ESP EC-1000

5.0 (88)

$1,099.00

4.4 (119)

$1,099.00 New

$989.10 Used (Like New)

5.0 (102)

$161.29 113 available New

$630.00 65 available Used

5.0 (397)

$1,099.00

5.0 (67)

$1,099.00

4.7 (173)

$1,175.00 $1,148.00 $27.00 · All time low

£1,064.00

Average Price: $929

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, ESP EC-1000 is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "ESP EC-1000". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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The ESP EC-1000 VB is a guitar that has cemented its place in the pantheon of iconic modern instruments. It combines high-end craftsmanship with affordability, making it a staple for both seasoned musicians and aspiring guitarists. With its sleek design and versatile sound, this solid body electric guitar is built for the stage and studio alike. The EC-1000 VB features a set neck construction that enhances sustain and playability, allowing you to effortlessly glide across its fretboard during even the most demanding performances.

Designed for tonal diversity, the EC-1000 is equipped with a choice of EMG 60/81 or Seymour Duncan '59/JB humbuckers, offering a spectrum of sound from warm, bluesy tones to aggressive, high-gain crunch. Its finish options include rosewood or ebony fretboards, each contributing distinct tonal characteristics and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're drawn to the dark elegance of ebony or the classic warmth of rosewood, the EC-1000 has a variant to suit your style.

Beyond its tonal prowess, the EC-1000 VB boasts high-quality hardware that ensures reliable performance. The Grover tuners and TonePros locking TOM bridge add to its stability, keeping your tuning rock-solid through any set. This guitar doesn't just play well; it feels like an extension of your musical expression.

Key Features:

Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
Choice of EMG 60/81 or Seymour Duncan '59/JB humbuckers
Available with rosewood or ebony fretboards
Grover tuners and TonePros locking TOM bridge for tuning stability
Sleek and versatile design suitable for various genres

Product specs

Brand	ESP LTD
Model	EC-1000
Finish	Amber Sunburst, Black, Black Natural Burst, Blue Natural Fade Burl, Dark Brown Sunburst, Gold Andromeda, Metallic Gold, Metallic Gold Sunburst, See Thru Black Cherry, See Thru Blue, See Thru Green, See Thru Purple, See Thru Purple Sunburst, Silver Sparkle, Silver Sunburst, Snow White, Vintage Black, Vintage Honey Burst, Violet Andromeda, Violet Shadow, Volcano Red, Woodland Camo Satin
Year	2002 - 2025
Made In	Korea, Republic of
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Features	Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern	Fade, Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Ebony, Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	12", 13.78"
Neck Construction	Set-Neck, Set-Through
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.65"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body, Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Top Material	Maple
Wood Top Style	Flamed, Opaque, Quilted

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP EC-1000 VB use and what sound can I expect?: The ESP EC-1000 VB is equipped with genuine EMG 81/60 pickups, which provide a powerful, aggressive tone ideal for metal and hard rock genres, offering clarity and sustain.
Is the ESP EC-1000 VB suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the ESP EC-1000 VB is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile sound, and professional-grade components like EMG pickups and locking tuners.
What is the neck profile of the ESP EC-1000 VB and how does it affect playability?: The ESP EC-1000 VB features a thin U neck contour, providing a comfortable grip that facilitates fast playing and smooth transitions, especially beneficial for lead guitarists.
What is the scale length of the ESP EC-1000 VB and how does it influence playability?: The ESP EC-1000 VB has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly shorter reach, making it easier to play complex chords and fast solos, particularly beneficial for players with smaller hands.
Does the ESP EC-1000 VB come with a case?: No, the ESP EC-1000 VB does not come with a case; it is sold separately, allowing you to choose a case that best fits your protection needs and budget.

Videos

Add video

PMTVUK

ESP LTD EC 1000 Vintage Black with EMG's - Sam Bell @ PMT

PMTVUK

LTD Deluxe EC1000 VINTAGE BLACK - Guitar Demo

Artyom Reborn

No Talking...Just Tones | ESP LTD EC-1000 | Vintage Black

Peach Guitars

ESP LTD EC-1000 Guitar Vintage Black | Richtone Music

Cameron Cooper

ESP LTD EC-1000 Deluxe VB - High Gain Fun with EMG 81/60s!

MooreMusicGuitars

ESP LTD EC-1000 VB Vintage Black Overview

Sam Ash Music

Reviews

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PROS

Outstanding Asian craftsmanship with high-quality woods and hardware
Original EMG and Fishman Fluence pickups deliver powerful, aggressive sound
Neck design offers a comfortable balance between Gibson and Ibanez styles
Stunning finishes like Violet Andromeda and Amber Sunburst
Excellent playability and smooth navigation on the neck
Locking tuners ensure the guitar stays in tune for extended periods
Great value for the price, comparable to higher-end models
Vintage Black model has a worn-in feel and amazing build quality
Ideal for metal fans with its tight and massive sound
Well-built and versatile for both jamming and serious play

CONS

Some issues with stock output jacks needing replacement
Nuances of Fishman Fluence pickups may require some learning

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP EC-1000.

Build quality

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Owners appreciate the sculpted heel on newer models for better playability compared to older, chunkier designs.
Source
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Owners report that the gold finish on the bridge wears off quickly in the palm muting area with regular use, impacting aesthetics but not performance.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Recent EC-1000 models now feature stainless steel frets, enhancing durability and playability, particularly for those who frequently bend strings.
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Owners have swapped EMG 81/60 pickups for Fishman Fluence Modern and Tosin Abasi versions for clearer tones and additional voicing options.
Source

Features and functionality

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The EC-1000 stands out with its Tonepros locking bridge and ESP/LTD branded locking tuners, offering superior tuning stability over non-locking counterparts.
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The EC-1000's thin U neck and 14" radius fretboard are favored for faster playability and ease of bending.
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Comparisons

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The EC-1000's setup with EMG 81/60 pickups is favored for achieving metal tones, especially when paired with a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier.
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Users transitioning from Fender Telecasters report that the EC-1000 offers more suitable tones for metalcore and heavier music genres.
Source

Value and pricing

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Owners note that while used E-II models can be expensive, patient shoppers may find prices dropping post-pandemic.
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Used EC-1000s can often be found in the $500-700 range, providing significant savings over new models.
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User experience

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Some players note an initial adjustment period coming from Fenders due to the EC-1000's scale length and carved top.
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One owner has played their EC-1000 daily for six months and still describes it as a "beast," highlighting its enduring appeal and robust sound.
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It's noted that this model is often the first ESP guitar for many, suggesting it as a gateway to the brand due to its playability and sound quality.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The EC-1000 can achieve diverse tones; neck pickup offers clean tones and tone splitting allows for varied sound combinations.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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No reported issues with drop C tuning using 12-60 gauge strings, indicating stable tuning and intonation.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

pranavan_sutheswaran

over 8 years ago

Beautiful piece of work.

I think the most amazing thing about this guitar are the looks, its just very beautiful. Eye-candy I could say. I'm usually not a big fan of single cuts because I can find them very uncomfortable compared to super-strats or other type of body shapes. However, this one is very comfortable and plays like a charm. The sound is very tight and aggressive thanks to the EMG pickups. It also stays in tune forever with the ESP locking tuners. Absolutely satisfied with my purchase.

Artist usage

Add artist

Alexi Laiho

Guitarist, Singer

Children of Bodom

Unverified

Michael Paget

Guitarist

Bullet for My Valentine

Verified via YouTube

He uses it in this video

Genre Usage

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

Symphonic Black Metal

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP EC-1000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

LTD EC-1000 Solid Body Electric Guitars

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