ESP LTD Arrow-1000NT CHMS LH

ESP LTD Arrow-1000NT CHMS LH review

The ESP LTD Arrow-1000NT CHMS LH is a six-string electric guitar built for left-handed players drawn to the V-shaped body. Its charcoal metallic matte finish, black hardware, and sharply pointed outline give it a distinctive look, while its core specification targets players who want a fast-playing instrument for heavier styles. It has been available since March 2023 and is listed at a price of 1,288. No case or gig bag is included.

The appeal is clear in the player feedback: one owner praised the guitar's appearance, thin neck, and ability to keep fast thrash metal riffs clear. Another was pleased with the fingerboard, binding, fret polishing, and the way harmonics came through. Those reports make the model sound promising for players who value speed and a focused high-gain sound. They also describe quality-control and reliability problems that are important to weigh against the price.

Construction and playability

The body is mahogany, with a maple neck and a Macassar ebony fingerboard. The neck has an extra-thin U profile and binding. Its 42 mm nut width and 648 mm scale length give the basic dimensions of a full-scale guitar, while the 300 to 400 mm compound-radius fingerboard transitions from a rounder feel near the nut to a flatter surface higher up the neck. There are 24 extra-jumbo frets.

One player described the neck as especially thin and narrow, and found it comfortable for quick riffs. That impression fits the stated profile, though comfort is personal and depends on hand size and preferred neck shape. The reported praise for polished frets and a well-finished fingerboard is encouraging, but it should not be treated as a guarantee that every instrument will arrive in the same condition.

Pickups and controls

The pickup layout is a pair of Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers: a ceramic model at the bridge and an alnico model at the neck. A three-way toggle selects the pickup configuration, and the volume control has a push-pull function for accessing two sounds. One owner reported that the pickups kept very fast riffs bright and distinct, without turning into a blur, and valued the push-pull control for the extra tonal option.

The guitar has no tremolo. Instead, its recessed Tonepros locking Tune-o-matic-style bridge uses string-through-body construction. LTD locking tuners complete the hardware, which has a black finish. The factory string set is D'Addario XL120, in gauges.009,.011,.016,.024,.032, and.042. Since the active pickup system depends on a battery, players should keep battery condition in mind when diagnosing a drop in output.

Fit and finish concerns

Feedback on build quality is mixed. One buyer found traces of residue around the string-through holes and was concerned that the holes were not centered evenly between the third and fourth strings. That player questioned whether the alignment could affect tuning stability or the bridge over time. These are reported observations from an individual instrument, not proof that all examples share the same issue, but they are specific enough to check during inspection.

A separate buyer reported receiving an instrument with broken body tips, returning it, and ordering another. The replacement initially worked, but its output later weakened. The buyer changed the battery several times and said the problem continued. This is a serious reliability complaint, although the available account does not establish the cause or indicate how common the fault is. Taken together with the finish concerns, it argues for checking the guitar promptly after delivery and contacting the retailer if anything seems wrong.

Verdict

The ESP LTD Arrow-1000NT CHMS LH fills a fairly specific need: a left-handed V-shaped guitar with a thin neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers. The positive reports point to a comfortable neck and a clear, forceful sound that suits fast metal playing. Its look is another major part of the proposition.

The reservations concern workmanship and one reported loss of output, rather than a lack of compelling specifications. At 1,288, buyers have good reason to expect careful finishing. Inspect the string-through area, body tips, hardware, and output when the instrument arrives, and test both pickup positions and the push-pull control. The listed package includes neither a case nor a gig bag, so storage and transport protection will need to be arranged separately. For a left-handed player specifically seeking this shape and sound, it merits consideration, with a close inspection before deciding to keep it.