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Bill Kelliher’s Royal Workhorse Brings Mammoth Heat!





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ESP and Sweetwater are thrilled to present a stunning signature axe: the LTD Signature Royal Shiva. Designed to the specifications of Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher, the Royal Shiva’s maple-capped mahogany body and captivating finish take their cues from iconic late-’70s silver-burst single-cut guitars. But the Royal Shiva carves out a kingdom of its own with a more comfortable double-cut body shape that’s infinitely more maneuverable onstage. You’ll love how your fingers fall into place on the Royal Shiva’s 22-fret ebony fingerboard and how a set neck joint puts those higher frets within reach. Moreover, the Royal Shiva’s crown jewels are two signature Hellbender humbuckers designed by Mojotone and Bill Kelliher. Each Hellbender pickup is individually voiced using alnico magnets blended with ceramic, a potent potion that supercharges old-school humbuckers with extra oomph and clearer attack. Peasants and lords all agree: only the ESP LTD Signature Royal Shiva gives Bill Kelliher’s tonal prowess a faire treatment.





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Top-tier tonewoods meet top-notch playability





The LTD Signature Bill Kelliher Royal Shiva’s mahogany body is the perfect vessel for Mastodon-like tones. Mahogany generates tidal waves of sustain and thick tones when distorted and has rich, warm qualities when played clean. The Royal Shiva’s body shape opens up superior fingerboard access, and you’ll be tempted to climb inside the cutaways. As you traverse those hinterland frets, you’ll rejoice at the Royal Shiva’s maple cap, which teases out greater complexity and definition. A supportive “U” profile mahogany neck with a set joint complements all of the above while also adding a bump in sustain. Moreover, the neck’s 3-piece construction improves overall resistance to adverse climate factors, thus keeping your setup intact and leaving you free to travel confidently.





Signature Mojotone pickups





The Royal Shiva wouldn’t be complete without Bill Kelliher’s signature Hellbender humbuckers onboard! A collaboration with Mojotone, Hellbender humbuckers are individually voiced with unique wire gauges and blended alnico/ceramic magnets tailored for peak performance in each position. Mojotone squeezed more oomph from traditional alnico magnets by incorporating ceramic into the mix. As a result, Hellbenders are incredibly assertive with tight attack and bold sustain. These traits make Hellbenders perfect for driving and articulate fretwork, but they’re also capable of sophisticated cleans. Further, Hellbenders sound exceptional when coil-tapped, and Bill Kelliher even uses Hellbenders in the studio. Hear them yourself on Mastodon’s 2021 studio album, Hushed and Grim.





LTD: huge value with ESP quality





ESP’s LTD marque was created to bring a more affordable version of the classic designs and quality of ESP guitars to a new market. The entire ESP LTD line of instruments features premium tonewoods, quality pickups, and solid hardware for a lifetime of use. An exacting eye for detail and quality means that every instrument is ready to rock when it leaves the factory. An impressive list of signature axes by some of today’s biggest guitar and bass heroes shows the popularity and respect commanded by the ESP LTD marque. Sweetwater is proud to carry such a distinguished line of musical instruments.





ESP LTD Signature Bill Kelliher Royal Shiva Electric Guitar Features:


Signature guitar of Mastodon's Bill Kelliher, complete with signature Mojotone pickups


Resonant mahogany body with a maple top for enhanced attack and boosted treble


3-piece mahogany neck with a versatile “U” profile


Double-cut body and set neck joint provide extensive fingerboard access


Bound headstock and Macassar ebony fingerboard laced with bold block inlays


Mojotone Hellbender passive humbucking pickups utilize blended magnets and offer compelling coil-tapped tones as well


Bone nut, locking TonePros bridge, and locking LTD tuners fuel string stability and clear resonance