ESP LTD Arrow-1007B Evertune Black

ESP LTD Arrow-1007B Evertune Black review

The ESP LTD Arrow-1007B Evertune Black is a seven-string electric guitar in the Arrow 1000 Deluxe Series, listed at $1,759. It pairs a mahogany body and a three-piece maple neck running through the body with a Macassar ebony fingerboard, Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, and an Evertune F bridge. ESP lists the model as available since October 2024. It comes without a case or gig bag, a meaningful omission at this price.

The 686 mm (27-inch) scale length suits the lower strings, helping them feel firm under the fingers. The neck has an Extra Thin U profile, a 48 mm nut, and 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Its compound fingerboard radius runs from 300 to 400 mm, or about 11.81 to 15.75 inches. The black finish is paired with black hardware, Grover tuners, and a three-way toggle switch. A push-pull master volume control provides another switching option, although the supplied specifications do not describe its exact function.

Build quality and setup

Reports from owners are mixed, so the condition of the individual instrument deserves attention. One player described a clean finish, an even fingerboard, well-leveled frets with neatly rounded ends, and a tidy plastic nut. That guitar arrived in tune with a moderately low action and no fret buzz. The fret ends were smooth, though not polished to a high sheen. Another owner reported a damaged tuning-machine screw, fingerboard scratches, and a nut that appeared to have been repaired. Those are serious issues on a guitar in this price range, even if they do not establish that every example has the same problems.

One reviewer found the change from the matte neck finish to the glossy body finish at the heel easy to feel, but not intrusive while playing. The neck was described as a middle ground: slimmer than a typical ESP neck but thicker than some very flat, fast profiles. That balance can help the long-scale neck feel stable under heavier strings, while remaining comfortable for quick fretting. Neck shape is personal, so players who prefer an especially shallow D profile may find the U-shaped carve less familiar.

Playability and Evertune bridge

The Evertune bridge is the model's defining hardware choice. Its design helps maintain pitch under normal playing conditions, and one owner found the guitar in tune straight out of the box. That stability is particularly useful when playing low notes and heavy chords, where small pitch changes can become obvious. The system also allows the player to set how each string responds to bends. Depending on that setup, bends may be resisted or corrected, which can take some adjustment for players who rely on expressive pitch movement.

Evertune should not be treated as a guarantee that the guitar can never go out of tune. A separate owner called that promise a marketing myth and noted that the bridge's behavior depends on its adjustment. The system's logic was described as quick to understand, and setting it for a preferred tuning was considered straightforward. Still, players should learn its operating zones before a session, especially if they move between alternate tunings or use wide bends.

Fishman Fluence Modern sound

The pickup set consists of a ceramic Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker in the bridge and an alnico version in the neck, both in black nickel. One player praised the clear, defined high-gain response and the ability to hear individual strings in dense chords. That separation fits the guitar's extended range and makes it a natural match for tight rhythm parts.

Another owner was less impressed, describing the active setting as excessively high in gain and prone to making unwanted noise more noticeable. In passive mode, that player found the tone thinner than Duncan pickups. These reactions are subjective, and pickup height, amplifier settings, and the selected voicing can all influence the result. The push-pull volume control provides an additional option, but buyers should check the wiring details if a particular switching behavior matters to them.

Buying advice

At $1,759, the Arrow-1007B offers a distinctive combination of a long-scale seven-string layout, stainless steel frets, Fluence Modern pickups, and an Evertune bridge. Its main practical drawback is the lack of a case or gig bag. Add the cost of a suitable case when comparing it with alternatives, and inspect the instrument carefully on arrival. The owner accounts range from a clean, well-set-up guitar to examples with damage and repair concerns, so a thorough inspection and clear return terms matter.

For players who want dependable pitch behavior on low tunings and a defined high-gain sound, the specification is compelling. The neck profile and Evertune response may take some adjustment, and the pickup character will not suit every taste. Consider it a strong option when the instrument arrives in proper condition and the bridge's feel matches your playing style. At this price, consistent quality control and a case would make the package easier to recommend without reservation.