Who is the artist associated with the LTD Alexi-200?

The guitar is a signature model for Alexi Laiho, the late guitarist and frontman of the band Children of Bodom.

What type of body wood is used in the Alexi-200?

The body is crafted from basswood, which is selected for its balanced tone and comfortable weight.

How many pickups does the ESP LTD Alexi-200 have?

It features a single pickup located in the bridge position for a focused and powerful sound.

What model is the pickup in the Alexi-200?

The guitar is equipped with an ESP Designed LH-301B passive humbucker.

Is the Alexi-200 pickup active or passive?

The ESP Designed LH-301B is a passive pickup, meaning it does not require a battery to operate.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price range for the ESP LTD Alexi-200 is approximately £799.

What color options are available for the Alexi-200?

Based on the manufacturer description for this model, it is available in a Black finish.

Does the body design offer any ergonomic benefits?

Yes, the unique offset V-shape is designed to provide easier access to the higher frets for soloing.

How does the Alexi-200 compare to the Alexi-600?

The Alexi-200 is the entry-level signature model in the LTD range, featuring bolt-on construction and ESP-designed pickups compared to higher-tier specs.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While priced at a mid-tier level, its comfortable playability and straightforward electronics make it accessible for progressing players, especially those interested in metal.

Can the Alexi-200 handle genres other than metal?

While designed for metal, the LH-301B pickup offers enough versatility for various high-gain rock styles, though the single-pickup layout lacks the tonal variety of a multi-pickup guitar.

What is the neck construction of the LTD Alexi-200?

The Alexi-200 typically features a bolt-on neck construction, which contributes to a snappy and bright tonal response.

Gear article

ESP LTD Alexi-200 Alexi Laiho Signature

The ESP LTD Alexi-200 is a signature electric guitar designed for Alexi Laiho, the late frontman of the Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom. It features an offset V-shape body and a high-output single-pickup configuration, retailing at a price point of approximately £799.

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Overview

The ESP LTD Alexi-200 is part of the ESP signature collection, serving as an accessible version of the instruments used by the influential guitarist Alexi Laiho. As a member of the LTD range, it is designed to provide professional features and the aesthetic of Children of Bodom's lead guitarist at a competitive price point. The instrument is defined by its aggressive, asymmetric V-shaped body, which has become synonymous with Laiho's stage presence.

Design and Construction

The Alexi-200 is constructed with a basswood body, a wood known for its balanced tonal properties and relatively light weight. The body shape is specifically engineered to provide easier access to the higher frets, facilitating the fast lead playing and soloing typical of the melodic death metal genre. The guitar features a bolt-on neck design and is finished in a sleek black, reflecting the metal-oriented aesthetic of the signature artist.

Electronics and Hardware

Unlike traditional multi-pickup guitars, the Alexi-200 is loaded with a single bridge pickup, the ESP Designed LH-301B. This passive humbucker is designed to deliver a powerful performance and surprising versatility despite the minimalist layout. The electronics are kept simple to ensure a direct signal path, often preferred by high-gain players for clarity and punch.

Sound Character

The combination of the basswood body and the LH-301B pickup results in a sound that is focused and aggressive. Basswood provides a smooth, even response across the frequency spectrum, while the high-output pickup emphasises the midrange and treble frequencies necessary for pinch harmonics and shredding. It is designed to cut through dense mixes in a metal context.

Target Audience and Comparisons

The LTD Alexi-200 is primarily suited for fans of Alexi Laiho and guitarists specialising in metal and hard rock. While its single-pickup configuration is less versatile than the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, it offers a specific ergonomic advantage for heavy music that those models do not. Compared to other signature models like the Jim Root Telecaster or Kurt Cobain Jaguar, the Alexi-200 focuses more heavily on the requirements of high-speed technical lead playing.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the artist associated with the LTD Alexi-200?: The guitar is a signature model for Alexi Laiho, the late guitarist and frontman of the band Children of Bodom.
What type of body wood is used in the Alexi-200?: The body is crafted from basswood, which is selected for its balanced tone and comfortable weight.
How many pickups does the ESP LTD Alexi-200 have?: It features a single pickup located in the bridge position for a focused and powerful sound.
What model is the pickup in the Alexi-200?: The guitar is equipped with an ESP Designed LH-301B passive humbucker.
Is the Alexi-200 pickup active or passive?: The ESP Designed LH-301B is a passive pickup, meaning it does not require a battery to operate.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for the ESP LTD Alexi-200 is approximately £799.
What color options are available for the Alexi-200?: Based on the manufacturer description for this model, it is available in a Black finish.
Does the body design offer any ergonomic benefits?: Yes, the unique offset V-shape is designed to provide easier access to the higher frets for soloing.
How does the Alexi-200 compare to the Alexi-600?: The Alexi-200 is the entry-level signature model in the LTD range, featuring bolt-on construction and ESP-designed pickups compared to higher-tier specs.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While priced at a mid-tier level, its comfortable playability and straightforward electronics make it accessible for progressing players, especially those interested in metal.
Can the Alexi-200 handle genres other than metal?: While designed for metal, the LH-301B pickup offers enough versatility for various high-gain rock styles, though the single-pickup layout lacks the tonal variety of a multi-pickup guitar.
What is the neck construction of the LTD Alexi-200?: The Alexi-200 typically features a bolt-on neck construction, which contributes to a snappy and bright tonal response.