ESP LTD M-103FM Electric Guitar
Get heavy metal tones and fast-action with this beginner electric guitar. It features a Thin Flat Maple neck and ESP pickups.
Overall User Ratings (based on 13 ratings)
Submitted July 15, 2011 by a customer from jasonaaronwood.com
"An excellent all-around guitar for a wide range of styles, esp. lead"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'd buy another one for sure! A great all-around guitar for a wide range of styles, for a reasonable price.
Sound
The stock pickups sound great! I have really grown since getting this guitar due to the different tonal qualities I can get from its different pickup selector positions.
A lot depends on your amp sound, but I can hear every nuance and articulation of every note on this guitar with the sounds I use.
I almost gave it a 9 instead of a 10 because the single coils are kinda noisy if you use a lot of gain... but then again, they're single coils; when isn't that the case?
Of course you can always upgrade if you want something specific, but these stock pickups do the trick!
Features
The floating tremolo system is actually my #1 favorite out of the 10 floating-trem guitars that currently I own, and is also one of the best I've ever used. It is extremely responsive, and it has enough bounce in it to get a nice flutter, something I've struggled with on some of my other LFR-trem guitars.
I like the HSS pickup configuration on this guitar, as it gives me lots of tonal options. I can play clean and atmospheric, clearly-articulated bluesy parts, crushing metal riffs, and shred up a storm on the comfortable neck.
24 frets is always a winner with me too; the neck is ultra-comfortable all the way up.
As for accessories, I bought mine used, so none came with it. Until I got this guitar I had strictly been a neck-thru contruction guy, but this is one of the most comfortable guitars I have ever played, ranking above some of my $1,000-range guitars in some ways.
Ease of Use
As I said above, the 5-way selector switch and HSS pickup configuration provide the potential for quite a bit of tonal variety. It is great for lead guitar, especially.
Quality
This guitar measures up to my $1000-range guitars, and even surpasses them in some ways in comfort and playability. For $299 you get much more guitar.
This guitar is my first ESP/LTD and has made me really consider just going with ESP/LTD from now on.
Value
Again, this is a whole lotta guitar for $299. I got a used/blemished one and ever since, now I'm looking at LTD's for my next purchases based on this great guitar.
Manufacturer Support
ESP did it right the first time, so I haven't needed to contact them.
The Wow Factor
Not intentionally, I came to own nothing but strat-shaped guitars with 24 frets and floating trems, so this one called to me the moment I saw it in the store, more for features than for looks.
The see-thru black looks pretty cool; more interesting than just flat black. I've never been a fan of the look of maple necks, but I went with it anyway, and my tone is thanking me. And the price was great. So it's growing on me.
Musical Background:
Solo Artist, Session Musician, Film Composer, Teacher
Musical Style:
Rock, Metal, Neoclassical, Shred, & Spanish Guitar
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Submitted January 31, 2015 by Anthony S in River Falls, WI
"Great Sound"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Having just started playing again after about a 20yr hiatus, I needed a new guitar. I had picked up a new LP Style kit that included the amp, case, etc., which was a pretty decent setup for a pretty decent price. After getting back into things & practicing for a few weeks, just didn't care for the LP Style guitar I had, so I started shopping around online.
After the Schecter I was interested in sold out quickly, I ran across this LTD M-103FM when I was doing some comparison shopping with the ESP's & Ibanez. Once this one went on sale for $269, the deal was done. Boy am I happy I pulled the trigger.
For a beginner or for a seasoned long time player, you will love this guitar. Having just gotten back into playing, learning again on this guitar has been about as easy as it can get. I have fairly fat fingers, & the neck on this guitar is dang near perfect for my hands. It feels silky smooth. The Floyd Rose is one of the best features I think on this guitar. With the FR locking system, I have not had to re-tune this guitar one time since I put the new strings on. That is the only negative I had about this guitar, is that when I first got it, the high E was busted right at the nut, so I had to re-string it right away. Not really a huge deal though, as zZounds was awesome, & immediately sent me a new set of strings.
Many new players are apparently a bit intimidated about messing with the floating Floyd Rose setup, I gotta say it really wasn't that hard to adjust. After changing the strings, re-adjusting the plate so the FR was sitting level with the body, & locking everything down, this thing stays in tune, always. If you do happen to need to adjust a bit, the fine tuners on the FR are all you need. They work great for getting in absolute perfect tuning.
Overall, I love this setup. The guitar has just the right amount of weight to me, & great balance. The flame looking maple under the deep black top coat looks great also. After giving the body a nice coat of protective wax, & putting some Finger Ease on the back of the neck, it plays fantastic, fast, & smooth. After adjusting the humbucker a bit as it was sitting a bit low, the stock pickups sound really good also. Unless you really, really need too, there is no need to replace the stock pups, they have really nice output as a stock trio.
I could go on for days talking about the great features this guitar has, & how much I absolutely love it. I recommend simply looking at a few youtube video reviews if you aren't sold yet on buying one. You will be sold. For the money, I cannot imagine finding a better guitar. Even at it's regular price of $329, it is absolutely worth every penny. Puts my buddy's $600 LTD to shame.
If you are in the market for a new guitar, whether you are a beginner just starting out, or a long time player wanting a new stage toy, this guitar rocks. It will not disappoint you. You can't go wrong with ESP or zZounds either. Both are top notch.
Highly recommend this guitar.
Musical Background:
Took lessons as a teen, just began playing again. Currently just jamming at home with a friend/neighbor who plays locally.
Musical Style:
Hard Rock, Progressive, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Everything from the Police & the Eagles, on up to Disturbed & Judas Priest. If
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Submitted October 1, 2013 by Nathan K in Brevard, NC
"Fiercely Wicked Value!"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Great value for the money! Stunning to behold and an absolute pleasure to put your hands on and play. You won't believe the value when you see first hand the build quality and flawless finish. Good quality hardware. I will buy another soon.
Sound
There is a lot of tonal ground to be covered with it's H-S-S setup. A humbucker in the bridge position with middle and neck single coil pickups. These are some of the better sounding stock pickups I've heard in my 30 years of playing guitar. The middle and neck single coils sound just fine and the humbucker covers a lot of territory but in a slightly generic sounding way. Stock pickups are usually intended to cover a lot of sonic territory and usually don't do any particular area very well. It is true here. Fine for all around tones but I will probably change it out for something that fits my style specifically.
Features
Features 3 pickups, a single tone and single volume knob, a 5 way selector switch and a Floyd Rose Special. Awesome!
Ease of Use
Take the time and adjust the Floyd Rose, action and intonation correctly. This is one of the areas guitar companies save money when pricing budget guitars. The tech's at the manufacturing plant do not spend the necessary time to set up and adjust like more expensive brands do. I always expect to have to set up a budget instrument. I did this and it works flawlessly and stays in tune!
Quality
Very well made! The frets, the neck, the paint job, everything is top notch.
Value
Fiercely wicked value!
The Wow Factor
Amazing!
Musical Background:
30 Years performing, recording.
Musical Style:
Rock, Christian, almost anything.
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Submitted July 30, 2012 by a customer from hotmail.com in Warner Robins, GA
"Can;t buy much better for the price"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought this guitar two weeks ago and have literally played it every single day. When I'm at work I can't wait to get home and play it. Always thinking about it. I absolutely love the wide flat maple fingerboard. A shredders dream. I bought an Ibanez Jem 505 last year because of the maple fingerboard with dots, and I feel this is just as good and feels almost identical. The finish on the guitar was flawless as well. Beautiful flame maple top. Only thing I changed on this guitar was the bridge to a Dimarzio Evolution. Sounds Amazing.
Musical Background:
Started playing the summer of 1988
Musical Style:
Metal, hardrock
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Submitted July 14, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Ruff Around The Edges"
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Overall, this guitar is great for those that want to spend some time customizing it in the future or those that are seeking a low priced locking tremolo guitar. Other than that I'm sure if you read more reviews you'll find better options.
Sound
Definitely want to get some new pickups of your choice in this guitar if you want to get a great sound out of it. The stock pickups are fair if you're just going to practice in your room.
Features
I love the locking tremolo, it's the reason I bought this guitar. The frets are a bit awkward, but you get used to it.
Ease of Use
It's ruff around the edges of the neck. I've heard it's normal on most inexpensive guitars, but this was the first time I've noticed since playing guitar.
Quality
It looks nice and plays well for the price. I love Jackson guitars much more, but this guitar isn't the worst I've ever had.
Value
You could do worst, but I wouldn't buy another one if something happened to this one. If you can afford something better I'd advice you go for a wiser investment.
Manufacturer Support
Never needed support.
The Wow Factor
In another review I read someone stated that this is a beginner's guitar with a locking tremolo. I happen to agree. Though to be fair the guitar is good looking.
Musical Background:
Studio Musician
Musical Style:
Hard Rock
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