LALEXISAWTOOTHSE-B vs LGHSVBLK — Compare
ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD GH-SV BLK guitar
The Alexi Laiho Sawtooth prioritizes extreme speed and scalloped upper frets for technical metal shredding with a passive humbucker, while the GH-SV Gary Holt offers a more versatile platform with active EMG electronics and slightly shorter scale for easier playability across metal and hard rock. Choose the Sawtooth if you're a seasoned technical player demanding maximum sustain and fret access; choose the GH-SV if you want active electronics flexibility and a more comfortable, forgiving playability curve.
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ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar B-Stock | ESP LTD GH-SV BLK guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,519.20 | $1,999.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Black Metal | — |
| Body | Explorer | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | — | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | H | Active HH |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Original | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Year | Unknown | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD ALEXI LAIHO SAWTOOTH 20TH ANNIV guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Scalloped frets 19–24 enable extreme speed and bending precision for technical metal
- ✓ 25.5" scale length maximizes sustain and articulation
- ✓ Single EMG HZ F-H2 passive humbucker avoids active electronics noise and complexity
- ✓ Neck-thru maple construction delivers maximum resonance and upper-fret access
Why choose ESP LTD GH-SV BLK guitar
- ✓ Active EMG 89R and 81 electronics offer coil-splitting versatility for tonal shaping
- ✓ 24.75" scale is slightly shorter, reducing hand stretch for faster position changes
- ✓ Mahogany neck and body with maple cap provide warmer resonance alongside aggression
- ✓ Direct-mount active pickups deliver punchy, cutting clarity for both rhythm and lead work
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for beginners or intermediate players?
The GH-SV is more accessible for intermediate players due to its shorter 24.75" scale, which reduces hand stretch. The Sawtooth's 25.5" scale and scalloped upper frets are optimized for advanced technical players who already have strong speed and precision.
How do the pickup systems differ tonally?
The Sawtooth uses a single passive EMG HZ F-H2 for high-output, articulate aggression without active electronics noise. The GH-SV pairs active EMG 89R (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) pickups with coil-splitting, offering more tonal shaping options and a thicker, more cutting character ideal for heavy riffing.
Which one is better for extreme dive bombs and whammy effects?
Both feature double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 bridges for stable tuning. The Sawtooth's longer scale and neck-thru maple construction provide superior sustain for dramatic whammy work, while the GH-SV's active EMG system excels at cutting through a mix during dive-bomb passages.
Is the scalloped fretboard worth the learning curve?
Scalloped frets (19–24 on the Sawtooth) significantly speed up rapid position shifts and bending once mastered, but require adjustment from players accustomed to flat fretboards. The GH-SV's traditional flat 22-fret board is more immediately comfortable and versatile across genres.