ESP LTD H-302

Dont know what year it was made but its a Korean made guitar. Mahogany body with a flame maple top. It has a maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, thru-body neck and 25.5" scale. It has 24 XJ frets. It has gold hardware and a tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece. Natural body binding with white on the neck and head. It uses Duncan designed HB-102 passive pickups with one volume one tone and a 5 way switch. ESP brand, non-locking tuners. It has a superstrat body shape.

I play rock and metal and it suits my sound perfectly. It also has a good clean tone, (though maybe thats my amp, a Blackstar HT-5S.) I only use my amps gain, no pedals at the moment and it sounds amazing. It has a bright, rich sound.

The guitar was set up brilliantly at the factory, it even came in tune. the action was fairly low which makes it even better for shredding. The pickups were pretty much perfect, had to adjust the height slightly but otherwise good.

Ive played gigs with this guitar and it has withstood everything they threw at it. Everything on this guitar is solid, nothing loose and will last for a good few years yet. I depend on it all the time without a backup and nothing goes wrong.

Havent had to deal with them.

Ive been playing a few years and owned a few guitars and this is definitely the best, though not the most expensive. If it was stolen i would probably buy it again if i could find it.

Flamed maple top, neck tru design, 24 frets, tune-o-matic bridge

The stock pickups will be replaced soon, however I really dont have a whole to complain about the sound as it is. The tuners will also be replaced eventually. I do have some problems with it not holding tune during shows, but thats also mostly due to my activity level on stage. Its a fairly light guitar, very comfortable to hold and the neck-thru is AWESOME! First guitar I have ever owned with such a thing.

This guitar really suits my music style. I play alot of rock music, metal influenced, among lots of other rock styles. Suits the music perfectly!

Im using a Mesa two channel Dual Rectifier at the moment. The guitar is smokin' hot through this amp! I used to play through a crappy Marshall VS100.. The amp always makes a world of difference.

The guitar has never been noisy to me. It has a very rich and full sound!

I bought the guitar from a guitar center via ebay. it came to me set-up very nicely, the action was great. There was one blemish on the front of the guitar when i bought it and the input jack was falling out (the wood was stripped where one of the screws goes in) but keep in mind this was a used guitar! I have put many scratches and dings on the guitar since ownership, and duct-tape has worked wonders for the input jack. To me, I can care less about how a guitar looks. The only thing that matters is how well it plays. This guitar plays great!!

This guitar has withstood probably 80 some shows so far. Never had a problem, besides maybe some broken strings here and there. The finish is lasting pretty well, although the used-to-be gold hardware isnt very gold anymore (ive sweated buckets on this poor thing!). The strap buttons are non-existant because i use DiMazzrio clip-lock straps: i would highly recomend these straps to ANYONE. I have field tested them extensivly, and they are fail-proof (im a guitar spinner).

I have depended on this guitar since the day it came in the mail. I would never give it up!

And everyone should know better than to gig without a backup!!!!! It does not matter how nice your guitar is, sooner or later you will break a string, or your wiring will fail, or your strap will fail (unless your using clip-locks!!), among many other scenarios and you will be screwed! I keep all four of my guitar on hand at ALL TIMES when i play a show!!

Never dealt with customer support, but will in the future. Im looking into getting a custom!

Ive been playing for eleven years now, have owned many kinds of guitars and own three others at the moment: Gibson Les Paul Smartwood Exotic - Ibanez S520EX and an Ibanez Iceman. All good guitars valued well over my LTD, but I refuse to let any other guitar be my primary for shows.

The main thing I look for in a guitar is a contoured body, and the tune-0-matic bridge setup. i hate flat guitars! the LTD H series has exactly what i want in a sleek, neck thru design that ANYONE can appreciate.

If this guitar was ever lost/stolen, I would be devistated and I would definatly try to locate it. I have played many great shows with this thing and it holds significant sentimental value to me. Im already in the market for another one and have my eyes set on "the next one"!

I LOVE THIS GUITAR!! :)

Korean, neck thru,beautiful flamed maple top.All basics coverd in reviews before. I like the gold hardware.The tuners are not the greatest as far as staying in tune.I bought mine with real seymour duncans instead of the knock offs. All the difference in the world.

I play rock and new age style compostitons. I love alex lifeson. ty tabor and michael hedges.I feel the guitar allows me to generate a deep tonal palate. I am runnig it through a peavey (tube) triumph. And soon an ART ecc. I love the clean tube sound this guitar produces.The only dislike I have is the bridge pickup may be to harsh. I bought it and the owner didnt know the model. He didnt want to kill the great setup by pulling out the pickups.If the pickup was smoother and not as harsh I could give it a 10.

came to me near perfect. was set up professionally. The match of the guitars constuction(neck thru)was very good.

very sturdy have had no issues other than the tuners will be swaped at some point. They arent bad. They just could be better.I would absolutley gig with out a back up.(although a spare is alwways nice regardless.

not needed

guitarist of some skill for 15 years drummer of better skil for 20 years.I have owned around 50-60 electric guitars. I love to buy and sell. I however will not be selling this one wich if you ask anyone is a miracle. I loved my Ibanez sc420,Also my Yamaha Ty tabor, Also my Charvel model 5 neck thru-This has a little of each in it. I have played a almost everything out there. And for 450.00 with case and in near mint condition I really dont think I could find a better playing,looking and sounding axe.There is something about this guitar that I just cant explain.I would buy another if I was forced to because of theft or catastrophe. I however would not hunt down the tweeker and torture him. That I will leave to the tweekers to do the other tweekers who stole my already stolen guitar from them. I would look for him though and mess with his innertwined mind for a very long time.I reccomend this guitar if you like the guitars I mentioned before being rolled into one.

Neck-through (great, especially for the price!), carved flame top in dark transparent red, gold hardware, basic hardware and design. For this price range, a neck through and a carved flame top are real bonuses.

The stock sound with the Duncan-designed pickups was OK, but nothing to write home about. Once I put in a real Duncan JB in the bridge position, this axe can sing, shred, and mash with the best of them. I'm using a GNX 2, a BBE sonic maximizer (EVERYONE should have one of these, by the way) a Mosvalve stereo power amp and two 4x12 cabs, and I play mostly hard rock and metal, and this has become my favorite axe-- at least until my H-1000 Deluxe gets here. If it had real Duncans or EMG's, it would be a 9.5, but stock I'll give it an 8.

The action was spot on when I got it from Guitar Trader, and the finish was nearly perfect, with the exception of a slight paint run on the headstock. However, the stock tuners never could seem to keep the damn thing in tune, so I sprung for a set of Sperzels. Also, the "gold" on the hardware started rubbing off after about a month. It probably would have been better with black or chrome. The flame top is gorgeous and well matched, and the volume and tone pots seem to be of very good quality, unlike the ones on my Schecter Avenger and Ibanez RGT42, which are chronically scratchy.

I've used this guitar for many gigs, and it's never let me down. Aside from the fading hardware and mediocre stock tuners, this is one solid axe.

Never dealt with ESP customer support.

I've been playing since 1977, and I currently still own every guitar I've ever had, which includes a '70's Fender Musicmaster, '80's Charvel, Ibanez RGT42, Schecter Avenger, B.C Rich Mockingbird, and soon, an ESP H-1000 Deluxe. My H-302 is my favorite non-trem guitar, and that's why I've ordered the H-1000, and probably soon an M-1000. Although not perfect from the factory, this guitar was a steal

2003 ESP/LTD H-302, Korean made
24 frets, with neck binding
see through black carved maple top
5-Way "Ultraswitch", 1 Volume, 1 Tone
H/H Seymour Duncan Designed HB-102 passive pickups
Strat-type body
ESP/LTD Brand tuners, non-locking
Tune-O-Matic bridge, stop tailpiece
Came with a package with one short cable, and proper alen wrenches for truss rod adjustment.

Below par, for me. I'm used to using active pickups. If I had enough money, I'd surely throw a couple of EMG 85's in it and it would sound absolutely perfect. But...the Duncan Designed's in it do their job, they are comparatively hot, if you were to line it up next to an Ibanez RG or something, the LTD sounds much better. A lot deeper and has more clarity.
I play this axe through a Peavey 5150 half-stack, with an Ibanez Tubescreamer, and I've managed to get it to sound pretty tight. The chug tone is fantastic, and it soars when it needs to.

I've had to play with different setups to get it to something decent-playing. My style is metal, playing stuff like Killswitch Engage, In Flames, All That Remains, so the look matches the music. The guitar is gorgeous, see-through black with a flamed maple top. Who could ask for more? The binding on the neck is nice, gives it a nice sturdy feeling. I would have liked it more if it were a bolt-on, considering I play in Dropped-C tunings. But after some adjustments, she plays beautifully.

I've played quite a few shows with this guitar, and it's held up fine for the most part. I had a problem with the volume pot at a practice once, but it only needed some tightening. The strap buttons are very sturdy, I haven't had a problem with that. The hardware is quite sturdy, though I do plan on getting some graphite, for the nut and for the saddles.
Considering it's my main, I'm kind of forced into depending on this guitar. I like it a lot, and the price was right.

I haven't dealt with ESP's customer support...yet.

I've been playing guitar for 8 years now, and this is my first real guitar. I've always used Ibanez, BC Rich, all that crap. But this guitar is the first I've learned to respect and appreciate. With some upgrades, this guitar could be magnificent.

Make in Korea, 24 frets, mahogany w/flame maple top, volume, tone 5-way selector, 2 humbucker (duncan designed HB-102 (compare to Jazz/JB)), Tune-O-Matic bridge, thin C shaped mahogany neck thru, rosewood fretboard, medium jumbo frets.

Great for rock when using the bridge pickup, awesome cleans with neck pickup. This thing is a Les Paul in a strat style body. Large variety of tones w/5 way switch. Couldn't ask for a better sound.

I bought this "used" but was in mint and perfect condition.

Wish the strap buttons were the oversized ones like on the older LTD's. Only concern is this is my firt neck thru guitar and I worry about someday dropping it hard or the neck angle going weird. Doesn't seem likely, but I am paranoid.

ESP sometimes is slow to respond, but alwasy helpful.

I've been playing for nearly 10 years and own an ESP LTD Horizon and a Squier strat. This guitar rocks hard! I would like a blue or green finish but the amber sunburst is nice too so yeah I'd buy again.

A Korean made guitar, mahogany body, maple top, mahogany neck-thru-body, 2 Duncan Designed humbuckers, one volume and one tone pots, 5-way switch, absolutely beautiful see-through-black colour, Tune-O-Matic bridge...

Before this H-302 I had a cheap Ibanez model, and after I played the very first chord with my LTD, I was stunned. It sounded so good! And it still does though. I play metal and hard rock and this guitar suits me perfectly. However, I'm planning to change the pick ups. Only problem is my amp, Peavey Rage 158. It sucks. With my brothers Marshall my H-302 sounds great.


I give this 9 points because of my amp.

The finish was perfect. Action was set up perfect for my taste. When I first tried this guitar in the music store I knew this guitar was made for me.

Pick ups were set on good height, but I raised the neck pup just a little bit to get a bit crunchier sound. Now it's better.

But but but... I don't know is it the bridge or the pick ups that are miss aligned. The little e-string runs annoyingly close to the edge of the fingerboard and it often slips out of the frets. Almost impossible to make vibrato on the little e.
Pups are not mounted on the centerline of the neck but little too close on the upper edge, when guitar is held on the playing position. I hope you get the idea what I mean...

But this is an unique fault, I have checked three other guitars of the same model and they had pups mounted perfectly. Wish I had looked better before buying...

Never gigged with this, but I'm sure this guitar will keep on going. It stays in tune perfectly.

Never had to deal with them.

I've had H-302 now for about 5 months, and I love it. I chose this over the LTD MH-301 because I don't need/want that Floyd-style bridge, although I think the EMG-HZ's on MH sounded better than Duncan Designs. Only thing that bothers is the flaw in the alignment. Try it (with Gibson Brite Wires 10-46 string set) and you'll love it.

2002 24 frets 2 duncan designed humbuckers with 5 way megaswitch. Transparent black with natural binding on body and white binding on neck and headstock. Tune-o-matic bridge and esp tuners.

I play in a hardcore/metal band and this guitar does ti quite well. I usually use a ltd mv200 that has prety much the same sound but the h302 has better sustain and tone probably due to the through neck. It sounds actually pretty good for the way it is but i will probably change the pickups to real duncans or emg's.

The action came set fairly high. After a slight truss rod adjustment it sits perfect. The pickups were set at the perfect height. The overall finish was nearly perfect no real flaws that i could see right off the bat except for a few minor scratches that i really could care less about because i will end up beating the shit out of this guitar and it will get far worse.

When my band plays we throwdown. We get attacked while we play and throw our guitars over our shoulders. Some guitars i've used before couldnt hold up to it and crapped out. This guitar however is working very well. Its very solid and rarely has goe out of tune which is very rare for me on stage. I would and do gig without a backup, i know theres the people that say never gig without a backup and theyre usually guys ina country band who dont move whatsoever and really have no reason to need a backup. I do it you might as well to.

never have

I love it. Its not the most expensive guitar i've ever owned but i do believe it is my favorite and plays the best of any i have ever owned this is out of fenders, gibsons, peaveys, deans, bc rich, fernandes and other esp's and this is my very favorite.

This is a Korean made ESP LTD H-302 that i purchased from Musicians Friend. It is a mahogany body, maple topped, black see-thru finish with 24 frets. This guitar came with Duncan Designed pups (2 humbuckers) with a five way selector switch for versitility. It is a arch topped body with Tune-O-Matic tailpiece and ESP tuners. The neck is a 3 piece maple with a rosewood fretboard The is neck is fairly thin although not Ibanez thin but plays very well, it is a neck-thru design and this really adds sustain. It has white binding on the neck with looks great with the see-thru black finish and kinda caramel color binding on the body which i dont care for as much. It was shipped with a cable, tools and humidifier. I was in the market for a hard tail after many years of battling a Floyd Rose equiped Washburn N-2.

I play mostly hard rock (Cult, Lizzy, Bad Co. King's X) and this guitar is well suited for this kind of music. I play it thru a Mesa Studio .22+ and a Visual Sounds Jeckyll and Hyde OD/Dist. This thing sustains for days with the neck thru the body and the Duncan Designed pups sound very full. It has a very rich tone but not all notes ring out with too much od. This guitar sounds excellent thru my Mesa .22. Thru the Jeckyll side of the od, I can really nail Gretchen era dropped D sounds from KX. This thing is really ballsy!!!!!!!!! Can use the 5-way switch to get some cleaner single coil tones, but it really shines thru the bridge pup. I will knock it down to a 8 for lack of a good single coil sound (hard to find a coil tap that does though).

This thing arrived at my doorstep after a cross-country ship and was still in tune. Had to make a slight adjustment to the G but other than that it was perfectly in tune. It was well set up but had a little fret buzz on the big E, but not audible thru the amp. The finish is absolutely beautiful and all the hardware seems really solid. Dont care much for the H-302 at the 12th fret, it looks cheesy and well as the gaudy LTD on the headstock. The see-thru black really is stunning, but i dont care for the caramel colored binding.

It feels solid as a tank and seems like it will withstand alot of abuse. Never gig w/o a backup!

Have not dealt with ESP but it has a limited lifetime warranty.

Been playing 20 years and have owned Strats, a Gibson Explorer and the Washburn N-2. I wanted a mahogany body, neck-thru guitar and this model was being closed out for 350 so i jumped at it. I also always loved the looks of the Joe Perry sig LP in see-thru black so that was a bonus. I love the full rich sound, and it sustains for days thru the Mesa. Would definately but another if stolen.

made new, 2002, 24 frets, 5 way selector, volume, tap, pick ups are duncan design, 2 humbucks, gold hardware, passive, maple wood all around, stain is an amber sunburst, beautiful looking, kinda looks like a PRS. the neckseems long to me, like ESP said,

my style is anywhere from punk to metal to clean jazz stuff. im running it through a Korg AX100>boss distortion>wah>fender foot pedal>fender princeton chorus 65.... sounds wonderful , great rock, metal sounds, but the clean is great too. sound is rich, and full, the 5 way switch is great, very versitile.

Guitar was set up great, strong. pick ups were positioned correctly, no need for adjustments, The G string slightly buzzes on the 1st fret, but nothing u can hear through an amp....

guitar has been great, havent had it that long, only one problem, the jack seems like it is buzzing right now, so i need to take a look at that. I would buy strap locks if u want to gig with it, and also bring a back up no matter what guitar you play.the gold finish on the pick ups gets rubbed off after a few months of playing, no big deal tho.

ESP offers a warranty

I got the guitar in january and it is now june, no major problems, great guitar for the money. looks amazing, and sounds even better. the long neck is nice in my opinion. if it was lost or stolen i would definetly buy this guitar again. for my price range when i bought it i could have also gotten an epiphone les paul, but this guitar is easily 10 times better in every catigory. pick ups sound great and very versitile.