Great value, solid guitar
I'm actually really loving this TE-200 by ESP Ltd. It plays smooth with surprisingly good action straight out of the box, and with just a little tweaking plays like a much more expensive guitar. The pick-ups sounded pretty good through a few different set ups I have (Axe-FXII, Bugera 333XL, and POD HD Pro X). Granted I have not down-tuned this guitar, everything I have tested it with has been standard tuning or true Dropped D tuning. It looks fantastic in person (my version is the see-through black cherry w/ maple fretboard). It feels solid as well, it's heavy, but not prohibitively heavy, just solid. I love the tele type feel, but in a rocker configuration with two passive humbuckers. The pick-up selector switch feels well constructed and I am not worried about wearing it out. The volume and tone knobs have a smooth yet firm turn, and I love the stippling on the edges of the knob for grip in case my hand is a little sweaty while jamming out. My only real negative is for the shredders out there. This may be a result of my abnormally huge hands (for reference, my ring finger is a size 13), but access to the 22-24 frets is limited and really requires rotating the fretting hand around and using your ring finger instead of your pinky (well for me at least because my pinky doesn't really contort at the right angle for approaching the 22-24 frets with the limited access of the cut-out). For this price range ($400), this is among the best guitars I've played. I would recommend this to any guitarist in this price range. However, if you are a true shredder looking for a good mid-range guitar, consider the access to the higher frets, how much you intend on getting up there, and if the cut-away will be sufficient for your needs. I'd say most guitarist would find this guitar a great value for this price. the TE-200 is great for alternative/hard rock and thrash metal, but progressive guitarists may find some features limiting.
Rocking Geologist
Corpus Christi, TX
