ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case
Description
ESP LTD AA-1 Alan Ashby Guitar Black Satin B-Stock with Case
The AA-1 locks in a comfortable, fast playing experience with its thin U-contour neck and 24-fret fingerboard built for precision and speed under the lights. This neck-through construction mahogany body generates excellent sustain and resonance that carries across a venue, while the black satin finish maintains a professional stage look without the upkeep of high-gloss. Designed as a signature model for Alan Ashby, this guitar bridges accessibility with the tonal authority working musicians demand.
Playability & Feel
The 3-piece mahogany neck with thin U contour sits naturally in the hand for extended playing sessions, and the macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius supports smooth bends and chord work across its 24 XJ Jescar EVOgold frets. The 42mm molded nut width accommodates standard string spacing, while the 24.75" scale maintains balanced string tension and facilitates extended range work without fighting the instrument.
Tone & Live Reliability
The EMG 81 brushed gold pickup paired with active electronics cuts through a mix with high-output clarity and articulation, backed by powerful midrange presence that holds its own in any band context. Hardware includes a TonePros locking TOM bridge with string-through design for solid tonal transfer and tuning stability that survives aggressive play, while LTD locking tuners keep pitch locked in through full sets. Stock D'Addario XL110 strings (.010–.046) deliver balanced response across the range right out of the case.
Key Features
- Neck-through construction with mahogany body and neck for enhanced sustain
- Black satin finish
- 24.75" scale length
- 3-piece mahogany neck with thin U contour
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius
- 24 XJ Jescar EVOgold frets
- 42mm molded nut
- EMG 81 brushed gold active pickup with volume control
- TonePros locking TOM bridge with string-through
- LTD locking tuners with gold hardware
- D'Addario XL110 strings included
- ST-TE form-fit hard case included
This B-stock AA-1 offers professional-grade construction and components in a compact, ergonomic platform suited for both studio work and stage use.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD AA-1 is a neck-through mahogany solidbody built for metal and hard rock players who demand speed, sustain, and aggressive clarity. Its thin U-contour neck, 24-fret macassar ebony board, and EMG 81 active pickup deliver articulate high-output tone with powerful midrange punch and tight, controlled sustain—ready for studio tracking or touring gigs. This B-stock model includes a hard case and comes fully functional with minor cosmetic imperfections, making it excellent value for intermediate to professional players.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Acoustic Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean?
B-Stock means this guitar is fully functional and professionally constructed, but carries minor cosmetic imperfections from handling or display. All electronics, hardware, neck, and frets perform as new.
Is this guitar suitable for extended-range tuning?
Yes. The 24.75-inch scale, thin U-contour neck, and macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius are designed to support extended-range work and lower tunings while maintaining balanced string tension and playability.
What pickup and electronics does it have?
The AA-1 features an EMG 81 brushed gold active pickup with volume control, delivering high-output clarity, articulate tone, and powerful midrange presence ideal for metal and hard rock.
What is included in the case?
The package includes an ST-TE form-fit hard case designed to protect the guitar during transport and storage, plus D'Addario XL110 strings (.010–.046) already installed.
How does this compare to other ESP LTD metal guitars?
The AA-1 is a compact, ergonomic signature model with neck-through mahogany construction and an EMG 81, placing it alongside the EC-1000 and above typical bolt-on LTD models in sustain and tonal focus, while the thin U-neck and 24.75-inch scale distinguish it from heavier offset designs.
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