ESP LTD Phoenix QM Tobacco Burst
The ESP LTD Phoenix QM Tobacco Burst pairs a powerful, clear humbucker with well-regarded locking hardware and an distinctive offset design. Be prepared to check the setup, and note that its sound and shape may not suit every player.
★★★★★ 4.8/5 · 5 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
ESP LTD Phoenix QM Tobacco Burst review
The Phoenix QM has an uncommon outline and a specific set of appointments: a mahogany body with a quilted maple top, a three-piece maple neck running through the body, and a single ESP-exclusive Seymour Duncan Custom 14 humbucker. Its Tobacco Sunburst finish and black hardware give the guitar a strong visual identity. The shape will not suit every player, but one owner found it attractive in person and liked that it had more personality than a conventional design.
ESP lists the guitar at $855, with availability beginning in October 2024. The fingerboard is Macassar ebony, and the neck has a Thin U profile. Its 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale, 42 mm nut width, and 350 mm (13.78-inch) fingerboard radius provide useful reference points for players deciding whether the neck dimensions suit their hands. There are 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets.
Construction and setup
Owner feedback on the build is favorable overall. One reviewer described the assembly as particularly good and praised the fit and finish, while another reported that the guitar was surprisingly light for its size. That is an individual impression, not a published weight specification. The through-body maple neck is a substantial part of the design, and the instrument's distinct shape may take some adjustment if you are used to more familiar electric-guitar outlines.
The bridge is a Tonepros locking Tune-O-Matic, with a matching tailpiece. A player specifically appreciated the locking screws, saying they kept the bridge steady and stopped the tailpiece from coming loose during string changes. LTD locking tuners are also included. That hardware drew positive comments for tuning stability, though the reports do not establish how the guitar behaves under every playing style or setup.
One owner found the basic factory setup usable, including the nut filing and scale adjustment, but still needed to adjust neck relief and string height. Another reviewer objected to the nut material, describing it as plastic and wishing for an upgrade. That criticism stands out against the otherwise positive comments on construction and hardware. Buyers should check the nut and setup in person where possible, or budget time for a professional adjustment.
Pickup and controls
The listed pickup is an ESP-exclusive Seymour Duncan Custom 14 humbucker, with a volume control that has a push-pull function. The supplied information does not specify a pickup model for the push-pull split, but one owner reported that the humbucker split well and remained more usable in volume than a split pickup in another guitar. The same player noted that picking harder helped balance the drop in output.
Opinions on the pickup were not unanimous. One player found it powerful, clear, and well suited to metal, while another felt the sound was quite specific and needed processor adjustments to become satisfactory. That difference is worth taking seriously: the pickup may work well for a focused, high-gain setup, but its response and split sound will depend on the player's amplifier, effects, and expectations. It is best to audition it with the equipment you actually use.
Who should consider it
The Phoenix QM makes the most sense for players drawn to its distinctive shape, a single-humbucker layout, and a stable bridge setup. Its 22 stainless steel frets, locking hardware, and push-pull volume control give it a practical feature set, while the maple neck-through construction and figured top supply much of its visual and structural character. There is no tremolo, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included.
Feedback from owners ranges from enthusiastic praise to a few specific reservations about the nut, setup, and pickup voicing. Taken together, the reports suggest a well-assembled guitar with excellent hardware and a characterful design, but one that deserves a proper setup and a hands-on pickup test before purchase. If the silhouette appeals to you and the Seymour Duncan's sound works with your rig, the Phoenix QM offers a compelling alternative to more familiar LTD shapes.
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
- Strong, clear Seymour Duncan humbucker suited to metal and other high-gain styles
- Locking bridge, tailpiece, and tuning machines receive praise for stability and build quality
- Players describe it as comfortable to play, attractive, and surprisingly light for its size
What bugged me
- Neck relief and string height may need adjustment after purchase
- One player reported string buzz and needed to fine-tune their processor for a satisfactory sound
- The nut is plastic, which one buyer felt was a mismatch for the instrument's overall quality
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for players seeking a distinctive guitar with a powerful humbucker, dependable locking hardware, and a sound suited to metal. Also a good fit for those comfortable checking and adjusting their instrument's setup.Look elsewhere if
Not ideal for buyers who need a case or gig bag included, or who expect a fully dialed-in setup right away. Players seeking a conventional guitar shape or a pickup with no noticeable volume drop when split may prefer another option.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Tobacco Sunburst
- Body
- Mahogany
- Neck
- Mahogany
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickup system
- HH
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- No
- Design
- FB-Style
- Top
- Quilted Maple
What other players say
Customers generally praise the guitar's assembly, distinctive appearance, comfortable playability, and hardware. The humbucker earns strong approval for its powerful, clear sound, while the push-pull function provides an alternate tone with some reported volume loss. Feedback also flags possible setup adjustments, one report of string buzz, and disappointment with the plastic nut.
First of all, the guitar is well assembled.
The quality of the hardware is excellent;
Very easy to play, beautiful-looking guitar
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is the Phoenix QM ready to play straight out of the box?
Not necessarily. One buyer reported that the neck relief and string height needed adjustment, so check the setup when it arrives.
What kind of sound does its pickup deliver?
The Seymour Duncan Custom 14 humbucker is described as powerful and clear, with particular praise for metal tones. One reviewer found its sound specific and adjusted their processor to suit it.
Can the pickup be split?
Yes. The volume control has a push-pull function. A customer found the split sound useful, while noting that the guitar becomes quieter.
Are the bridge and tuning machines stable?
Customers praised the locking bridge and tailpiece for staying firmly in place, and reported that the tuning machines hold tuning.
Does it come with a case or gig bag?
No. The supplied specifications list neither a case nor a gig bag.
The last word from the bench
Customer feedback points to strong assembly, excellent hardware, and a pickup that works particularly well for metal tones. The push-pull control offers a different sound, though one reviewer noted a volume drop when splitting the pickup. Some setup work may be needed, and a player reported buzz that required further adjustment. At the listed price of 855, it is an appealing choice for players who value its distinctive design and locking hardware.
Hanging next to it
ESP LTD Phoenix QM Tobacco Burst
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
Guitar Gear Reviews