LHORIZONCTM87CAR vs LSN1BHTBLK — Compare

ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Guitar Candy Apple Red vs ESP LTD SN-1B Baritone Electric Guitar in Black

The Horizon Custom '87 is a versatile hard-rock workhorse with neck-thru construction and classic aesthetics, while the SN-1B is a specialized baritone built for extreme metal and djent with extended low-end tuning. Choose the Horizon for traditional rock/metal in standard tuning; choose the SN-1B if you specifically need drop-B territory and aggressive modern tones.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Guitar Candy Apple Red

$1,499.00
View ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Guitar Candy Apple Red

ESP LTD SN-1B Baritone Electric Guitar in Black

$1,499.00
View ESP LTD SN-1B Baritone Electric Guitar in Black

Specs side by side

ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Guitar Candy Apple RedESP LTD SN-1B Baritone Electric Guitar in Black
Price$1,499.00$1,499.00
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
SeriesLTD HLTD SN
BodyStratocaster
Body TypeSolidSolid
Scale25.5" Scale27" Baritone Scale
Strings66
Frets24 Frets24 Frets
FretboardEbonyEbony
NeckMapleUnknown / Other
BridgeTremoloFixed
Year20232023
ConditionNewNew

Why choose ESP LTD Horizon Custom '87 Guitar Candy Apple Red

  • Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and resonance
  • Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo enables wide pitch manipulation
  • Seymour Duncan Hotrail/Custom pickups with coil-splitting for tonal range
  • Classic '80s aesthetic with modern playability features

Why choose ESP LTD SN-1B Baritone Electric Guitar in Black

  • 27-inch baritone scale delivers thick, articulate low-end in B tuning
  • Scalloped frets (17–24) enhance precision and tonal clarity
  • Active Fishman pickup with Voice 2 flexibility for aggressive and clean tones
  • Roasted maple/purple heart neck provides stability and resonant fundamentals
Bottom line: Pick the Horizon Custom '87 if you play standard-tuning hard rock, metal, and progressive music and want tremolo access and classic appeal. Pick the SN-1B if you're committed to baritone tuning (B/E/A/D/F#/B) and need modern djent and metal aggression with extended clarity in the low register.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Horizon Custom '87 for metal as effectively as the SN-1B?

Yes, the Horizon excels in metal with its Seymour Duncan pickups and sustain-focused neck-thru design. However, the SN-1B's 27-inch baritone scale and B tuning are purpose-built for modern, heavier metal sounds; if you stay in standard or drop-D tuning, the Horizon is fully capable.

What's the key tuning difference?

The Horizon Custom '87 operates in standard tuning (E/A/D/G/B/E) with tremolo-enabled pitch bend control. The SN-1B is a baritone (27-inch scale) tuned to B/E/A/D/F#/B—two whole steps lower—designed for djent and extreme metal without the tremolo.

Which is easier to play for long sessions?

Both feature thin U-neck contours and 24 frets for comfort. The Horizon's extra-thin profile and neck-thru design may reduce fatigue slightly; the SN-1B's compact body complements its longer scale. Preference depends on hand size and whether you prefer standard or baritone string tension.

Which offers more tonal flexibility?

The Horizon's coil-splitting Seymour Duncans and master volume/tone controls provide wider range from cleans to overdriven tones. The SN-1B's active Fishman with Voice 2 switching excels at aggressive distortion and woody cleans, but within a heavier harmonic window; tonal flexibility favors the Horizon.

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