Thrash master Brett Vaughn recently put the ESP LTD Deluxe RS-1000 through its paces, should you not have been convinced of its metal-ness prior to this.
The RS-1000 carries ESP’s immediately recognizable Random Star body shape — an angular, aggressive silhouette that has long been associated with high-gain heroics. But beneath the radical aesthetic lies a meticulously engineered platform designed for serious recording sessions and punishing tour schedules.
At its core is neck-thru-body construction with a 24.75″ scale length, delivering the kind of sustain and upper-fret access that lead players crave. The Mahogany body wings add warmth and midrange heft, seamlessly joined to an Extra-Thin U-shaped three-piece Maple neck that feels built for velocity. Vaughn’s rapid-fire thrash runs and tight palm-muted riffing highlight just how effortlessly the carve supports speed without sacrificing control.
Up top, a Macassar Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, glassy surface for technical runs and wide bends alike. Outfitted with 24 Extra-Jumbo Stainless Steel frets, the RS-1000 feels fast and durable in equal measure. Stainless Steel not only enhances note articulation but also stands up to the relentless punishment of aggressive touring players.
A reverse headstock with a matching finish adds visual bite while maintaining optimal string tension feel. At the business end, a Floyd Rose 1000SE double-locking tremolo — upgraded with Stainless Steel screws — invites dive-bombs, squeals, and warbled chaos without surrendering tuning stability. Precise Grover tuners reinforce that rock-solid dependability, ensuring that once you are locked in, you stay locked in.
Electronics are equally fierce. A direct-mount EMG 81 in the bridge delivers razor-sharp attack, tight low end, and searing harmonics that slice through dense mixes. In the neck position, the EMG 85 provides a thicker, more fluid voice ideal for molten leads and articulate clean passages.
Get the ESP LTD RS-1000 here for $1,399 and keep up with all our ESP coverage right here!
