Head to head
ESP AA-1 Black Satin vs ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic
The verdict
The ESP AA-1 Black Satin comes out ahead overall — 79 to 66 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP AA-1 Black Satin wins on
- Better build (93 vs 61)
- Better playability (84 vs 72)
- Better value (76 vs 64)
- Lower price ($1,499 vs $1,699)
ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic wins on
- Better sound (68 vs 60)
Scorecard
| Metric | AA-1 Black Satin | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 79 | 66 |
| Build | 93 | 61 |
| Playability | 84 | 72 |
| Sound | 60 | 68 |
| Value | 76 | 64 |
Full specifications
| Spec | AA-1 Black Satin | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | — |
| Body wood | Mahogany | Alder |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Mahogany | Maple |
| Fretboard | Macassar Ebony | Macassar Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 | 22 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | EMG 81 Brushed Gold | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) / Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $1,499 | $1,699 |
| Bridge | TonePros Locking TOM w/ String Thru | Floyd Rose 1000SE |
| Bridge pickup | EMG 81 Brushed Gold | Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) |
| Case | ST-TE Guitar Form Fit Case | ST-TE Guitar Form Fit Case |
| Case Included | Y | Y |
| Construction | Neck-Thru | Bolt-On |
| Controls | Active | Passive |
| Finish | Black Satin | Black w/ Desert Eagle Graphic |
| Fretboard radius | 350mm | 305mm |
| Hardware | Gold | Black |
| Neck profile | Thin U | GL Original U |
| Nut | Molded | Locking |
| Nut width | 42mm | 43mm nut / 45mm neck width |
| Scale length | 24.75" | 25.5" |
| Strap Button | Standard | Standard |
| Tuners | LTD Locking | LTD |
| Neck pickup | — | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) |