Guitarist Michael Montoya takes the spotlight with a demo of the ESP LTD Deluxe XJ-1 HT Baritone, putting its aggressive offset design and single-pickup simplicity through their paces. From bone-rattling baritone riffs to articulate leads, Montoya showcases just how versatile this stripped-back beast can be.
The XJ-1 HT Baritone fuses modern ESP aggression with an alternative offset style. At its core is a sandblasted Swamp Ash body in a striking Silver Blast finish, matched to a 3-piece roasted Maple neck for rock-solid stability. The neck is topped with a Macassar Ebony fingerboard, dressed with block inlays and 22 extra-jumbo stainless-steel frets, offering fast playability and durability that can handle years of heavy use.
The guitar is loaded with premium hardware, including a Hipshot hardtail bridge with string-through-body construction for soaring sustain, LTD locking tuners for quick and stable string changes, and a black bone nut to ensure precise tuning response. A tiltback reverse headstock and brushed black pickguard add to its bold, modern look.
While the XJ-1 HT Baritone keeps things simple with a single pickup, it’s far from one-dimensional. Equipped with a Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice humbucker, it delivers a wide sonic palette. Players can switch between high-output aggression, versatile cleans, and modern clarity via the push/pull control – making this baritone a workhorse that thrives in just about any heavy music setting.
Get the ESP LTD Deluxe XJ-1 HT Baritone here for $1,499 and keep up with all our ESP coverage right here!
