The ESP LTD Phoenix is LTD's take on the "Firebird" shape and packs an impressive array of features for the price: Neck-thru construction, stainless frets, bound ebony neck and a unique Seymour Duncan pickup pairing. More than just a visual statement, the LTD Phoenix forges it's own sonic path.
The concept of neck-thru construction was first commercialized with the Gibson Firebird. The tip-to-tail neck with attached "wings" provides excellent fret access and by having no actual neck joint, better sustain. The same goes here with the Phoenix, and the neck is three-piece mahogany for additional strength and stability. The bound neck with stainless frets is typical of LTD's high level of fit and finish, and the locking tuners are an added bonus.
In our opinion a P90/Hum pairing is a great combination and something that drew us to the Phoenix in the first place. The Duncan Phat Cat is a P90 pickup built to fit in a traditional humbucker bezel. The Phat Cat brings more clarity, attack and note definition to the neck position, making it good for both rhythm and lead work. It's got real "Phat" single coil presence without sounding hot or overwound. The Duncan Custom bridge pickup is a hopped up version of the '59 pickup using a ceramic magnet for tighter response and more windings for more higher output. It's designed to have an increased treble response, which suites the neck-thru mahogany construction nicely. The pickup sounds powerful, clean, and the slight midrange scoop prevents it from sounding closed or stuffy which can sometimes happen with a a higher output pickup. While not common, this pickup combination is a real sleeper and is a compelling -- and in our opinion -- better alternative to the traditional HH layout. And the full sized format of the Phat Cat keeps the look of the guitar balanced, and allows for easy pickup swaps down the road.
If you searching for a different look, we heartily recommend the Phoenix. It's extensive list of features means that it needs nothing to be a great player right out of the box (OK, it needs a gig bag). The fit and finish put many more expensive guitars to shame, and as we said the P90-Humbucker combo is a secret sauce worth sampling.
The LTD Phoenix 1000 features:
- Mahogany body 8.5 pounds
- Neck-thru 3-piece mahogany neck
- 25.5" scale
- 13.67" radius bound ebony fretboard
- 1,64" nut width
- Block inlays
- 22 stainless frets
- Seymour Duncan Phat Cat neck pickup
- Seymour Duncan Custom bridge pickup
- Master Volume and Tone with pull split
- Tone Pros bridge and tailpiece
- LTD locking tuners
- Gold hardware
- Made in Korea
- No bag/case included
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