ESP LTD XJ-1 HT Electric Guitar in Black Blast
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- SKU
- LXJ1HTBLKBLAST
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The swamp ash body and roasted maple bolt-on neck give the XJ-1HT a bright, snappy attack with plenty of midrange body, and the Hipshot hardtail with string-thru-body stringing adds sustain and tight, focused note definition. Its Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic bridge humbucker switches between a clearer vintage-leaning voice and a hotter modern one via the push-pull volume, covering everything from cutting clean and crunch tones to high-gain rhythm and lead work. With a 25.5" scale that holds tension in standard and drop tunings, a flat-feeling Macassar ebony board and stainless frets, it favors fast, articulate playing — hard rock, modern metal, and single-pickup studio and stage work where clarity matters more than pickup switching options.
ESP LTD XJ-1HT Electric Guitar in Black Blast
The XJ-1HT cuts through with a thin U-shaped neck profile built for speed and precision without sacrificing comfort during long sets. Its swamp ash body paired with a three-piece roasted maple neck creates a resonant platform that balances brightness with warmth, and the bolt-on construction ensures the sharp attack and clarity demanded by players who refuse compromise on tone or playability.
Playability & Feel
The 25.5" scale maintains optimal string tension across standard and drop tunings, while the Macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius delivers a dense, smooth playing surface that articulates every note. 22 XJ stainless frets enable effortless bending and vibrato, and the 42mm molded nut provides comfortable string spacing for both rhythm work and lead passages.
Tone & Electronics
The Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic bridge humbucker offers multiple voices via push-pull volume control, delivering everything from vintage clarity to modern power in a single pickup configuration. Hardware specs include LTD locking tuners for tuning stability and a Hipshot hardtail with string-thru-body design that maximizes sustain and intonation precision.
Key Features
- Body: Swamp ash with textured sandblasted Black Blast finish
- Neck: Three-piece thin U-shaped roasted maple, bolt-on construction with tilt-back reverse headstock
- Scale length: 25.5"
- Fingerboard: Macassar ebony with 350mm radius and pearloid block inlays
- Frets: 22 XJ stainless
- Nut: 42mm molded type
- Tuners: LTD locking tuners
- Bridge: Hipshot hardtail with string-thru-body
- Pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic bridge humbucker with multiple voices via push-pull control
- Electronics: Active, single volume control with push/pull voice selector
- Stock strings: D'Addario XL110 (.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046)
This instrument combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations, delivering the precision and versatility required for gigs and studio work alike—a reliable stage companion that stands up to night after night of demanding performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CXJFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for XJ 6 & 12-String Guitars (Case Only)
20% off with this guitar: $183.20 $229.00
It ships inside the same box — and your guitar arrives protected.
Specifications
| Body Style | Jazzmaster |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 25.5" Scale |
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Bridge | Hipshot |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Made In | South Korea |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar suited for?
The XJ-1 is built for intermediate through professional players. Its thin U-shaped neck profile and 22 XJ stainless steel frets reward fast, articulate playing, making it ideal for those with solid technique and experience in lead-driven styles.
Can I use this guitar for styles other than metal and hard rock?
The XJ-1 is optimized for hard rock, metal, and progressive music. While the Fishman Fluence pickup offers vintage clarity alongside modern power, the instrument's design and single-pickup configuration are not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How does the Fishman Fluence pickup voice switching work?
The bridge Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic humbucker includes a push-pull volume control that switches between multiple voices, letting you access everything from vintage clarity to modern power without changing pickups—ideal for tracking different tones in a session.
What tunings does the 25.5" scale handle?
The 25.5" scale length maintains optimal string tension for both standard and drop tunings, giving you flexibility for heavier material without sacrificing playability or intonation stability.
Why choose a hardtail bridge over a tremolo system?
The Hipshot hardtail with string-thru-body design maximizes sustain and intonation precision while eliminating the maintenance and tuning instability of a tremolo system—perfect for players who prioritize reliability on stage and in the studio.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $105 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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