I'm looking for a good mahogany superstrat metal guitar, and while researching I've learned that the competition is pretty tight. I've read a lot about these guitars, but I still can't seem to make up my mind. I want to replace my Schecter C-1 Classic (which is almost my ideal guitar). I've narrowed it down to these two, but maybe some of you can show me some other options. I've played the Hellraiser at Guitar Center once but not the LTD. I know guitar brand comparison threads can get touchy, but I'd like this thread to remain respectful if possible.
Here are the things I like about both guitars.
EMG's - I like the sound of the passives I have (JB + Jazz), but it'd be nice to finally go for the all out tried and true classic metal actives. Also I finally want to be able to record with dimmers around (I'm tired of shutting off lights to get rid of noise).
Stoptail - I don't like dealing with tremolos and I prefer the tone of stoptails. I also like to change tunings on the fly (without a tremol-no).
Set-Neck - For sustain
Mahogany Body - Same
Grover Tuners + Tom Bridge
24XJ frets
Around $700 (I'm willing to go up to a thousand)
What I like about the Hellraiser over the LTD
EMG Coil Tap - This new 2008 inclusion has made this guitar more competitive than ever. I like to record single coil tones at times, something that EMG's lacked until recently. My only reservation about the typical 85/81 setup has been tone versatility. The coil tapping feature remedies this pretty well. That said, I would still use the humbucking mode more often. Also it would be fun to experiment with pitch shifted bass tones with an active single coil.
Tone pros bridge
Overall Looks (but both look awesome)
What I like about the LTD over the Hellraiser
Earvana Nut - Who doesn't want improved intonation? I've read that the Earvana has no benefit (and possibly problems) on lower than standard tunings and thicker strings though. Can anyone chime in on this? I want to use 11's and tune C standard-ish.
Inlays - Not a big deal, but I prefer the minimalist look to the crosses.
Thinner neck - I admit I like thin necks which is one of the things I don't like about my Schecter C-1 Classic. I've played the Hellraiser once and I remember the neck being thinner than the Classic but thicker than my (retired) Ibanez JPM. It was actually pretty comfortable (but I remember playing some baseball thick Gibson's before touching the Schecter). I like to play guitar solos and sweep pick so neck comfort is important. The problem is that while I think the Hellraiser neck is decent, it seems that people unanimously agree that the LTD neck is faster. I'm stuck in Bergen, Norway right now and don't know where I could try out the ESP.
$20 cheaper (hey, that's $20 toward strings).
--------------------------------------------
So essentially what's making my decision difficult is the LTD's faster neck and the Hellraiser's coil tap feature. I am equally a musician as much as a producer so I can't easily trump one feature over the other. I have looked at other options, but I've ruled them out for one reason or another.
I couldn't find other guitars that offer as much of what I want in a similar price range. Please tell me anything that may tip me over the fence on these two guitars.
Here are the things I like about both guitars.
EMG's - I like the sound of the passives I have (JB + Jazz), but it'd be nice to finally go for the all out tried and true classic metal actives. Also I finally want to be able to record with dimmers around (I'm tired of shutting off lights to get rid of noise).
Stoptail - I don't like dealing with tremolos and I prefer the tone of stoptails. I also like to change tunings on the fly (without a tremol-no).
Set-Neck - For sustain
Mahogany Body - Same
Grover Tuners + Tom Bridge
24XJ frets
Around $700 (I'm willing to go up to a thousand)
What I like about the Hellraiser over the LTD
EMG Coil Tap - This new 2008 inclusion has made this guitar more competitive than ever. I like to record single coil tones at times, something that EMG's lacked until recently. My only reservation about the typical 85/81 setup has been tone versatility. The coil tapping feature remedies this pretty well. That said, I would still use the humbucking mode more often. Also it would be fun to experiment with pitch shifted bass tones with an active single coil.
Tone pros bridge
Overall Looks (but both look awesome)
What I like about the LTD over the Hellraiser
Earvana Nut - Who doesn't want improved intonation? I've read that the Earvana has no benefit (and possibly problems) on lower than standard tunings and thicker strings though. Can anyone chime in on this? I want to use 11's and tune C standard-ish.
Inlays - Not a big deal, but I prefer the minimalist look to the crosses.
Thinner neck - I admit I like thin necks which is one of the things I don't like about my Schecter C-1 Classic. I've played the Hellraiser once and I remember the neck being thinner than the Classic but thicker than my (retired) Ibanez JPM. It was actually pretty comfortable (but I remember playing some baseball thick Gibson's before touching the Schecter). I like to play guitar solos and sweep pick so neck comfort is important. The problem is that while I think the Hellraiser neck is decent, it seems that people unanimously agree that the LTD neck is faster. I'm stuck in Bergen, Norway right now and don't know where I could try out the ESP.
$20 cheaper (hey, that's $20 toward strings).
--------------------------------------------
So essentially what's making my decision difficult is the LTD's faster neck and the Hellraiser's coil tap feature. I am equally a musician as much as a producer so I can't easily trump one feature over the other. I have looked at other options, but I've ruled them out for one reason or another.
I couldn't find other guitars that offer as much of what I want in a similar price range. Please tell me anything that may tip me over the fence on these two guitars.
), so I vote LTD!
