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NEWS

LTD Xtone Acoustic Guitars: The Full Line

After just one year, our new acoustic models have been ranked among the best of the best. Hereʼs why.

At the beginning of 2011, ESP had a surprise for the musical instrument community: a whole new line of acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars. While no one seemed to be expecting this new direction in instrument design from ESP, very few people were surprised by the combination of quality and value we put into every model... after all, thatʼs been a hallmark of ESP since day one.

What we werenʼt expecting, however, was the response of the experts. Guitar Worldʼs Paul Riario, at the end of that year, named the AC-30E QM as the #1 acoustic guitar of 2011. Hereʼs what he had to say: “If youʼre primarily an electric guitar player, the transition to playing the AC30E will feel effortless. This electric-acoustic comes equipped with a gorgeous quilted maple top, cutaway, B-Band electronics, jumbo frets, extremely comfortable slim neck design and plays and sounds like acoustics far above its price. Did I mention it streets for under $400?”

Our acoustic models can be divided into two categories, plus a special mention for our first Signature Series acoustic model. Letʼs see what makes them some of the hottest acoustic guitars to come out recently.

AC Series: Acoustic/Electric Guitars for Everyone

There are four models in the AC Series acoustics: the AC-5E, the AC-10E (also available in left-handed and 12-string versions), the AC-20E FM, and the AC-30E QM. The AC-5E is our most affordable model, and designed for guitarists who are just starting out. Like the rest of the LTD Xtone acoustic series, itʼs a mini-jumbo shape with a cutaway, so reaching those notes high on the fretboard is easy. Just because the AC-5Eʼs price is low doesnʼt mean it skimps on high-end features, like a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It includes a built-in ESP preamp with 2-band EQ and tuner. Finishes for the AC-5E include See Thru Black Sunburst, See Thru Blue Sunburst, and See Thru Red Sunburst.

Players with a little more experience (or those who like a little more style in their guitar) will enjoy the AC-10E. Itʼs similar to the AC-5E but adds block pearloid/abalone inlays on the fingerboard, abalone purfling, an abalone rosette, and white binding on the body, neck, and headstock. The AC-10E is available in Black, Pearl White, and Tobacco Sunburst finishes. Also, weʼve introduced the AC-10E LH for you lefties out there, as well as the AC-10E-12 for 12-string strummers.

With the AC-20E FM, you can really stand out in a few ways. First is the luscious flamed maple top on these guitars. Second are the choices of See Thru Blue, See Thru Green, or See Thru Magenta finishes, supplemented by gold hardware and sapelle back and sides. But more importantly, the AC-20E FM sounds amazing, with an upgraded preamp system -- the B-Band Electret Film Transducer pickup with T-35 2-band preamp and onboard tuner.

Our top of the AC Series is the AC-30E QM. As the “QM” name implies, it offers beautiful quilted maple for its top, back and sides. When itʼs time to plug in, the built-in B-Band pickup and T-55 4-band preamp with notch filter and onboard tuner will be ready to get the best tone for any sound system. Three great-looking finishes are being offered, all taking advantage of the richly textured quilted maple: Honey Natural, Dark Brown Sunburst, and See Thru Red.

Getting Wild: Exotic Wood Series

As most of you know from our long lineage of electric guitar design, there are times when only a more extreme look will allow you to stand out in a crowd. For those occasions, we’re proud to offer the Exotic Wood series of acoustic guitars. The EW-QA offers a beautiful Quilted Ash top, back, and sides, with a Natural Gloss finish. The EW-O has the amazing texture of Ovangkol top, back and sides, also with Natural Gloss to allow the intricate grain to shine through. The EW-P is a new model with top, back, and sides made of Padauk, with a resulting reddish tint that’s incredible when you see it up close. For a truly unique look, check out the EW-SM, with Spalted Maple as the material for the top, back, and sides. Perhaps the most radical of all the new acoustic models for Spring 2011, the EW-Z has Zebrawood top, back, and sides. All of the Exotic Wood series guitars include a built-in B-Band electret film transducer pickup, with a T-35 3- band EQ and onboard tuner.

Our First Signature Acoustic: Michael Wilton MW-DC1E

MIchael Wilton of Queensrÿche has been playing ESP for a long time, so when it came time for him to design a new acoustic model, we were all too happy to accommodate this great player. The MW-DC1E is a dreadnought-style guitar with a cutaway, and is made of spalted maple on its top, back and sides. It has a mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, a 42mm bone nut, and rosewood bridge. Like our top of the line AC-30E QM, the MW-DC1E includes a B-Band T-55 Electret Film Transducer pickup with 4-band Preamp and onboard tuner. Designed for professional recording and stage environments, it also includes an XLR output.

Try Them Now at your ESP Dealer!

The whole line of LTD Xtone acoustic guitars is available now at your local ESP dealer. Go in and give them a try, and we think youʼll understand exactly why these guitars have taken the world by storm.

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