The ESP LTD EXL Black Metal electric guitar brings the stripped-down aggression of LTD's Black Metal design approach to a larger EX-inspired body built for heavy rhythm work. Its set-thru construction, mahogany body, 24.75" scale and thin U-shaped 3-piece maple neck create a powerful feel with smooth upper-fret access and a familiar shorter-scale response. A Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets supports wide bends and fast position shifts, while the Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 3-Voice active bridge pickup, LTD locking tuners and TonePros locking TOM-style bridge and tailpiece keep the guitar focused on sustain, stability and high-output metal tone.
Larger EXL Body Shape
The EXL design starts from ESP’s standard EX shape and expands it slightly for stronger playing balance, beefier tone and a bigger stage presence. That larger outline gives the guitar a more commanding feel without abandoning the angular personality that makes the EX family recognizable. In Black Red Burst Satin, the EXL Black Metal looks dark, sharp and ready for high-gain performance.
Set-Thru Mahogany Construction
Set-thru construction gives the EXL Black Metal smooth access to the highest frets while maintaining the solid feel of a fixed-bridge rock guitar. The mahogany body adds midrange weight and punch, helping riffs feel thick and authoritative under distortion. A 24.75" scale length supports a slightly slinkier response that works well for bends, vibrato and heavy chord work.
Thin U Neck and Ebony Fingerboard
A thin U-shaped 3-piece maple neck gives the guitar a fast, comfortable platform for modern playing. The Macassar ebony fingerboard adds a slick, dark surface with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets for durability and smooth articulation. Together, the neck and fingerboard support everything from heavy downstroke rhythm to precise lead work high on the neck.
Mortal Coil Three-Voice Pickup
The Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil 3-Voice active bridge pickup gives the EXL Black Metal a focused, high-output foundation with more range than a standard single-voice pickup. A 3-way toggle selects the pickup voices, making it easy to move between tight rhythm attack, cutting lead response and alternate bridge textures. The single-pickup layout keeps the guitar immediate while still giving players meaningful tonal options.
TonePros Bridge and Locking Tuners
A TonePros locking TOM-style bridge and tailpiece anchor the strings with a firm fixed-bridge feel, while LTD locking tuners support tuning stability and quicker string changes. Black hardware keeps the look consistent with the Black Metal identity. For players who want the EX shape with bigger presence, set-thru access and a versatile active bridge pickup, the LTD EXL Black Metal is built for heavy rhythm work and high-gain performance.