Best ESP Heavy Guitars 2025

Premium ESP heavy guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Metal For Hard Rock For Progressive For Djent For Metalcore For Death Metal

BRANDS: ESP Jackson Harley Benton Solar Guitars Gibson Schecter Kramer Guitars Epiphone Framus

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

by ESP

Hard Rock Death Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLKElectric GuitarGary Holt (Exodus) Signature modelBody: MahoganyBolt-on 3-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584683

$787

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK

by ESP

Hard Rock Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

ESP PHOENIX-201 BKElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: Set-in 3-ply mahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608840

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD KH-V Red Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

ESP LTD KH-V Red Sparkle

by ESP

Progressive Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD KH-V Red SparkleElectric GuitarKirk Hammett (Metallica) Signature ModelBody: KorinaNeck-thru-body 3-strip neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 562459

$1,704

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD Vulture BLKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD Vulture BLKS

by ESP

Metalcore Progressive Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD Vulture BLKSElectric GuitarJames Hetfield Signature ModelBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck: MahoganyNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 459266

$1,803

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP Edwards E-ARROWHEAD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP Edwards E-ARROWHEAD

by ESP

Metal Death Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Requires high-gain amplification

ESP Edwards E-ARROWHEADElectric GuitarAlexi Laiho Signature modelBody: AlderNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615506

$2,639

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle

by ESP

Metal Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle7-String Baritone Electric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in three-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 608652

$2,409

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD RZK-III OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD RZK-III OW

by ESP

Metalcore Djent Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Often heavier than standard guitars

ESP LTD RZK-III OWElectric GuitarRichard Z. Kruspe (Rammstein) Signature modelBody: Alder3-piece neck-thru-body:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608587

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP Edwards E-KATAKANA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

ESP Edwards E-KATAKANA

by ESP

Djent Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

ESP Edwards E-KATAKANAElectric GuitarAlexi Laiho Signature modelBody: AlderNeck thru-body: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 615510

$2,639

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD Arrow-1000 CARS Fluence

by ESP

Metal Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Often heavier than standard guitars

ESP LTD Arrow-1000 CARS FluenceElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in three-piece neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608649

$2,045

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD Alexi Ripped Sawtooth - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

ESP LTD Alexi Ripped Sawtooth

by ESP

Progressive Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD Alexi Ripped SawtoothElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-through-body neck: MapleFingerboard: Macassar ebony...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 527897

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD Arrow-200 Black

by ESP

Metal Djent Progressive

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD Arrow-200 BlackElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet Thru Hals: MapleFingerboard: roasted jatobaNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 431696

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD SD-2 Sammy Duet Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD SD-2 Sammy Duet Black

by ESP

Metalcore Metal Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD SD-2 Sammy Duet BlackElectric GuitarSammy Duet (Goatwhore) signature modelMahogany body3-Piece mahogany...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 538118

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple

by ESP

Metal Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Often heavier than standard guitars

ESP FRX Glitterstorm PurpleElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyOffset Mother-of-Pearl...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 614949

$6,599

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD KH-V Black Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD KH-V Black Sparkle

by ESP

Metal Progressive Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

ESP LTD KH-V Black SparkleElectric GuitarKirk Hammett (Metallica) Signature modelBody: Korina3-Piece neck-thru-body:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 562456

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal BLKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal BLKS

by ESP

Death Metal Progressive Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal BLKSElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyNeck attachment: Neck-thru-bodyFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 483989

$1,374

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced heavy guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best ESP Heavy Guitars 2025

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK

ESP LTD KH-V Red Sparkle

ESP LTD Vulture BLKS

ESP Edwards E-ARROWHEAD

ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle

ESP LTD RZK-III OW

ESP Edwards E-KATAKANA

ESP LTD Arrow-1000 CARS Fluence

ESP LTD Alexi Ripped Sawtooth

ESP LTD Arrow-200 Black

ESP LTD SD-2 Sammy Duet Black

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple

ESP LTD KH-V Black Sparkle

ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal BLKS

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying heavy guitars?

How much should I spend on heavy guitars?

Are expensive heavy guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for heavy guitars?

Should I buy heavy guitars online or in-store?

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