When we talk about genres of music that truly push the boundaries of sound and technical prowess, metalcore is a major part of it.
One of the maestros in this field is Buz McGrath. Buz McGrath is the guitarist and songwriter in metalcore band Unearth. He is known for his wild performances and complex guitar work.
Let’s talk about this guitarist and his signature guitar, the ESP LTD BUZ-7.
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Who is Buz McGrath?
If you’ve ever headbanged to the sounds of Unearth, then you’re already familiar with Buz McGrath. As one of the lead guitarists for this powerful metalcore band, McGrath has played a major role in defining the band’s sound and, as a result, has left an indelible mark on the genre itself.
Buz McGrath started playing guitar when he was 15, around 1993. His older brother and his heavy metal friends would jam at their house, and Buz would fake being sick to stay home from school and play their guitars. His first guitar was an unknown Les Paul copy, which he still owns and hopes to fix up someday.
Buz’s musical influences include bands like In Flames, Arch Enemy, At The Gates, Knocked Loose, and Crowbar.
Unearth was formed by Buz McGrath, Mike Rudberg, Chris Rybicki and Ken Susi in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998. They are currently have released eight studio albums.
Buz’s favorite guitar players are Tosin Abasi, Yngwie Malmsteen, Zakk Wylde, “Uncle” Ben Eller, and Emil Werstler.
He owns about 13 guitars. His favorites are ESP Custom Shop 7-strings and an old Ibanez LACS custom model from 2005.
Buz likes modeler amps for their convenience but prefers a big 100-watt tube amp with 2×12 cabs for live shows. On their album, “The Wretched The Ruinous,” he used a Diezel VH4 and an EVH 5150III 100W EL34 for amps, and mainly tracked guitars with an ESP LTD Brian “Head” Welch model and a 2019 Gibson Les Paul Standard for leads.
What makes McGrath so special in a genre brimming with talent?
For starters, his unique approach to writing music that combines the aggression of metal with the melodicism of rock has resulted in some of the most memorable riffs and solos in metalcore. Secondly, his playing style is lightning fast, yet incredibly clean.
However, while skill is paramount, the instrument you wield can take your music to the next level. And for McGrath, that instrument is the ESP LTD BUZ-7.
ESP LTD BUZ-7
Design
The first thing you notice about the ESP LTD BUZ-7 is its design. Everything about this guitar screams intensity. From its sleek contours to its aggressive style, it’s clear that this guitar is made for hardcore metalcore.
The BUZ-7 QM features a comfortable alder body with a figured quilted maple top, a five-piece maple/walnut ultra-thin flat neck and a 24-fret ebony fingerboard. It also features a Floyd Rose bridge and Grover tuners.
Seven Strings
The BUZ-7 is a seven-string guitar. The additional low string allows for a broader range of tunings, enabling those deep, guttural riffs that are synonymous with the genre.
Pickups
With Fishman Fluence® SRC Signature active humbuckers, this guitar is built to capture every nuance of McGrath’s playing, from the softest melodies to the most intense riffs.
The pickups have push-pull control on the volume knob, allowing you to choose between voices. For the Alnico pickup on the neck, the upper position provides a Modern Passive Attack tone, while the lower position provides a Modern Active tone.
Playability
A guitarist with such complex solos and rhythms needs an instrument without limitations. And ESP has successfully met this challenge. This guitar has a standard 25.5″ scale length, making it incredibly playable.
With its slim neck profile and ergonomic design, the BUZ-7 ensures that McGrath can blaze through his most complex compositions without breaking a sweat.
Specification Table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | ESP LTD |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 7 |
| Made in: | Indonesia |
| Series: | Signature |
| Colors: | Black |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Top: | Quilted Maple |
| Type: | Solid Body |
| Body Material: | Alder |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1000 |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Neck-Through |
| Tuners: | Grover |
| Fretboard: | Macassar Ebony |
| Neck Material: | 5pc Maple/Walnut |
| Decoration: | Offset Dots |
| Scale Size: | 25.5″ |
| Shape: | Extra Thin Flat |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.724” (18.4mm) – 12th Fret: 0.827” (21mm) |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75″ |
| Nut: | Locking |
| Nut Width: | 48mm (1.89”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Dome |
| Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing |
| Volume Controls: | 1 |
| Tone Controls: | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Fishman Fluence SRC Signature (Humbucker / Active) |
| Neck Pickup: | Fishman Fluence SRC Signature (Humbucker / Active) |