ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKS

ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKS review

The ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKS is a signature guitar for Behemoth guitarist Nergal, built around a sharp V-style body and a matte black finish. At $659, it targets players who want a metal-focused instrument with a distinctive shape and a straightforward control layout. The model has been available since May 2024.

Its angular outline is an immediate part of the appeal, but it also affects how the guitar sits and plays. A player's first adjustment may be learning to handle the V body, especially when seated. The field report recommends playing in the classical position, where the shape encourages a stable posture. Once positioned, the guitar feels purposeful rather than awkward, though it is less flexible than a conventional double-cutaway body.

Construction and hardware

The body is mahogany, finished in matte black, with no separate top. A three-piece maple neck is bolted to the body, and its thin U profile is intended to feel quick under the hand. The roasted jatoba fingerboard has a 350 mm radius and 24 extra-jumbo frets. The 648 mm scale is the familiar 25.5-inch length, while the nut measures 42 mm across.

The reported example arrived without scratches, and its finish and fretwork drew positive comments. The neck was described as comfortable to play, with no sharp fret ends noted. White dot markers along the side of the neck help with position checks, and the Behemoth logo at the 12th fret adds a fan-focused detail.

At the bridge, a Tonepros locking Tune-o-Matic design anchors the strings through the body. There is no tremolo system, so the layout favors a fixed setup and predictable tuning over pitch effects. LTD locking machine heads are listed in the specifications. One owner, however, said the tuners on their guitar were not locking. That mismatch is worth checking with the seller or on the specific instrument before purchase.

Pickups and controls

The specifications list an ESP LH-301N humbucker at the neck and an ESP LH-301B humbucker at the bridge. They are passive pickups, controlled by a master volume knob with a push-pull function and a toggle switch. The field notes describe the push-pull control as a coil split, which gives the player access to a thinner, more single-coil-like character alongside the fuller humbucker sounds.

Those notes report that the bridge pickup has less output than the neck and middle positions, so palm-muted parts may need more amplifier gain. The neck and middle settings were described as having a brighter, twangier quality, including when the coils are split. That range makes the guitar more useful than its aggressive looks might suggest, though its strongest case remains distorted rhythm and lead playing.

There is a discrepancy between the listed pickup models and one review that names LH-150 humbuckers. The supplied specifications identify the LH-301N and LH-301B, so those are the models to verify against the instrument in hand.

Playability and tuning

The Thin U neck profile received favorable comments for fast playing, and the 24-fret layout leaves room for high-register leads. The fixed bridge and through-body stringing also suit players who want a stable, no-frills setup. One owner found that the guitar held tuning reasonably well, but recommended replacing the original D'Addario XL110 strings. Those strings felt too light for lower tunings and could feel unstable in standard tuning.

The owner fitted a heavier set of 12, 60 strings without difficulty and used the guitar in drop B and C-sharp standard. That is one player's setup, not a guaranteed result for every guitar or playing style. Players planning to tune low should budget for a suitable string set and may want a setup check after changing gauges.

Verdict

The ESP LTD HEX-200 Nergal BLKS makes its strongest case for metal players who want a distinctive V-shaped instrument, a fast-feeling neck, passive dual humbuckers, and a fixed bridge. Its seated playing position takes some adjustment, and the reported difference between the listed locking tuners and one owner's experience deserves confirmation. The supplied gig bag and case are both absent, so transport protection is an additional consideration.

At $659, it offers a focused platform for heavy riffs and lead work, with a coil-split option for brighter tones. Behemoth fans will appreciate the signature details, while players less attached to the band may still find the build and playing feel compelling. Check the hardware and pickup versions with the retailer, then plan on choosing strings that match your tuning.