LTD Explorer Guitars

The LTD Explorer is actually just an Explorer shaped guitar. It does not duplicate the Explorer design exactly, but provides a strikingly similar shape with more edge to it.

The shape of the LTD EX series offers the world a cutting edge appearance and is popular with the metal crowd. It is available in various models called the LTD EX-50, EX-250, EX-260, EX-301, EX-400, and EX-401.

There are plenty of reviews over at Harmony Central as well as a few other guitar forums around the internet.

LTD seems to have an affiliation with ESP, I am not sure how the companies are intertwined, one owns the other or if LTD is simply a model of ESP? I'm looking for more information.

LTD guitars are made by ESP and more information can be found on them at espguitars.com. They currently feature multiple color variations for this model on their site labeled the EX series.

The EX series features a rosewood fingerboard and a mahogeny neck as well as 3 controls and EMG pickups. The EX Explorer shaped guitars are popular with the metal crowd and seem to go hand in hand with serious shredding.

About LTD Explorers

The sheer appearance of the EX explorer-style series guitar will make you want to drop everything and simply shred.

The list of famous and accomplished guitarists who use ESP brand guitars is long and well rounded. Some big names in the entertainment industry are Damon Johnson from Alice Cooper, George Lynch of Dokken, Mike Duda of Wasp, Richie Sambora, Rob Caggiano, Ron Wood, and many more.

Pro musicians love LTD guitars, check out the who's who on the ESP artist list. There seems to be anenormous presence in the metal world.

This is all the specific info I have right now but if you'd like to add to this description I'd appreciate any information you might have like precise descriptions, pictures, production years, availablilty, and that sort of info. If you can help out, please do.

If you are looking to buy or get an idea on prices, some of the popular online instrument suppliers stock LTD equipment. We would like to see some input from LTD Explorer guitar owners.

LTD Guitars for Sale

The selection of LTD guitars at guitar stores can vary significantly depending on the size and type of the store. Larger music stores in major cities or musical hubs often have a wide and diverse selection of guitars. These stores may carry guitars from various well-known brands, including popular models, limited editions, and higher-end instruments.

Online music retailers also provide a vast selection of LTD guitars, offering access to models from various manufacturers and sometimes exclusive online-only offerings.

In recent years, the availability of LTD guitars has expanded globally, thanks to e-commerce and online retailers. Customers can now access a broader range of guitars from around the world through online stores, increasing the selection options available to them.

LTD for Dummies

For the handful of you metalheads who are unfamiliar with the LTD brand, this is what I call "LTD for dummies". The first LTD (Electric Guitar Company, Ltd.) guitar was introduced in the early 1990s. ESP (Electric Sound Products) Guitars, the parent company of LTD, is a renowned Japanese guitar manufacturer that was founded in 1975 by Hisatake Shibuya. ESP initially focused on producing high-quality replacement parts and custom-made guitars.

In the late 1980s, ESP began to expand its product line to offer more affordable versions of their instruments. They created the LTD brand as a subsidiary to provide more budget-friendly alternatives while maintaining the ESP design and quality standards.

The exact year of the first LTD guitar release might vary depending on the specific model and region, but generally, LTD guitars became available in the early 1990s. The LTD brand quickly gained popularity among musicians for offering a wide range of instruments at various price points, making ESP's renowned craftsmanship and design more accessible to players worldwide.

Since its inception, LTD has become a well-established brand known for producing high-quality guitars suitable for different playing styles and musical genres. Today, the LTD line includes a diverse array of electric, acoustic, and bass guitars that cater to players of all levels, from beginners to professional metalheads.

The LTD Electric Guitar Company has a wide network of global distributors. The availability of LTD guitars worldwide is facilitated through a network of authorized dealers and distributors, ensuring that their instruments are accessible to musicians in various countries and regions.

LTD guitars are distributed through a combination of local music stores, online retailers, and official dealerships in different countries. These distributors work directly with ESP to carry and sell LTD guitars, providing customers with a wide range of models and options to choose from.

If you are interested in purchasing an LTD guitar in a specific country or region, I recommend visiting the official ESP Guitars website or contacting their customer support to find a list of authorized dealers and distributors near you. This will ensure that you are purchasing a genuine LTD guitar with the full support and warranty provided by the manufacturer.

Pros and Cons of LTD

As with any guitar brand, LTD guitars have received both positive feedback and occasional complaints from guitar players and customers. It's important to note that individual experiences can vary, and what might be a complaint for one person might not be an issue for another. Some of the common complaints or criticisms about LTD guitars reported by some players include:

1. Quality Control: Some players have reported issues with quality control, particularly on certain models. Complaints include uneven fretwork, sharp fret ends, or minor cosmetic flaws.
2. Electronics and Hardware: Occasionally, players have experienced problems with the stock electronics and hardware, such as pickups, switches, or tuners. Some players prefer to upgrade these components to suit their preferences.
3. Playability: While LTD guitars are generally known for their playability, some players might find that certain guitars may require adjustments or setup to optimize playability and intonation.
4. Limited Availability: Some players in certain regions have expressed concerns about the limited availability of specific LTD models, especially compared to more popular guitar brands.
5. Resale Value: Some players feel that the resale value of LTD guitars is lower compared to certain other guitar brands, particularly when selling used instruments.

It's important to remember that these complaints represent only a portion of the feedback from players, and many other musicians have had positive experiences with their LTD guitars. LTD is known for producing a wide range of guitars at various price points, catering to different playing styles and preferences. LTD is definitely not without its loyal followers.

There are also plenty of players worship LTD electric guitars for several reasons, and it's important to note that individual preferences can vary. Some of the main reasons why people have a strong affinity for LTD guitars include:

1. Affordability: LTD guitars offer excellent value for money, providing high-quality instruments at more affordable price points compared to their parent company, ESP's, premium models. This affordability makes LTD guitars accessible to a wide range of players, including beginners and intermediate musicians.
2. Build Quality: LTD guitars are known for their solid construction and craftsmanship. They use quality tonewoods, components, and hardware, ensuring that players get a reliable and well-built instrument.
3. Playability: Many players find LTD guitars to be comfortable and easy to play. The fretwork, neck profile, and setup contribute to a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.
4. Versatility: LTD offers a diverse range of guitar models that cater to various playing styles and musical genres. Whether you're into rock, metal, blues, jazz, or other genres, you can find an LTD guitar suitable for your preferences.
5. Unique Designs: LTD guitars often feature unique and modern designs, appealing to players who want an instrument with a distinctive look.
6. ESP Heritage: As a subsidiary of ESP Guitars, LTD benefits from ESP's reputation and heritage. Many players associate LTD guitars with the high-quality standards and craftsmanship of the ESP brand.
7. Artist Signature Models: LTD offers artist signature models, allowing fans of specific musicians to own guitars designed to their favorite artists' specifications.
8. Reliability: Many musicians appreciate LTD guitars for their reliability and consistent performance, making them suitable for both live performances and studio recordings.
9. Customer Support: ESP provides customer support and warranty services for LTD guitars, assuring players that they can rely on the manufacturer's support if any issues arise.
10. Collectibility: Some LTD models, particularly limited editions or discontinued models, have become collectible items among guitar enthusiasts, further adding to their appeal.

The reasons why players love LTD guitars depend on individual preferences, playing style, and musical needs. Whether you're a beginner looking for an affordable and reliable instrument or an experienced player seeking a versatile guitar for various genres, LTD offers a range of options that have garnered a loyal following among musicians worldwide.

Other Explorer style guitars...

See also: Agile | Aria Pro | Cort | Dean | Dommenget | Epiphone | ESP | Gordon Smith | Hamer | Ibanez | Jackson | Kramer | LTD | O Hagan | Peavey | Tokai