ESP LTD M-201 HT Left-Handed Electric Guitar User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the ESP LTD M-201 HT Left-Handed Electric Guitar. This instrument is designed for musicians seeking a reliable and powerful guitar, particularly suited for rock and metal genres. This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new guitar to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Figure 1: A close-up view of the ESP LTD M-201 HT Left-Handed Electric Guitar, showcasing its black satin finish, single humbucker pickup, fixed bridge, and jatoba fretboard.

2. Setup

2.1 Initial Inspection

Upon unboxing, carefully inspect the guitar for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. Check the neck, body, hardware, and electronics. If any issues are found, contact your retailer immediately.

2.2 Tuning

Your guitar will likely be out of tune after shipping. Use an electronic tuner to tune the strings to standard E tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e, from thickest to thinnest string).

1. Connect your guitar to a tuner or use a clip-on tuner.
2. Pluck each string individually and adjust the corresponding tuning machine head until the tuner indicates the correct pitch.
3. Repeat the process a few times as new strings may stretch and go out of tune initially.

2.3 Connecting to an Amplifier

To hear your guitar amplified, you will need a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable and a guitar amplifier.

• Insert one end of the instrument cable into the output jack located on the side of the guitar body.
• Insert the other end of the cable into the input jack of your amplifier.
• Ensure the amplifier's volume is set to a low level before turning it on.

3. Operating

3.1 Controls

The ESP LTD M-201 HT features a streamlined control layout for ease of use.

• Volume Knob: This knob controls the overall output volume of the guitar. Turn clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• Pickup: The guitar is equipped with a single LH-150B humbucker pickup, designed for high-output and aggressive tones. There is no pickup selector as it is a single-pickup instrument.

3.2 Amplifier Settings

Experiment with your amplifier's settings (gain, bass, mid, treble, reverb) to achieve your desired sound. The LH-150B humbucker is particularly responsive to high-gain settings, making it suitable for heavy rock and metal.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning

• Body: Wipe the body with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove sweat and fingerprints. For a deeper clean, use a guitar-specific polish.
• Fretboard: Periodically clean the jatoba fretboard with a soft brush to remove grime. Apply a fretboard conditioner (e.g., lemon oil) sparingly every few months to prevent drying, especially in dry climates.
• Strings: Wipe down strings after playing to extend their life and maintain tone.

4.2 String Replacement

Strings should be replaced regularly, depending on playing frequency and personal preference. Old strings can sound dull and affect tuning stability. Replace one string at a time to maintain neck tension.

4.3 Storage

Store your guitar in a stable environment, away from extreme temperature changes and humidity fluctuations. A guitar case or gig bag offers protection from physical damage and environmental factors.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 No Sound

• Check that the instrument cable is securely plugged into both the guitar and the amplifier.
• Ensure the amplifier is turned on and its volume is not at zero.
• Verify the guitar's volume knob is turned up.
• Test with a different cable or amplifier if possible to isolate the issue.

5.2 Buzzing or Fret Noise

• Ensure proper playing technique; sometimes buzzing is due to insufficient finger pressure.
• Check if the strings are too low. This may require a professional setup to adjust the action or neck relief.
• Verify that all hardware (tuning machines, bridge saddles) is tightened.

5.3 Tuning Instability

• New strings stretch; re-tune frequently until they stabilize.
• Ensure strings are properly wound around the tuning posts.
• Check for worn strings or issues with the tuning machines.
• Environmental changes (temperature, humidity) can affect tuning.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For information regarding the warranty coverage for your ESP LTD M-201 HT guitar, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official ESP Guitars website. For technical support, service, or parts inquiries, please contact ESP customer service through their official channels.

Visit ESP Guitars Official Website