Michael D.

Hi ESP. I would like to say that I am a bit disappointed in your product.  Overall, I would say the quality is great - but I really don’t understand the design of the nut.  It doesn’t make sense whatsoever.  I spent top dollar on your “highest quality factory instrument” made for “down tuning to extreme levels.”  This is false advertising.  It comes with super light strings which cannot tune below drop A without becoming sloppy.  But here is when the real problem came to light: when I removed the strings and then tried to put heavier ones on, I could not!  I couldn’t even fit higher than a 60 gauge, which is still a light string.  Don’t even bother trying a 68, 74 or an 80.  The nut just isn’t filed down enough for heavier strings.  If I paid $1000 for this instrument, I would not be so peeved. I would expect it to need some work from a luthier.  However, when I order an instrument from overseas, pay top dollar, because it is “built for extreme tunings” yet the product is not designed to deliver?  Seems like this was overlooked.  I’m hoping this is the only design flaw I find with this guitar. 

Carl N.

Sorry you feel that way, every player has their own preferences when it comes to strings and tuning so the factory spec might not be for everybody.  The nut is filed for the strings that come standard, new strings can always be installed though you would be correct that the nut would require work in order to accommodate new strings.  This is nothing new, this is completely normal in the guitar industry.  If you want different sized strings you would need to file your nut, this isn't a design flaw, it's life.

Joshua W.

I have the same guitar slight different specs changed the nut and now its in   G# standard which is plenty low i got room to go to F if i want

Michael D.

Hi, I ordered one of these a few months ago. Looking to do heavy djent without the complications of the 8th string on an 8-string.

1.  What do you recommend for tuning levels for optimal performance?  Standard B, or dropped a few stepa?

 

2.  Could I use 8-string strings and just drop the high E?

 

Thanks!

Carl N.

Hey Michael, strings and tuning is a very subjective topic as no two players prefer the same strings or tuning.  This is currently equipped with 9-56 gauge strings set in standard so for lower tunings you could always go with a thicker gauge of string.  Perhaps you could pick up a couple sets and see what works best for you and the music you are trying to create.

Chris.

Hi everyone

 

How would you recommend stringing this to tune to standard B (concert pitch)?

I tend to use 10s and 11s on standard scale, but would something like 9-54 be better on this?

Pushead

On my 24.75" scale, 6-string guitars, I play a .012 set tuned to C standard. I have a 6 string 27" baritone and I use the same strings and tuning. The benefit is a bit more tension and makes open string things a bit clearer sounding.

I'd try it with the stock .009 set and see how it feels to you. But It wouldn't surprise me if you decided to go up to a .010 or .011.

ARKANE

Why hasn't ESP made an 8-string model like this or the M series with a reverse head stock?

All I ever see are the head stocks facing down.

The SC607B is cool. I wish they made the SC608B just like that 607B.

Carl N.

Hey Arkane, most of the instruments within our M series line do have reverse headstocks, just not much in line with eight string models.  We do produce an SC608B in LTD and ESP versions but these are with standard headstocks per Stef's specifications.

ARKANE

Well, that's exactly my point. I have never seen a reverse headstock on an 8-string model. That's what I would like. That would be my ideal ESP/LTD guitar. Can you suggest this to the team? I can't help but be curious why this has never been attempted.

Carl N.

Thanks again for your insight!

ARKANE

Thanks Carl!

I hope to see one in 2020 or at least us members get asked if it's something that interests us.

Theodore G.

Purchased a 2017 NT-7B Hipshot (brand new). What is the difference between the pickups on the 2017 versus the newer model?

Todd B. ESP

Hi Theodore, The new version has a standard humbucker shape with metal covers. I believe the version you have has soapbar pickups. That is the old difference but the pickup models are the same (same inside winding).