Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your ESP LTD MH-200 electric guitar. The MH-200 features a mahogany body, a satin-finished Thin U bolt-on maple neck, a Jatoba fretboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets, and ESP-designed LH-150 humbucker pickups. It is equipped with a licensed double-locking Floyd Rose tremolo system for enhanced playability and tonal versatility.
Image: Front view of the ESP LTD MH-200 electric guitar in black finish. This image displays the body shape, headstock, pickups, and bridge.
Setup
1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection
Carefully remove the guitar from its packaging. Inspect the instrument for any visible damage that may have occurred during shipping. Ensure all accessories, such as the tremolo arm and adjustment wrenches, are present.
2. Connecting to an Amplifier
- Ensure your amplifier is turned off and its volume is set to minimum.
- Connect one end of a standard 1/4" instrument cable to the output jack on your guitar.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the input jack on your amplifier.
- Turn on your amplifier and gradually increase the volume to a desired level.
3. Initial Tuning (Floyd Rose System)
The MH-200 features a licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system, which requires a specific tuning procedure. It is recommended to stretch new strings thoroughly before fine-tuning. Use a reliable electronic tuner.
- Unlock the nut clamps at the headstock using the appropriate Allen wrench.
- Tune each string to the desired pitch using the tuning pegs.
- Once all strings are roughly in tune, tighten the nut clamps.
- Use the fine tuners on the Floyd Rose bridge to achieve precise pitch for each string.
- Periodically check tuning as new strings settle.
Operating the Guitar
1. Controls Overview
- Volume Knob: Controls the overall output level of the guitar. Turn clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease.
- Tone Knob: Adjusts the treble frequencies. Turn clockwise for a brighter sound, counter-clockwise for a warmer, darker tone.
- Pickup Selector Switch: A 3-way toggle switch to select different pickup configurations:
- Up Position: Neck pickup only (warmer, fuller tone).
- Middle Position: Both neck and bridge pickups (balanced tone).
- Down Position: Bridge pickup only (brighter, more aggressive tone).
Image: Angled front view of the ESP LTD MH-200 electric guitar, highlighting the body, pickups, and control knobs.
2. Using the Floyd Rose Tremolo System
The Floyd Rose tremolo allows for expressive pitch bending, dive bombs, and vibrato effects. Insert the tremolo arm into its receptacle on the bridge. Apply downward pressure to lower the pitch, and pull up (if set up for floating) to raise the pitch. Due to its double-locking design, proper setup is crucial for tuning stability.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning
- Body and Neck: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the guitar after each use to remove sweat and fingerprints. For deeper cleaning, use a guitar-specific polish or cleaner sparingly.
- Fretboard: Periodically clean the Jatoba fretboard with a specialized fretboard cleaner and conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.
- Hardware: Wipe down the bridge, tuners, and other metal parts to prevent corrosion.
2. String Replacement (Floyd Rose)
Replacing strings on a Floyd Rose system requires attention to detail to maintain tuning stability and bridge balance.
- Loosen the nut clamps and fine tuners.
- Unscrew the string locking blocks at the bridge and remove the old strings.
- Cut the ball end off the new string and insert the cut end into the string locking block, then tighten.
- Thread the string through the tuning peg and tune to pitch.
- Repeat for all strings.
- Once all strings are installed and roughly tuned, stretch them thoroughly.
- Tighten the nut clamps and use the fine tuners for precise tuning.
3. Bridge and Action Adjustment
Adjusting the Floyd Rose bridge height (action) and intonation can be complex. It is recommended to consult a qualified guitar technician for significant adjustments if you are unfamiliar with the process. Minor adjustments to fine tuners are part of regular operation.
Image: Back view of the ESP LTD MH-200 electric guitar, showing the neck joint, headstock, and the tremolo spring cavity cover.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Sound | Loose cable, amplifier off, guitar volume down, faulty cable/amp. | Check cable connections, ensure amplifier is on and volume up, check guitar volume, test with different cable/amp. |
| Buzzing Strings | Low action, uneven frets, worn strings, improper neck relief. | Check neck relief, raise bridge saddles slightly, replace old strings. Consult a technician for fret issues. |
| Tuning Instability | Strings not stretched, nut clamps loose, worn strings, bridge not balanced. | Stretch new strings thoroughly, ensure nut clamps are tight, replace old strings, check Floyd Rose bridge balance. |
| Floyd Rose Bridge Not Level | Incorrect spring tension, string gauge change, improper setup. | Adjust tremolo spring claw screws in the back cavity to balance the bridge. This often requires re-tuning. |
Specifications
| Brand | ESP GUITARS |
| Model Name | MH-200 |
| Color | Black |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Top Material Type | Mahogany Wood, Maple Wood |
| Neck Material Type | Maple |
| Fretboard Material Type | Jatoba Wood |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Hand Orientation | Left |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | H (Humbucker) |
| Guitar Bridge System | Tremolo (Licensed Floyd Rose) |
| String Nut Width | 42 Millimeters |
| Item Weight | 17.5 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions (L x W x H) | 44"L x 30"W x 8"H |
| Connector Type | 1/4" (6.35mm) Audio Jack |
| Manufacturer Part Number | LMH200BLK |
| UPC | 799493260908 |
Warranty Information
The ESP LTD MH-200 electric guitar comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, normal wear and tear, or unauthorized modifications. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Support
For technical assistance, service, or warranty inquiries, please contact ESP Guitars customer support. You can typically find contact information on the official ESP Guitars website or through your authorized dealer. When contacting support, please have your model name (MH-200) and serial number ready.
Official Website: www.espguitars.com
