Alexi Laiho spent two decades redefining what neoclassical metal could be, and his Sawtooth SE signature evolved with him. The 20th Anniversary edition celebrates that journey—a sawtooth-shaped single-cutaway with set-neck construction, aggressive DiMarzio pickups, and the distinctive design that made the Sawtooth instantly recognizable in festival lighting.
The body shape is a custom sawtooth design—a modified single-cutaway with jagged upper horn that cuts visually as aggressively as it plays. Mahogany construction finished in a metallic black that shows texture variation under stage lights. Set-neck construction balances sustain with accessibility, offering more upper-fret reach than bolt-on designs without the weight penalty of full neck-through.
Specs & Build Quality
| Body | Mahogany, sawtooth single-cutaway |
| Neck | Set-neck, mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood, 24 jumbo frets |
| Scale | 25.5″ |
| Pickups | DiMarzio Fortitude (neck/bridge) |
| Bridge | TonePros locking hardtail |
| Hardware | Chrome, locking tuners |
| Finish | Metallic black, gloss |
| Price | $700–$900 |
The neck is a fast modern profile—designed for rapid position shifts and neoclassical sweep picking. Twenty-four jumbo frets with sharp crowns allow access to upper-register runs without fighting body contours. Rosewood fretboard is dark and tight-grained with zero dead zones.
DiMarzio Fortitude pickups in neck and bridge positions deliver aggressive clarity and defined note separation. The bridge position cuts through a dense mix with surgical presence, while the neck maintains warmth without muddiness. These pickups excel at tracking fast alternate picking and complex sweep patterns—essential for neoclassical shred.
Who Is This For?
Neoclassical shred players and Children of Bodom fans. If you’re executing fast, accurate runs and want a platform that rewards technique with clarity, the Sawtooth SE is essential. Also works for traditional metal and modern rock. Intermediate to advanced players comfortable with high-speed picking.
The ESP LTD Joe Duplantier JD-1 offers a different approach within the same ESP family.
Comparison
vs. Jackson Dinky: Both are shredder platforms with similar pricing. The Sawtooth’s sawtooth shape is more unique; Jackson offers more color options.
vs. Ibanez RGA: Ibanez is thinner and faster; the Sawtooth SE has more sustain via set-neck. Both are excellent neoclassical platforms.
The ESP LTD George Lynch Desert Eagle offers a different approach within the same ESP family.
Pricing & Availability
Street price $700–$900. Metallic black finish is standard for the 20th Anniversary edition; this finish is exclusive and won’t be reissued. Limited production run, so availability varies by region.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Unique sawtooth body shape, set-neck sustain, DiMarzio Fortitude clarity, fast neck for shred, locking hardware, accessible upper frets, 20th Anniversary exclusivity, proven Children of Bodom lineage.
The Ibanez Kiko Loureiro Signature 2026 is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
Cons: Sawtooth shape is polarizing aesthetically, set-neck construction less sustain than neck-through, limited color option (metallic black only), premium price, Fortitude pickups not for vintage tone.
FAQ
Q: Is set-neck good enough for shredding?
A: Absolutely. Many legendary neoclassical albums used set-neck guitars. You lose milliseconds of sustain compared to neck-through, but gain upper-fret accessibility. For shred, that’s a fair trade.
The Jackson Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6 is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
Q: Can I find this 20 years from now?
A: Unlikely. Limited-edition finishes become increasingly rare. If you love it, don’t wait.
Bottom Line
The ESP LTD Alexi Sawtooth SE 20th Anniversary celebrates two decades of Children of Bodom’s impact on neoclassical metal. The sawtooth body shape, DiMarzio Fortitude pickups, and set-neck construction combine for a platform that rewards fast, accurate playing. If you’re honoring Alexi’s legacy and want a limited-edition that documents this moment in metal history, the Sawtooth SE is your signature.