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Pricing and availability

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Description

The ESP Viper Custom is a solid body electric guitar that seamlessly blends classic design with modern functionality, making it a favorite among rock and metal enthusiasts. Its double-cutaway body offers easy access to the upper frets, and the mahogany construction provides a rich, resonant sound. The guitar's set-neck construction further enhances sustain, ensuring that your notes ring out clearly and powerfully.

Equipped with high-output pickups, the Viper Custom is designed to deliver aggressive tones that cut through any mix, whether you're shredding solos or laying down heavy riffs. The sleek neck profile offers a comfortable playing experience, allowing for fast and intricate playing styles. Its hardware is built to last, with reliable tuners and a robust bridge that ensure tuning stability and intonation precision.

This instrument is crafted for those who demand performance and reliability, whether on stage or in the studio. Its understated elegance is matched by its versatile sound, making it a versatile choice for players who refuse to be limited by genre boundaries.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for enhanced resonance and tone
  • Set-neck construction for improved sustain
  • High-output pickups for powerful, aggressive sound
  • Comfortable neck profile for fast playability
  • Durable hardware for reliable tuning stability and intonation
  • Double-cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
theperfectguitar

theperfectguitar

ESP Viper Custom - The Perfect Guitar

Video thumbnail for ESP Viper Custom - The Perfect Guitar by theperfectguitar

ESP Viper Custom - The Perfect Guitar

theperfectguitar

theperfectguitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Viper Custom.

Comparisons

  • The ESP Viper with a bolt-on neck tends to have a lower resale value compared to set neck models, impacting desirability and pricing.

    Source
  • Offers a more ergonomic experience compared to a Les Paul, with better sitting comfort and no neck dive, akin to a Strat.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners consider the sparkle color finishes more collectible, drawing parallels to limited edition items.

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  • Relocating strap buttons towards the bass side and closer to the horn improves balance and eliminates neck dive, enhancing comfort during play.

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Value and pricing

  • The market value for a 1998 ESP Viper with a bolt-on neck is typically between $500-$800, with higher prices only if a case is included.

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User experience

  • Despite being well-made, guitars from this era are perceived as lower quality compared to newer models, affecting their market appeal.

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  • The arm bevel and 24.75" scale make it more comfortable than a Les Paul, leaning towards a Strat-like feel when playing seated.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners note that although bolt-on necks might devalue the guitar, they are easier and less costly to repair, which could benefit frequent players.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Incorporating Sperzel locking tuners and Seymour Duncan Black Winters with relic'd gold covers enhances tuning stability and aesthetics.

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Build quality

  • Adding adhesive weights in the electronics cavity can transform the guitar into a 9lb instrument, significantly reducing neck dive.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Max Cavalera uses ESP Viper Custom

Max Cavalera

Singer, Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Max Cavalera can be seen playing an ESP Custom Shop Viper.

See how Tony Perry uses ESP Viper Custom

Tony Perry

Guitarist

Pierce the Veil

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Fearless Records, we see on one the guitarist of Pierce The Veil, Tony Perry, showing his touring rig. At this point in the video, he shows us the guitar rack. He goes on to say "I play ESP Viper Customs."

See how Pepper Keenan uses ESP Viper Custom

Pepper Keenan

Singer, Guitarist

Down

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Pepper Keenan is playing a red ESP Custom Viper.

See how Reba Meyers uses ESP Viper Custom

Reba Meyers

Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

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Verified via guitarworld

reba states that she has a custom shop viper as part of her guitar rig

See how Woody Weatherman uses ESP Viper Custom

Woody Weatherman

Guitarist

Corrosion of Conformity

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar article states he and Pepper Keenan both received custom guitars

See how Ahrue Luster uses ESP Viper Custom

Ahrue Luster

Guitarist

Machine Head

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Verified via YouTube

Ahrue Luster is known to use the ESP Viper Custom, as evidenced in the official music video for Ill Niño's "This Time's For Real," published by Roadrunner Records on YouTube. The guitar is consistently tuned to Drop C and features active pickups, particularly during his time with Ill Niño.

F

Fallon Bowman

Guitarist

Kittie

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Verified via Tripod

During her time in Kittie, Fallon mainly used an ESP Viper with a custom sparkle finish

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP Viper Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    austinmw
    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227