Love the detailed information. Its becoming harder and harder to find this amount of quality info online especially in one place. Thank you and great work.
@@GeorgeVGuitars My friend, I’m in the USA and it seems our country is a mess as well. Hope all is well with you. Thanks for the review, I’ve been eying the Snakebyte.
Fantastic video, thanks for the time you put in to share the differences between them. I have a 2011 black blind snake version with ltd tuners and Het set pups. This video made me feel a lot better knowing the details about it. Thanks again and Cheers.
Many people fail to understand that although the guitars are “the same” the Japanese one costs so much more because you’re paying for the time and expertise of a highly skilled highly paid craftsman to build you a guitar. They can only make so many guitars a year so the overhead per guitar goes up.
We’ve got LTDs pushing past prices ESP originals hit 10 years ago. It’s gotten real out of hand what can constitute as a boutique guitar and how much you can charge for one.
Crazy information! Thank you so much for spending too much time and putting too much effort into this! You even put out the smallest pieces of the guitars to show us the differences! Crazy effort! You deserve a thousand times more attention than this, or even more! Anyway thank you so much for this video and other videos as well and I wish you the best, good luck!
Thanks for the in depth review ❤ just as I was beginning to search and look at the difference between the 2. This is the most comprehensive review I’ve seen 👍
Thank you for this demonstration George, great playing too. I would be elated to have a very worn pre-owned LTD at this point, no joke. LTD has in my experiences has 99 out of 100 times been exceptionally good in quality, wiring, playability, and what appears to be excellent attention to the glue joints, screw/bolt joints, hardware attachment, and finish/paint work. Any ESP/LTD model would be great to have. A Snakebyte model though would be amazing. I played one of those LTD Snakebytes at a Guitar Center about a year and half ago and it balanced great with full access to the upper frets too. You're right, even if someone doesn't like Metallica, that model has a built-in versatility to it and can be modified to one's preferences.
Nice so in 2019 LTD were still using ebony. My guess is that in 2020 they switched to Macassar ebony. Now ai got to figure out when did they revert to the traditional step down from the body set neck. Thanks, man, comments like these help a lot.
@@GeorgeVGuitars hi George, mine is a 2012 model and it has the step at the heel, so it was probably just the very first ones from 2011 which didn't have that.
I have the ltd snakebyte and the iron cross, both in snowwhite, but i don't know if it's me but i feel the iron cross more close to the real thing than the snakebyte, and in playability AND sound feels a bit better. But for the price it's one of the better guitars that you can get... Big hugs from Chile Pal!!!
Schecter E 1 Dean select Z Epiphone Explorer LTD Explorer Which one is the best built of this style ? This is a nice video , my Bulgarian brother really does a great job explaining the details if this LTD . Thanks 👍😊🙏
Thank you 🖤 Im gonna post my Epiphone explorer video soon. I haven't tried the schecter but they are made in the same factory as the LTD. Dean - definitely no. My money is on the LTD.
I have owned an E-7 and now have a Cesar Soto E-1 and they're excellent in feel and playability. Made at same factories as LTD, my E-1 even came with LTD branded locking tuners. Full mahogany and resonant as hell. I like the heel more than other types out there because it's smooth like neck-thru but is set-thru.I'm keeping the Soto as a main player but now keeping an eye out for one of these Snakebytes because the shape is just growing on me and as a lefty, it's a good option out there
I have ordered a Snow White LTD for the shop and waiting to review it soon. I actually prefer the LTD over the ESP for Snow White, because the ESP gets yellow with time, the LTD rarely does. I definitely prefer the Snow White because I am not a fan of satin finishes. And overall the Snakebyte looks better in white - you can see the cool shape better this way. The black disappears on dark stages.
@@GeorgeVGuitars ok thx so the esp snakebyte gets turned yellow quicker? Cause I want to make sure that I can have the guitar for a long time and not let it have yellow stains
Wait, did the ESP logo break off ? or is it an E-II ? Hard to see with the camera moving all the time Also notice how more and more artists get LTD custom shop instead of ESP, to boost the sale i guess, or because they starter understanding that people want the same "name" on the headstock as their idol, not another one
There is no EII Snakebyte. It broke off. Well yeah LTD is affordable, kind of... the new LTD Snakebyte Camo costs almost 2500$ in Europe. I guess it is affordable compared to the ESP.
Thank you for making this video. I need more specific comparation guitar (cheap and expensive) like this. Do it more please👌 . What the potensio, jack, and electrical brands are ESP using? Gotoh or what?
I’ve tried a genuine esp and plenty of Ltds . The ESP was better but maybe only 5-10% better. I actually prefer the new LTDs as they use stainless frets where esp guitars typically use nickel. Funny thing is in Japan, a legit ESP is $1500-$2000 USD. Lots of markup.
Aye what’s up with the body curves on the snakebytes homie? Like most of the ones I’ve seen all have the curved body but I’ve also seen flat faced ones too & I couldn’t figure out what models come like that, or are they all curved & the pictures are tripping me out or something? Lol
@@GeorgeVGuitars Ight thanks for clearing that up for me homie, at first I was thinking maybe like the LTDs were flat & the ESPs had the curve but then I saw a bunch of ltds that were curved too so I didn’t know what was up with that, but yee you’re probably right, the pictures are probably just tripping me out, or maybe the flat ones I saw were like kit guitars or something idk lol
There is a big difference between the ltd version and the esp version But you have to admit that there is not much difference between the two harps in sound, and it is due to the pickup. I bought a stock of the ltd version for about 700 dollars, and I think it is great!
@@patriknessboLemoran Nice, thats some useful info that 2017 still has the old Ebony. What about the neck joint? Is it the same as the 2011 in the video?
Its quite strange that early LTD models came with set through neck construction and then in 2011 they changed it to Gibson style set-neck, however ESP version came from the beginning in the style of gibson neck. Maybe it was a mistake from manufacturer since it was very first LTD models?
I woulda bought a PRS instead... i own a LTD korea ec-1000T its black with gold hardware, ebony binding, inlays with ebony binding all around the sides of the fret board and all around the headstock... its the full body thick like a les paul.. its weight is a solid 10 pounds! Emg pickups... locking tuners and if you can find the same your gonna pay 1500 used. I paid just at 1000 dollars with a hard shell esp locking case! Its the nicest guitar and easyest playing guitar ive ever held in my hands... the action is the lowest n absolutely no fret buzz... id NEVER sell this guitar for no amount of money ever! I cant say enough about it. Ive played for 40 years now n im now 53.. ive had them all... from junk to Gibson to PRS. Prs is actually in my personal opinion 2nd place to this playability and quality. Only thing i did was an action setup.. n it was already setup outta the box perfectly, i just got the action just a little bit lower. I hardly have to aply any pressure and i get a full sounding cord no b.s. its crazy man.. i love it so much. To each their own thou.. hey if it feels great in yr hands n plays like a dream you've got a winner! I do dig the. Snakebite, only thing i dont like about it is the ass end of the body is to long... id shorten it up an inch or two.
If I have the chance to make a video of yours I will get the 2011 back in the shop again to compare them. It seems that the neck heel is the big difference. The 2011 is a set trough, while yours should be set neck with a slight step down from the body. 👀
I think you need the Edwards EX then, my friend 👀 ESP Edwards E-EX-125D with a MORE BEER! Wrap for that James Hetfield Metallica look th-cam.com/video/sEznVVjLbBE/w-d-xo.html
The differences in pricing between the two is what we call price gouging. Paying way more for parts that cost very little to justify a price. Like the hospital injustry in America. It's a scam. The bigger guitar companies go out and make you pay for a name. It's a common practice. Gear snobs are so blind to this.
@@kotymccallister5150Because most LTD guitars are 14*. I guess it is easier and faster in the factory, to just use the machines set up for 14*... or they are just lazy 🤣
Them korean LTD guitars are top quality in my personal opinion... made better than the American made one bc of their attention to the details... now i know theres 2 piece n 3 pieces ect ect but they dont let. The smallest blemish leave their factory... their quantity control departments are on it unlike lazy American companies. The America's just dont give a rip but the company wants INSANE money for them.... i personally feel more comfortable buy 1 from the Korea factories over the Americans... n im a dang American! So sad... lets get with it America! Wake the blank up!
If anything, a 4 piece body would be better except aesthetically. The "resonance" argument is total nonsense and has been proven as such time and time again.
I'm looking at getting a Snake bite. If I do then I will have to get the real legit ESP snake bite. The LTD is for the "just as good as" crowd. Spoiler Alert they never are.
This guitar is so desperate to be an Explorer, it looks so silly. I hope Gibson goes out of business soon so ESP can go back to making clones of the originals that are superior to the originals
No it's not. It's a design ESP come up with james for a custom guitar. You can tell that by the barbs on the headstock and body which is a reference to the metallica name and logo. So really its trying to be a metallica custom guitar. The mx models were trying be explorers and completed that by being 10 times better than gibson. There was a point you could get a edwards explorer but they had to stop making them to
Love the detailed information. Its becoming harder and harder to find this amount of quality info online especially in one place. Thank you and great work.
I am glad it was helpful to you. I will keep them coming 👀
I have a flawless Indonesian-made LTD Snow White Snakebyte, built in Dec 2020. It has nearly the same neck/body construction as the 2011 ESP model.
Yep, newer models have the set neck construction like the ESP. I will review one soon.
@Black Orbit I have ordered a white LTD Snakebyte in March 2021 from a official European distributor... still waiting for it...
@Black Orbit Covid, inflation, war, ESP having a rough time meeting demand, being in a shitty European country... you name it 🤣
@@GeorgeVGuitars My friend, I’m in the USA and it seems our country is a mess as well. Hope all is well with you. Thanks for the review, I’ve been eying the Snakebyte.
@@Tatted-ne7tu I just did a review on the 2022 Snakebyte. The one I ordered never came. A friend of mine brought his brand new Snow White.
Fantastic video, thanks for the time you put in to share the differences between them. I have a 2011 black blind snake version with ltd tuners and Het set pups. This video made me feel a lot better knowing the details about it. Thanks again and Cheers.
I am glad you like it. The 2011 seems to be the best version 🖤
I’ve got a white LTD Snakebyte on order. Already got a Purple Sparkle LTD and that’s flawless.
Good choice
Many people fail to understand that although the guitars are “the same” the Japanese one costs so much more because you’re paying for the time and expertise of a highly skilled highly paid craftsman to build you a guitar. They can only make so many guitars a year so the overhead per guitar goes up.
Right you are, sir
Correct. But the difference between the two are not worth an extra $4,000 dollars.
@@rocafella142 you’re a cheapskate who doesn’t appreciate craftsmanship or understands the difference in quality
True in part. If I would buy a Jeff Hanneman esp direct in Japan I will pay half price then fuckin shit Canadian dollars.
We’ve got LTDs pushing past prices ESP originals hit 10 years ago. It’s gotten real out of hand what can constitute as a boutique guitar and how much you can charge for one.
Crazy information! Thank you so much for spending too much time and putting too much effort into this! You even put out the smallest pieces of the guitars to show us the differences! Crazy effort! You deserve a thousand times more attention than this, or even more! Anyway thank you so much for this video and other videos as well and I wish you the best, good luck!
Thank you 🖤
Thanks for the in depth review ❤ just as I was beginning to search and look at the difference between the 2. This is the most comprehensive review I’ve seen 👍
Awesome video George ! I’m considering getting a new LTD snakebye in satin black. Very informative video 👍
I am glad you like it man. I am waiting for a 2022 White LTD to review and its probably made in Indonesia, so it should be interesting.
Great detailed comparison video..👍 all I want to know about the different between thIs both snakebyte are answered in this video..😁
I am glad you like it, man :>
Thank you for this demonstration George, great playing too. I would be elated to have a very worn pre-owned LTD at this point, no joke. LTD has in my experiences has 99 out of 100 times been exceptionally good in quality, wiring, playability, and what appears to be excellent attention to the glue joints, screw/bolt joints, hardware attachment, and finish/paint work.
Any ESP/LTD model would be great to have. A Snakebyte model though would be amazing. I played one of those LTD Snakebytes at a Guitar Center about a year and half ago and it balanced great with full access to the upper frets too. You're right, even if someone doesn't like Metallica, that model has a built-in versatility to it and can be modified to one's preferences.
I am glad you like it. Which colour would you go for?
Great demo dude , it’s good too see the two next to each other . Along with honest review . Great work !!
🤟🏻
Awesome review. I have a 2020 white LTD Snakebyte that has the same neck heel contruction as the ESP that you showed.
Thank you. At some point LTD reverted back to regular set neck. I will try to figure out when exactly.
I have an ESP H-200FM in red. I love the quality and would say, it is worth the purchase.
Hey George, sweet video 🤘🏼 My LTD is 2019 Korean made. Ebony fretboard, neck heel joint like the ESP model, beautiful guitar.
Nice so in 2019 LTD were still using ebony. My guess is that in 2020 they switched to Macassar ebony. Now ai got to figure out when did they revert to the traditional step down from the body set neck. Thanks, man, comments like these help a lot.
@@GeorgeVGuitars hi George, mine is a 2012 model and it has the step at the heel, so it was probably just the very first ones from 2011 which didn't have that.
@@GarryParker Yeah probably. That makes them collectable 👀
I have the ltd snakebyte and the iron cross, both in snowwhite, but i don't know if it's me but i feel the iron cross more close to the real thing than the snakebyte, and in playability AND sound feels a bit better. But for the price it's one of the better guitars that you can get... Big hugs from Chile Pal!!!
Its not just you, brother, the LTD Iron Cross is hands down one of the best LTD guitars ever made. It is crazy good in quality.
Schecter E 1
Dean select Z
Epiphone Explorer
LTD Explorer
Which one is the best built of this style ?
This is a nice video , my Bulgarian brother really does a great job explaining the details if this LTD . Thanks 👍😊🙏
Thank you 🖤 Im gonna post my Epiphone explorer video soon. I haven't tried the schecter but they are made in the same factory as the LTD. Dean - definitely no. My money is on the LTD.
I have owned an E-7 and now have a Cesar Soto E-1 and they're excellent in feel and playability. Made at same factories as LTD, my E-1 even came with LTD branded locking tuners. Full mahogany and resonant as hell. I like the heel more than other types out there because it's smooth like neck-thru but is set-thru.I'm keeping the Soto as a main player but now keeping an eye out for one of these Snakebytes because the shape is just growing on me and as a lefty, it's a good option out there
@@infinidominion great info. I lean more towards the schecter E 1 overall plus the price point you can't beat it .
Great video! Can you do a review on on the LTD KH Ouija Sparkle if you manage to find one?
Funny enough... the ESP Sparkle is easier to find. But I will do my best to review the LTD eventually.
@@GeorgeVGuitars appreciate it, whatever you get your hands on, whether it be a LTD or an ESP, would be sick
Rn I’m in the middle of deciding if I want the black satin or Snow White which one do you think looks good?
I have ordered a Snow White LTD for the shop and waiting to review it soon. I actually prefer the LTD over the ESP for Snow White, because the ESP gets yellow with time, the LTD rarely does. I definitely prefer the Snow White because I am not a fan of satin finishes. And overall the Snakebyte looks better in white - you can see the cool shape better this way. The black disappears on dark stages.
@@GeorgeVGuitars ok thx so the esp snakebyte gets turned yellow quicker? Cause I want to make sure that I can have the guitar for a long time and not let it have yellow stains
@@muaythaikid4706 You can watch my White ESP Snakebyte video and see how unevenly yellow it gets with time.
@@GeorgeVGuitars ok thanks again
@@GeorgeVGuitars I watched the video good job btw. I can definitely see how much it aged. Thanks for responding so quick to.
Wait, did the ESP logo break off ? or is it an E-II ?
Hard to see with the camera moving all the time
Also notice how more and more artists get LTD custom shop instead of ESP, to boost the sale i guess, or because they starter understanding that people want the same "name" on the headstock as their idol, not another one
There is no EII Snakebyte. It broke off. Well yeah LTD is affordable, kind of... the new LTD Snakebyte Camo costs almost 2500$ in Europe. I guess it is affordable compared to the ESP.
Love my LTD Snakebytes, great guitars.
Yeah they are amazing. Which colours did u get?
Thank you for making this video. I need more specific comparation guitar (cheap and expensive) like this. Do it more please👌
.
What the potensio, jack, and electrical brands are ESP using? Gotoh or what?
They are using EMG. Next I will do the ESP and LTD Iron Cross ;)
I’ve tried a genuine esp and plenty of Ltds . The ESP was better but maybe only 5-10% better. I actually prefer the new LTDs as they use stainless frets where esp guitars typically use nickel. Funny thing is in Japan, a legit ESP is $1500-$2000 USD. Lots of markup.
Great vid, I learnt a lot. You can notice the ESP has better sound over the LTD
Yes it does! 🤘🏻
That's in your mind
@@rocafella142all glue seams have a slightly stifling effect on natural resonance of multi-piece construction vs a single large piece like the ESP
@@infinidominion sure. If you have the hearing of superman, or maybe an elephant. You can hear the difference
Aye what’s up with the body curves on the snakebytes homie? Like most of the ones I’ve seen all have the curved body but I’ve also seen flat faced ones too & I couldn’t figure out what models come like that, or are they all curved & the pictures are tripping me out or something? Lol
The pictures are tripping you. All of them have the slope for the forearm.
@@GeorgeVGuitars Ight thanks for clearing that up for me homie, at first I was thinking maybe like the LTDs were flat & the ESPs had the curve but then I saw a bunch of ltds that were curved too so I didn’t know what was up with that, but yee you’re probably right, the pictures are probably just tripping me out, or maybe the flat ones I saw were like kit guitars or something idk lol
@@ProfessorPerhaps There are Chinese copies but they usually have the ESP logo, not LTD.
@@GeorgeVGuitars oh true, appreciate the info homie
The flat or straight edge tail fin is the EX models of the ESP/LTD Explorers ✅
There is a big difference between the ltd version and the esp version
But you have to admit that there is not much difference between the two harps in sound, and it is due to the pickup.
I bought a stock of the ltd version for about 700 dollars, and I think it is great!
700 is a great deal. The difference in sound is not so big trough a high gain amp, yes.
Esp snakebyte or iron Cross?
Which is the better guitar?
For me 100% Iron Cross. Much better made and sounds heavier. But I am a Les Paul/Eclipse guy.
The ltd snakebyte is the best guitar ive ever owned
Which model year and colour did you get?👀
Black satin :)
@@GeorgeVGuitars 2017. The one with real ebony
@@patriknessboLemoran Nice, thats some useful info that 2017 still has the old Ebony. What about the neck joint? Is it the same as the 2011 in the video?
@@GeorgeVGuitars yeah I think it is the same ! I will check when I get my snakebyte back (tomorrow)
I was really disappointed that ESP didn’t bring back the GLOSS BLACK colored Snakebyte for 2023 😢
Its over 10 years old now. I guess people got tired of it and sales plummeted.
I only have 1 question and it's not about the guitars. Are you Bulgarian?
Yep 😳
What is the lowest I can buy Esp right now?
Check Reverb
🤘🤘
I hope you liked it, bro. Great guitar u got there 🖤
@@GeorgeVGuitars This video is amazing! Great job! Thanks for the shoutout and thanks for the great content you bring to us with your videos!
Great content. Very helpful
Thank you. Both great guitars.
Very good playing also.
Thank you! Do you have any explorers? 👀
Its quite strange that early LTD models came with set through neck construction and then in 2011 they changed it to Gibson style set-neck, however ESP version came from the beginning in the style of gibson neck. Maybe it was a mistake from manufacturer since it was very first LTD models?
It is a bit confusing, seems like they were not quite sure what to do with the early models
@@GeorgeVGuitars yeah, most probably. So first models are kinda unique, having sperzel tuners, 81/60 and set through neck
I woulda bought a PRS instead... i own a LTD korea ec-1000T its black with gold hardware, ebony binding, inlays with ebony binding all around the sides of the fret board and all around the headstock... its the full body thick like a les paul.. its weight is a solid 10 pounds! Emg pickups... locking tuners and if you can find the same your gonna pay 1500 used. I paid just at 1000 dollars with a hard shell esp locking case! Its the nicest guitar and easyest playing guitar ive ever held in my hands... the action is the lowest n absolutely no fret buzz... id NEVER sell this guitar for no amount of money ever! I cant say enough about it. Ive played for 40 years now n im now 53.. ive had them all... from junk to Gibson to PRS. Prs is actually in my personal opinion 2nd place to this playability and quality. Only thing i did was an action setup.. n it was already setup outta the box perfectly, i just got the action just a little bit lower. I hardly have to aply any pressure and i get a full sounding cord no b.s. its crazy man.. i love it so much. To each their own thou.. hey if it feels great in yr hands n plays like a dream you've got a winner! I do dig the. Snakebite, only thing i dont like about it is the ass end of the body is to long... id shorten it up an inch or two.
Those are all valid points, but if you are a Metallica and especially a Hetfield fan the PRS would be a bit irrelevant.
Видеото е топ браво!🤟
@@bobsana8968 Мерси 🤘🏻
So, when we will get that MX-2 vs Snakebyte video?😛
I guess I have to buy one 🤣
@@GeorgeVGuitars i can sell two for super duper ridiculous high price😂🤪
@@Apaman69 Yeah no :>
I didn't hear that well, how many pieces of wood in LTD version? 😂
Probably around 4
Try using some vibrato when you play.. it wont sound so dry
Will do 🤣
Please, compare 2011 vs 2020 LTD's
If I have the chance to make a video of yours I will get the 2011 back in the shop again to compare them. It seems that the neck heel is the big difference. The 2011 is a set trough, while yours should be set neck with a slight step down from the body. 👀
Black or white? And why..
White. Makes the shape pop even more. I had the black one and it almost dissapears on stage.
Is the ltd worth 1500 new...
Euro yes, as of right now
I was going to get 1 ESP snakebyte, but then decided to get 1 LTD snakebyte and 1 LTD vulture and save the rest of the money. 😄
@@Guitar-Geek-Joey Whatever works for you ;)
Debating getting an esp snakebyte, wish I could get without the inlay
I think you need the Edwards EX then, my friend 👀 ESP Edwards E-EX-125D with a MORE BEER! Wrap for that James Hetfield Metallica look
th-cam.com/video/sEznVVjLbBE/w-d-xo.html
@@GeorgeVGuitars not after hetfield look, but like esp and explorers
🤘💓🤘
🤘🏻
The differences in pricing between the two is what we call price gouging. Paying way more for parts that cost very little to justify a price. Like the hospital injustry in America. It's a scam. The bigger guitar companies go out and make you pay for a name. It's a common practice. Gear snobs are so blind to this.
I admit that the ESP prices are ridiculous, but there is a difference with the LTD and I would gladly pay a reasonable price for it.
And I can buy one for $250 upgrade the hardware and pickups for another 200 and have the same guitar you just bought for 1800
Uhm no :>
Where’s the “p” in “esp”
@@royceb1245 Its silent ;)
I’m not seeing $3k worth of difference
Go for the LTD then 🤟🏻
The esp one sounds better
Yep
акцент на русский похож)
Close, Bulgarian :>
hell, I'd rather have a 14" radius 🤷🏻♂️
Janes comes from Gibson guitars, thats why the 12, Kitk's guitars are mostly 14'
@@GeorgeVGuitars wonder why the ltd isn't also a 12" radius 🤔
@@kotymccallister5150Because most LTD guitars are 14*. I guess it is easier and faster in the factory, to just use the machines set up for 14*... or they are just lazy 🤣
Senin ingilizce öğretmenin pakistanlımı?😅
Sorry I don't speak kebab
@@GeorgeVGuitarsРусский акцент, я прав? Russian accent, i right?
Them korean LTD guitars are top quality in my personal opinion... made better than the American made one bc of their attention to the details... now i know theres 2 piece n 3 pieces ect ect but they dont let. The smallest blemish leave their factory... their quantity control departments are on it unlike lazy American companies. The America's just dont give a rip but the company wants INSANE money for them.... i personally feel more comfortable buy 1 from the Korea factories over the Americans... n im a dang American! So sad... lets get with it America! Wake the blank up!
The Korean ones are ok but far from perfect and without blemishes. What do you mean American made ones?
lol bedroom warrior
Me :/
If anything, a 4 piece body would be better except aesthetically. The "resonance" argument is total nonsense and has been proven as such time and time again.
Mmmm, i do not agree
So in other words, the LTD is the scrap pieces of wood left from making the ESP version.
I wouldn't say so :/
I'm looking at getting a Snake bite. If I do then I will have to get the real legit ESP snake bite. The LTD is for the "just as good as" crowd. Spoiler Alert they never are.
The LTD is great but yeah... it ain't ESP great.
This guitar is so desperate to be an Explorer, it looks so silly. I hope Gibson goes out of business soon so ESP can go back to making clones of the originals that are superior to the originals
I can not say that you are wrong 👀
No it's not. It's a design ESP come up with james for a custom guitar. You can tell that by the barbs on the headstock and body which is a reference to the metallica name and logo. So really its trying to be a metallica custom guitar. The mx models were trying be explorers and completed that by being 10 times better than gibson. There was a point you could get a edwards explorer but they had to stop making them to
James drew the design for the Snakebyte himself. It wasn't ESP's idea.