ESP LTD MT-130 BLK

ESP LTD MT-130 BLK review

The ESP LTD MT-130 BLK is a black, solid-body electric guitar with a 24-fret layout and three humbuckers. At a listed price of $275, it offers a straightforward set of features aimed at players who want a versatile pickup arrangement, a slim neck profile, and a tremolo without moving into a higher price bracket. It has been available since February 2025.

Its construction follows a familiar pattern for this category: a basswood body and top, a bolt-on maple neck, and an engineered hardwood fingerboard. The specification list uses both "linden" and "basswood" for the body and top. These refer to the same wood in this context. The supplied player comments praise the guitar's finish, comfortable neck, relatively light feel, and strong sound. Those impressions are useful context, though they do not replace a hands-on assessment of an individual instrument.

Construction and playability

The maple neck has a Thin U profile, which gives it a relatively narrow-feeling shape in the hand. The fingerboard radius is 350 mm, and the 648 mm scale is the standard 25.5-inch length. The nut measures 42 mm across. These dimensions provide a useful reference for players comparing the MT-130 BLK with guitars they already own, although comfort remains a matter of personal preference.

There are 24 extra-jumbo frets, giving players two octaves of range on each string and room to reach higher notes. Extra-jumbo frets can feel different from narrower fretwire, particularly when bending or applying vibrato, so players who have strong preferences should try the neck if possible. The available comments describe the neck as comfortable and easy to hold, which supports the guitar's appeal as a playable option at this price.

The black finish gives the instrument a restrained look, while chrome hardware provides contrast. The guitar comes with LTD machine heads. The listing does not specify a gig bag or case, and neither is included, so buyers should factor in the cost of protection and transport if they do not already have a suitable case.

Pickup layout and controls

The MT-130 BLK uses three humbuckers in an HSH arrangement. ESP LH-100N humbucker is fitted at the neck, an ESP Designed LS-100M humbucker sits in the middle, and an ESP LH-100B humbucker occupies the bridge position. The controls consist of one volume knob, one tone knob, and a five-way switch. This gives the player several pickup combinations from a simple control layout, rather than separate controls for each pickup.

The supplied owner feedback describes the sound as powerful and particularly suitable for rock and metal. That is a subjective report, but it aligns with the three-humbucker configuration and suggests the guitar is intended to handle amplified, higher-gain playing. The exact character will depend on the amplifier, effects, setup, and playing style. No output measurements or detailed tonal tests were provided, so claims about specific frequency response or performance in other genres would be speculative.

Tremolo and practical considerations

A two-point tremolo is included. The product information does not give further details about its range, tuning stability, or adjustment system, so those aspects cannot be judged from the specification alone. Players who use a tremolo frequently may want to check its setup and return-to-pitch behavior on the specific guitar before buying. The hardware is chrome, but no locking tuners or locking nut are listed.

At $275, the MT-130 BLK brings together a 24-fret neck, three humbuckers, a five-way switch, and a two-point tremolo. That is a substantial feature set for an entry-level price, with the usual caveat that setup quality can vary from one guitar to another. A fresh setup may be worth considering if the action, intonation, or tremolo feel does not suit the player straight out of the box.

Verdict

The ESP LTD MT-130 BLK is a compelling option for players looking for a black electric guitar with a maple neck, a slim profile, and a flexible three-humbucker layout. Owner comments highlight good construction for the price, comfortable handling, light weight, and a strong sound, with rock and metal named as especially suitable styles. Its main practical omissions are equally clear: no case or bag is included, and the available specifications do not establish how the tremolo performs under heavy use.

For a buyer seeking a feature-rich guitar around $275, the MT-130 BLK merits a closer look. Confirm the setup and tremolo behavior on the individual instrument, and budget for a case if needed. The listed item number is 604449, and the sales unit is one guitar.