ESP LTD M-7B HT Black Metal II
The ESP LTD M-7B HT Black Metal II is a focused seven-string guitar with a long scale, stainless steel frets, and a selectable three-voice active bridge pickup. Its specialized setup and lack of an included case are worth considering at this price.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
ESP LTD M-7B HT Black Metal II: Technical Review
The ESP LTD M-7B HT Black Metal II is a seven-string electric guitar built around an extended 686 mm scale, a neck-through maple construction, and a single active bridge humbucker. Its listed price is 1599. The specifications point to a focused layout: one pickup, one master volume control, a voice-selection switch, and a fixed bridge that routes the strings through the body. No tremolo system, case, or bag is included.
The finish is listed as Black Redburst Satin, while the general color field says Black/Red. ESP lists an alder body without a separate top. The available specifications do not identify a carved cap or decorative top wood, so the finish and alder body are the relevant construction details here.
Neck, Scale, and Fingerboard
The three-piece maple neck runs through the body, rather than attaching at a bolt-on joint. That construction gives the instrument a continuous neck-and-body structure, though the specifications alone cannot establish how an individual guitar will sustain or feel in use. The neck profile is Extra Thin U, a narrow-feeling profile designation by name, but player comfort will depend on hand size and preference.
At 686 mm, or 27 inches, the scale is longer than the conventional 25.5-inch scale common on many electric guitars. On a seven-string instrument, that extended length can help keep the lower string under tension at a given tuning and string gauge. It also changes the reach between frets compared with a shorter-scale guitar. The supplied string set is D'Addario XL110-7, gauged.010 to.059, but no factory tuning is specified.
The Macassar ebony fingerboard has a 400 mm radius and carries 24 extra-jumbo stainless-steel frets. Stainless steel is the stated fret material, while the fret size is identified as XJ. The combination gives the player two full octaves per string before accounting for any setup or playing technique. The nut is molded and measures 48 mm wide, a specification worth checking for players moving from narrower six-string necks.
Pickup and Controls
The pickup is a Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 7 three-voice active bridge humbucker. It is the only pickup listed, and the control layout reflects that single-pickup arrangement: a master volume knob and a voice-selection toggle. The supplied information does not describe the individual voices, their wiring, or the switching positions, so specific tonal differences cannot be confirmed from these specifications alone.
Active electronics distinguish this pickup system from a passive pickup setup, but the data does not state the power source, battery access, or battery life. Buyers should verify those details with the seller or the product documentation before purchase. There is no neck pickup or pickup selector listed beyond the voice-selection switch.
Bridge and Hardware
A Hipshot fixed bridge anchors the strings through the body. With no tremolo, the bridge prioritizes a stationary string path and avoids the moving bridge assembly found on vibrato-equipped guitars. The listed hardware is black, and LTD locking machine heads are fitted. The specifications do not state the bridge's individual saddle adjustment range or the precise locking mechanism at the nut, which is described only as molded.
The model's long scale, seven-string layout, and.059-inch low string make setup especially relevant. String gauge, tuning, and playing style affect feel and intonation, so the included set should be treated as the supplied configuration rather than a universal recommendation. A professional setup may be useful if the player changes tuning or gauge.
What the Specifications Establish
The M-7B HT Black Metal II has a clear technical identity: an alder body, a three-piece maple neck-through structure, a Macassar ebony fingerboard, and a single active seven-string bridge humbucker. Its 27-inch scale and fixed Hipshot bridge are central design choices. The 48 mm nut, Extra Thin U profile, and 24 stainless-steel frets provide concrete points for evaluating fit and construction before buying.
No customer reviews are available for this product, so there is no basis here for claims about owner satisfaction, reliability, factory setup, or real-world sound. The supplied information also does not include weight, neck dimensions beyond the profile and nut width, case compatibility, or an included bag. The listed price is 1599, with no currency specified in the provided data. For a purchase decision, confirm current pricing, the active pickup's power requirements, and the exact setup with the retailer.
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
- Long 27-inch scale and seven-string layout suit lower tunings.
- Three-voice active Seymour Duncan bridge pickup offers selectable tonal options.
- Maple through-neck, ebony fingerboard, and 24 stainless steel frets.
What bugged me
- No gig bag or case is included.
- The 27-inch scale and seven-string neck may feel unfamiliar to some players.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A strong fit for players seeking a seven-string guitar with a 27-inch scale, lower-tuning flexibility, and an active bridge pickup with selectable voices. Its through-neck construction and stainless steel frets may also appeal to players prioritizing durable fretwork.Look elsewhere if
Less suitable for players who prefer a shorter scale, a simpler six-string setup, or a guitar with passive pickups. Buyers who need an included case or bag should budget for one separately.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Black/Red
- Body
- Alder
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 686 mm
- Pickups
- H
- Tremolo
- None
- Incl. bag
- No
- Including case
- No
- Pickup system
- H
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is this a seven-string guitar?
Yes. It has a seven-string layout and comes fitted with D'Addario XL110-7 strings.
What is the scale length?
The scale is 686 mm, or 27 inches, which is longer than a standard 25.5-inch guitar scale.
What pickup and controls does it have?
It has one Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 7 three-voice active bridge humbucker, a master volume control, and a voice-selection toggle switch.
Does the guitar include a case or bag?
No. Neither a gig bag nor a case is included.
What is the neck construction and fretboard material?
It has a three-piece maple through-neck, a Macassar ebony fingerboard, and 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets.
The last word from the bench
This model pairs a 27-inch scale with a seven-string layout for players who want a guitar suited to lower tunings. Its maple through-neck, Macassar ebony fingerboard, stainless steel frets, and Hipshot bridge make for a substantial hardware and construction package. The active bridge pickup adds three selectable voices, while the single master volume keeps the controls simple. At $1,599, buyers should account for the fact that neither a bag nor a case is included.
Hanging next to it
ESP LTD M-7B HT Black Metal II
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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