd Rose 1000 vibrato system, which is set free floating. Very nice also the back of the vibrato system, where you can readjust the screws of the sheet metal bracket to which the springs of the vibrato system are attached, without removing the cover plate. Of course, the system also has a corresponding clamp saddle and a string hold-down.

Since the LTD MK 600 BLKS does not have any cutaways, the front strap holder was mounted in the upper quarter of the body above the 21st fret. The rear strap holder was placed comparatively low in the upper "horn" so that the strap is relatively close to the body. LTD also shines with the detailed solution of placing the output jack on the upper horn right next to the strap pin. Anyone who has ever seen how horrible the cable routing looks with an output jack on the lower horn with a strap pin on the upper horn, knows what I'm talking about.

The pickups of the LTD MK 600 BLKS

Once again, the Fishman Fluence pickups have made it onto an instrument that was designed without exception for the high gain range. The principle of 2 different, for personal taste adjustable sounds in a pickup meets with great popularity among musicians and has grown in the field of active pickups next to top dog EMG to a fixed size.

Here, the Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Alnico is used as the neck pickup and the Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Ceramic as the bridge pickup. Both can be selected by a mini switch in their characteristics between "Modern Active" and "Modern Passive Attack". Since Mille never makes use of a tone control anyway, it was consequently omitted. As a further switching option, only a 3-way switch was installed.


The LTD MK 600 BLKS in practice

OK, let's start with the seating position. Huh? Playing a V-shaped guitar while sitting down? Yes, it's possible, as long as you're not too shy to put the guitar between your legs in the best beginner style. Once again, the cable routing of the output jack stands out. Of course, this instrument is primarily designed for "standing operation", which can be implemented without any problems, although a slight top-heaviness cannot be avoided due to the construction.

Still without a connected amplifier, you can already hear the sound culture of the continuous neck in dry operation. It is always amazing how unbelievably balanced a through neck sounds and how immensely the sustain behavior gains with this construction. Even the Floyd Rose vibrato system, which is often called a sustain killer, does not change the excellent vibration behavior of the instrument. I could not find a single dead spot on the entire fingerboard. Every note resonates cleanly in and out, no self-resonance causes the tone to die off prematurely.

Otherwise, "You Get What You See" applies to the LTD MK 600 BLKS. Probably no one will get the idea to use the instrument in a dance musician's paradise or at Grandpa Willies old men's blues shed, although this use would probably bring a lot of momentum. The different varieties of rock can undoubtedly be celebrated with the LTD MK 600 BLKS, but the focus is clearly on metal.

As is known, 2 sonic aspects are very important in metal. On the one hand, the instrument must generate a transparent sound image even at maximum gain and must not get bogged down in a flabby sound mush and it must succeed, a clean playing style and excellent palm muting presupposed, to achieve a clean string separation. Remember, the higher the degree of distortion, the more energy you spend on which strings should NOT vibrate.

Again, the instrument delivers quite excellently. The sound remains transparent even at maximum gain and provides a good carpet for sophisticated riffing. That a free floating vibrato system in the soloist area brings some limitations of intonation in the area of double bends with it, is well known and must be incorporated into the personal playing style and is not to be chalked up to the instrument. In return, however, there is then also a Dive Bomb without tuning problems when needed.

Conclusion

With the LTD MK 600 BLKS, the ESP subsidiary shines with a very ambitious instrument in all areas of the Hard'N'Heavy sound spectrum. The instrument, designed for Kreator guitarist Mille Petrozza, convinces with a transparent sound, very good workmanship and outstanding sustain.

If you don't mind a discreet top-heaviness and want to plow through the hardest styles of metal on a high level, you should definitely give the instrument a try. The look and sound of the instrument can only be described as very authentic and deserve appropriate attention.

Additional informations:

Kreator is a German thrash metal band that has solidified its status as one of the most influential and enduring acts in the genre. Formed in 1982 in Essen, Germany, by guitarist and vocalist Miland "Mille" Petrozza, Kreator has consistently pushed the boundaries of thrash metal with their aggressive sound, politically charged lyrics, and dynamic live performances. This comprehensive report delves into the band's history, musical style, discography, impact on the metal scene, and their enduring legacy.

Early Years and Formation: Kreator emerged during the flourishing thrash metal movement of the 1980s. Inspired by bands like Venom and Slayer, Mille Petrozza and his school friend Rob Fioretti (also known as Rob "Ventor") started jamming together, eventually recruiting bassist Rob Fioretti and guitarist Jürgen Reil. They initially went by the name Tormentor, but soon changed it to Kreator, reflecting their desire to create a more aggressive and forceful sound.

Rise to Prominence: In 1985, Kreator released their debut album, "Endless Pain," which showcased their raw and frenetic style, combining breakneck speed, intense guitar riffs, and venomous vocals. The album received critical acclaim and established Kreator as a force to be reckoned with in the thrash metal scene. They followed up with "Pleasure to Kill" in 1986, an album that further cemented their reputation and is often regarded as a landmark thrash metal release.

Musical Style and Evolution: Kreator's music is characterized by its high-speed aggression, intricate guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics. They embraced a more melodic approach on albums like "Terrible Certainty" (1987) and "Extreme Aggression" (1989), which showcased their ability to craft memorable hooks while still maintaining a relentless intensity. In the early '90s, Kreator incorporated industrial and experimental elements into their sound, as seen on albums such as "Renewal" (1992) and "Cause for Conflict" (1995).

Conceptual and Political Themes: One of the hallmarks of Kreator's songwriting is their focus on political and social issues. Their lyrics often tackle topics such as war, corruption, religious fanaticism, and personal freedom. Songs like "Betrayer," "Flag of Hate," and "People of the Lie" demonstrate their ability to merge aggressive music with thought-provoking and incisive lyrics, making a powerful statement that resonates with their audience.

Discography and Key Albums: Kreator's discography is extensive and showcases their evolution over the years. Some key albums include "Coma of Souls" (1990), which featured a more progressive and complex sound; "Violent Revolution" (2001), marking a return to their thrash metal roots; and "Enemy of God" (2005), hailed as a modern thrash metal masterpiece. Their latest release, "Gods of Violence" (2017), further solidified their reputation as masters of the genre.
Live Performances and Impact: Kreator's live performances are known for their raw energy and unrelenting power. The band has toured extensively, headlining major festivals and sharing the stage with icons like Metallica, Slayer, and Iron Maiden. Their influence can be seen in the work of countless bands, as they helped define the thrash metal sound and inspired generations of musicians.

Legacy and Recognition: Kreator's contributions to the metal genre have not gone unnoticed. They have received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple wins at the Metal Hammer Awards and being inducted into the German Rock and Pop Hall of Fame. Their influence extends beyond their native Germany, with fans worldwide recognizing their impact on the thrash metal scene.

Conclusion: Kreator's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of thrash metal, combined with their lyrical depth and powerful live performances, have solidified their place in metal history. With a career spanning over four decades, they have consistently delivered albums that showcase their evolution and maintain their relevance. Kreator's enduring legacy as one of the pioneers of thrash metal continues to inspire and influence the metal community, making them a band that will be remembered for generations to come.

TEST: LTD MH 1001

 Whether Steve Vai is the inventor of the Powerstrat may be doubted by some, but the fact is that his use of a chisel and soldering iron, which later led to an intensive collaboration with Ibanez, gave rise to a special guitar species almost 40 years ago, which can be seen as a kind of "Strat on steroids" and which still represents a very successful subgroup in the electric guitar sector. In addition to the classic big names of the eighties, such as Jackson, Charvel, Kramer, Schecter, Ibanez and many more, the Japanese company ESP has also left its scent mark of its time and offers with its subsidiary LTD the LTD MH 1001 a classic Powerstrat feil.

ESP or LTD?

Whether it's Fender and Squier, Gibson and Epiphone, or as in this case ESP and LTD, the principle is always the same. A potent and respected corporation, usually located in a high-wage country, develops / buys a subsidiary that manufactures in a low-wage country, but should get as much marketing from the big name. The low-cost brand must be good, but it must not have the same features as the big name, as in the case of VW/Seat, for example, otherwise the extra price would not be justified. The art of marketing therefore always lies in getting a razor-thin line between the two brands, but still presenting a direct link to the outside world.

This is sometimes quite difficult, especially since ESP and LTD do not even manage a clean separation in the product designation. Sometimes it's "ESP/LTD", sometimes "LTD by ESP", sometimes "LTD, designed by ESP". Of course, the sometimes spasmodic mentioning of the parent company is quite understandable from a marketing point of view, if, yes, if the LTD instruments would have needed this, whereby we have arrived at the actual sticking point. The average manufacturing quality of LTD instruments has increased so much in recent times that ESP has to pull out all the stops with "Made In Japan" in order to top it with "Made In Indonesia" in terms of quality and features. But everything in order.

The construction of the LTD MH 1001

Strictly speaking, the LTD MH 1001 is a second generation Powerstrat. Many classic Powerstrat components have remained, but a few have been taken away or designed differently. Let's start with the remaining components. First of all, of course, the most ingenious body shape ever (design a mainstream body shape that has nothing of a Strat ...) is present, which is oriented in terms of basic shape and shaping to the great classic. However, only in the design, because already here LTD sets in terms of construction one on top. The basic concept is a continuous maple neck, which is filled with side parts of mahogany and for optical reasons is covered with a thin curly maple top. The same has the "See Thru Black" color scheme and blends very nicely with the otherwise opaque black lacquered areas.

The instrument offers the long scale length of 648 mm, has 24 jumbo frets and features a bound ebony fingerboard. The radius of the neck is specified as 350 mm, while the nut width is 42 mm. As fingerboard markings, there are small dot inlays on the side of the fingerboard, as well as in the top view of the fingerboard. In general, some features were built in, which lead the classic Powerstrat swashbuckler over into a somewhat "nobler" variant. Besides the maple top, the instrument is completely covered with up to seven-ply binding, which is much less "plasikeresque" than some of its competitors. In fairness, however, it must be mentioned that the LTD MH 1001 with a retail price of 975 euros is in a higher price segment than what one is generally used to from Indonesian manufacturing.

In return, however, you get a lot, such as locking mechanics from in-house production and a set of 2 active EMG pickups (81 bridge / 85 neck), which come from the BBC series and each have a brushed chrome cap. Both pickups are switched via a three-way switch, single coil options are not offered. Les Paul rules! By the way, all the hardware is black nickel plated and matches the pickup caps very well, also very nice. But wasn't there something else that every Powersrat must have? Right, a vibrato system! Same one looks for the LTD MH 1001 in vain, instead the Indonesians with a Tonepros Locking TOM bridge and strings, which are led through the body in combination with the continuous neck, set on a maximum sustain development. Not entirely new, the concept, but always a refreshing variation to the umpteenth Floyd Rose equipment.

The LTD MH 1001 in practice

Once again, the very simple principle of "You Get What You See" applies. Hardly anyone would have expected a twang-heavy country or a mellow 335 jazz sound from the appearance and specs of this instrument. Even if the shape of a Powerstrat still seems very moderate to an outsider, this instrument is designed for the harder pace, but less in the "Whammy - As - Whammy - Can" attitude, but more in the classic LP with strong finger vibrato style. Nothing against the Steva Vai "How To Use A Whammy Bar In Electric Guitar" playing technique, but with this instrument there is nothing to hide behind.

The sound files were created with an Engl Savage II / Marshall Cabinet 412 / Celestion G75T / 2x SM57 combination, which immediately brought to light the strengths and, if you want to call it that, the weaknesses of the instrument. Like almost all instruments equipped with the very popular EMG 85 / 81 combination, ultra-clean sounds are not the prime example of the instrument, at least when using a classic amp and not playing directly into the console with a compressor. Not because the pickups would not sound good in the clean range, but rather due to the fact that the output level of the pickups at full stop especially tube preamps like to drive into saturation. Here the experienced EMG user helps himself with the old trick of taking the volume control back a bit, with the effect that the sound does not change, but the preamp of the amp remains clean.

Still, the clean sound seems satisfying at best, lacking some character, which is also due to the comparatively high compression of the pickups. This changes strikingly with increasing distortion levels. This is where the EMG's are at home and once again manage to generate a transparent yet dynamic sound with their incredibly linear frequency response even at the highest high gain. Even light crunch has a very powerful effect due to the frequency spectrum, so you can generally always use a tad less gain than with passive pickups without losing steam.

At the latest in the lead department, the instrument has reached its target audience and convinces with a strong rhythm and solo tone. The sustain is really convincing due to the continuous neck and manages to make the instrument sound more expensive than it ultimately is. The feel is good, the response as well. Nobody will expect a standard Tele to convince a heavy rocker of its sound characteristics, likewise you will look for the pop or country touch in vain with the LTD MH 1001.

For the classic cover band with a latent rock bias, a highly recommended instrument, although the pickup choice always puts you on the verge of hard rock territory. No matter how much you rein in the amp or even the pedal choice, the basic sound of the EMG's is always present and will once again put fans of these pickups in rapture. The appearance, on the other hand, does not polarize and will not scare anyone in the audience, from there the LTD MH 1001 is universally usable in terms of external presentation.

Conclusion

With the LTD MH 1001, the Japanese manufacturer with Indonesian manufacturing offers a real bargain in its portfolio. The instrument, which is offered at under €1,000 retail price, offers a very good vibration behavior combined with high-quality components, such as active EMG pickups and a Tonepro bridge.

If you're looking for a Les Paul feel with a powerstrat look for official heavy rock, you should definitely give this instrument a try.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TEST: Looptrotter Sa2rate 2

 It's always refreshing to see that even in countries that you wouldn't think would be in the top tier of music manufacturers, there are small but fine manufacturers that are building a name for themselves and want to take on the manufacturing superiority from China. The company Looptrotter Audio Engineering is located in Poland with its development and manufacturing department and presents with the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 the successor of the first model, which of course hits the same nucleus as its predecessor. Let's go!

The concept of the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2

The Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 is, as you can see from the pun, a "saturator", i.e. a product that is supposed to drive the delivered signal into saturation. The circuit is once again modeled on the classic tape machines, where the unwritten law of driving every recorded instrument more or less into tape saturation originated. In return for this technically questionable undertaking, the signal receives a mixture of compression, compression and overtone saturation, which gives almost every instrument a slight "fatness".

Whereas in the early days of DAWs, the extremely time-consuming process of "looping in" a tape machine along with its recording behavior was sometimes still inserted into the recording process, in recent years a lot has happened in the plug-in area in terms of quality, so that seibigerous process has lost much of its importance. However, as in the guitar sector, for example, some manufacturers are asserting themselves with purely analog outboard technology for sonic reasons, as is the case with the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2, which comes with a 19-inch, 1 U format and a weight of just under 2.5 kilograms.

In contrast to some competitors, however, the Poles do not go the way of a tube circuit, which is due to its construction sonically just for the saturation term, but consistently rely on semiconductor technology within the product. The device is designed in stereo and has 2x of the same controls.

The construction of the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2

Those who, like me, have had a wasp-filled summer will probably have a similar association when they hold the product in their hands for the first time. Depending on the embossing, the black and yellow appearance reminds of the winged insect or possibly also of motorized rally missions of bygone days, which means a discreet placement in the visually styled control room is impossible.

The workmanship of the product is clean and very solid. Especially the front panel leaves a lasting impression with its 2 millimeter thickness. A few years ago, the comparison to Russian military technology would have been made here, but this seems inappropriate nowadays. Especially the mini-switches and the power switch leave an excellent impression due to their haptic design and suggest a long life span. The product doesn't have any feet and was only designed for pure rack use.

In direct comparison to the predecessor model, version 2 has received some very useful features that expand the product's range of application many times over. While the control options of version 1 were limited to a drive and output control, version 2 now has an individually adjustable mixing ratio of dry and wet signal. In addition, the product has two switches with which on the one hand the bass can be taken out of the saturation path and on the other hand the treble can be boosted.

Regarding the bass behavior, one knows the effect from the bass recordings. As soon as you also send the low bass range through a distortion pedal / plug-in etc., they very often swallow the entire other frequency range and lose a lot of assertiveness. To prevent this, the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 leads a soft ascending curve up to just under 800 Hz, but which the saturation level rises sharply. The Hi smooth, on the other hand, boosts high frequencies before the saturation circuit and attenuates them afterwards, resulting in a deeper saturation of higher frequencies, according to the manufacturer.


As is well known, a saturation is also a half-wave cut-off, but in contrast to an overdrive or even distortion, it is comparatively subtle in its effect. To monitor the degree of saturation, the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 has 2 LEDs, which are located above the true bypass switch. A yellow LED defines the 4% THD, a red LED the 8% THD threshold.

The back of the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2

The rear of the device has a very good equipment regarding the connection possibilities. In addition to the studio standard XLR jacks (lockable!), the device also has balanced TRS jacks and, as a further special feature, unbalanced jack inputs, which have been set with an input sensitivity of -10 dB. This means that the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 can also be used both in the studio and for live as a preamp, for example, for an electric bass or a keyboard to generate a saturated sound before the signal is fed into the DAW / PA. Apart from the obligatory cold-device socket, there are no other connections or control options on the back of the housing.


In practice

In terms of connection and control options, the device is understood within a short time, although one should pay special attention to the Dry and Wet controls. Here ultimately decides how strong the aggressiveness of the signal should look, in my eyes even far more than with the Drive control.

Sonically, the product leaves a double-edged impression. The device can score strongly with completely clean signals, which have a discreetly sterile character under ambient hours and which may be a little weak in the level. Here, the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 is perfectly suited as a catch-up amplifier, which also brings a personal sound note on board. If, on the other hand, you already have a "dirty", vintage signal that is already in the LoFi range, you quickly run the risk of adding a fuzz sound to the original signal than a saturation. Especially with strong impulses and corresponding lighting of the 8% THD LED, we are already clearly in the distortion range, which in my opinion comes out a bit harsh

The saturation effect of an analog tape machine propagated by the company is not really achieved in my opinion, because the softly rising magnetic saturation applies to the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 only in subtle settings, but this in high quality. At higher saturation, the signal goes personally too quickly into the distortion range, which does not quite meet my taste, but in the avant-garde realm will certainly find its friends.

You should also always keep in mind that especially the compression effect creates a certain addictive behavior, which also leads to the fact that the individual signals subtly gain in the solo area, but lose assertiveness in the later mix. Here it is always important to have an ear for the later mix and not to compress the individual tracks too much in advance.

From the two toggle switches Lo Save and Hi smooth I would have wished a little more efficiency. While the Lo Safe is discreet but audible, I personally have a hard time even noticing the sonic difference when the Hi smooth switch is activated. With such a discreet alignment, one's gaze keeps darting to the switch to check the switch position, which is always a bad sign for me personally. I prefer more effectiveness here, or better leave it out altogether, especially since extremely subtle differences can't be made out later in the mix.

In direct comparison to included plug-ins from the compressor or saturation area, the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 already convinced with a sonic analog note and a certain independence, but whether this is enough to invest the corresponding additional costs, everyone must decide for themselves. Especially in a mastered mix processors like the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2 have a hard time to show their sonic advantages, unless the delivered material of the mix are accordingly airy.

Conclusion

With the Looptrotter Sa2rate 2, the Polish company has an independent saturation processor in its program, which helps especially sterile-sounding signals in terms of warmth and saturation. The workmanship is excellent, the individual components are of very high quality.

To what extent the analog solid state solution of compressor and overtone saturation can be meaningfully placed in one's own sound material, everyone must find out for themselves.

Additional informations:

Looptrotter Audio is a renowned company at the forefront of audio processing technology. With a strong emphasis on innovation and quality, the company has established itself as a leading provider of professional audio equipment. This comprehensive report aims to provide a detailed overview of Looptrotter Audio, including its history, product range, technological advancements, industry impact, and future prospects.

History and Background: Looptrotter Audio was founded in 2010 by Andrzej Starzyk, a highly skilled audio engineer with a passion for developing cutting-edge audio equipment. Based in Poland, the company started as a small operation with a focus on producing high-quality analog gear. Over the years, Looptrotter Audio has expanded its product line and gained international recognition for its innovative solutions.

Product Range: Looptrotter Audio offers a diverse range of audio processing equipment designed for professional studios, producers, and musicians. Their product lineup includes:
Analog Compressors: Looptrotter Audio is widely acclaimed for its innovative analog compressors. Models like the Sa2Rate and Monster Compressor have garnered praise for their unique sound characteristics, versatility, and precise control over dynamics.

b. Analog Equalizers: The company's analog equalizers, such as the Emperor and Amethyst, are highly regarded for their transparent sound shaping capabilities. These equalizers provide exceptional tonal control and are known for their musicality.

c. Analog Saturation and Harmonic Distortion Units: Looptrotter Audio's line of saturation and harmonic distortion units, such as the SATurAMP and SATurAMP2, are revered for their ability to add warmth, color, and character to audio signals. These units are widely used in both tracking and mixing stages.

d. Audio Mixers and Summing Devices: Looptrotter Audio also offers high-quality analog mixers and summing devices that provide an enhanced audio mixing experience. These products, like the ZIMO MX123, offer pristine sound quality and intuitive workflow.

Technological Advancements: Looptrotter Audio is known for pushing the boundaries of audio processing technology. The company continuously invests in research and development to create groundbreaking solutions. Some notable technological advancements by Looptrotter Audio include:

Variable Mu Compression Technology: The Sa2Rate compressor introduced a groundbreaking feature known as "Variable Mu." This technology allows users to adjust the compressor's compression curve dynamically, providing unprecedented control and flexibility.

b. Hybrid Analog-Digital Designs: Looptrotter Audio has successfully integrated analog and digital technologies to create hybrid products. This approach combines the warmth and character of analog circuitry with the precision and convenience of digital control, resulting in unique audio processing capabilities.

c. Customization Options: Looptrotter Audio offers customization options for their products, allowing customers to tailor the gear to their specific needs. This level of flexibility ensures that professionals can achieve their desired sound and workflow.

Industry Impact: Looptrotter Audio's products have made a significant impact on the audio industry. Their innovative designs and commitment to sound quality have earned them a loyal customer base worldwide. Professionals in recording studios, mastering facilities, and live sound environments appreciate the company's dedication to preserving the integrity of the audio signal while providing powerful processing tools.
Future Prospects: With a strong foundation and a track record of innovation, Looptrotter Audio is well-positioned for future success. The company continues to explore new technologies and expand its product line to meet the evolving needs of the audio industry. Looptrotter Audio's commitment to quality, attention to detail, and customer-centric approach ensures that they will remain a key player in the audio processing market.

Conclusion:
Looptrotter Audio has established itself as a leading provider of high-quality analog audio processing equipment. Through their commitment to innovation, technological advancements, and dedication to sound quality, the company has made a significant impact on the audio industry. With a diverse product range, Looptrotter Audio continues to empower professionals with the tools they need to achieve exceptional audio production results. As the company looks to the future, it is well-positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of audio processing technology and maintaining its status as a pioneer in the field.

TEST: Line6 Relay G30

 Transmitter, or cable after all? For many artists, this question only causes incredulous amazement, since in recent years the trend in signal transmission has developed exclusively in one direction, away from cable and towards radio transmission, at least when it comes to the instrument groups of vocals, strings and wind instruments. In other words, all instruments that can be used on stage.

The arguments are quickly listed, complete freedom of movement especially on large stages, better entertainment for the audience due to more diverse show interludes and the absolute security during the show on stage not to have to untangle any Gordian knots. Only recently at the show of my group DOMAIN at the Magic Circle Festival / Loreley open-air stage one could convince oneself of the advantages of a radio link, so both my singer and my bassist knew how to entertain the audience with an intensive stage presence, while I was somewhat restricted in terms of freedom with my cable.

"Yes, why cable?", many readers will ask themselves at this point at the latest, especially since I was the only protagonist during the entire festival operation who sent his signal through a massive conductor. While in the past arguments such as battery life or operational safety were still an issue, in recent years actually only one argument has remained, which divides the music making guild into two camps, the sound!

A guitar signal via a wireless link still sounds different in terms of dynamics and frequency response than via a regular cable. I deliberately choose the adjective "different", because a valuation in the form of "better" or "worse" is purely a matter of taste. However, the fact remains that a radio link transmits significantly more frequencies due to the lack of capacity of a cable and the guitar signal and the sound is more treble-heavy. In addition, the signal experiences a dynamic cut due to the conversion and reconversion in the radio range, which is reflected in a "condensed" sound image.

Aware of this procedure, the Line 6 company is trying to win over even the wireless skeptics with its Relay G30 and the slogan "Wired Tone, Wireless Freedom". I'm curious to see how this will be solved in terms of circuitry.


Construction

The Line 6 Relay G30 is a set, consisting of a transmitter, respectively receiver part and is assembled on the opposite side of the globe, in China. The transmitter can be easily attached to the belt, or the guitar strap by means of a firmly gripping clip. By means of a bulging hard rubber pad on the side, the transmitter lies well in the hand and can be pressed into the final position accordingly without any problems.

The transmitter is powered by two AA batteries, which should last for about 8 hours according to the manufacturer. The battery door is a bit tricky to lock, so you should check twice to make sure that the batteries don't spread evenly on the stage floor during the first rotation.

The matching receiver has, in contrast to many 9.5 inch rack variants, rather the shape of a floor effect unit, where it can probably be best placed by means of Velcro. A non-slip base to place the product on the amplifier, for example, and thus secure it against slipping away, is unfortunately not available.

The combination can choose from 6 fixed frequencies, which are selected via a chrome-imitated slider in each case. Unfortunately, both sliders are very clumsy in the user interface, so that you rarely hit the desired position on the first try. Another slider can be used to fix the desired cable sound emulation. The receiver is powered by the included 9V power supply.

Both products look nice, but a mechanically higher-quality detail solution would look good on both components.



Practice

Let's not beat around the bush and get right down to business, which means a direct comparison to a cable in terms of sound. In order not to make it too easy for the Relay G30, we don't choose a three-input no-name cheap crap cable, which can only lose in terms of sound anyway, but we choose an opponent from the signal league, in our case a cable from Cordial from the Road-Line series.

To make it more difficult for the cable, we take the 9 meter version and work exclusively with passive pickups, so that the capacity and resistance of the cable are also put through their paces sonically.

Let's first take the radio link without cable emulation. The transmitter sounds as expected, i.e. quite true to the original, but a bit undynamic and a bit treble-heavy, just as we know it from other radio links. There were no signal dropouts in the practical test and the manufacturer's specified range of up to 30 meters should also be sufficient for larger stages.

Now the competitor cable in a 1:1 comparison. Again, as expected, the sound is more voluminous, more dynamic, less compressed and lower in treble. Even though I personally like the sound of the cable more, it would be presumptuous to speak of "better", since the sound preferences are purely subjective up to this point.

If we now use the "Cable Tone", the tester is somewhat disappointed. It's not that the sound would drop to the bottomless pit, but what Line 6 presents as an emulation of a cable sound is rather a simple treble attenuation and a reduction of the dynamics, which increases even more with the further switching to 9 meters. Especially in direct comparison to the 9 meter Cordial cable, this is a world of difference.

Well, to be fair, it really has to be said that at a street price of less than 300 Euros, it's simply impossible to build up heavy emulation guns with processor support. Therefore, you should focus on the pure, "classic" radio link function, and this is what the product really does satisfactorily.

Already from the design of the receiver, I find the same in harmony with the other pedals on an appropriate floorboard in good hands, especially since I could not perceive any sonic radiation on other devices, even in close proximity.


Conclusion

With the Relay G30, Line 6 brings a simple transmitter/receiver constellation to the market, which fully fulfills its function as a radio link, but nothing more. The intention to emulate the interactive sound of a cable by means of technical circuit finesse may still be possible with an inferior cable, but the G30 can't hold a candle to a high-quality professional cable with its simple treble damping and dynamic compensation.

The interactions in the cable area are too complex to be emulated without a lot of CPU effort and algorithms. However, if you are looking for an inexpensive guitar radio link and don't need any complex detailed solutions in terms of equipment, you will find a practical partner in the product.

Just try it out in the store and place it on the floorboard if you are interested, this is where the Relay G30 makes the most sense in my opinion.

Additional informations:

- Line 6 is a renowned company that has made a significant impact on the music industry through its innovative products and cutting-edge technology. Since its inception in 1996, Line 6 has consistently pushed boundaries to provide musicians with groundbreaking solutions for amplification, effects processing, recording, and wireless systems. With a relentless commitment to quality and innovation, Line 6 has earned a reputation as a leading manufacturer of music technology worldwide.History and Founding: Line 6 was founded by Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic, two visionaries who shared a passion for both music and technology. They recognized the limitations of traditional analog equipment and saw the potential in developing digital solutions that would revolutionize the way musicians create and perform. In 1996, Line 6 introduced the AxSys 212, the world's first modeling guitar amplifier, which garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for the company's future success.
Product Innovations: Line 6's product lineup spans a wide range of categories, catering to the needs of guitarists, bassists, vocalists, and recording professionals. The company's most notable innovation is its groundbreaking modeling technology. Line 6 developed the POD, a series of guitar amp modelers and multi-effects processors that allow musicians to replicate the sounds of iconic amplifiers and effects pedals with exceptional accuracy, all in a compact and portable unit.
Building on the success of the POD, Line 6 expanded its product range to include the Variax series of electric guitars. The Variax guitars incorporate advanced digital modeling technology, enabling players to emulate the sounds of different vintage instruments. This innovation provides musicians with unmatched versatility, allowing them to switch between various guitar models and tones seamlessly.
Line 6's commitment to wireless technology led to the creation of the Relay series of digital wireless systems. These systems deliver high-quality audio with excellent reliability and a broad frequency range, allowing musicians to move freely on stage without sacrificing sound quality. This advancement addressed the limitations and interference issues associated with traditional analog wireless systems.
The Helix series represents Line 6's latest breakthrough in guitar processors and effects. The Helix offers an intuitive user interface and a vast library of amp and effects models, providing guitarists with unprecedented control over their sound. Its seamless integration of hardware and software has made the Helix a popular choice among professional musicians and recording engineers worldwide.
Industry Impact and Partnerships: Line 6's innovative products have had a profound impact on the music industry, influencing the way musicians create, perform, and record music. By providing musicians with access to a vast array of sounds in a single device, Line 6 has democratized the world of guitar tones and effects, empowering artists of all levels to explore new sonic territories.
The company has also formed partnerships with renowned artists, such as Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, and John 5, who have embraced Line 6's technology and contributed to its development. These collaborations have not only helped Line 6 refine its products but have also provided invaluable insights into the needs and expectations of professional musicians.
Additionally, Line 6's technology has found its way into recording studios, live performances, and educational institutions worldwide. The company's digital audio processing capabilities have been integrated into popular recording software, enabling producers and engineers to access high-quality virtual guitar rigs and effects. Many music schools and conservatories have also incorporated Line 6 products into their curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Continued Innovation: Line 6 remains at the forefront of music technology innovation, continually striving to provide musicians with groundbreaking tools. The company is dedicated to advancing its modeling algorithms and expanding its product range to meet the evolving needs of musicians in an ever-changing industry. Line 6's commitment to innovation ensures that musicians can continue to explore new creative possibilities and achieve their desired sound.
Conclusion: Line 6 has firmly established itself as a leader in the music technology industry, thanks to its relentless commitment to innovation, quality, and meeting the needs of musicians. Through its groundbreaking modeling technology, wireless systems, and advanced guitar processors, Line 6 has transformed the way musicians create, perform, and record music. As the company continues to push the boundaries of technology, we can expect Line 6 to shape the future of music technology and inspire musicians worldwide.

- Guitar wireless systems have revolutionized the way guitarists perform, providing them with the freedom to move and perform without the constraints of cables. These devices have become an essential tool for musicians, enabling them to showcase their skills on stage without compromising their mobility. In this comprehensive report, we will explore the history, features, benefits, and advancements of guitar wireless systems, highlighting their significant impact on live performances and the music industry as a whole.
History and Evolution: The concept of wireless guitar systems dates back to the 1960s when musicians started experimenting with radio transmitters and receivers to transmit their guitar signals wirelessly. However, early systems suffered from limited range, signal interference, and poor sound quality. It wasn't until the late 1970s and early 1980s that significant advancements in technology led to the development of more reliable and robust wireless systems specifically designed for guitars.
Features and Functionality: Guitar wireless systems consist of two main components: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is typically connected to the guitar, while the receiver is connected to the amplifier or audio system. The transmitter captures the audio signal from the guitar and wirelessly transmits it to the receiver, which then converts it back into an audio signal that can be amplified or processed.
Modern wireless systems offer a range of features to enhance the overall performance experience. These include:
Frequency Selection: Wireless systems operate on various frequency bands, allowing users to select the best frequency range for their location to minimize interference and ensure optimal signal quality.
Range: Wireless systems offer varying ranges, allowing guitarists to move freely on stage without worrying about signal loss or degradation. Higher-end systems provide extended range capabilities, ensuring reliable performance even in larger venues.
Signal Quality: Advanced wireless systems employ technologies to preserve the integrity of the guitar's tone and minimize latency. These systems utilize digital audio transmission and advanced signal processing algorithms to deliver pristine audio quality, rivaling the sound of traditional cable connections.
Battery Life: Wireless systems are powered by rechargeable batteries, offering extended battery life to withstand long performances and rehearsals. Some systems even provide real-time battery status monitoring to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Benefits of Guitar Wireless Systems: Guitar wireless systems offer numerous benefits to musicians, both on stage and during rehearsals. These benefits include:
Freedom of Movement: Perhaps the most significant advantage of wireless systems is the freedom to move and perform without being tethered to cables. Guitarists can explore the stage, interact with the audience, and engage in energetic performances without the limitations of a physical connection.
Enhanced Stage Presence: Wireless systems enable guitarists to focus on their performance and stage presence rather than worrying about tripping over cables or getting tangled up. This freedom allows for more dynamic and visually captivating live shows.
Seamless Collaborations: Wireless systems facilitate seamless collaborations among band members. Musicians can freely move around and interact with each other, promoting better communication and coordination during live performances.
Setup and Portability: Wireless systems eliminate the need for lengthy cable setups, simplifying stage setup and reducing the risk of cable malfunctions. Moreover, the portability of wireless systems makes them ideal for touring musicians and performers who require quick and easy setup in different venues.
Advancements and Future Trends: Guitar wireless systems continue to advance with the integration of new technologies and features. Some notable advancements include:
Digital Transmission: Digital wireless systems have become increasingly popular, offering improved sound quality, enhanced range, and resistance to interference compared to analog systems.
Frequency Diversity: Advanced wireless systems now incorporate frequency diversity technology, which uses multiple frequencies simultaneously to minimize signal dropouts and improve overall reliability.
Integration with Effects and Apps: Some wireless systems now offer integration with effects pedals and mobile apps, allowing guitarists to control and manipulate their sound wirelessly.
Miniaturization: Wireless systems have become more compact and lightweight, making them less obtrusive and easier to integrate into a guitarist's setup.
Conclusion: Guitar wireless systems have transformed live performances by providing musicians with the freedom to move and express themselves without the constraints of cables. Through advancements in technology, these systems have significantly improved in terms of signal quality, reliability, and overall performance. With ongoing developments and integration with other music technologies, wireless systems will continue to play a crucial role in empowering musicians to deliver electrifying live shows and reshape the way music is experienced.