Head to head
ESP JRV-8 Metallic Gold vs ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic
The verdict
The ESP JRV-8 Metallic Gold 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 JRV-8 Metallic Gold wins on
- Better build (93 vs 61)
- Better playability (78 vs 72)
- Better sound (73 vs 68)
- Better value (69 vs 64)
ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic wins on
- Lower price ($1,699 vs $2,299)
Scorecard
| Metric | JRV-8 Metallic Gold | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 79 | 66 |
| Build | 93 | 61 |
| Playability | 78 | 72 |
| Sound | 73 | 68 |
| Value | 69 | 64 |
Full specifications
| Spec | JRV-8 Metallic Gold | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | — |
| Body wood | Alder | Alder |
| Neck wood | 5Pc Maple/Walnut | Maple |
| Fretboard | Maple | Macassar Ebony |
| Strings | 8 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Scale | 27" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | Fishman Fluence 8-String Javier Reyes Single Width / Fishman Fluence Javier Reyes 8-String Classic Open Core *(Mini-toggle selects Voice 1/2/3) | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) / Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $2,299 | $1,699 |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1000 | Floyd Rose 1000SE |
| Bridge pickup | Fishman Fluence Javier Reyes 8-String Classic Open Core *(Mini-toggle selects Voice 1/2/3) | Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) |
| Case | ST 8 String Form Fit Case | ST-TE Guitar Form Fit Case |
| Case Included | Y | Y |
| Construction | Bolt-On | Bolt-On |
| Controls | Active | Passive |
| Finish | Metallic Gold | Black w/ Desert Eagle Graphic |
| Fretboard radius | 500mm | 305mm |
| Hardware | Gold | Black |
| Middle pickup | Fishman Fluence 8-String Javier Reyes Single Width | — |
| Neck pickup | Fishman Fluence 8-String Javier Reyes Single Width | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) |
| Neck profile | Thin Flat | GL Original U |
| Nut | Locking | Locking |
| Nut width | 54mm | 43mm nut / 45mm neck width |
| Scale length | 27" Baritone | 25.5" |
| Strap Button | Standard | Standard |
| Tuners | LTD Locking | LTD |