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ESP Will Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ Graphic vs Gibson Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, Black/White

ESP Will Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ Graphic
Electric$10,949
No ratings yet
80Overall / 100
Gibson Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, Black/White
Electric$16,999
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 $16,999)
Gibson Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, Black/White wins on

No standout advantage.

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricWill Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ GraphicMichael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, Black/White
Overall8076
Build9787
Playability8175
Sound6871
Value7066

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecWill Adler Warbird Distressed Black w/ GraphicMichael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector’s Edition, Black/White
BrandESPGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years——
CountryJPUS
Body woodMahoganyMahogany
Neck wood3Pc Maple3-piece Mahogany
FretboardEbony—
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)T-Top Humbucker, Alnico 5, Unpotted / T-Top Humbucker, Alnico 5, Unpotted
Rating——
Price$10,949$16,999
BridgeTonePros Locking TOM & TailpieceABR-1 (Wire)
Bridge pickupFishman Fluence Will Adler Aged Gold *(Pull Tone for Voice 2)T-Top Humbucker, Alnico 5, Unpotted
CaseEC Guitar Form Fit CaseCustom Replica Flight Case with M.S.G. Graphics
Case IncludedY—
ConstructionNeck-Thru—
ControlsActive2 Volume, Master Tone; Hand-wired with 500k CTS Potentiometers and Ceramic Capacitor
FinishDistressed Black w/ Gold Warbird GraphicChrome; Murphy Lab Light Aged
Fretboard radius305mm304.8mm / 12.0in
HardwareGold—
Neck pickupFishman Fluence Will Adler Aged Gold *(Pull Tone for Voice 2)T-Top Humbucker, Alnico 5, Unpotted
Neck profileThin U—
NutBoneCorian
Nut width43mm40.01mm / 1.58in
Scale length24.75"628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonESP Strap Lock—
Top woodMaple—
TunersSperzel LockingSchaller M6
Accessories—Certificate of Authenticity in Matching Black/White Folio, #56 Medallion on Commemorative Mahogany Block
Body Finish—Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shape—Flying V
Control Knobs—Knurled White Top Hat with Gold Lettering and Numbers and Dial Pointer
Fretboard inlay—Cellulose Dot
Fret Count—22
Headstock—70s Short Flying V, Artist-signed on Headstock Rear
Headstock Inlay—Gibson Logo Hotstamped on Truss Rod Cover
Joint—Glued In, Set Neck
Model—71FVMSBWMLCH1
Mounting Rings—Black
Output Jack—1/4" Switchcraft
Pickguard—Single-ply White, Painted Half Black
Pickup Covers—None
Pickup Selector—3-way Switchcraft
Profile—Artist Profile
Strap Buttons—2 - Near Heel/Tenon on Back and On Side of Left V Tip
String gauges—.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch Tip—Cream
Tailpiece—Historic Reissue Stop Bar
Truss rod—Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover—Single-ply White, Painted Half Black
Tuner Plating—Chrome; Murphy Lab Light Aged

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