Description
The LTD GH-SV Black is the signature guitar for Gary Holt. He is the guitarist of Slayer and Exodus and a legend in the world of thrash metal. An influential legend in the world of thrash metal, Gary Holt joined his friend Kirk Hammett in Bay Area band Exodus in 1981. He proceeded to write music and perform on every Exodus album since then. Gary’s unmistakable playing style all made him the ideal choice as the second guitarist in Slayer for their final albums and tours.
His Signature LTD GH-SV Black offers all of the aggression and power for which Gary is known and loved. This guitar makes use of the coveted ESP SV shape, with one side of the V-shape more elongated than the other. The body’s top and back are flat, with nothing to get in the way of pure shredding. Built at 24.75” scale, the GH-SV offers neck-thru-body construction, featuring a three-piece thin U-shaped mahogany neck and a mahogany body with maple cap. The Black finish of this guitar is accentuated by multi-ply red binding on the body, red binding on the neck and headstock, red pickup covers, and a special red scripted LTD logo. Its Macassar ebony neck is highlighted by pearloid split block inlays and 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets.
Components on the LTD GH-SV Black include a double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system, Grover tuners, and a set of direct-mount active pickups including the EMG 89R (neck), with reversed coils to keep the single coil side closer to the neck to capture the sweet spot and a push-pull control to split the pickup, and an aggressive EMG 81 in the bridge position. Includes ESP deluxe hardshell case.
EMG 89R:
The 89R is similar to the 89 but the coils are reversed so that the single coil side is closer to the neck to capture the sweet spot Strat fans love. Featuring two pickups in one, the 89R houses separate preamps and coils for a custom humbucker and single coil sound at your fingertips. Loaded with Alnico V magnets, the humbucker sound is rich, warm and powerful, but still clear and articulate, similar to the 85. The single coil mode, accessed via the included push pull pot, delivers the traditional Strat single coil sound: bright, airy, and chimey, and is very similar to the EMG SA. In either mode, the clean sound is gorgeously pristine and has a lot of presence. Used equally in bridge and neck positions. Whether you are playing hard rock or jazz, you can get it all with this beautifully balanced and versatile pickup.
EMG 81:
One of the most popular EMG’s, the 81 is the one that started a revolution. Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut, and fluid sustain. Traditionally used in the bridge position of your guitar, this humbucking pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix.
ABOUT ESP:
ESP Company, Limited is a Japanese guitar manufacturer, primarily focused on the production of electric guitars and basses. They are based in both Tokyo, Japan and Los Angeles, California, United States, with two distinct product lines for each respective market. ESP Company manufactures instruments under several names, including “ESP Standard”, “ESP Custom Shop”, “LTD Guitars and Basses”, “Navigator”, “Edwards Guitar and Basses”, and “Grassroots”. www.espguitars.com