LM1CTM87MGOLH vs LPHX1000QMSTBLKSBLH — Compare
ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Lefty Guitar Metallic Gold vs ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 QM Lefty Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
The M-1 CTM '87 is built for maximum aggression with a distortion-focused pickup and boost switch, ideal for metal and drop tunings, while the PHOENIX-1000 QM offers warm, versatile dual-pickup voicing suited to blues and studio work. Choose the M-1 for heavy genres and the PHOENIX-1000 for tonal flexibility across blues, hard rock, and session playing.
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ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Lefty Guitar Metallic Gold
ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 QM Lefty Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Lefty Guitar Metallic Gold | ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 QM Lefty Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.00 | $1,199.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD M | LTD Phoenix |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD M-1 CTM '87 Lefty Guitar Metallic Gold
- ✓ Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion pickup with aggressive output and coil split for single-coil versatility
- ✓ EMG PA-2 boost switch provides additional output control for driving hard
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 bridge enables extreme whammy techniques without tuning drift
- ✓ 24 extra jumbo frets maximize soloing range for contemporary techniques
Why choose ESP LTD PHOENIX-1000 QM Lefty Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
- ✓ Dual Seymour Duncan pickup setup (Phat Cat neck + Custom bridge) delivers warm, creamy to modern tones
- ✓ Mahogany neck-thru body provides natural warmth and resonant sustain across entire range
- ✓ Quilted maple top with See Thru Black Sunburst finish showcases wood grain and visual sophistication
- ✓ 42mm nut width offers ample string spacing without cramping, easier for frequent bending
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal and drop tunings?
The M-1 CTM '87 is designed specifically for metal and drop tunings. Its Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion pickup delivers the aggressive high output needed for distorted tones, and the EMG PA-2 boost switch provides additional output control for pushing amplifiers hard.
Which guitar has more tonal versatility?
The PHOENIX-1000 QM offers greater versatility with its dual-pickup configuration (Phat Cat neck for warm single-coil character and Custom bridge with coil split for modern voicing), making it suited to blues, hard rock, and studio sessions. The M-1 CTM '87 excels in distortion-heavy applications but is less versatile acoustically.
What's the key difference in neck and fret count?
The M-1 CTM '87 has 24 extra jumbo frets on a 13.7" radius fingerboard with a 1.692" nut width, optimized for speed and extended range. The PHOENIX-1000 QM has 22 extra jumbo frets with a wider 42mm nut width, making bending easier and providing ample string spacing without cramping.
Which guitar is better for live performance and studio work?
The PHOENIX-1000 QM is described as equally at home in the studio or on stage, with warm, resonant sustain and natural depth from its mahogany construction and quilted maple top. The M-1 CTM '87 is built for metal and aggressive styles rather than general-purpose studio versatility.