LTD @ Davis GMC

If there's a no-nonsense LTD Eclipse model to recommend, I'd urge you to check out the Deluxe version. These are identifiable by the model number which are 4 digits. The Deluxes are in fact LTD's top-of-the-line model before things cross over to the E-II range. Prices are getting out of hand very quickly but in my personal opinion, it's still worth the price-to-performance consideration. Here are some featured models which are in stock now at Davis GMC. Folks, the model you see above is the 1000T in a satin finish ($1,880).

The instrument is unfinished at the rear as well so you get that wooden vibe all round, clear of any synthetic colouring. Pickups are the Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic.

If weight is a concern, then this chambered body EC-1000T CTM might be your thing. As such, it lists for a little more than the non-chambered version ($1,980).

For those of us in need of a quick pseudo-acoustic fix can consider the EC-1000 Piezo model ($1,980). This one comes with a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers (JB / '59).

Pics: ESP

Stainless LTD

As announced yesterday, with immediate effect, all LTD Deluxe models will feature stainless steel frets. The manufacturer cited this move as a response to the fans' strong suggestion to do so in the wake of other brand names that already have SS frets in their selected tier offering. These are often not higher tier models exclusively (less Fender) as in the case of LTD here, their Deluxe versions being more of a mid-priced offering. 

Pic: ESP blog

ESP/LTD: 2020 (4)

More stuff from the LTD camp. The Snapper Deluxe models are also having new members & this SN-1000 is one of them. The highlight here is of course its sand-blasted finish & it features the Duncan Pegasus/Sentient pickup combo as well. I'm not a big fan of the Snappers, I prefer the STs. The Snapper's headstock is trying too hard not to infringe a certain other guitar of this nature but implying idea exhaustion. Nevertheless, all the Snappers that I've tried at the stores are above expectations, even the non-Deluxe models.

I know there are limited followings when it comes to semis but the PS is much overlooked when it comes to tone. This new one especially, is equipped with a pair of Duncan Phat Cats. These are essentially P-90-ish but not quite conforming to the P-90 blueprint so the tine there is unique. I have them in my Chinese Jazzmaster & they simply rule! The SN-1000 is another Deluxe model that seems to be punching above its weight. It has to. It's nothing less than a Deluxe model.

ESP/LTD: 2020 (3)

I'm putting two more models in the spotlight for LTD's 2020 releases. There will be others along the way, the manufacturer assured us this is only its Phase 1 of their new model announcements. The model you see above is still part of their top tier Deluxe range, the Horizon H-1001. That see-through quilt top is simply the highlight of this guitar.

It's also good to see a Viper making the numbers. Over the years, this model had been sidelined somewhat, dwelling in the shadows of other more popular outlines like the Eclipse & Mirage. It seems that the Seymour Duncan Pegasus/ Sentient pairing are the feature pickups in many of the Deluxe models, these two included. I must say that the Sentient is indeed one of the formidable passive neck pickups in the SD lineup but a little under-rated in the mean time. The Deluxe models are doing this humbucker a big favour by having it there to carry the tone through. The Jazz & '59 are the tried & trusted go-to models but these represent the old guard of Duncan pickups not that they are out-dated but the Sentient is the future that should be embraced. 

Deluxe selections

Also new at Swee Lee are the Deluxe Strats- pictured above, the Roadhouse version.

And this one, the regular Deluxe version (Both models listing for: $1,239). We note that, despite being Mexican, the new breed of Deluxe models are replicating selected American features (rounded string retainers, 22 frets, etc.). So the psychology of being in this price bracket (formerly the American Special's price point) is that you get American specs albeit the Mexican label. Worth it? It's a personal take.

Summer Deluxe

Summer NAMM 2016- Fender did some upgrades to its Mexican Deluxe models: 22 frets, 2-point vibrato bridge, upper fret access 4-bolt neck joint, the works.

For this Roadhouse option, it comes with a trio of Vintage Noiseless pickups. What all this means- it gets increasingly difficult to spot a non-American Fender out there. If these get a positive reception from buyers, it would give Fender all the reasons to focus on their souped up Mexican makes slapping higher price tags on them, definitely.