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Head to head

ESP Will Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ Graphic vs Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio

ESP Will Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ Graphic
Electric$10,949
No ratings yet
80Overall / 100
Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio
Electric$15,999
No ratings yet
76Overall / 100

The verdict

The ESP Will Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ Graphic comes out ahead overall — 80 to 76 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

ESP Will Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ Graphic wins on
  • Better build (97 vs 87)
  • Better playability (81 vs 75)
  • Lower price ($10,949 vs $15,999)
Gibson Leo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio wins on

No standout advantage.

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricWill Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ GraphicLeo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio
Overall8076
Build9787
Playability8175
Sound6871
Value7066

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecWill Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ GraphicLeo Scala Theodore Retroliner – Gold Adagio, Gold Adagio
BrandESPGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years——
CountryJPUS
Body woodMahoganyAlder
Neck wood3Pc MapleMahogany
FretboardEbonyIndian Rosewood
Strings76
Frets2222
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsFishman Fluence Will Adler Aged Gold *(Pull Tone for Voice 2) / Fishman Fluence Will Adler Aged Gold *(Pull Tone for Voice 2)Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound P-90 Soapbar Alnico 4 and Alnico 3 Magnets 79 k DC Resistance / Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Vintage Hot 57 Patent Applied For Humbucker Alnico 4 Magnet 84k k DC Resistance
Rating——
Price$10,949$15,999
BridgeTonePros Locking TOM & TailpieceABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Custom Dog Bone Base
Bridge pickupFishman Fluence Will Adler Aged Gold *(Pull Tone for Voice 2)Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound Vintage Hot 57 Patent Applied For Humbucker Alnico 4 Magnet 84k k DC Resistance
CaseEC Guitar Form Fit CaseCustom G&G Hardshell with Leo Scala Aged Hardware and Gold-Embroidered Gibson Logo Inside
Case IncludedY—
ConstructionNeck-Thru—
ControlsActive2 Volume, 2 Tone; 50s-style Hand-wired with VIPots 550k Potentiometers and Bumblebee Capacitors
FinishDistressed Black w/ Gold Warbird GraphicMaster Artisan Aged Gold
Fretboard radius305mm304.8mm / 12.0in
HardwareGold—
Neck pickupFishman Fluence Will Adler Aged Gold *(Pull Tone for Voice 2)Leo Scala Custom Retrophonic Hand-wound P-90 Soapbar Alnico 4 and Alnico 3 Magnets 79 k DC Resistance
Neck profileThin U—
NutBoneNylon
Nut width43mm42.85mm / 1.69in
Scale length24.75"628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonESP Strap Lock—
Top woodMaple—
TunersSperzel LockingKluson Six In-Line with Custom Color-Infused Keystone Button
Accessories—Certificate of Authenticity Box
Body Finish—Master Artisan Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shape—Theodore
Body Styles—Double Cut
Control Covers—Aged Brass, Embossed Retroliner
Control Knobs—Leo Scala Custom Metal with Dial Pointer
Fretboard inlay—Pearloid Dot
Fret Count—22
Headstock—Scimitar, Matching Color with Graphics; Stinger on Rear
Headstock Inlay—Custom Raised Brass Gibson Logo
Joint—Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
Model—CS-ART-104
Mounting Rings—Custom Color-Infused (Humbucker)
Neck Finish—Leo Scala Custom Oiled
Output Jack—1/4" Switchcraft
Pickguard—None
Pickup Covers—Custom Color-Infused (Soapbar P-90), None (Humbucker)
Pickup Selector—3-way Switchcraft
Profile—C
Strap Buttons—2 - Bottom and Upper Horn
String gauges—.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch Tip—Cream
Switchwasher—Black
Tailpiece—Bigsby B7 Vibrato
Truss rod—Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover—Aged Brass
Tuner Plating—Master Artisan Aged Gold

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