[SN8K]

Considering purchasing a new ESP guitar. Asking here before calling a retailer in hopes of getting a "different" perspective.

Looking at the following models:

M-400

M-1000

M-II Series

I have 2 questions:

Practically speaking, what is the difference?

How do the Kirk Hammett models fit in with these models?


Thank you in advance.

 

[Mattayus]

Same basic guitar fundamentally, but with increasing spec and manufacture quality.
M400 and M1000 will be the same besides so slight aesthetic differences and that the m1000 will have a Korean Original Floyd Rose, M400 will have a Floyd Rose Special. Both made in Korea. M-II made in Japan, German original floyd rose, better build quality

The Hammett models (KH-600) are of a similar spec and build quality to the M1000 (same factory)

 

[SN8K]

Same basic guitar fundamentally, but with increasing spec and manufacture quality.
M400 and M1000 will be the same besides so slight aesthetic differences and that the m1000 will have a Korean Original Floyd Rose, M400 will have a Floyd Rose Special. Both made in Korea. M-II made in Japan, German original floyd rose, better build quality

The Hammett models (KH-600) are of a similar spec and build quality to the M1000 (same factory)

Thank you Mattayus.

What is the difference between the Korean Original Floyd Rose, the Floyd Rose Special and the Original Floyd Rose?

Due to the spec and manufacture quality, do you feel that playability and sound difference will be noticeable?

 

[Rocka_Rollas]

Floyd Rose Speical is junk
1000 series Korean Floyd is OK but wont last forever
German Floyd Rose on the higher end models are really good

You want the Floyds to be good (at least 1000 series) for good tuning stability.

 

[SN8K]

Floyd Rose Speical is junk
1000 series Korean Floyd is OK but wont last forever
German Floyd Rose on the higher end models are really good

You want the Floyds to be good (at least 1000 series) for good tuning stability.

Thank you very much RR!

 

[Kagami]

The 200 model signature ones are generally "okay" but I'd avoid them if you are serious. They are more for parents to buy their kids that are just starting out and idolize xyz person. The 600/1000s are good guitars, I have a few and they all kick ass. The E-II / Standard series models are a step up but it is mostly minor details at that point like rounded fret ends. Some of the guitars are shaped slightly differently, like the LTD and ESP/E-II Viper models have different angled cuts on them. Same goes with the bolt-on joints, MIJs have smaller ones that are more sculpted, MIJ Horizons have more defined cuts on the sculpting, custom shop horizons have a totally different top cut shape, etc. These are all minor things though. For the M-1000 / M-II model though they would be pretty similar both being neck through body and a flat top.

Regarding the actual models themselves setting aside aesthetics:

M-400 = bolt-on with a rather big joint imo, satin wood neck
M-1000 = set-through (set neck), painted neck
KH-602 = neck-through, has 2 volumes, painted neck
M-II = neck-through, satin wood neck

 

[SN8K]

The 200 model signature ones are generally "okay" but I'd avoid them if you are serious. They are more for parents to buy their kids that are just starting out and idolize xyz person. The 600/1000s are good guitars, I have a few and they all kick ass. The E-II / Standard series models are a step up but it is mostly minor details at that point like rounded fret ends. Some of the guitars are shaped slightly differently, like the LTD and ESP/E-II Viper models have different angled cuts on them. Same goes with the bolt-on joints, MIJs have smaller ones that are more sculpted, MIJ Horizons have more defined cuts on the sculpting, custom shop horizons have a totally different top cut shape, etc. These are all minor things though. For the M-1000 / M-II model though they would be pretty similar both being neck through body and a flat top.

Thank you Kagami. Good info.

 

[thrashinbatman]

The M-II would be the obvious choice. The 1000 series would be another acceptable choice if money is an issue. The KH-2 is equivalent to the M-II in terms of quality, however the KH-602 would be a worse guitar than an M-1000.

 

[SN8K]

The M-II would be the obvious choice. The 1000 series would be another acceptable choice if money is an issue. The KH-2 is equivalent to the M-II in terms of quality, however the KH-602 would be a worse guitar than an M-1000.

Thank you TBM. More good info.