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Electric guitars

ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG

A high-end American seven-string instrument catering to demanding modern guitarists prioritizing playability, tone, and reliability.

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-09-26 · Tested by Cal Whitaker

ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG, front view
8.8/ 10 overall score
$5,599current price at the retailer
Check today's price price and delivery time at the retailer Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy through it. Your price does not change.

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

  • Premium African mahogany body topped with highly figured maple for resonance and aesthetics
  • Extended 27-inch scale for tight low-end definition on all seven strings
  • Active humbucker set (EMG 81-7XH and 85-7XH) delivers high output and clarity for modern tones
  • Hipshot fixed bridge and Gotoh locking tuners ensure tuning stability and precise intonation
  • Ebony fingerboard with super jumbo frets supports fast, articulate playability

What bugged me

  • High price point places it out of range for many players
  • No tremolo may limit expressive techniques for some metal and progressive styles
  • Bolt-on construction might not suit those exclusively seeking set neck sustain
  • Limited color options; only available in raspberry matte

Is it the right one for you?

Good pick if

Ideal for professional musicians, technical metal and progressive players, and anyone requiring an extended range and aggressive, modern sound. The fixed hardware and fast neck suit both rhythm and lead purposes.

Look elsewhere if

Not for entry-level players or those with limited budget. Players who require a tremolo system or prefer classic, vintage tones will likely find this model unsuitable.
MetalProgressiveHard rock

Suggested level: Professional

ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG, $5,599Affiliate link, your price does not change.Check today's price →

Specifications

Limited run
None
Model
M7B
Color
Red
Shape
7-string
Body
Mahogany
Top
Quilted Maple
Neck
Maple
Fretboard
Ebony
Frets
24
Scale
686 mm
Pickup system
HH
Tremolo
None
Including case
Yes
Incl. gigbag
No

Up close

ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG, detail 2ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG, detail 3ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG, detail 4ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG, detail 5

Questions players ask

Does the ESP M7B HT come with a tremolo system?

No, it features a Hipshot fixed bridge for maximum tuning stability and sustain, appealing to players who prefer fixed hardware.

What pickups are installed and how do they sound?

It comes with EMG 81-7XH at the bridge and EMG 85-7XH in the middle, both active humbuckers known for their high output, clarity, and dynamic response, ideal for modern metal and hard rock.

Is a case included with the purchase?

Yes, the instrument includes a custom case as well as a Dunlop Straplok system for safe transport and stage use.

What is the neck profile like, and who will it suit?

The extra thin 'U' profile combined with a 12-inch fingerboard radius supports technical, fast-paced playing and will suit shredders and modern metal guitarists.

Where is the ESP M7B HT manufactured?

This model is crafted in the United States, ensuring high build quality and attention to detail.

Overview and Construction

The ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG targets players who insist on no-compromise build quality, modern playability and powerful electronics in a 7-string configuration. Available since September 2025 and made in the USA, this model is firmly positioned as a high-level professional instrument. With a price point of $5599 and a distinctive raspberry matte finish over a figured maple top, it is a bold statement in both looks and performance-ready specifications.

Body and Neck Materials

The foundation of the guitar is a mahogany body, chosen for its balanced resonance and sustain. The top features figured maple, lending visual depth and adding brightness to the tonal spectrum. The bolt-on neck is crafted from maple, giving additional attack and clarity, while the fingerboard is made from rosewood, chosen for both its smooth playability and traditional tonal warmth. Together, these materials combine to offer a balanced sound foundation, suitable for extended-range guitars.

  • Body: Mahogany
  • Top: Figured maple
  • Neck: Maple, bolt-on construction
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood, 305 mm (12-inch) radius

Neck Profile, Frets, and Playability

ESP has applied an extra thin "U" profile for the neck, which is designed to maximize speed and comfort during technical playing. The scale length measures 686 mm (27 inches), defining the M7B as a baritone-range 7-string. This extra scale length ensures optimal string tension for lower tunings and sharper note definition across all strings. The 48 mm (1.89 inch) wide bone nut creates needed string spacing for chordal and solo approaches common in progressive and modern metal styles.

The rosewood fingerboard houses 24 super jumbo frets, giving access to a full two-octave range on each string and making high-register bends more accessible. With a 305 mm (12-inch) radius, the fingerboard strikes a balance between chord comfort and straightforward solo runs.

  • Scale length: 686 mm (27 inches, baritone)
  • Frets: 24, super jumbo size
  • Neck profile: Extra thin "U"
  • Nut: Bone, 48 mm (1.89 inch) width

Pickups and Electronics

The electronics suite features two active humbuckers from EMG: the 81-7XH in the bridge and the 85-7XH in the middle position. This combination targets maximum output, definition and noise-free operation, with a tonal palette suited to modern aggressive styles. These pickups are recognized for high signal clarity, tight low frequencies, and searing leads. A traditional 3-way toggle switch, volume and tone controls provide familiar wiring and straightforward tone shaping on stage or in the studio.

  • Bridge position: EMG 81-7XH humbucker
  • Middle position: EMG 85-7XH humbucker
  • Controls: Volume, tone, 3-way toggle switch

Hardware and Setup

No tremolo system is present; instead, the ESP M7B HT is equipped with a Hipshot fixed bridge, chosen for its tuning stability and precise intonation. Machine heads come from Gotoh, employing a locking configuration for quick and secure string changes. The instrument includes gold hardware throughout, visually tying together the raspberry finish with a touch of luxury. D'Addario NYXL strings in.009 to.054 gauge come factory-installed, an appropriate pairing for clarity and flexibility across the extended range.

As expected at this price point, the ESP M7B HT ships in a hard case and includes a Dunlop Straplok system for added instrument security on stage. A gig bag is not included in the package.

  • Bridge: Hipshot fixed
  • Machine heads: Gotoh, locking
  • Strings: D'Addario NYXL,.009,.054
  • Hardware: Gold
  • Accessories: Hard case, Dunlop Straplok system included

Design and Aesthetics

This guitar finds its identity not just in its upscale components but also in its visual presentation. The raspberry matte color combined with the figured maple top sets this model apart on any stage. Attention to detail continues with gold hardware, which complements the distinctive finish without being ostentatious.

Conclusion

ESP delivers a no-compromise, US-built 7-string that brings together a professional-scale design, premium woods, rugged hardware and high-output active electronics. The combine of a baritone scale, extra thin neck profile and EMG pickups ensures technical players and modern metal musicians will find the ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG ready for demanding environments. The specification list reflects careful component choices and a clear focus on both durability and playability. For those in search of reliability, technical accuracy and modern aesthetics, the investment matches the promise of a stage-worthy professional instrument.

The last word from the bench

The ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG stands as a pinnacle instrument for professional players who require extended range and versatile active electronics. Its hardware, craftsmanship, and sound quality justify its status, although the price and lack of tremolo may deter some. The construction caters to speed and heavy genres, thanks to the extra-thin neck and jumbo frets. It's a boutique-grade choice for those seeking elite performance and reliability.

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