ESP LTD XJ-1 Hardtail Black Blast Electric Guitar

The XJ-1 Hardtail is built for players who demand precision and tonal clarity without compromise. Its thin U-shaped neck profile rewards fast, articulate playing while maintaining comfort across extended sessions, and the bolt-on swamp ash body paired with a roasted maple neck delivers the sharp attack and resonance that define modern professional instruments.

Playability & Feel

The 25.5" scale length maintains optimal string tension across standard and drop tunings, while the Macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius provides a dense, smooth playing surface. 22 XJ stainless steel frets enable effortless bending and vibrato, and the 42mm molded nut delivers comfortable string spacing for both rhythm work and lead passages.

Tone & Electronics

The Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic bridge humbucker offers multiple voices via push-pull volume control, delivering everything from vintage clarity to modern power. LTD locking tuners ensure tuning stability, while the Hipshot hardtail with string-thru-body design maximizes sustain and intonation precision in a single-pickup configuration.

Key Features

• Body: Swamp ash with textured sandblasted Black Blast finish
• Neck: Three-piece thin U-shaped roasted maple, bolt-on construction
• Headstock: Tilt-back reverse design
• Scale length: 25.5"
• Fingerboard: Macassar ebony with 350mm radius and pearloid block inlays
• Frets: 22 XJ stainless steel
• Nut: 42mm molded type
• Tuners: LTD locking tuners
• Bridge: Hipshot hardtail with string-thru-body
• Pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic bridge humbucker with multiple voices
• Electronics: Active, single volume control with push/pull voice selector
• Stock strings: D'Addario XL110 (.010–.046)

This instrument combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations, delivering the precision and versatility required for studio sessions and demanding live performance.