ESP LTD SN-1007 Bar HT BK Bl LH

ESP LTD SN-1007 Bar HT BK Bl LH review

The ESP LTD SN-1007 Bar HT BK Bl LH is a left-handed, seven-string baritone guitar aimed at players who want an extended scale and a setup suited to lower tunings. Its 686 mm scale, 24 stainless steel frets, and pair of Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers make a clear case for heavy styles. At a listed price of 1599, it also sits in a range where finish and setup quality matter as much as the specification sheet.

Owners describe a guitar that feels comfortable to play and delivers a strong, clear sound, particularly in the low strings. One player chose it after comparing the neck dimensions, Hipshot bridge, stainless steel frets, and pickups, and was pleased with how easily the instrument played and could be adjusted. Another described it as a convincing first baritone and a welcome option in a market with relatively few left-handed seven-string choices.

Neck, scale, and construction

The body is swamp ash, finished in Black Blast, with black hardware. The neck is a five-piece construction of roasted maple and purpleheart, shaped to a thin U profile. The listed fingerboard is ebony, with a compound radius of 300 to 400 mm. The 48 mm nut width and long 686 mm scale are central to the playing experience: the scale is noticeably longer than that of a conventional guitar, which can help keep lower tunings feeling controlled, though players may need time to adjust their reach and fretting pressure.

There are 24 stainless steel X-Jumbo frets. That combination offers substantial fret height and a durable fret surface, features that will appeal to players who bend frequently or prefer a more pronounced fret. One owner also reports a scalloped fingerboard. Since that detail is not specified in the supplied product information, buyers should confirm whether it applies to the particular instrument they are considering.

The black finish has divided opinion at first glance. One reviewer was initially unsure about the appearance, then grew to like it after playing the guitar. Another praised the raw feel of the body and noted that the grain varied from one instrument to another. That variation means the look of an individual guitar may differ from product photos.

Fishman Fluence pickups and controls

The pickup system consists of two Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, an Alnico model in the neck position and a ceramic model at the bridge. The controls are straightforward: a volume control with a push-pull function, a tone control, and a three-way switch. The push-pull feature provides an additional pickup setting, but the supplied details do not specify its exact operation.

Owners describe the pickups as powerful, clear, and low in noise. One player found that they responded more sensitively than the pickups in a previous guitar, with particularly clear low notes. That kind of definition is valuable on a seven-string baritone, where a weak or muddy low end can obscure riffs and chord detail. A reviewer also noted that their instrument had an earlier version of the pickups with two voices. Fishman Fluence pickup versions can differ, so buyers who have a particular voice configuration in mind should confirm what is fitted to the guitar being sold.

Bridge and setup

The Hipshot bridge uses a string-through-body arrangement, and the guitar has LTD locking machine heads. There is no tremolo. Together, these choices make the hardware straightforward for players who prioritize tuning stability and a fixed bridge over vibrato effects. The supplied strings are D'Addario XL110-7, with a.010 to.059 gauge set.

The instrument is described as easy to adjust, and its fixed bridge suits players who want a stable platform for tuning changes. Still, a baritone guitar can require a setup tailored to the player's preferred tuning and string tension. Check the setup on arrival, especially if you plan to tune substantially lower than standard seven-string tuning.

Quality control and buying advice

Feedback on quality control is mixed. One owner received an instrument with a serious neck issue. They reported that the back of the neck was exceptionally thin in a few spots and eventually broke through after several weeks. The retailer arranged a replacement, and the owner later reported months of trouble-free use. This is an individual account, not evidence that every SN-1007 has the same problem, but it makes a careful inspection worthwhile.

A separate buyer received a guitar with fingerprints and scratches, returned it, and received another unit without those marks. They were very pleased with the replacement and praised its feel and sound. Taken together, these reports suggest checking the neck, finish, and hardware closely when the guitar arrives, then contacting the seller promptly about any issue.

Verdict

The ESP LTD SN-1007 Bar HT BK Bl LH offers a compelling specification for left-handed players seeking a seven-string baritone: a long scale, fixed Hipshot bridge, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and Fishman Fluence Modern pickups. Owners report satisfying playability and articulate low-end response. The main cautions are the need to verify pickup details, inspect the instrument carefully, and allow for an adjustment period if this is your first baritone. The supplied information says a case or gig bag is not included, so factor in a separate purchase if you need one.