LAS1FRFMBLKAQSB-B vs LGH600BLK-B — Compare
ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with Case vs ESP LTD GH-600 Gary Holt Guitar Black B-Stock
The AS-1 FR offers versatile tonal range with vintage warmth and coil-split flexibility, suiting players who mix rock and metal with occasional jazz applications. The GH-600 prioritizes extreme metal aggression and drop-tuning stability with a tighter, more focused tone, making it the choice for dedicated metal players and those using extended pitch manipulation.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with Case
ESP LTD GH-600 Gary Holt Guitar Black B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with Case | ESP LTD GH-600 Gary Holt Guitar Black B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,359.20 | $1,359.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | — | LTD EC |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Pau Ferro | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | Unknown | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with Case
- ✓ Seymour Duncan pickups deliver warm vintage character alongside high-output punch
- ✓ Coil-split and tone knob provide genuine tonal range across multiple genres
- ✓ Slightly warmer, more balanced midrange suits rock, metal, and jazz versatility
Why choose ESP LTD GH-600 Gary Holt Guitar Black B-Stock
- ✓ EMG high-output pickups optimized for tight, articulate modern metal tone
- ✓ Thinner U-contour neck enables faster position shifts for aggressive playing
- ✓ Tighter sustain and clearer bridge clarity excel in drop tunings and extreme pitch bends
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for drop tunings and extreme tremolo use?
The GH-600 is purpose-built for drop tunings with a tighter sustain profile and 350mm fingerboard radius optimized for aggressive technique. Both have Floyd Rose systems and locking nuts, but the GH-600's EMG pickups and voicing are specifically voiced for modern metal's extreme pitch manipulation.
Can the AS-1 FR handle heavy metal and thrash?
Yes, the AS-1 FR can handle metal with its Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup and high-output capability. However, its warm vintage character and wider tonal range make it less focused on pure metal aggression than the GH-600's EMG configuration.
What's the main difference in neck feel?
The AS-1 FR has a U-shaped neck designed for balanced comfort across many playing styles, while the GH-600 features a thinner U-contour optimized for fast metal technique and rapid fret navigation. The GH-600's 350mm radius is tighter than the AS-1 FR's 305mm, supporting more aggressive playing.
Are both B-stock units playable and reliable?
Yes, both B-stock guitars are fully playable with only minor cosmetic marks—no impact on tone, sustain, or hardware function. Both include professional-grade Floyd Rose and locking nut systems suitable for intermediate, advanced, and professional players.