Alexi Laiho Signature Guitars
Alexi Laiho, known for being the frontman and lead guitarist for the Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom, is a name synonymous with rapid guitar riffs and unapologetic solos. Known for his blistering technique and high-octane performances, he collaborated with ESP Guitars to craft a guitar that could withstand his aggressive playing style, thus giving birth to the ESP LTD Alexi-200 in 2007.
This guitar is a true embodiment of Alexi’s spirit and musical persona, designed to let every guitarist feel the power of his musical genius.
Alexi Laiho Signature Guitars
Alexi Laiho
Alexi Laiho was a Finnish guitarist, composer, and vocalist, best known as the lead guitarist, lead vocalist and founding member of the melodic death metal band Children of Bodom. He was renowned for his fast and intricate guitar playing style, involving rapid tapping, sweeping, and advanced scales and modes, earning him accolades and numerous awards in the metal music scene.
Early Life and Career
Alexi Laiho was born on April 8, 1979, in Espoo, Finland. He started playing violin at a young age before picking up the guitar at the age of 11. His passion for metal music began early, and by the age of 18, he had already formed the band Children of Bodom.
Children of Bodom
Formed in 1993, Children of Bodom quickly gained popularity due to their combination of melodic hooks and aggressive metal sound. They reached international acclaim with their debut album “Something Wild” in 1997. Throughout their career, the band released several successful albums, played numerous international tours, and became one of Finland’s best-selling artists of all time.
Musical Style and Influence
Alexi Laiho’s music style was a mixture of neo-classical metal, melodic death metal, and power metal. He was known for his high-speed alternate picking and sweep-picked arpeggios, his extensive use of scale runs and upper extensions in solos, and his aggressive rhythm guitar work.
Alexi cited musicians like Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, and Roope Latvala as his influences and was particularly known for his love of the Randy Rhoads’ guitar style, often infusing Rhoads’ techniques and scales into his solos.
Recognition and Legacy
Alexi Laiho received multiple awards for his guitar playing, including being ranked as one of the “50 Fastest Guitarists of All Time” by Guitar World magazine. He was also voted “Best Metal Guitarist” in a poll by the same publication in 2008.
Alexi Laiho passed away in December 2020 at the age of 41, leaving behind a significant musical legacy and having a considerable impact on metal guitarists and the genre as a whole. His virtuosic guitar playing, powerful vocals, and songwriting have inspired countless musicians and fans around the world.
Alexi Laiho & ESP: A Partnership Forged in Metal
Alexi’s partnership with ESP is an iconic collaboration that brought together one of metal’s most revered guitarists and a brand known for its high-quality guitars. This collaboration is not just about brand endorsement; it’s about creating an instrument that can handle the intensity and ferocity of Alexi’s playing. It’s a synergy aimed at crafting a guitar that would be a true extension of Alexi’s musical mind and fingers.
ESP LTD Alexi-200
Designing for the Extreme
When it comes to designing a guitar that can stand up to the explosive energy of metal, every detail matters. The ESP LTD Alexi-200 has been meticulously designed, keeping in mind the needs of players who like to push their instruments to the limits. The design philosophy behind the Alexi-200 is simple yet profound: a guitar that is resilient, comfortable, and, most importantly, metal to the core.
Aesthetic Meets Aggression
A look at the ESP LTD Alexi-200 and you instantly know it’s made for metal. The guitar’s aggressive look, with its sharp contours and sleek finish, is a visual representation of the music it’s designed to create. It doesn’t just look the part; it sounds it too, capable of producing the aggressive tones and fast riffs that are quintessential to Alexi’s style. The aesthetic and sonic elements of this guitar work in harmony, making it a true metal machine.
Craftsmanship for the Bold
Crafting a guitar like the Alexi-200 requires precision, attention to detail, and, above all, an understanding of what a metal guitarist needs. From the choice of wood to the type of pickups, every component is carefully selected and assembled to ensure optimal performance and durability. The guitar feels solid, ready to endure whatever the player throws at it, be it lightning-fast solos or heavy riffing.
Dynamic Sonic Palette
The Alexi-200 isn’t just about aggressive sounds and high speeds; it’s a versatile instrument that offers a range of tones for different musical scenarios. Whether you’re playing rhythmic riffs or soaring solos, this guitar can adapt to different playing styles, allowing musicians to explore various sonic possibilities. It’s designed to be the weapon of choice for those who like to experiment with their sound, ensuring each note is articulated with precision and clarity.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Alexi Laiho’s legacy and his signature guitar continue to inspire countless aspiring musicians around the world. The ESP LTD Alexi-200 is not just a guitar; it’s a beacon for all those who dream of shredding like Alexi. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion, skill, and craftsmanship come together. The Alexi-200 is more than just wood and strings; it’s a source of inspiration, pushing players to explore the boundaries of their creativity.
Table ESP LTD Alexi-200
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Year | 2007 |
| Configuration | H |
| Strings | 6 |
| Made in | Indonesia |
| Series | Signature |
| Colors | Black |
| Left-Handed Version | No |
| Body | |
| Type | Solid Body |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Special |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-On |
| Tuners | LTD |
| Fretboard | Roasted Jatoba |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Decoration | Shark Teeth |
| Scale Size | 25.5″ |
| Shape | Thin U |
| Thickness | 1st Fret: 0.787” (20mm) – 12th Fret: 0.866” (22mm) |
| Frets | 24 XL Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius | 13.78″ |
| Nut | Locking |
| Nut Width | 42mm (1.654”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch | 0 Way |
| Knobs | Dome |
| Volume Controls | 1 |
| Tone Controls | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup | ESP Designed LH-301B (Humbucker / Passive) |
A Shredder’s Dream
The ESP LTD Alexi-200 is the epitome of what a metal guitar should be. It’s a result of the harmonious collaboration between a legendary metal guitarist and a top-tier guitar brand. This guitar isn’t just about shredding; it’s about expressing musical ideas with intensity and precision. It’s about breaking boundaries and exploring uncharted musical territories. Whether you are a seasoned player or an aspiring shredder, the Alexi-200 provides the platform to express your musical thoughts, ensuring every note, every riff, resonates with the energy and passion of metal. In the world of metal guitars, the Alexi-200 stands as a symbol of uncompromised quality, relentless aggression, and unbridled passion, echoing the spirit of the legendary Alexi Laiho.
LTD Alexi Ripped
The LTD Alexi Ripped embodies the spirit and legacy of Alexi Laiho, a monumental figure in metal music and the creative force behind Children of Bodom/Bodom After Midnight. This guitar, among Alexi Laiho’s last designs, combines both aesthetics and functionality in an offset V shape featuring neck-thru-body construction with a 25.5” scale.
This guitar is designed for fast and smooth playability, sporting a three-piece thin U-shaped maple neck with a natural satin finish. It integrates alder body wings and a Macassar ebony fingerboard, scalloped from frets 19-24, and comes with 24 extra-jumbo frets, distinctive sawtooth inlays, and glow-in-the-dark side markers.
The Alexi Ripped stands out as the first model in the Alexi Laiho Signature Series to feature multiple pickups; it houses an EMG HZ F-H2 passive humbucker in the bridge position, delivering clear, high-gain tones with a robust response, and an EMG HZ S2 passive stacked single coil in the neck, yielding a balanced blend of mids and a full, clear low end.
The guitar’s components include Grover tuners, a double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 bridge, and chrome hardware with a volume control and an inset three-way pickup selector, all contributing to its superior playability and sound. It is available in a striking Purple Fade Satin finish complemented by painted black satin “ripped” pinstripes, with matching back and sides. A deluxe ESP hardshell case is included to ensure its protection.
Table LTD Alexi Ripped
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction | Neck-Thru |
| Scale | 25.5″ |
| Body | Alder |
| Neck | 3Pc Maple |
| Fingerboard | Macassar Ebony |
| Fingerboard Radius | 350mm |
| Finish | Purple Fade Satin w/ Ripped Pinstripes |
| Nut Width | 42mm |
| Nut Type | Locking |
| Neck Contour | Thin U |
| Frets/Type | 24 XJ |
| Hardware Color | Chrome |
| Strap Button | Standard |
| Tuners | Grover |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1000 |
| Neck PU | EMG HZ S2 |
| Bridge PU | EMG HZ FH-2 |
| Electronics | Passive |
| Electronics Layout | Volume/Toggle Switch |
| Strings | D’Addario XL120 (.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042) |
| Case | V-ALEXI GUITAR FORM FIT CASE |
| Case Included | Y |
LTD Alexi Hexed
The LTD Alexi Hexed encapsulates the distinctive spirit of Alexi Laiho, one of the most cherished and influential metal music icons, and former frontman for Children of Bodom/Bodom After Midnight. This model stands out as one of the last guitar designs to which Alexi contributed.
This distinctive model is presented in an offset V shape and is structured with neck-thru-body construction, featuring a 25.5” scale. It is endowed with a three-piece, thin U-shaped maple neck, topped with a natural satin finish ensuring seamless play and swift hand movement. The construction is completed with alder body wings and a Macassar ebony fingerboard which is scalloped from frets 19-24, accommodating 24 extra-jumbo frets, trademark sawtooth inlays, and glow-in-the-dark side markers.
This remarkable guitar is equipped with top-grade components including Grover tuners, a double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 bridge, and chrome hardware. It incorporates a singular EMG HZ F-H2 passive pickup, coupled with a volume control, delivering a ceramic high-gain output characterized by eminent presence, clear tones, and a robust response.
The Alexi Hexed is available in a striking Purple Fade finish adorned with subtle light purple pinstripes and comes with matching back and sides. To protect this masterpiece, a deluxe ESP hardshell case is included.
Table LTD Alexi Hexed
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction | Neck-Thru |
| Scale | 25.5″ |
| Body | Alder |
| Neck | 3Pc Maple |
| Fingerboard | Macassar Ebony |
| Fingerboard Radius | 350mm |
| Finish | Purple Fade w/ Pinstripes |
| Nut Width | 42mm |
| Nut Type | Locking |
| Neck Contour | Thin U |
| Frets/Type | 24 XJ |
| Hardware Color | Chrome |
| Strap Button | Standard |
| Tuners | Grover |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose 1000 |
| Bridge PU | EMG HZ FH-2 |
| Electronics | Passive |
| Electronics Layout | Volume |
| Strings | D’Addario XL120 (.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042) |
| Case | V-ALEXI GUITAR FORM FIT CASE |
| Case Included | Y |
ESP Alexi Ripped
Handcrafted by the skilled artisans of the ESP Custom Shop in Japan, the ESP Alexi Ripped is an exact replica of the model designed and played by the renowned metal music icon, Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom/Bodom After Midnight. The ESP Alexi Hexed boasts an offset V shape with neck-thru-body construction at a 25.5” scale length. Its features include a three-piece thin u-shaped maple neck with a natural satin finish for effortless and swift playability, alder body wings, and an ebony fingerboard (scalloped from frets 19-24) with 24 extra-jumbo frets, sawtooth inlays, and glow-in-the-dark side markers.
The Alexi Ripped model marks the first Alexi Laiho Signature Series guitar to feature more than one pickup. It incorporates an EMG HZ F-H2 passive humbucker in the bridge position, a ceramic high-gain pickup renowned for its outstanding presence and clarity with a powerful response. Additionally, it houses an EMG HZ S2 passive stacked single coil in the neck, offering the perfect blend of midrange tones with a clear and full low end. The guitar is also equipped with an ESP MM-04 active boost switch, featuring a preamp circuit with adjustable EQ settings and the ability to provide up to +18dB of boost when required. Just like Alexi’s personal instrument, the E-II Alexi Ripped includes top-tier components like Gotoh locking tuners, ESP strap locks, a double-locking Floyd Rose Original bridge, and chrome hardware, including a volume control, an inset three-way pickup selector, and a boost switch. It is available in a stunning Purple Fade Satin finish with painted black satin “ripped” pinstripes, featuring a matching black satin back and sides. The guitar also comes with a deluxe ESP hardshell case.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| CONSTRUCTION | Neck-Thru |
| SCALE | 25.5″ |
| BODY | Alder |
| NECK | 3Pc Maple |
| FINGERBOARD | Ebony |
| FINGERBOARD RADIUS | 305mm |
| FINISH | Purple Fade Satin w/ Ripped Pinstripes |
| NUT WIDTH | 42mm |
| NUT TYPE | Locking |
| NECK CONTOUR | Thin U |
| FRETS/TYPE | 24 XJ |
| HARDWARE COLOR | Chrome |
| STRAP BUTTON | ESP Strap Lock |
| TUNERS | Gotoh Locking |
| BRIDGE | Floyd Rose Original |
| NECK PU | EMG HZ S2 |
| BRIDGE PU | EMG HZ FH-2 |
| ELECTRONICS | Passive w/ Active Boost |
| ELECTRONICS LAYOUT | Volume/Toggle Switch/ESP MM-04 Active Boost Switch |
| STRINGS | Elixir Nanoweb Super Light (.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042) |
| CASE | V-ALEXI GUITAR FORM FIT CASE |
| CASE INCLUDED | Y |
| COA | Y |
ESP E-II Alexi Ripped
Manufactured at ESP facility in Japan, the ESP E-II Alexi Ripped is one of the final guitar models created by Alexi Laiho, the iconic frontman of Children of Bodom/Bodom After Midnight and a highly influential figure in the world of metal music. The E-II Alexi Ripped boasts an offset V shape with neck-thru-body construction at a 25.5” scale. It features a three-piece thin u-shaped maple neck with a natural satin finish, delivering a seamless and rapid playing experience. The guitar’s body is crafted from alder, complemented by alder body wings, and it features an ebony fingerboard with scalloped frets (19-24), 24 extra-jumbo frets, sawtooth inlays, and glow-in-the-dark side markers.
Distinguishing itself from previous models, the Alexi Ripped is the first in the Alexi Laiho Signature Series to incorporate multiple pickups. It boasts an EMG HZ F-H2 passive humbucker in the bridge position, a ceramic high-gain pickup renowned for its remarkable presence and clarity with a punchy response. Additionally, it includes an EMG HZ S2 passive stacked single coil in the neck, ensuring an ideal blend of midrange tones with a clear and full low-end resonance. An ESP MM-04 active boost switch is also integrated, providing a preamp circuit with customizable EQ settings and a substantial boost of up to +18dB when needed.
Designed with professional musicians in mind, the E-II Alexi Ripped is equipped with top-tier components, including Gotoh locking tuners, ESP strap locks, a double-locking Floyd Rose Original bridge, and chrome hardware. Its control layout features a volume control, an inset three-way pickup selector, and the boost switch. The guitar is presented in a Purple Fade Satin finish with striking painted black satin “ripped” pinstripes, accompanied by a black satin finish on the back and sides. A deluxe ESP hardshell case is included to ensure secure transportation and storage.
Table ESP E-II Alexi Ripped
| SPECIFICATIONS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| CONSTRUCTION | Neck-Thru |
| SCALE | 25.5″ |
| BODY | Alder |
| NECK | 3Pc Maple |
| FINGERBOARD | Ebony |
| FINGERBOARD RADIUS | 305mm |
| FINISH | Purple Fade Satin w/ Ripped Pinstripes |
| NUT WIDTH | 42mm |
| NUT TYPE | Locking |
| NECK CONTOUR | Thin U |
| FRETS/TYPE | 24 XJ |
| HARDWARE COLOR | Chrome |
| STRAP BUTTON | ESP Strap Lock |
| TUNERS | Gotoh Locking |
| BRIDGE | Floyd Rose Original |
| NECK PU | EMG HZ S2 |
| BRIDGE PU | EMG HZ FH-2 |
| ELECTRONICS | Passive w/ Active Boost |
| ELECTRONICS LAYOUT | Volume/Toggle Switch/ESP MM-04 Active Boost Switch |
| STRINGS | Elixir Nanoweb Super Light (.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042) |
| CASE | V-ALEXI GUITAR FORM FIT CASE |
| CASE INCLUDED | Y |
| COA | Y |
ESP Alexi Hexed
Crafted by the skilled artisans at the ESP Custom Shop in Japan, the ESP Alexi Hexed is an exact replica of the model meticulously designed and played by the iconic figure in metal music, Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom/Bodom After Midnight fame. The ESP Alexi Hexed boasts an offset V shape and a neck-thru-body construction with a 25.5″ scale. Its exceptional features include a three-piece thin U-shaped maple neck finished in natural satin for effortless and rapid playability, alder body wings, and an ebony fingerboard with scalloped frets (19-24), adorned with 24 extra-jumbo frets, sawtooth inlays, and luminous side markers.
This remarkable guitar is equipped with premium components like Gotoh locking tuners, ESP strap locks, and a double-locking Floyd Rose Original bridge. It’s powered by a single EMG HZ F-H2 passive humbucker that delivers exceptional presence and clarity with a punchy response, maintaining the high standards associated with the ESP Alexi Hexed. Additionally, it features an ESP MM-04 active boost switch, incorporating a preamp circuit with customizable EQ settings that can provide up to +18dB of boost when needed.
The ESP Alexi Hexed is presented in a striking Purple Fade finish with subtle light purple pinstripes, complemented by matching back and sides. This exceptional guitar comes complete with a deluxe ESP hardshell case.
Table ESP Alexi Hexed
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| CONSTRUCTION | Neck-Thru |
| SCALE | 25.5″ |
| BODY | Alder |
| NECK | 3Pc Maple |
| FINGERBOARD | Ebony |
| FINGERBOARD RADIUS | 305mm |
| FINISH | Purple Fade w/ Pinstripes |
| NUT WIDTH | 42mm |
| NUT TYPE | Locking |
| NECK CONTOUR | Thin U |
| FRETS/TYPE | 24 XJ |
| HARDWARE COLOR | Chrome |
| STRAP BUTTON | ESP Strap Lock |
| TUNERS | Gotoh Locking |
| BRIDGE | Floyd Rose Original |
| BRIDGE PU | EMG HZ FH-2 |
| ELECTRONICS | Passive w/ Active Boost |
| ELECTRONICS LAYOUT | Volume/ESP MM-04 Active Boost Switch |
| STRINGS | Elixir Nanoweb Super Light (.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042) |
| CASE | V-ALEXI GUITAR FORM FIT CASE |
| CASE INCLUDED | Y |
| COA | Y |
