ESP LTD TH-1000 ET FM STBSB

ESP LTD TH-1000 ET FM STBSB review

The ESP LTD TH-1000 ET FM STBSB is a hardtail electric guitar with a swamp ash body, a flamed maple top, and two Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil active humbuckers. Its See Thru Black Sunburst finish gives the figured top a dark, transparent look. The specification points toward a modern, high-output instrument, with an EverTune bridge, locking tuners, stainless steel frets, and onboard pickup switching options.

The listed price is 1839, with no currency specified in the supplied information. The guitar has been available since July 2026. It is sold as a single instrument, and neither a case nor a bag is included. Those details are worth factoring into a purchase, particularly if you need protection for transport right away.

Body, neck, and playing feel

The body is swamp ash, topped with flamed maple. A three-piece roasted maple neck is bolted on, and its Thin U profile is paired with a Macassar ebony fingerboard. Mother-of-pearl dot inlays mark the fingerboard. The neck specification gives the radius as 350 mm, a relatively flat profile suited to players who favor a consistent surface across the fretboard.

There are 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Stainless steel is a practical choice for players who want a durable fret surface, while the extra-jumbo size provides a substantial contact point under the fingers. The nut measures 42 mm wide. These dimensions, along with the Thin U neck shape, describe a fast-playing layout, though comfort depends on hand size and individual preference.

The supplied specification contains two scale figures: 648 mm and 628 mm. Since those measurements conflict, buyers should confirm the scale length with the retailer or manufacturer before ordering. The detailed specification also gives 25.5 inches, which is approximately 648 mm. That is the most specific combination of figures provided, but the discrepancy should not be ignored.

Pickup system and controls

Two direct-mounted Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil active humbuckers are fitted, one at the neck and one at the bridge. Each has three voices, with push-pull functions on both the volume and tone controls. A three-way switch selects between the pickups and their combinations. That gives the player several ways to adjust the instrument's output and response without adding a larger control layout.

The available information does not describe the exact sound of each voice, so it is better not to assume a particular set of coil or output options. One player who tried the guitar reported that its overall tone was very good, but found the neck pickup somewhat bass-heavy for personal taste. That is a useful firsthand observation rather than a universal verdict. Players who spend most of their time on the neck pickup may want to test it through their own amplifier and settings.

Bridge and hardware

The EverTune bridge is a defining part of this model's hardware specification. It is a fixed bridge, with no tremolo system listed. ESP LTD locking machine heads are fitted, and the hardware is black. The guitar ships with D'Addario XL120 strings in gauges.009,.011,.016,.024,.032, and.042. The locking tuners and EverTune bridge make the hardware package a clear priority, although setup and string changes still deserve attention from a qualified technician if you are unfamiliar with the system.

Build impressions and buying considerations

The available owner feedback is brief but positive about the build. The player said the finish and construction felt good enough to pass for a Japanese-made instrument, and praised the neck's feel. That is one person's assessment, not a measured comparison, but it supports the impression of a carefully finished guitar. The same owner reported that one string had broken on arrival. The retailer responded promptly and sent a replacement, which resolved that delivery issue.

In practical terms, the TH-1000 ET FM STBSB brings together a figured top, roasted maple neck, active three-voice humbuckers, and an EverTune bridge. The combination is aimed at players looking for a modern electric guitar with extensive onboard options and a stable fixed-bridge setup. Before buying, confirm the scale-length discrepancy and consider whether the neck pickup's reported bass emphasis suits your playing. Also account for the lack of an included case or bag. Those checks will help set realistic expectations for this specific configuration.