[kcirick]

Hi,

I have my first guitar right now Fender Squier Strat (i just started playing guitar less than a year ago). I want to buy a second one (electric), and I'm eyeing on ESP MH-50.

I just want to know if there are any ESP MH-50 owner or former owner who could tell me what is good or bad?

The reason why I want a new one is because Fender Squier Strat has 21 frets. I just want one that has more (MH-50 has 24 frets)

Any comments are appreciated! Thanks in advance

[allthumbs]

Here is a review for you. Pretty much a one trick pony. If your into thrash and metal it will fill the bill. You might find those jumbo frets a challenge to get used to.
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/r...LTD+MH-50/10/1

[kcirick]

Thanks for the reply,

I think it's a nice compliment to the Squier that I have, i can keep squier for all-rounder and MH-50 for playing thrash stuff. I'm not planning on becoming professional or anything, so this is pretty much all I need as far as sound quality goes.

Just one question: What exactly does it mean by XJ frets? does it mean it's wider than usual? (it says it makes bending easier). Squier has medium jumbo frets.

[allthumbs]

The frets are higher. It makes bends easier. The downside is that it also makes it easier to play notes sharp by accident. Takes more fretting hand control to tame it.

[TwistedLefty]

jumbos are basically a substitute for a scalloped fretboard

[kcirick]

Thanks for the replies.

Here is another question, or more or less looking for suggestions.

Right now, I have a single coil Squier Strat. I want to get a new guitar that has more hard rock/trash sound (hence humbackers). I went to the local guitar stores and the guys there suggested ESP MH-50 and Epiphone Gothic. Can you guys think of any other good alternative? My budget is up to about $400.

Thanks

[Stratrat]

If you don't want a full-on "shredhead" axe with the x-jumbo frets and/or scalloped fretboard, take a look at the Schecter Gryphon:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...top?sku=518483

It's right in your price range - well-built, nice-looking guitar with humbucker pups that will give you the sound you're looking for. 24 jumbo (not extra-jumbo) frets, and string-through mahogany body with tons of sustain. It also has a coil splitter so you can get single-coil sounds out of it by simply pulling up the tone knob. The only thing it doesn't have is the Floyd Rose trem, if that's a deal maker/breaker for you. They're built overseas, but shipped to the American factory for a final check/setup before delivery. Mine came perfectly set up and intonated, and is one of my best playing guitars. The pups are "Duncan-designed" instead of actual Seymour Duncans, but there's plenty of hard rock / thrash sound there.

Edit: After writing this, I had to pick mine up and have a little go on it. It's been sitting in the stand for at least 3 weeks since I last played it, and was still perfectly in tune!

[EFinFLA]

I ordered a blem version (cheap) a couple months ago as a paint project. I have to say I was less than impressed at first. It just looked and felt cheap....well it was cheap after all!

I didn't like the flat black but that was a non issue since I painted it. The fret ends were plenty sharp and needed quite a bit of file work. There was some sloppy glue work on the frets too. After some sanding and staining on the fretboard it is pretty nice now. I don't have any problem with the size of the jumbo frets. The pickups sounded OK but I installed new ones. The tuners feel cheap but work OK. I replaced the knobs with Gibby speedknobs. I play the guitar a lot now that I have it the way I want it.

I can also attest that Schecters are very nice for the money. I'd say look at one of them first, or go with a better ESP/LTD model, unless of course you WANT a project.

There are some photos of my project here

[Berserker22]

Might want to check out the Anniversary Mexi's from MF.

300 clams.

Fender Limited Edition Stratocaster with Direct-Mount Pickups Electric Guitar
Product #517592


http://www.guitarvision.com/mf/mf_frameset.htm



Gil