- The Joe Duplantier and Mick Thomson signatures are to be discovered in the LTD range, each designed around a single bridge pickup.
- The JD-I takes up the offset played by the Gojira leader in Paris in 2024, with a passive DiMarzio and a single volume control.
- With the MT-I Black Satin, the Fishman Fluence signature pickup offers three voices and a coil split for modern rhythms.
- The EC-1000 Fluence and the XJ-2HT complete the set with two active humbuckers, covering everything from metal to ambient clean tones.
I have a soft spot for guitars that get straight to the point, and two LTD signature guitars are good examples: those of Joe Duplantier and Mick Thomson. ESP showcased them at their NAMM booth last January. Around them, two standard models are also worth checking out.
LTD is ESP's range that makes custom shop ideas accessible to guitarists who tour, rehearse, and record. The four LTD electric guitars in this selection share the same DNA: Macassar ebony fingerboard, Extra Jumbo frets, Thin U neck, and 10-46 strings to start with. What sets them apart is the way they approach sound. One pickup or two, passive or active, offset, super-strat, or single cut. Here's an overview of the range, model by model.
The LTD signature guitars to discover
- JD-I Joe Duplantier: mahogany offset, a passive DiMarzio JD Fortitude pickup, one volume control, 22 frets.
- MT-I Mick Thomson: mahogany super-strat, an active Fishman Fluence signature with three voices, 24 frets.
- Eclipse EC-1000 Fluence: mahogany single cut, two Fishman Fluence Modern pickups, short scale of 628 mm.
- XJ-2HT: swamp ash offset, two Fishman Fluence Modern pickups, 22 frets.
The two signatures play the card of the single bridge pickup. The other two models rely on the versatility of a pair of active humbuckers. Two philosophies, one audience: intermediate to advanced guitarists who want a reliable instrument on stage and in the studio.
JD-I: Joe Duplantier's signature goes straight to the point
Everyone remembers the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games: Gojira on the facades of the Conciergerie, in the rain. The JD-I takes up the look of the offset that Joe Duplantier had in hand that night.
The choice is radical. A single pickup, the DiMarzio JD Fortitude, in the bridge position. A single knob, the volume. The electronics are passive and the circuit very short, which preserves dynamics: the guitar responds to the strength of your pick attack, with no filter between your fingers and the amp.
In terms of sound, weâre talking about tight lows that remain clear, present mids to cut through the mix, and articulated highs. The mahogany body brings sustain and thickness. The roasted maple neck bolted on and the Macassar ebony fingerboard add clarity. In short, a straightforward character, made for heavy rhythms as much as leads.
The craftsmanship follows the same logic. Locking tuners, Tusq nut, and Hipshot bridge ensure tuning stability. The 43 mm nut leaves a bit more room for your fingers, and the Extra Jumbo frets make wide bends easier. The guitar comes with its case, in a shiny Metallic Silver finish.
MT-I: Mick Thomson stays the course in Black Satin
Mick Thomson, known as Slipknotâs rhythm pillar. His MT-I already existed in Obsidian Grey finish. The Black Satin version keeps the same minimalist philosophy, with a satin finish and black hardware.
At the heart of the guitar, a Fishman Fluence signature Mick Thomson at the bridge. One pickup, but three voices: the 3-position selector switches between them, from a modern tight tone to more open textures.
The push/pull volume adds a coil split. Handy for gaining bite on crunch or clean sounds, without changing guitars between songs. The announced sound is powerful, very defined, and low noise, even with lots of saturation.
The craftsmanship targets modern rhythm playing. 648 mm scale for firm lows and clean palm mutes (palm mute means the palm resting on the strings near the bridge to mute the sound). 305 mm radius, 42 mm nut, 24 frets, and Hipshot High Mass bridge for note stability. Mahogany body, glued maple neck, Hipshot tuners, case included.
The Fishman Fluence is an active pickup. Its onboard electronics stabilize output level and reduce background noise. This is what allows changing voicing (a preset tone color in the pickup) with a simple selector or push/pull.
EC-1000 Fluence and XJ-2HT: two LTD guitars for everything
No artist name on these two models, but a common point with the MT-I: Fishman Fluence technology. Here, in Modern version, with two humbuckers. A ceramic at the bridge for attack, an Alnico at the neck for roundness.
Eclipse EC-1000 Fluence Pearl White
The Eclipse EC-1000 is the houseâs modern single cut: the Les Paul format DNA, with ergonomics designed for the stage. This Pearl White version pairs a glued mahogany body and neck, ebony fingerboard, and chrome hardware.
The short 628 mm scale length gives a looser feel under your fingers. The TonePros Tune-o-Matic bridge and the 24 Extra Jumbo frets ensure sustain, tuning stability and smooth bends.
The two volume knobs and the tone knob each hide a function. A push/pull on the neck pickup volume activates voicing 3, another on the tone activates voicing 2. Result: three instant voicings, from saturated metal to ambient clean, including pop rock and fusion.
XJ-2HT Fishman Snow White
The XJ-2HT takes on a vintage offset silhouette, from the Jaguar family, and updates it for modern playing. Swamp ash body for projection, roasted maple bolt-on neck, Macassar ebony fingerboard and black hardware on a Snow White finish.
The ceramic humbucker at the bridge delivers tight lows and a focused sound, clear even in distortion. The Alnico at the neck adds roundness and sustain for leads and deep cleans.
One volume, one tone, a 3-position selector, and a push/pull on the volume for voicing 3. Its playground ranges from modern metal and djent to alternative rock, with articulate cleans for indie, pop-rock or funk. Itâs also accessible to a motivated beginner looking for a serious, evolving guitar.
All four models come from the factory with 10-46 strings. To keep that feel and the original setup, stick to this gauge when changing your electric guitar string sets. Moving to a heavier gauge often requires adjusting the neck setup.
Which LTD guitar to choose depending on your playing?
It all depends on how much room you leave for adjustments. If you play with a single, big and precise sound, and manage dynamics with your right hand, the JD-I goes straight to the point. Its passive electronics and signature DiMarzio pickup are also found in the DiMarzio pickup range, if you want to understand where that character comes from.
Looking for the same efficiency with a bit more color? The MT-I keeps the single pickup but gives you three voices and a split. It stays focused on rhythm playing, with its 24 frets to reach the highs in solo.
To play several styles in the same set, the two dual pickup models take over. The EC-1000 Fluence will appeal to single cut fans and short scale lovers. The XJ-2HT will please those who like offsets, ash and bolt-on necks.
Before choosing, think about the weight and comfort of the guitar over an hour of playing. A wide, sturdy guitar strap really makes a difference on mahogany bodies, and it remains the first accessory to plan for on stage.
FAQ - LTD signature guitars
Which LTD signature guitars to discover?
Two signatures: Joe Duplantierâs JD-I (Gojira) and Mick Thomsonâs MT-I in Black Satin. Both were on the ESP stand at NAMM 2026, alongside the Eclipse EC-1000 Fluence Pearl White and the XJ-2HT Fishman Snow White.
Does Joe Duplantierâs JD-I have active pickups?
No. It features a single passive DiMarzio JD Fortitude pickup at the bridge, controlled by a single volume knob.
How many sounds does the MT-I offer with a single pickup?
The Fishman Fluence signature offers three voices, accessible via the 3-position selector. The push/pull volume adds a coil split.
What is the scale length difference between these LTD guitars?
The EC-1000 Fluence uses a 628 mm scale length. The JD-I, MT-I and XJ-2HT are 648 mm, for tighter lows.
Do these guitars come with a case?
Yes for the JD-I and MT-I, both come with a case.
Two strong signatures and two series models covering a wide range: the LTD range suits both the guitarist who wants a single sound and the one who wants ten. Itâs up to you to find the one that fits your playing. And you, more single pickup or pair of humbuckers?
