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Head to head

ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic vs Gibson 1963 SG Special Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Classic White

ESP LTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic
Electric$1,699
No ratings yet
66Overall / 100
Gibson 1963 SG Special Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Classic White
Electric$4,999
No ratings yet
77Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson 1963 SG Special Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Classic White 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 $4,999)
Gibson 1963 SG Special Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Classic White wins on
  • Better build (87 vs 61)
  • Better sound (74 vs 68)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricLTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic1963 SG Special Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Classic White
Overall6677
Build6187
Playability7275
Sound6874
Value6467

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecLTD Gl Desert Eagle Black w/ Graphic1963 SG Special Reissue, Ultra Light Aged, Classic White
BrandESPGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years——
Country—US
Body woodAlderMahogany
Neck woodMapleMahogany
FretboardMacassar EbonyIndian Rosewood
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$4,999
BridgeFloyd Rose 1000SEABR-1
Bridge pickupSeymour Duncan ‘78 Direct Mount *(Push to Select)Custombucker Alnico 3
CaseST-TE Guitar Form Fit CaseCustom Shop Hardshell
Case IncludedY—
ConstructionBolt-On—
ControlsPassive2 Volume, 2 Tone, Vintage Taper Potentiometers, Bumblebee 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 width42.86mm / 1.69in
Scale length25.5"628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonStandard—
TunersLTDKluson 3 on a Strip, White Button
Accessories—Certificate of Authenticity
Binding—Fretboard 1-ply Cream
Body Finish—Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shape—SG
Body Styles—SG
Control Covers—Black
Control Knobs—Black Top Hat with Silver Inserts
End Of Board Width—56.89mm / 2.24in
Fretboard inlay—Celluloid Dot
Fret Count—22
Joint—Glued In, Set Neck; Hide Glue Fit
Model—CUS18830
Mounting Rings—True Historic
Output Jack—1/4" Switchcraft
Pickguard—True Historic SG Standard
Pickup Covers—True Historic Nickel
Pickup Selector—3-way Switchcraft Toggle
Profile—60s SlimTaper C
Strap Buttons—2 - Aluminum
String gauges—.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch Tip—Cream
Switchwasher—Black with Gold Hot Stamp
Tailpiece—Maestro Vibrola (Long)
Truss rod—Standard
Truss Rod Cover—Reissue
Tuner Plating—Nickel
Weight Relief—None

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