JC M.

Hey!

So I don't really understand what a baritone is exactly. I see that it's a longer scale length, so will it be harder to play fast/ shred on this? Like are the frets drastically bigger and I have to stretch more? I'm a huge Deftones fan, but I know Stephen isn't that much of a shred kind of guy. So I'm a bit worried about buying this and not being able to do my usual stuff. My main guitar for reference is an EC-1000 Koa and it plays like a dream, but it has a 24.75" scale length. 

Thank you,

Miguel

Todd B. ESP

Hi Miguel, Yes, baritone refers to the scale length. For this model it has a 27" baritone scale length. This means that from the nut to the scale line (intonation point on bridge), it measures 27". Now compare that to your current EC-1000. It is 2.25" longer. So if you use the same string gauge and same tuning as your EC-1000, the strings will have more tension. The frets are not affected. There is only more space between each fret. So the main difference is the tension. For Stephen, I know he likes using the baritones because he uses a lot of drop tunings for 7 and 8 string guitars. So he is tuning down from standard usually. This longer scale length helps keep the strings tight and sound good. I would say that you can make some adjustments either with tuning (by tuning down) or with string gauge (by using lighter strings) that can make the guitar feel right to you. For example if you want the huge sounding low end but you also want to be able to play leads on the high strings then I would recommend using a hybrid set with 9 gauge strings up top and the regular strings from a 10 gauge set on the bottom. Hope that helps.

JC M.

Thank you very much. I am usually a whole step down so that's a relief. I plan on purchasing this next month and I'm very excited. 

Todd B. ESP

Hey JC M, That sounds like a good plan. I think it will work out for you. Glad to hear you're going to give this guitar a shot. Please let me know what you think after you get this guitar!

bucky333

What size of tuner stringhole, for 7th string? I want use 0.080 gauge, for F1 tune

Todd B. ESP

Hi bucky,

String hole size is 1.8mm which is 0.07087”, so you have to enlarge the string hole to use 0.080” gauge.

bucky333

what is the maximum string gauge supported

Todd B. ESP

Hi bucky, We've never seen anyone try any string gauge that didn't work. If you select a reasonable gauge it should be fine. It really depends on the tuning you are going for. currently we use 59 - 10 gauge. You could put something up to a 75 or 80 gauge but I would only recommend thicker gauges if you are tuning down more than standard. Also keep in mind you will need to have the nut string slots filed out to fit the larger strings and you will have to adjust the neck truss rod and action/bridge & intonation.

Colin Groove

Will the black LTD version ever come back?

Todd B. ESP

Hi Colin, Not sure but it's a possibility. Not sure how long the sparkle versions will be available. Thanks for your comment.

Michael H.

Hi, may I ask if this is made in Korea? Thank you!

Todd B. ESP

Hi Michael, Yes this model is currently made in Korea.