ESP LTD XJ-1 Baritone HT SB
The ESP LTD XJ-1 Baritone HT SB is a feature-rich baritone built around a 27-inch scale, a three-voice bridge humbucker, and locking hardware. Its long scale and specialized tuning suit players seeking low-register clarity, but buyers should account for the unfamiliar feel and the lack of an included case.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
ESP LTD XJ-1 Baritone HT SB review
The ESP LTD XJ-1 Baritone HT SB is a J-style electric guitar built around a 686 mm, or 27-inch, scale. Its listed tuning is B, E, A, D, F-sharp, B, placing it in a lower register than standard guitar tuning. The longer scale and supplied.013 to.062 string set are relevant details for players considering that tuning, though the specifications alone cannot establish how the guitar feels or sounds in use.
The available information describes a fixed-bridge instrument with a through-body string path, a single bridge humbucker, and a three-piece roasted maple neck attached with bolts. ESP lists the model as available since March 2025, with item number 608687. The listed price is 1666, with no currency specified in the supplied data.
Body, neck, and playing dimensions
The body is swamp ash, and the specification sheet says there is no top. The neck is three-piece roasted maple, with a Thin U profile and bolt-on construction. Its fingerboard is ebony, with a stated radius of 350 mm and a nut width of 42 mm. These measurements describe the instrument's construction, but they do not determine individual comfort or playability.
The scale length is a central part of the design. At 27 inches, it is longer than a typical standard-scale guitar, which is consistent with the listed low B tuning. The specified D'Addario XL158 set uses.013,.017,.026 wound,.036,.046, and.062 strings. The manufacturer's information does not state alternate string recommendations, setup measurements, or whether the instrument ships tuned as listed.
There is a notable discrepancy in the fret count. One section of the supplied specifications gives 24 frets, while the more detailed construction list specifies 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Those figures cannot both describe the same fretboard, so buyers should confirm the correct count with ESP or the seller before ordering. The detailed list also does not provide fretboard inlay information.
Pickup and controls
The listed pickup is a Fishman Ceramic Modern humbucker in a brushed stainless finish, mounted at the bridge. The control description identifies a volume control with a push-pull function for Voice 3. The pickup is described as three-voice, but the supplied details explain only how Voice 3 is selected. They do not document the other voice selections, their output levels, or any additional switching controls.
The general pickup-system field is marked "H," which is consistent with the detailed listing of one humbucker. No neck pickup is specified. The available information also does not identify a battery type, battery location, or other onboard controls, so those details should not be assumed from the pickup name alone.
Bridge, hardware, and included items
A Hipshot bridge and tailpiece use strings routed through the body. The tuning machines are LTD locking models. The instrument has no tremolo, according to the general specification sheet. Together, these details identify a fixed-bridge layout, but the supplied data does not give bridge adjustment ranges or explain how the locking tuners operate.
The strings are listed as D'Addario XL158, and the tuning is B, E, A, D, F-sharp, B. No case or gig bag is included in the listing. The hardware color is written as "Balck hardware" in the source, an apparent spelling error that does not independently confirm the finish. The color information also conflicts: the general field says black, while the detailed specification says Silver Blast. Because those descriptions differ, the exact finish should be verified against the seller's product photos or current listing.
What the specifications establish
The available facts point to a baritone-format guitar with a long scale, a low-B tuning specification, a swamp ash body, an ebony fingerboard, and one bridge-mounted Fishman humbucker. The listing also specifies stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and a fixed Hipshot bridge with through-body strings. These are useful purchase details, but they are not a substitute for a hands-on assessment.
No customer reviews are available for this product, and the supplied data includes no test measurements or listening impressions. There is therefore no basis here for claims about sound quality, tuning stability, sustain, setup quality, or comfort. Before purchase, the two conflicting details worth resolving are the fret count, 22 or 24, and the finish, black or Silver Blast. Buyers should also confirm the currency attached to the stated price of 1666.
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
- A 27-inch scale and.062-inch low string support the listed B-to-B tuning.
- The Fishman Ceramic Modern humbucker offers three voices, with push-pull control for Voice 3.
- Roasted maple neck, ebony fingerboard, stainless steel frets, and locking tuners provide a well-equipped hardware package.
What bugged me
- The long scale and heavy strings may feel unfamiliar to players used to standard-scale guitars.
- No case or gig bag is included.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A strong fit for players seeking a baritone guitar for low tunings, metal, or other styles that benefit from a longer scale. Also suited to buyers who want a three-voice bridge pickup and locking tuners.Look elsewhere if
Not a good match for players who prefer standard-scale feel or need a case included. The listed specifications also contain conflicting fret-count information, which cautious buyers should verify before purchase.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Body
- Ash
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 686 mm
- Pickup system
- H
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- No
- Design
- J-Style
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
What tuning is the guitar supplied for?
The listed tuning is B, E, A, D, F-sharp, B. The supplied D'Addario XL158 strings range from.013 to.062 inches.
Is this a true baritone-scale guitar?
Yes. Its scale is 686 mm, or 27 inches, longer than a standard-scale guitar and intended to support lower tuning.
What pickup and controls does it have?
It has a Fishman Ceramic Modern humbucker at the bridge with three voices. The volume control has a push-pull function for Voice 3.
Does it include a case or gig bag?
No. The supplied specifications state that neither a case nor a gig bag is included.
How many frets does it have?
The detailed specifications list 22 XJ stainless steel frets. Another product listing field says 24 frets, so confirm the fret count with the seller before ordering if it is important to you.
The last word from the bench
The XJ-1 pairs a swamp ash body and roasted maple neck with an ebony fingerboard and stainless steel frets. Its Fishman bridge pickup provides three voices, while the through-body Hipshot bridge and locking tuners round out a practical hardware setup. The 27-inch scale and supplied.013 to.062 strings are suited to the listed B-to-B tuning, though they may require an adjustment period. At this price, the missing case or gig bag is worth factoring into the purchase.
Hanging next to it
ESP LTD XJ-1 Baritone HT SB
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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