The ESP LTD EXL-7 Black Metal 7-String Baritone electric guitar brings the stripped-down aggression of LTD's Black Metal design approach to a larger baritone platform built for heavy extended-range playing. Its 27" scale, set-thru construction, mahogany body and thin U-shaped 3-piece maple neck create a strong foundation for downtuned riffs, wide intervals and sustained lead lines. A Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets gives the guitar a smooth, direct feel, while the Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 7 String 3-Voice active bridge pickup, LTD locking tuners and TonePros locking TOM-style bridge and tailpiece deliver the output, stability and focus needed for modern metal.
EXL Body With Seven-String Reach
The EXL-7 starts with a slightly larger version of ESP’s EX body shape, giving players added balance, beefy tone and a stronger stage presence. In seven-string baritone form, that larger outline feels matched to the guitar’s heavier sonic purpose. The Black Red Burst Satin finish adds a dramatic look while keeping the dark Black Metal identity intact.
27" Scale for Modern Downtuning
The 27" baritone scale helps the EXL-7 maintain string tension in low tunings, which is essential for keeping extended-range riffs tight and articulate. The seven-string layout adds low-register reach without removing the familiar high-string vocabulary of a standard electric guitar. For modern metal players, that combination opens up deep rhythm work, wide chord voicings and aggressive lead lines.
Set-Thru Mahogany Construction
Set-thru construction supports smooth access to the highest frets, making the EXL-7 feel less restricted than its large body might suggest. The mahogany body adds the weight and midrange push that suit heavy riffing, while the thin U 3-piece maple neck keeps the guitar quick under the fretting hand. The construction balances mass, sustain and playability in a way that fits the EXL concept.
Macassar Ebony and Mortal Coil Power
A Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets gives the EXL-7 a fast, durable playing surface for extended-range technique. The Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 7 String 3-Voice active bridge pickup supplies the tight, aggressive bridge response needed for low-tuned metal. A 3-way toggle selects the pickup voices, giving the single-pickup layout useful variation without sacrificing immediacy.
TonePros Hardware for Low-Tuned Stability
A TonePros locking TOM-style bridge and tailpiece anchor the EXL-7 with a stable fixed-bridge feel, while LTD locking tuners support tuning confidence and quicker string changes. Black hardware reinforces the stripped-down Black Metal look. For players who want a seven-string baritone with large-body authority, set-thru access and a focused active bridge pickup, the LTD EXL-7 Black Metal is built for serious low-tuned metal.