Head to head
ESP EXL-200 Black vs ESP JR-208 Pelham Blue
The verdict
The ESP EXL-200 Black and ESP JR-208 Pelham Blue are closely matched overall — 82 to 80 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP EXL-200 Black wins on
- Better sound (74 vs 68)
- Lower price ($699 vs $799)
ESP JR-208 Pelham Blue wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | EXL-200 Black | JR-208 Pelham Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82 | 80 |
| Build | 87 | 87 |
| Playability | 81 | 81 |
| Sound | 74 | 68 |
| Value | 85 | 83 |
Full specifications
| Spec | EXL-200 Black | JR-208 Pelham Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | JP |
| Body wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Maple | Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Strings | 6 | 8 |
| Frets | 22 | 24 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 27" |
| Pickups | ESP LH-301N / ESP LH-301B | ESP LH-308N *(Pull Tone for Split) / ESP LH-308B *(Pull Tone for Split) |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $699 | $799 |
| Bridge | TOM & Tailpiece | LTD Fixed w/ String Thru |
| Bridge pickup | ESP LH-301B | ESP LH-308B *(Pull Tone for Split) |
| Case | EXL GUITAR FORM FIT CASE | Mystique 8 String Form Fit Case |
| Case Included | N | N |
| Construction | Set-Neck | Bolt-On |
| Controls | Volume/Tone(Push/Pull)/Toggle Switch | Passive |
| Finish | Black | Pelham Blue |
| Fretboard radius | 350mm | 400mm |
| Hardware | Black | Gold |
| Neck pickup | ESP LH-301N | ESP LH-308N *(Pull Tone for Split) |
| Neck profile | Thin U | Thin U |
| Nut | Molded | Molded |
| Nut width | 42mm | 54mm |
| Scale length | 24.75" | 27" Baritone |
| Strap Button | Standard | Standard |
| Tuners | LTD | LTD |