Head to head
ESP XJ-2 Ht Snow White vs Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V EXP, Silver Metallic
The verdict
The ESP XJ-2 Ht Snow White comes out ahead overall — 84 to 71 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP XJ-2 Ht Snow White wins on
- Better build (97 vs 87)
- Better playability (78 vs 64)
- Better sound (77 vs 68)
- Better value (81 vs 61)
- Lower price ($1,699 vs $2,799)
Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V EXP, Silver Metallic wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | XJ-2 Ht Snow White | Dave Mustaine Flying V EXP, Silver Metallic |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 84 | 71 |
| Build | 97 | 87 |
| Playability | 78 | 64 |
| Sound | 77 | 68 |
| Value | 81 | 61 |
Full specifications
| Spec | XJ-2 Ht Snow White | Dave Mustaine Flying V EXP, Silver Metallic |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | Gibson |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | US |
| Body wood | Swamp Ash | — |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Roasted Maple | — |
| Fretboard | Macassar Ebony | — |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 | — |
| Scale | 25.5" | — |
| Pickups | Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Alnico Brushed Stainless *(Pull Volume for Voice 3) / Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Ceramic Brushed Stainless *(Pull Volume for Voice 3) | Dave Mustaine Signature Seymour Duncan Thrash Factor Set / Dave Mustaine Signature Seymour Duncan Thrash Factor Set |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $1,699 | $2,799 |
| Bridge | Hipshot w/ String Thru | Nashville Tune-O-Matic |
| Bridge pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Ceramic Brushed Stainless *(Pull Volume for Voice 3) | Dave Mustaine Signature Seymour Duncan Thrash Factor Set |
| Case | XJ GUITAR FORM FIT CASE | Gibson Hardshell Case |
| Case Included | N | — |
| Construction | Bolt-On | — |
| Controls | Master Volume(Push/Pull)/Toggle Switch | 2 Volume, 1 Master Tone, Custom Dave Mustaine Wiring |
| Finish | Snow White | Black Chrome |
| Fretboard radius | 350mm | — |
| Hardware | Black | — |
| Neck pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Alnico Brushed Stainless *(Pull Volume for Voice 3) | Dave Mustaine Signature Seymour Duncan Thrash Factor Set |
| Neck profile | Thin U | — |
| Nut | Black Bone | — |
| Nut width | 42mm | — |
| Scale length | 25.5" | — |
| Strap Button | Standard | — |
| Tuners | LTD Locking | Grover Mini Rotomatics with Kidney Buttons |
| Accessories | — | Gibson Accessory Kit |
| Control Knobs | — | Black Witch Hats |
| Headstock | — | Explorer Style |
| Jack Plate Cover | — | Recessed Black Chrome |
| Model | — | DSVX00S1BC1 |
| Output Jack | — | 1/4" |
| Pickup Selector | — | 3-way Toggle |
| Strap Buttons | — | 2 |
| String gauges | — | .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046 |
| Switch Tip | — | Black |
| Tailpiece | — | Stop Bar |
| Truss rod | — | Adjustable |
| Tuner Plating | — | Black Chrome |