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Head to head

ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic vs Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue, Light Aged, Antique Cherry

ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic
Electric$1,699
No ratings yet
66Overall / 100
Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue, Light Aged, Antique Cherry
Electric$8,599
No ratings yet
77Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue, Light Aged, Antique Cherry comes out ahead overall — 77 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
  • Lower price ($1,699 vs $8,599)
Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue, Light Aged, Antique Cherry wins on
  • Better build (87 vs 61)
  • Better sound (74 vs 68)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricLTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue, Light Aged, Antique Cherry
Overall6677
Build6187
Playability7275
Sound6874
Value6467

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecLTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue, Light Aged, Antique Cherry
BrandESPGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years
CountryUS
Body woodAlderSolid Mahogany
Neck woodMapleSolid Mahogany
FretboardMacassar EbonyEbony
Strings66
Frets2222
Scale25.5"24.75"
PickupsESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select) / Seymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select)Custombucker Alnico 3 / Custombucker Alnico 3
Rating
Price$1,699$8,599
BridgeFloyd Rose 1000SEABR-1
Bridge pickupSeymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select)Custombucker Alnico 3
CaseST-TE Guitar Form Fit CaseBrown/Pink Lifton Reissue 5-Latch
Case IncludedY
ConstructionBolt-On
ControlsPassive2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS 500K Audio Taper Potentiometers, Paper-in-Oil Capacitors
FinishBlack w/ Desert Eagle GraphicNickel; Murphy Lab Light Aged
Fretboard radius305mm304.8mm / 12.0in
HardwareBlack
Neck pickupESP LS-120 *(Pull to Select)Custombucker Alnico 3
Neck profileGL Original U
NutLockingNylon
Nut width43mm nut / 45mm neck width42.85mm / 1.69in
Scale length25.5"628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonStandard
TunersLTDKluson Waffleback with Pearloid Tips
AccessoriesCertificate of Authenticity, Mounted Custom Shop Switch Plate Medallion; Reissue Switch Backplate in Case
BindingMulti-ply
Body FinishMurphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeLes Paul
Body StylesLes Paul
Control CoversBlack Royalite
Control KnobsButyrate Black Top Hats
End Of Board Width56.89mm / 2.24in
Fretboard inlay1950s Pattern Mother of Pearl
Fret Count22
Headstock InlayGibson Logo and Split Diamond Inlay in Mother of Pearl
Jack Plate CoverMulti-ply Laminated Acrylic
JointLong Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
ModelLPB57PSL000000480
Mounting RingsM69 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Output Jack1/4" Switchcraft
PickguardMulti-ply Laminated Acrylic
Pickup CoversAuthentic Profile Nickel Silver
Pickup Selector3-Way Switchcraft
Profile50s Rounded Medium C
String gauges.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch TipAmber
SwitchwasherBlack with Gold Lettering
TailpieceLightweight Aluminum Stop Bar
Truss rodAuthentic 1950s No-Tube
Truss Rod CoverAuthentic Stepped 2-Ply Les Paul Custom
Tuner PlatingNickel
Weight ReliefNone

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