ESP LTD PHX-200DX RB
The ESP LTD PHX-200DX RB pairs a roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard with two passive humbuckers and a fixed bridge. At $472, its specifications make it a practical option for players seeking a simple, rock-focused guitar, though it has no tremolo and comes without a case or bag.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
ESP LTD PHX-200DX RB review
The ESP LTD PHX-200DX RB is an electric guitar with an FB-style shape, a Red Burst finish, and a pickup layout built around two passive humbuckers. Its listed price is 472, with no currency specified in the supplied information. The model has been available since April 2026, and its item number is 634552.
This is a specifications-based assessment, not a report from a playing session. No customer reviews are available, and the provided details do not establish how the guitar feels, sounds, or performs in practice. They do, however, give a clear picture of its construction, controls, and hardware.
Body, neck, and fingerboard
The body is made from poplar and topped with flamed maple. The top is listed as a separate construction element; the specifications do not say whether it is a thick cap or a thinner veneer. The Red Burst finish is paired with black hardware, giving the guitar a contrasting appearance on paper. No finish material or gloss level is specified.
A bolt-on roasted maple neck carries a rosewood fingerboard. Its profile is described as a Thin U, and the fingerboard radius measures 350 mm. The scale length is 648 mm, equivalent to 25.5 inches, and the nut width is 42 mm, or 1.65 inches. These dimensions provide useful reference points for comparison with other guitars, but they do not by themselves predict comfort or playability.
The fingerboard has 22 extra-jumbo frets. The listing provides the fret count and type, but not details such as fret material, fret finishing, or neck reinforcement. Those omissions make it difficult to draw conclusions about setup, durability, or maintenance needs from the specifications alone.
Pickups and controls
ESP equips the PHX-200DX RB with two LH-150 humbuckers, one in the neck position and one at the bridge. They are passive pickups, rather than active pickups. The guitar has one volume control and one tone control, with a push-pull function on the tone control, plus a toggle switch for selecting pickup configurations.
The listing does not explain what the push-pull control changes. It would be inaccurate to assume a particular coil-splitting or switching function without confirmation from ESP. Likewise, no pickup output measurements, wiring diagram, or tonal description is included. Buyers who need a specific switching option should verify the control function with the retailer or manufacturer before ordering.
Bridge, tuning hardware, and strings
The bridge system consists of a Tune-O-Matic bridge and a separate tailpiece. There is no tremolo. LTD machine heads are fitted, and the hardware is black. These details identify the general hardware arrangement, but the supplied information does not specify the machine-head ratio, bridge material, or adjustment range.
The factory strings are D'Addario XL110, in gauges.010,.013,.017,.026,.036, and.046. This is a useful starting reference if you want to replace the strings with the same set. Changing string gauge can affect setup, so any change may call for adjustments to the guitar.
What the specifications establish
- Construction: Poplar body, flamed maple top, and bolt-on roasted maple neck.
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, 350 mm radius, and 22 extra-jumbo frets.
- Dimensions: 648 mm scale length and 42 mm nut width.
- Electronics: Two passive LH-150 humbuckers, volume control, push-pull tone control, and toggle switch.
- Hardware: Tune-O-Matic bridge, tailpiece, LTD machine heads, black finish, and no tremolo.
The guitar is supplied as one piece. Neither a case nor a gig bag is included, so buyers should account for protection and storage separately. The listed details also do not include weight, country of manufacture, included accessories, or a setup specification.
Verdict
The ESP LTD PHX-200DX RB has a defined specification set: a poplar body with a flamed maple top, a roasted maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and two passive humbuckers. Its control layout includes a push-pull tone control, although the function is not stated. The fixed bridge and absence of a tremolo are also clear points for comparison.
At a listed price of 472, it may merit consideration from players drawn to its FB-style shape and Red Burst finish. The available facts do not support claims about its sound, build quality, comfort, or value against competing models. There are no customer reviews to add first-hand evidence, so those questions should be settled through a hands-on inspection or reliable confirmation from the seller. The lack of a case or bag is worth including in the total cost calculation.
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
- Roasted maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and a flamed maple top give the guitar a well-specified construction for its price.
- Two passive humbuckers offer a straightforward setup suited to rock-oriented sounds.
- The thin U-shaped neck, 42 mm nut, and 22 extra-jumbo frets support comfortable fretting.
What bugged me
- No tremolo system is included, limiting pitch effects that require one.
- A case or gig bag is not included.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players seeking a fixed-bridge guitar with passive humbuckers and a slim neck profile. Also worth considering for rock players who want a push-pull tone control and do not need a tremolo.Look elsewhere if
Not a fit for players who rely on a tremolo arm for pitch effects. Look elsewhere if an included case or gig bag is essential, or if you need a specific pickup-switching function that is confirmed in the specifications.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Shape
- FB-Style
- Color
- Red Burst
- Body
- Poplar
- Top
- Flamed Maple
- Neck
- Erable torréfié
- Fretboard
- Rosewood
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Active pickups
- No
- Tremolo
- None
- Including case
- No
- Incl. bag
- No
Up close
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Does the PHX-200DX RB have active pickups?
No. It has two passive LH-150 humbuckers, one at the neck and one at the bridge.
Does it include a tremolo?
No. It uses a fixed bridge and tailpiece, so it does not provide a tremolo arm.
What does the push-pull tone control do?
The specifications confirm a push-pull function but do not state which pickup change it activates. Check with the seller for that detail.
Are a case or gig bag included?
No. Neither a case nor a gig bag is listed as included.
What is the scale length?
The scale length is 648 mm, or 25.5 inches.
The last word from the bench
The PHX-200DX RB offers a clear, conventional feature set: two humbuckers, separate volume and tone controls, and a fixed bridge with tailpiece. Its thin U-shaped neck and extra-jumbo frets may appeal to players who prefer a fast-feeling neck. The push-pull tone control adds a switching option, but the available specifications do not identify what it changes. With no customer reviews available, buyers should judge it on its listed features and confirm the setup and feel in person when possible.
Hanging next to it
ESP LTD PHX-200DX RB
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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