Head to head
ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic vs ESP LTD MT-I Obsidian Metallic
The verdict
The ESP LTD MT-I Obsidian Metallic comes out ahead overall — 70 to 66 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic wins on
- Better sound (68 vs 60)
ESP LTD MT-I Obsidian Metallic wins on
- Better build (71 vs 61)
- Better playability (81 vs 72)
- Lower price ($1,599 vs $1,699)
Scorecard
| Metric | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic | LTD MT-I Obsidian Metallic |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 66 | 70 |
| Build | 61 | 71 |
| Playability | 72 | 81 |
| Sound | 68 | 60 |
| Value | 64 | 68 |
Full specifications
| Spec | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic | LTD MT-I Obsidian Metallic |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | — | — |
| Body wood | Alder | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | Maple | 3Pc Maple |
| Fretboard | Macassar Ebony | Macassar Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 | 24 |
| Scale | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) / Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) | Fishman Fluence Mick Thomson *(Toggle for Voice 1, Voice 1 w/ Bass Shift, Voice 2/Pull Volume for Voice 3) |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $1,699 | $1,599 |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1000SE | Hipshot Ibby HM w/ String Thru |
| Bridge pickup | Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) | Fishman Fluence Mick Thomson *(Toggle for Voice 1, Voice 1 w/ Bass Shift, Voice 2/Pull Volume for Voice 3) |
| Case | ST-TE Guitar Form Fit Case | MH Guitar Form Fit Case |
| Case Included | Y | Y |
| Construction | Bolt-On | Set-Thru |
| Controls | Passive | Active |
| Finish | Black w/ Desert Eagle Graphic | Obsidian Metallic |
| Fretboard radius | 305mm | 300-400mm Compound |
| Hardware | Black | Black |
| Neck pickup | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) | — |
| Neck profile | GL Original U | Thin U |
| Nut | Locking | Graph Tech TUSQ XL Black |
| Nut width | 43mm nut / 45mm neck width | 42mm |
| Scale length | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Strap Button | Standard | Gotoh Locking |
| Tuners | LTD | Hipshot Grip-Lock Open |
| Top wood | — | White Ash |