Head to head
ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic vs ESP Phoenix Black Metal BLACK SATIN
The verdict
The ESP Phoenix Black Metal BLACK SATIN comes out ahead overall — 78 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 63)
ESP Phoenix Black Metal BLACK SATIN wins on
- Better build (93 vs 61)
- Better playability (78 vs 72)
- Better value (75 vs 64)
- Lower price ($1,099 vs $1,699)
Scorecard
| Metric | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic | Phoenix Black Metal BLACK SATIN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 66 | 78 |
| Build | 61 | 93 |
| Playability | 72 | 78 |
| Sound | 68 | 63 |
| Value | 64 | 75 |
Full specifications
| Spec | LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic | Phoenix Black Metal BLACK SATIN |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | — | JP |
| Body wood | Alder | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | Maple | 3Pc Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Macassar Ebony | Macassar Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Scale | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) / Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) | Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Ceramic |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $1,699 | $1,099 |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1000SE | TonePros Locking TOM & Tailpiece |
| Bridge pickup | Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select) | Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Ceramic |
| Case | ST-TE Guitar Form Fit Case | PHOENIX GUITAR FORM FIT CASE |
| Case Included | Y | N |
| Construction | Bolt-On | Neck-Thru |
| Controls | Passive | Active |
| Finish | Black w/ Desert Eagle Graphic | Black Satin |
| Fretboard radius | 305mm | 350mm |
| Hardware | Black | Black |
| Neck pickup | ESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) | — |
| Neck profile | GL Original U | Thin U |
| Nut | Locking | Molded |
| Nut width | 43mm nut / 45mm neck width | 42mm |
| Scale length | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Strap Button | Standard | Standard |
| Tuners | LTD | LTD Locking |