ESP LTD Alexi Hexed Sawtooth

ESP LTD Alexi Hexed Sawtooth review

The ESP LTD Alexi Hexed Sawtooth is a distinctive, stripped-down signature guitar built around the playing style and design associated with Alexi Laiho. Its sharp V-style body, purple fade finish, and pinstripes make a strong visual statement, while the layout stays deliberately simple: one bridge humbucker and one volume control. Listed at 1745, it sits in a price range where players should expect careful construction and dependable hardware. Owner reports suggest the guitar can deliver both, though there are also accounts of setup and tremolo issues that deserve attention before buying.

Construction and feel

The body is alder, with a maple neck running through the body and a Macassar ebony fingerboard. The neck has a Thin U profile, a 42 mm nut width, and a 648 mm scale. Twenty-four X-Jumbo frets provide access to the full range, and sawtooth inlays reinforce the model's unmistakable look. The purple fade finish with pinstripes is a major part of its appeal. One owner described the paint as nearly perfect, with clean fretwork and a smooth transition between the painted body and the unfinished neck.

Players familiar with this style of V guitar may find the upper frets easy to reach. One reviewer also praised the scalloped fret sections, saying notes on the high strings stayed clear in positions where they had sometimes faded on other guitars. That response is subjective, but it points to a practical benefit for lead playing. The instrument's single-control layout also suits players who want to adjust volume quickly without extra switches or knobs in the way.

Pickup and playing response

The factory pickup is an EMG HZ FH-2 passive humbucker in the bridge position. There is no neck pickup, and the guitar has no active electronics. Players who mainly use high-gain tones may find the pickup direct and articulate. One long-time player was impressed by the clarity and response under distortion, and also reported satisfying clean tones. Other owners found the pickup less aggressive than expected, describing it as somewhat thin or muddy for metal until they used a boost or replaced it with a Seymour Duncan Black Winter.

That split in opinion makes the pickup worth auditioning rather than assuming it will suit every rig. The guitar's simple controls leave little room to reshape the sound at the instrument itself. Players who rely on a particular boost, amplifier, or pickup voicing should consider how the stock humbucker behaves with their own equipment before committing.

Floyd Rose performance and quality control

The Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking tremolo is central to the Sawtooth's appeal. Some owners say it returns to pitch reliably after dive bombs and heavy use. Others reported problems, including tuning instability during ordinary vibrato, a loose-feeling arm, and fine tuners that did not turn smoothly. One buyer also said the locking nut failed to clamp the first and second strings because a mounting screw sat too high. A replacement reportedly had the same issue.

These reports do not establish that every guitar has a defective tremolo. They do show why a careful inspection matters. Check that the locking nut clamps each string cleanly, the arm has no unwanted play, and the fine tuners move through their range without catching. Have the guitar tested through repeated tremolo use and confirm that it returns to pitch. If something feels wrong, contact the retailer or ESP before attempting hardware changes that could affect warranty coverage.

There is also a report of a neck-adjustment rod that was unusually difficult to access or turn, although the owner said it worked correctly. This is another reason to have a qualified technician inspect the setup if adjustment feels abnormal.

Case, value, and verdict

An ESP case is included, and owners describe it as sturdy and well finished. It is also notably large, which may be inconvenient for musicians who travel frequently. No gig bag is included. The guitar has been available since April 2022, and the supplied strings are D'Addario XL120, in gauges from.009 to.042.

For fans of Alexi Laiho and players seeking a focused, high-performance V-style guitar, the Hexed Sawtooth has substantial appeal. Its finish, neck feel, fret access, and minimal controls drew strong praise from owners, including experienced players who compared it favorably with other guitars they own. The main reservation is consistency in the locking and tremolo hardware, alongside mixed opinions about the stock pickup. At this price, a thorough inspection and a proper setup are sensible parts of the purchase. If the individual instrument checks out and the pickup suits your rig, the Sawtooth offers a compelling playing experience with a distinctive look.