Two decades after Alexi Laiho first partnered with ESP, they’re honoring the man himself yet again with a pair of Special Edition anniversary models – the Alexi Arrowhead SE and the Alexi Sawtooth SE.
The Alexi Arrowhead SE revisits one of the earliest ESP signature designs associated with Laiho, reviving the classic Black finish now framed by vivid Yellow bevels that became synonymous with his stage presence during Children of Bodom’s peak years. The aggressive offset V body shape remains intact, because… I mean, that’s the whole thing about these models.
The Alexi Arrowhead SE offers up a neck-thru-body construction at a 25.5″ scale, Alder body wings with a thin U-shaped three-piece Maple neck, and a Macassar ebony fingerboard featuring 24 extra-jumbo frets and scalloping from frets 19 through 24.
The reverse side of the guitar continues the visual theme with a satin-finished neck designed for maximum speed, accented by matching Yellow bevel graphics and the iconic COBHC logo. Gold hardware gives the instrument an regal contrast against the Black-and-Yellow finish, while the Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking tremolo system reinforces the guitar’s readiness for extreme vibrato abuse and divebomb theatrics.
In classic Alexi fashion, the electronics remain simple. A single EMG HZ F-H2 passive pickup paired with a lone volume control strips the instrument down to let you focus harder on ripping some solos.
The Alexi Sawtooth SE approaches the same formula from a slightly different visual angle, replacing the Arrowhead’s Yellow bevel aesthetic with razor-like White pinstripes that cut across the beveled Black body.
Underneath the finish, the construction remains largely identical. Neck-thru-body architecture, Alder wings, the thin U-shaped Maple neck, Macassar ebony fingerboard, scalloped upper frets, and 24 extra-jumbo frets all return here. The satin-finished rear neck once again emphasizes speed and comfort, while the COBHC logo ties the design directly back to Children of Bodom’s legacy.
Where the Sawtooth distinguishes itself most clearly is through its hardware presentation. Chrome appointments replace the Arrowhead’s gold hardware, creating a colder, more industrial look. Like its sibling, it features a Floyd Rose 1000 bridge and the single EMG HZ F-H2 passive pickup configuration that keeps the focus squarely on precision riffing and high-gain articulation.
Both anniversary models include deluxe ESP hardshell cases. Get both models here for $1,899.99 each, and keep up with all our ESP and LTD coverage right here!
