ESP's range of affordable reproductions, the LTDs, are great guitars to own. Like the Fender reference, we need to be mindful of the production standard & feel differences. The M-50 depicted above is one suitable for speedsters out there in terms of feel. Do not be too enthusiastic with the cleans offered here (like many other budget models), the humbuckers are there for all-out distortion.
Schecter has a wonderful offering in their C-1 range. These are praise-worthy in their QC standards & the playability couldn't be any better. The manufacturer also included a well-beveled pair of cutaways so we won't be deprived of the upper fret reaches. As these units are set-neck in assembly, the sustain is above-average given the right dose of distortion, of course.
This is perhaps Cort's proud offering to such an extent that Neil Zaza has his signature model blueprints based on it. It is very much like the C-1 model above in terms of features; a set neck model, dual humbucking & string-through-body but the neck dimensions here are a little wider & slimmer, making the Katana (KX-101) a natural appeal for fast playing proponents. The body's curved top is also more accentuated, making it very arm-friendly when you play both sitting down/ standing up. The bridge is one genuine Tone-Pros locking unit so it won't be displaced when you unstring the instrument & the pair of Duncan '59 & JB there makes it a winner in terms tonal appeal. On a personal note, I feel this guitar is very under-rated because of it's brand name- CORT; something that everybody recommends when you are after a cheap alternative. The KX range is a a make-do model by any means.To be cont'd...
