ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX, Red Burst

The ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Red Burst combines dramatic offset styling with accessible performance and versatile dual-humbucker tones. Its flowing Phoenix body shape offers an unmistakable stage presence, while the vivid Red Burst finish showcases the natural figuring of its flamed maple top.

A lightweight poplar body is paired with a bolt-on roasted maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and comfortable Thin U profile. The full 25.5-inch scale provides a firm, responsive string feel that works particularly well for precise rhythm playing, clear chord definition and alternative tunings.

ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers deliver everything from warm neck-pickup cleans to powerful bridge-pickup rock and metal tones. A push-pull tone control splits the bridge humbucker for a brighter, leaner alternative, giving the Phoenix-200DX useful tonal flexibility without making the control layout complicated.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	Phoenix-200DX
Finish	Red Burst
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Condition	Brand New
Body Shape	Phoenix offset
Construction	Bolt-on
Body Material	Poplar
Top Material	Flamed maple
Neck Material	Roasted maple
Scale Length	25.5 inches
Pickups	ESP Designed LH-150N and LH-150B humbuckers
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and tailpiece
Main Appeal	Bold Phoenix styling with versatile humbucker tones
Best For	Rock, metal, punk, alternative and general electric-guitar playing
Skill Level	Beginner, intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Brand New Condition

This ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Red Burst is offered in brand new condition and has not been previously owned.

Every new instrument is inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before dispatch to ensure its electronics, hardware and general playability meet our standards.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Red Burst electric guitar

• No case or gig bag is included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before dispatch, our team checks the guitar’s pickups, bridge-pickup coil-split, volume and tone controls, pickup selector, output socket, tuning machines, bridge, neck, frets and general playability.

The instrument is also checked for stable tuning and consistent electronic operation in each pickup position.

Service and Setup Work Performed

The guitar receives a general inspection, tuning check and playability assessment before leaving Fair Deal Music.

Setup preferences vary between players, particularly when changing string gauge, using alternative tunings or adjusting the action for a specific playing style.

Why Choose the ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX?

Unmistakable Phoenix Body Shape

The Phoenix-200DX offers a distinctive alternative to conventional single-cutaway and double-cutaway electric guitars.

Its extended curves and offset profile give the instrument a strong visual identity that suits rock, metal, punk and alternative performers. It is an excellent choice for players who want their guitar to make an immediate impression on stage.

Red Burst Flamed Maple Top

The flamed maple top gives the Phoenix-200DX its rich visual depth.

Natural lines within the maple remain visible beneath the transparent Red Burst finish, while the darker outer edges emphasise the sweeping outline of the body.

As flamed maple is naturally figured, every guitar has its own individual grain pattern.

Lightweight Poplar Body

Poplar provides a balanced tonal response while helping keep the guitar manageable during long practice sessions, rehearsals and performances.

Its even frequency character gives the humbuckers a clear foundation, allowing warm neck-pickup sounds and more aggressive bridge-pickup tones to remain well defined.

Roasted Maple Neck

The roasted maple neck has undergone a controlled heating process that removes excess moisture from the timber.

This produces a smooth playing feel, a distinctive darker appearance and improved dimensional stability. It is particularly useful for an instrument intended for regular rehearsal, recording and live performance.

Comfortable Thin U Profile

ESP’s Thin U neck profile provides a streamlined feel without becoming excessively narrow.

It is comfortable for:

• Open and barre chords

• Fast position changes

• Heavy rhythm playing

• Lead guitar techniques

• String bends and vibrato

• Extended practice sessions

Full 25.5-Inch Scale

The Phoenix-200DX uses a 25.5-inch scale length, producing a firm and responsive string feel.

This helps chords and individual notes retain definition, particularly when using distortion. The longer scale is also beneficial for players exploring lowered tunings, where maintaining string tension becomes increasingly important.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, familiar playing surface with a comfortable natural feel.

Its warmth complements the attack of the roasted maple neck and helps create a balanced response for both clean and overdriven sounds.

22 Extra-Jumbo Frets

The Phoenix-200DX is fitted with 22 extra-jumbo frets.

Their larger size supports smooth bends, controlled vibrato and a lighter fretting touch. The relatively flat 350mm fingerboard radius also provides a modern playing surface for rhythm and lead techniques.

Dual ESP Designed LH-150 Humbuckers

The guitar is equipped with an ESP Designed LH-150N neck humbucker and LH-150B bridge humbucker.

These passive pickups offer a strong, low-noise signal with enough output for rock and metal while retaining the versatility needed for clean and lower-gain playing.

LH-150N Neck Pickup

The neck pickup delivers a warmer and smoother response suitable for:

• Clean chords

• Sustained lead playing

• Blues-influenced tones

• Fluid legato passages

• Warm rhythm sounds

• Detailed arpeggios

LH-150B Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup provides a more focused and aggressive sound with additional attack.

It works particularly well for:

• Power chords

• Palm-muted riffs

• Hard rock rhythm playing

• Metal

• Punk and alternative styles

• Harmonics and overdriven lead tones

Bridge-Pickup Coil-Split

Pulling the tone control splits the LH-150B bridge humbucker into single-coil mode.

This creates a brighter, leaner sound with less output than the full humbucker. It is useful for clean rhythm parts, lightly driven sounds and guitar layers that need greater separation within a mix.

The coil-split expands the guitar’s tonal range without adding extra switches or an overly complicated control layout.

Three-Way Pickup Selection

The three-way toggle switch provides quick access to:

• Neck pickup

• Neck and bridge pickups together

• Bridge pickup

This familiar layout makes it easy to move between warm, balanced and more aggressive sounds during a song.

Reliable Fixed Bridge

The Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and tailpiece provide a stable and familiar platform for the strings.

The bridge allows accurate intonation adjustment, while the fixed design makes tuning changes and restringing more straightforward than they would be on a floating tremolo system.

Why Choose an Offset Electric Guitar?

Offset guitars use an asymmetrical body outline rather than a conventional symmetrical double-cutaway shape.

The Phoenix takes this concept further with long, sweeping curves that give the instrument a bold, almost reverse-bodied appearance.

An offset guitar can be an excellent choice for musicians who want:

• A distinctive stage appearance

• A design outside traditional guitar conventions

• Comfortable upper-fret access

• A large body with strong visual impact

• A guitar suited to rock and alternative performance styles

The Phoenix-200DX combines this dramatic appearance with familiar controls and dependable fixed-bridge operation.

Who Is It For?

Beginner Guitarists

The fixed bridge and familiar two-pickup control layout make the Phoenix-200DX straightforward to understand and maintain.

Its quality components also provide plenty of room for a new player to progress without immediately needing to upgrade.

Intermediate Players

Developing guitarists will appreciate the roasted maple neck, dual humbuckers and bridge-pickup coil-split as they explore different tones and playing techniques.

Rock and Metal Guitarists

The LH-150B bridge humbucker, 25.5-inch scale and fixed bridge provide the definition and stability needed for distorted rhythm and lead playing.

Punk and Alternative Players

The direct passive-pickup response and bold body shape make the Phoenix-200DX a natural choice for energetic live performance.

Guitarists Seeking Something Different

Players who want to move away from traditional single-cutaway or Superstrat designs will appreciate the Phoenix’s unmistakable appearance.

Sound and Playing Character

The Phoenix-200DX delivers a versatile passive-humbucker sound with plenty of warmth, output and definition.

Neck Pickup

The LH-150N produces a smooth, rounded tone suited to:

• Clean chords

• Melodic lead playing

• Warm overdrive

• Arpeggios

• Sustained notes

Bridge Pickup

The LH-150B provides:

• Clear rhythmic attack

• Powerful distorted chords

• Defined palm-muted riffs

• Strong harmonic response

• Focused lead tones

Combined Pickup Position

Using both pickups creates a balanced sound that combines the neck pickup’s body with the sharper attack of the bridge position.

This setting works well for clean rhythm playing, medium-gain sounds and broad chord voicings.

Split Bridge-Pickup Setting

The split bridge pickup offers a brighter, lower-output response that can be useful for:

• Clean rhythm parts

• Light overdrive

• Layered recordings

• Brighter chord voicings

• Parts requiring greater note separation

Red Burst Finish

The Red Burst finish creates a vibrant centre that transitions into darker edges around the body.

This colour treatment highlights the natural pattern of the flamed maple top and emphasises the Phoenix’s flowing outline. Black hardware provides a sharp contrast and gives the guitar a modern, coordinated appearance.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	Phoenix / 200DX Series
Model	Phoenix-200DX
Product Code	LPHX200DXREDB
Orientation	Right-handed
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Finish	Red Burst
Body Shape	Phoenix offset
Construction	Bolt-on
Scale Length	25.5 inches / approximately 648mm
Body Material	Poplar
Top Material	Flamed maple
Neck Material	Roasted maple
Neck Profile	Thin U
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	350mm
Number of Frets	22
Fret Type	Extra jumbo
Nut Width	42mm
Nut Type	Moulded
Neck Pickup	ESP Designed LH-150N humbucker
Bridge Pickup	ESP Designed LH-150B humbucker
Pickup Type	Passive
Coil-Split	Bridge pickup via push-pull tone control
Controls	Master volume and push-pull master tone
Pickup Selector	Three-way toggle switch
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic style with tailpiece
Tuning Machines	LTD
Hardware Colour	Black
Strap Buttons	Standard
Factory Strings	D’Addario XL110
Factory String Gauges	.010, .013, .017, .026, .036 and .046
Case or Gig Bag	Not included

Power Requirements

The ESP Designed LH-150 pickups are passive and do not require a battery or external power supply.

ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Compared with Other Guitars

Compared with the ESP LTD Phoenix-201

The Phoenix-201 uses set-neck mahogany construction and a single bridge humbucker, creating a more focused and stripped-back instrument.

The Phoenix-200DX offers two humbuckers, a bolt-on roasted maple neck and a flamed maple-topped poplar body. It provides a wider range of pickup combinations and a brighter, more immediate playing response.

Compared with the ESP LTD Phoenix-1000

The Phoenix-1000 sits within LTD’s higher professional ranges and offers upgraded construction, pickups, hardware and fretwork.

The Phoenix-200DX captures the essential Phoenix appearance at a significantly more accessible price point, making it suitable for newer players and musicians seeking a distinctive second guitar.

Compared with a Traditional Single-Cut Guitar

A traditional single-cut guitar often uses a shorter scale and heavier mahogany construction.

The Phoenix-200DX has a longer 25.5-inch scale and lighter poplar body, producing a firmer string feel and a more immediate response.

Compared with a Tremolo-Equipped Guitar

A tremolo bridge allows pitch effects but introduces additional setup and maintenance requirements.

The Phoenix-200DX’s fixed bridge is easier to restring, adjust and use with alternative tunings. It is ideal for players who prioritise tuning stability and straightforward operation.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX works particularly well with:

• Rock and metal guitar amplifiers

• Modern modelling amplifiers

• Overdrive and distortion pedals

• Boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Delay and reverb effects

• Audio interfaces

• Multi-effects processors

• Medium or heavy guitar picks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its fixed bridge, passive pickups and familiar control layout make it straightforward to operate and maintain.

Which pickup does the push-pull control split?

The push-pull tone control splits the LH-150B bridge humbucker. The neck pickup remains in full humbucker mode.

Can the Phoenix-200DX produce clean sounds?

Yes. The neck pickup provides warm, clear clean tones, while the split bridge-pickup setting offers a brighter alternative.

Is it suitable for metal?

Yes. The bridge humbucker provides enough output and definition for rock, hard rock and metal rhythm or lead sounds.

Can it be used for lower tunings?

Yes. Its 25.5-inch scale and fixed bridge make it suitable for reduced tunings. Heavier strings and an appropriate setup may be required when tuning substantially below standard pitch.

Does it require a battery?

No. Both LH-150 humbuckers are passive.

What are the benefits of the roasted maple neck?

Roasted maple offers a smooth feel, distinctive appearance and strong dimensional stability for regular playing and changing environments.

Does the guitar have a tremolo?

No. It uses a fixed Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and tailpiece.

Is the Red Burst finish transparent?

Yes. The finish allows the figuring of the flamed maple top to remain visible.

Can the Phoenix-200DX cover styles outside rock and metal?

Yes. The dual pickups, combined setting and bridge coil-split also provide useful tones for blues, indie, alternative and general electric-guitar playing.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Red Burst is an excellent choice for guitarists who want bold offset styling without sacrificing familiar controls or versatile performance.

Its roasted maple neck and 25.5-inch scale provide a smooth, responsive playing feel, while the LH-150 humbuckers cover warm cleans, powerful rock rhythm tones and high-gain lead sounds. The bridge-pickup coil-split is a useful addition that expands the guitar’s range beyond conventional dual-humbucker sounds.

With its dramatic flamed maple top, dependable fixed bridge and accessible specification, the Phoenix-200DX delivers impressive stage presence and excellent value.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available. It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.