The ESP LTD XJ-1HT Electric Guitar in Black Blast is designed for guitarists who demand versatility, high-performance, and a distinct visual style from their instruments. It combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations to deliver a top-tier playing experience. Here’s a detailed look at the features and benefits of this remarkable guitar:

Construction and Design

• Construction: With a bolt-on neck design, the XJ-1HT offers excellent resonance and a sharp attack, which are desirable characteristics for many playing styles, particularly genres that require clarity and precision.
• Scale: The 25.5" scale length is ideal for maintaining string tension and providing a balanced feel across all frets, making it suitable for both standard and drop tuning.
• Body Material: Swamp ash is used for the body, known for its light weight and resonant qualities, offering a bright tone with pronounced highs and a tight low end.
• Neck: A 3-piece roasted maple neck not only enhances the guitar’s durability and stability but also contributes a rich, warm tone, complementing the brighter characteristics of the swamp ash body.

Playability

• Fingerboard: Macassar ebony is selected for the fingerboard, known for its dense, smooth playing surface that enhances note articulation and sustain, with a 350mm radius that supports both rhythm playing and lead performance.
• Nut: The molded nut, with a width of 42mm, facilitates comfortable string spacing for intricate chording and lead playing.
• Neck Contour: The thin U-shaped neck profile is optimized for comfort and fast playability, accommodating quick transitions and complex fingerings.
• Frets: 22 XJ stainless frets offer durability and a smooth playing feel, making bending and vibrato effortless.

Hardware and Electronics

• Tuners: LTD locking tuners provide excellent tuning stability, ensuring the guitar remains in tune through demanding performances and extensive use of the bridge.
• Bridge: A Hipshot bridge with string-thru-body design enhances sustain and stability, providing precise intonation and response.
• Pickup: The Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic Humbucker in the bridge position offers versatile tone options, from clean, vintage outputs to powerful modern tones. The pull volume for Voice 3 feature allows for additional tonal shaping, giving players access to multiple sonic textures.
• Electronics Layout: A simple yet effective electronics layout with a single volume control (push/pull) enables quick and easy tonal adjustments without clutter or complexity.

Aesthetics and Extras

• Finish: The Black Blast finish gives this guitar a unique and striking appearance, ensuring it stands out on stage and in the studio.
• Strings: Equipped with D'Addario XL110 strings for a balanced tone that complements the guitar’s sonic capabilities across various musical genres.

The ESP LTD XJ-1HT in Black Blast is a formidable instrument built for guitarists who value precision, versatility, and a bold aesthetic. Whether used in a studio session or a live performance, this guitar is crafted to deliver exceptional sound and reliability.