LARROW1000QMCHBS-B vs LJMIIQMBLKSHB-B — Compare
ESP LTD Arrow-1000 QM Guitar Charcoal Burst Satin B-Stock vs ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock
The Arrow-1000 QM uses neck-thru mahogany construction for maximum sustain and uses a Floyd Rose bridge for aggressive tuning systems, while the JM-II is a bolt-on design with a fixed bridge optimized for speed and stability in progressive metal. Choose the Arrow-1000 QM if you need a versatile workhorse with whammy-bar capability; pick the JM-II if you want a signature model designed specifically for fast metalcore and progressive metal playing.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD Arrow-1000 QM Guitar Charcoal Burst Satin B-Stock
ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Arrow-1000 QM Guitar Charcoal Burst Satin B-Stock | ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,279.20 | $1,279.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Arrow | — |
| Body | Other | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2023 | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Arrow-1000 QM Guitar Charcoal Burst Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-thru mahogany body delivers higher sustain and resonance
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000SE bridge allows aggressive dive-bombing and vibrato effects
- ✓ 25.5" scale length supports wider tonal range and traditional rock/metal voicing
- ✓ Master volume with push/pull voice control provides on-the-fly tonal switching
Why choose ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock
- ✓ Bolt-on alder body with roasted maple neck optimized for speed and reduced hand fatigue
- ✓ Josh Middleton signature model with proven design for metalcore and progressive metal
- ✓ 350mm fingerboard radius on extra-jumbo frets reduces finger reach for rapid execution
- ✓ Active electronics with straightforward Volume/Tone layout for live simplicity
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metalcore specifically?
The JM-II is a Josh Middleton signature model explicitly designed for progressive metal and metalcore, with fingerboard radius and fret size optimized for that style. The Arrow-1000 QM is more broadly versatile but not genre-specific.
Do both guitars have the same pickups?
Yes, both use Fishman Fluence Modern Humbuckers with alnico neck and ceramic bridge pickups. Both also offer push/pull voice control for tonal variety, though the Arrow-1000 QM adds a separate master volume control.
What is the main construction difference?
The Arrow-1000 QM uses neck-thru mahogany construction for maximum sustain, while the JM-II uses a bolt-on alder body with roasted maple neck. Neck-thru typically provides more sustain; bolt-on is lighter and easier to service.
Which is better for playing without a whammy bar?
The JM-II is optimized for players who don't need or want a Floyd Rose, with a fixed bridge and ergonomic design for rhythmic precision. The Arrow-1000 QM requires commitment to Floyd Rose maintenance if you use the whammy bar.