ESP LTD PHOENIX-201 Black (Open Box)

The ESP LTD Phoenix-201 Black is a bold, performance-focused electric guitar that combines the flowing Phoenix body shape with a stripped-back single-pickup design. Its substantial mahogany construction, set neck and extended 25.5-inch scale produce a powerful, responsive feel suited to hard rock, metal, alternative and punk.

An ESP Designed LH-150B bridge humbucker delivers the strong output and definition required for heavy riffs, driving rhythm sounds and sustained lead playing. Pulling the master volume control activates a coil-split, providing a brighter alternative without compromising the guitar’s straightforward layout.

Finished in gloss Black with a reverse headstock, black hardware and distinctive ESP flag inlays, the Phoenix-201 has a striking stage presence inspired by classic offset instruments.

This example is offered in open-box condition and has been inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before sale.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	Phoenix-201
Finish	Black
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Condition	Open Box
Body Shape	Phoenix offset
Construction	Set neck
Body Material	Mahogany
Scale Length	25.5 inches
Pickup Configuration	Single bridge humbucker
Main Appeal	Bold offset styling with focused high-output tone
Best For	Rock, metal, punk, alternative and lower tunings
Skill Level	Beginner, intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Open Box Condition

This instrument has had its original packaging opened and may have been handled for inspection, photography, demonstration or display purposes. It is not being sold as a factory-sealed example.

The guitar has been checked by the Fair Deal Music team and is supplied ready to play. Please examine the product photographs for the exact cosmetic condition of this individual instrument.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD Phoenix-201 Black electric guitar

• No case or gig bag is included

Condition Notes

Presented in open-box condition. Any signs of handling or cosmetic imperfections associated with its open-box status are shown in the product photographs.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Our team has inspected the Phoenix-201’s pickup, push-pull control, output, tuning machines, bridge, neck, frets and general playability.

The electronic system has been tested in both full humbucker and coil-split modes. The instrument has also been checked for stable tuning and consistent performance across the fingerboard.

Service and Setup Work Performed

The guitar has received a general inspection, tuning check and playability assessment before being offered for sale.

Setup preferences vary between players, particularly when using heavier strings, alternative tunings or substantially lowered tunings.

Why Choose the ESP LTD Phoenix-201?

Distinctive Phoenix Body Shape

The Phoenix-201 offers an alternative to conventional single-cutaway and double-cutaway guitars.

Its long, flowing body lines create a dramatic offset appearance with clear influences from classic reverse-bodied electric guitars. The result is an instrument that immediately stands out on stage while retaining the aggressive visual character associated with ESP LTD.

Powerful Single-Humbucker Design

A single ESP Designed LH-150B humbucker is positioned at the bridge, providing a focused sound with plenty of output and attack.

It is particularly effective for:

• Heavy rhythm playing

• Palm-muted riffs

• Power chords

• High-gain lead tones

• Punk and alternative guitar parts

• Sustained melodic lines

Removing additional pickups and selector switches keeps the control layout direct and uncomplicated.

Push-Pull Coil-Split

Pulling the master volume control splits the bridge humbucker, creating a brighter and lower-output sound.

This expands the guitar’s tonal range without adding extra switches or control knobs. The split setting works particularly well for clean arpeggios, lighter rhythm playing, layered studio parts and edge-of-breakup amplifier sounds.

Set-Neck Construction

The three-piece mahogany neck is joined to the mahogany body using set-neck construction.

This creates a solid connection between the neck and body, helping the Phoenix-201 deliver strong sustain and a substantial midrange response.

The smooth neck joint also provides comfortable access when moving into the upper register.

Extended 25.5-Inch Scale

The Phoenix-201 uses a 25.5-inch scale rather than the shorter scale found on many mahogany set-neck guitars.

This creates a firmer string feel with additional definition and attack. The longer scale is particularly useful for tight rhythm playing and lower tunings, where maintaining string tension and note clarity is important.

Comfortable Thin U Neck Profile

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

It is comfortable for power chords, fast position changes, wide bends and technical lead playing, making the Phoenix-201 suitable for a broad range of playing styles.

22 Extra-Jumbo Frets

The rosewood fingerboard is fitted with 22 extra-jumbo frets.

The larger fret size helps support smooth bends, controlled vibrato and a lighter fretting touch. ESP flag inlays give the fingerboard a distinctive appearance while making positions easy to identify.

Reverse Headstock

The reverse headstock reinforces the guitar’s unconventional styling and complements the flowing Phoenix body shape.

It also creates a different string-length arrangement behind the nut, contributing to the instrument’s individual feel.

Reliable Fixed Bridge

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

This fixed-bridge design is straightforward to tune, restring and maintain. It is also well suited to players who prefer dependable tuning stability over the pitch effects of a tremolo system.

Why Choose a Single-Pickup Electric Guitar?

A single-pickup guitar removes unnecessary controls and places the player’s primary sound immediately at their fingertips.

Many rock and metal guitarists predominantly use the bridge pickup for its attack, clarity and ability to remain defined through distortion. The Phoenix-201 focuses entirely on this sound, with no selector switch to move accidentally during a performance.

The push-pull coil-split adds a useful second voice while preserving the simplicity of the one-pickup layout.

This makes the Phoenix-201 especially appealing to players who value:

• Fast and uncomplicated operation

• A clean control layout

• Focused bridge-pickup tone

• Fewer distractions during live performance

• Straightforward maintenance

Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

The single pickup, fixed bridge and one-control layout make the Phoenix-201 easy to understand.

New players can concentrate on technique and amplifier settings rather than managing several pickups and separate volume or tone controls.

Intermediate Players

Developing rock and metal guitarists will appreciate the high-output pickup, longer scale and comfortable Thin U neck.

Advanced Players

Experienced musicians may value the Phoenix-201 as a focused live instrument, recording guitar, dependable backup or dedicated option for alternative tunings.

Performers Seeking Something Different

The Phoenix shape is ideal for musicians who want an instrument with a stronger visual identity than a conventional electric guitar.

Sound and Playing Character

The Phoenix-201 has a strong, direct voice with a firm attack and substantial midrange presence.

The mahogany body and set-neck construction provide warmth and sustain, while the 25.5-inch scale adds definition and a tighter response. This combination allows distorted chords and lower-tuned riffs to remain clear rather than becoming overly soft or compressed.

In full humbucker mode, the guitar is particularly effective for:

• Modern rock

• Hard rock

• Heavy metal

• Punk

• Alternative music

• Grunge

• Drop-tuned rhythm playing

• High-gain lead sounds

Activating the coil-split produces a leaner response with additional brightness. This setting is useful when a guitar part needs to occupy less space in a mix or provide greater separation between individual notes.

Black Finish and Styling

The gloss Black finish gives the Phoenix-201 a classic, stage-ready appearance.

Its black hardware, reverse headstock, antique nickel pickup cover and ESP flag inlays provide enough contrast to highlight the instrument’s dramatic shape without making the design overly elaborate.

The overall aesthetic is bold, understated and unmistakably ESP LTD.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	Phoenix Series
Model	Phoenix-201
Orientation	Right-handed
Finish	Black
Finish Type	Gloss
Body Shape	Phoenix offset
Construction	Set neck
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Material	Three-piece mahogany
Neck Profile	Thin U
Scale Length	25.5 inches / approximately 648mm
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	350mm
Fingerboard Inlays	ESP flag inlays
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Extra jumbo
Nut Width	42mm
Nut Type	Moulded
Headstock	Reverse
Bridge Pickup	ESP Designed LH-150B humbucker
Pickup Cover	Antique nickel
Neck Pickup	None
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Master volume with push-pull coil-split
Pickup Selector	None
Bridge	LTD Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and tailpiece
Tuning Machines	LTD
Hardware Colour	Black
Factory Strings	D’Addario XL110
Factory String Gauges	.010, .013, .017, .026, .036 and .046

Power Requirements

The ESP LTD Phoenix-201 uses passive electronics and does not require a battery or external power supply.

ESP LTD Phoenix-201 Compared with Other Guitars

Compared with the ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX

The Phoenix-200DX uses a dual-humbucker layout, giving players access to both bridge and neck pickup sounds.

The Phoenix-201 provides a more focused single-pickup design with set-neck mahogany construction. It is the stronger choice for players who predominantly use bridge-pickup tones and prefer an uncluttered control layout.

Compared with the ESP LTD EC-201

Both models use a single ESP Designed LH-150B bridge humbucker with push-pull coil splitting.

The EC-201 offers a compact single-cutaway body with a 24.75-inch scale and 24 frets. The Phoenix-201 has a larger offset body, a longer 25.5-inch scale and 22 frets.

The Phoenix provides a firmer string feel and a more unconventional stage appearance, while the EC offers a more traditional single-cut experience.

Compared with a Traditional Dual-Humbucker Guitar

A traditional dual-humbucker guitar offers warm neck-pickup tones and several pickup combinations.

The Phoenix-201 sacrifices those additional combinations in favour of a simpler layout and immediate access to its strongest high-output sound.

Compared with a Shorter-Scale Set-Neck Guitar

A shorter-scale guitar generally has a softer string feel and makes bends easier.

The Phoenix-201’s longer scale creates firmer tension and stronger note definition, making it particularly effective for tight rhythm playing and reduced tunings.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD Phoenix-201 works particularly well with:

• High-gain valve amplifiers

• Modern modelling amplifiers

• Distortion and overdrive pedals

• Boost pedals for tighter rhythm tones

• Noise gates

• Drop-tuning and pitch-shifting effects

• Medium or heavy guitar picks

• Heavier strings for substantially lowered tunings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the push-pull volume control do?

Pulling the volume knob splits the bridge humbucker, producing a brighter and lower-output sound with a more single-coil-like response.

Can the Phoenix-201 produce clean sounds?

Yes. The full humbucker produces a substantial clean tone, while the coil-split provides a brighter sound with greater separation between notes.

Is the Phoenix-201 suitable for lower tunings?

Yes. Its 25.5-inch scale, fixed bridge and high-output pickup make it a strong option for lower tunings.

Heavier strings and an appropriate setup may be required when tuning substantially below standard pitch.

Is the Phoenix-201 suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its straightforward electronic layout and fixed bridge make it easy to operate and maintain.

Its larger body shape may feel different from a compact electric guitar, so trying the instrument in person can help determine whether the shape suits the player.

Does the pickup require a battery?

No. The ESP Designed LH-150B is a passive humbucker and does not require a battery.

Is this guitar only suitable for metal?

No. Although it is particularly effective for metal and hard rock, it can also cover punk, alternative, grunge, classic rock and heavier blues sounds.

What is the advantage of the 25.5-inch scale?

The longer scale provides a firmer string feel, stronger attack and improved definition. These qualities can be especially useful for precise rhythm playing and lower tunings.

Does the Phoenix-201 have a tone control?

No. The electronics consist of a single master volume control with a push-pull coil-split.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD Phoenix-201 Black is a bold and purposeful electric guitar that combines unmistakable offset styling with powerful, uncomplicated performance.

Its ESP Designed LH-150B bridge humbucker provides the punch and definition needed for heavy rhythm and lead tones, while the push-pull coil-split adds a genuinely useful brighter voice. The set-neck mahogany construction delivers sustain and warmth, with the longer 25.5-inch scale keeping riffs clear and responsive.

For guitarists who want something visually distinctive without complicated electronics, this open-box Phoenix-201 represents 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.