LAS1FRFMBLKAQSB-B vs LVOLSUNGOXBS — Compare

ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with Case vs ESP LTD Volsung Lars Frederiksen Guitar Oxblood Satin

The AS-1 FR emphasizes sustained lead work and expressive tremolo through its set-thru construction and Floyd Rose bridge, while the Volsung prioritizes cutting punch and fast rhythm playing with a set-neck design and signature EMG pickups. Choose the AS-1 FR if you want fluid lead soloing and tonal versatility; choose the Volsung if you prioritize aggressive midrange and a faster, slimmer neck for punk and metal rhythm work.

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

$1,359.20
View ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with Case

ESP LTD Volsung Lars Frederiksen Guitar Oxblood Satin

$1,699.00
View ESP LTD Volsung Lars Frederiksen Guitar Oxblood Satin

Specs side by side

ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with CaseESP LTD Volsung Lars Frederiksen Guitar Oxblood Satin
Price$1,359.20$1,699.00
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
BodySingle CutawaySingle Cutaway
Body TypeSolidSolid
Scale24.75" Scale24.75" Scale
Strings66
Frets22 Frets22 Frets
FretboardPau FerroEbony
NeckMapleMahogany
Neck ConstructionSet-Neck
Pickup ConfigurationHHActive HH
BridgeTremoloTune-O-Matic / Stopbar
YearUnknown2023
ConditionRefurbishedNew

Why choose ESP LTD AS-1 FR Guitar Black Aqua Sunburst B-Stock with Case

  • Set-thru construction delivers superior sustain and smooth upper-fret access
  • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo enables expressive pitch manipulation and tuning stability
  • Coil-split functionality on tone knob expands tonal palette across multiple genres
  • Seymour Duncan '59 and JB pickups provide warm vintage character with high-output aggression

Why choose ESP LTD Volsung Lars Frederiksen Guitar Oxblood Satin

  • Thinner U-shaped neck and 350mm radius enable faster, more aggressive playing feel
  • Signature EMG LF-DMF pickups deliver punchy midrange and cutting bridge articulation optimized for punk and metal
  • Set-neck construction with mahogany body at 24.75" scale offers stable, focused tone ideal for cutting through dense mixes
  • Luminlay glow-in-the-dark side markers provide visibility in any lighting condition
Bottom line: Pick the AS-1 FR if tremolo effects and lead-focused playability matter most; pick the Volsung if you want a guitar built specifically for aggressive rhythm work and fast, punchy tone in rock and punk contexts.

Frequently asked questions

What's the main construction difference, and how does it affect playability?

The AS-1 FR uses set-thru construction, where the neck extends through the body for maximum sustain and upper-fret access. The Volsung uses set-neck construction, which is more common and offers stability while enabling the thinner, faster-playing neck profile. Both scale at 24.75", but the AS-1 FR prioritizes lead expression while the Volsung prioritizes rhythm agility.

Which is better for punk and aggressive rhythm playing?

The Volsung is purpose-built for punk and metal rhythm work—its thinner neck, punchy EMG pickups, and focused midrange cut are optimized for that style. The AS-1 FR is more versatile across lead and rhythm but doesn't prioritize the aggressive midrange punch the Volsung delivers.

Can I do tremolo effects on both guitars?

Only the AS-1 FR has a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo bridge for expressive pitch manipulation. The Volsung has a standard bridge and is designed for traditional tuning stability in aggressive playing rather than tremolo effects.

How do the pickups compare in tone?

The AS-1 FR's Seymour Duncans deliver warm vintage character alongside aggression and work across multiple genres. The Volsung's EMG LF-DMF pickups are ceramic in the bridge for cutting clarity and Alnico V in the neck for punchy tone—optimized specifically for punk and metal cutting power rather than tonal versatility.

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