ESP LTD EXL-7B Black Metal II
The ESP LTD EXL-7B Black Metal II is a focused seven-string guitar built for low tunings, with a long scale, stainless steel frets, and a three-voice active bridge pickup. Its single-pickup layout keeps the controls simple but limits tonal flexibility.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
ESP LTD EXL-7B Black Metal II: technical review
The ESP LTD EXL-7B Black Metal II is a seven-string electric guitar with an EX-style body, a 27-inch scale length, and one active bridge pickup. Its listed price is 1599, with no currency specified in the supplied information. The specifications point to a focused setup: a mahogany body, a maple set neck, 24 frets, and a single master volume control. There is no customer feedback available, so this review assesses the listed construction and features rather than claiming anything about playing feel or sound.
Body, neck, and scale
The body is mahogany, with no separate top listed. Its finish is Black Redburst Satin, paired with black hardware. The neck is a three-piece maple set neck with a Thin U profile. A set neck differs from a bolt-on design in how the neck joins the body, but the specifications alone do not establish how this guitar will resonate or feel in use.
The 686 mm scale length, also listed as 27 inches, is longer than the familiar 25.5-inch scale found on many six-string guitars. On a seven-string instrument, that longer length is relevant to string tension and lower tuning choices, though the supplied information does not specify a recommended tuning. The listed string set is D'Addario XL110-7, with gauges from.010 to.059. Players considering a different tuning or gauge should check compatibility and setup requirements rather than assume the factory strings suit every use.
The Macassar ebony fingerboard has a 400 mm radius, and the neck has a 48 mm molded nut. The fingerboard radius and nut width are useful reference points when comparing neck dimensions with another guitar. The neck's Thin U profile gives a shape description, but actual comfort depends on hand size and playing preference. A hands-on assessment would be needed to judge that directly.
Pickup and controls
The guitar uses a Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 7 three-voice active bridge pickup. The control layout is deliberately spare: one master volume knob and one voice-selection toggle switch. The three-voice designation indicates selectable pickup voicings, but the supplied specifications do not describe their exact tonal character, output levels, or switching behavior. It would be inaccurate to assign specific sounds to each voice without further product documentation or direct testing.
There is no neck pickup listed. That makes the configuration straightforward, with the bridge position as the sole pickup source. The active pickup system is a meaningful practical detail, since active electronics generally require power. However, the available specifications do not state the battery type, expected battery life, or whether a battery is included. Buyers should confirm those details with the seller.
Bridge, frets, and included items
A TonePros locking Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece provide the listed bridge arrangement. LTD locking machine heads are fitted at the headstock. These are locking tuners, but no tuning-stability test or setup result is supplied, so the hardware description should not be treated as proof of performance under particular playing conditions. The guitar has 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Stainless steel is the fret material specified, while the exact fret dimensions are not provided.
The package information lists both a case and a bag as included. Their construction, model, and protective ratings are not specified. The item number is 652444, and the sales unit is one piece.
Who the specifications may suit
The EXL-7B is worth considering for players seeking a seven-string guitar with a longer scale, a single active bridge pickup, and a minimal control layout. Its 27-inch scale and.010,.059 string set are especially relevant details for anyone planning lower tunings. The EX-style body, satin Black Redburst finish, and black hardware define the listed appearance, while the set maple neck and Macassar ebony fingerboard describe the core neck construction.
There are also limits to what can be concluded from the spec sheet. It gives no weight, body dimensions, factory setup measurements, pickup battery details, or independent measurements of the electronics. There are no customer reviews available, and no direct playing impressions have been provided. For a purchase decision, verify the price and currency, included case and bag, and any setup needs with the retailer. Based on the documented features alone, this is a purpose-built seven-string configuration with clearly stated materials and hardware, but its feel and voice still require an in-person test.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- 27-inch scale and 24 stainless steel frets suit low tunings and frequent playing.
- Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 7 active bridge pickup offers three selectable voices.
- Mahogany body, three-piece maple set neck, Macassar ebony fingerboard, locking tuners, and included case and bag.
What bugged me
- The single bridge pickup and master volume provide limited onboard tone-shaping options.
- No tremolo system is included.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Well suited to seven-string players who want a long scale for low tunings, a fixed bridge, and a focused active bridge pickup. The included case and bag may also appeal to buyers seeking those accessories in the package.Look elsewhere if
Not a strong fit for players who need a neck pickup, extensive onboard tone controls, or a tremolo. Its specialized seven-string, long-scale setup may not suit players seeking a conventional six-string guitar.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Shape
- EX-Style
- Color
- Nero/Rosso
- Body
- Mahogany
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 686 mm
- Pickups
- H
- Active pickups
- Yes
- Tremolo
- None
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. bag
- Yes
- Pickup system
- H
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is this guitar suitable for low tunings?
Its 27-inch scale is well suited to low tunings, and it comes equipped with seven strings.
How many pickups does it have?
It has one Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 7 active bridge pickup, with three selectable voices.
Does it have a tremolo?
No. It uses a TonePros locking Tune-o-matic bridge with a stop tailpiece.
What is the neck and fingerboard construction?
It has a three-piece maple set neck with a Thin U profile and a Macassar ebony fingerboard.
Are a case and bag included?
Yes. The supplied product information lists both a case and a bag.
The last word from the bench
This model pairs a 27-inch scale with a mahogany body, maple set neck, and Macassar ebony fingerboard, making it a strong specification match for players seeking a dedicated low-tuned seven-string. The three-voice active bridge pickup adds useful tonal options within an otherwise minimal control layout. Locking tuners, a TonePros locking bridge, and included case and bag round out the hardware package. Consider another model if you need a neck pickup or a tremolo.
Hanging next to it
ESP LTD EXL-7B Black Metal II
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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