Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $205

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ESP LTD EC-10". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the music scene with confidence and style with the ESP LTD EC-10. This sleek, all-black electric guitar is the perfect gateway for those just beginning their musical journey or seasoned players seeking a reliable addition to their arsenal. Crafted with a contoured basswood body, it promises comfort whether you're shredding in a standing position or riffing out seated. The thin U-shaped maple neck and engineered hardwood fretboard pave the way for effortless navigation across 24 extra-jumbo frets, ensuring every chord and scale is within easy reach.

But don't let its beginner-friendly tag fool you; the EC-10 packs a punch with its ESP Designed LH-100 pickups, versatile enough to cater to any genre, from the cleanest blues to the grittiest rock. Coupled with a gig bag included in the package, this guitar is as ready for the road as it is for your next bedroom practice session. Whether you're crafting your first song, jamming with friends, or stepping onto the stage, the ESP LTD EC-10 - Black is a solid choice that won't break the bank.

Key Features:

  • Body: Basswood
  • Top: Maple
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Fretboard: Engineered Hardwood
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets
  • Thin U-shaped neck
  • Pickups: Passive ESP Designed LH-100B and LH-100N humbuckers
  • 2x Volume and 1x Tone controls
  • 3-Way toggle switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • LTD machine heads
  • Tune-O-Matic and tailpiece bridge
  • Color: Black
  • Includes a gig bag

Product specs

Available since September 2010
Colour Black
Body Basswood
Top None
Neck Maple
Frets 24
Scale 628 mm
Pickups HH
Tremolo None
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag Yes

FAQs

What type of music is the ESP LTD EC-10 best suited for?

The ESP LTD EC-10 is well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its dual humbucker pickups, which provide a powerful and aggressive tone.

Does the ESP LTD EC-10 come with a case or gigbag?

The ESP LTD EC-10 includes a gigbag, providing basic protection for transportation and storage.

How many frets does the ESP LTD EC-10 have?

The ESP LTD EC-10 features 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and extended playability.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD EC-10?

The ESP LTD EC-10 has a scale length of 628 mm (24.75 inches), which is typical for many electric guitars and provides a comfortable playing experience.

Is the ESP LTD EC-10 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-10 is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to play and adaptable to various music styles.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

My First LTD Guitar | Trade Tuesday S2 E2 | ESP LTD EC-10 Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for My First LTD Guitar | Trade Tuesday S2 E2 | ESP LTD EC-10 Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

My First LTD Guitar | Trade Tuesday S2 E2 | ESP LTD EC-10 Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Should you buy the LTD EC-10 over the EC-256 for a beginner guitar? by George V Guitars

Should you buy the LTD EC-10 over the EC-256 for a beginner guitar?

George V Guitars

George V Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-10 Review 2021 - Solid Overall, But Kind Of A One Trick Pony by Guitarist Next Door

ESP LTD EC-10 Review 2021 - Solid Overall, But Kind Of A One Trick Pony

Guitarist Next Door

Guitarist Next Door

Video thumbnail for But should YOU buy this cheap heavy metal beginner's guitar? by NO SHRED ZONE

But should YOU buy this cheap heavy metal beginner's guitar?

NO SHRED ZONE

NO SHRED ZONE

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-10 | The Best Beginner Guitar On The Market? | Affordable Favorites | by Uhlik Music

ESP LTD EC-10 | The Best Beginner Guitar On The Market? | Affordable Favorites |

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-10 Review! by BigJake Music

ESP LTD EC-10 Review!

BigJake Music

BigJake Music

Video thumbnail for Is the LTD EC-10 a Good Beginner Guitar? by Black Boy In A Band

Is the LTD EC-10 a Good Beginner Guitar?

Black Boy In A Band

Black Boy In A Band

Video thumbnail for quick demonstration of the LTD EC-10 Guitar by John Steven

quick demonstration of the LTD EC-10 Guitar

John Steven

John Steven

Reviews

PROS

  • Comfortable neck, easy to play with a nice thin design

  • Fixed bridge reduces tuning issues

  • Les Paul style with modern body contours for added comfort

  • Suitable for both beginners and professional settings

  • Affordable price for high-quality construction

  • Active HBZ Hi-Gain Humbuckers deliver strong Rock/Metal tones

  • Durable build with no nicks or scuffs

  • Versatile sound suitable for various musical styles

CONS

  • Neck may require adjustment due to potential manufacturing issues

  • String height may need manual adjustment to prevent buzzing

  • Tuning pegs may be misaligned, requiring additional work to fix

  • Potential electrical issues such as loose nuts causing crackling sounds

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD EC-10.

User experience

  • One owner found the EC-10 to have super sustain and prefers it over other Squier models they've played, offering versatility from Slayer to The Cure.

    Source
  • An owner enjoys upgrading budget guitars, finding personalization adds value and can transfer parts to future instruments.

    Source
  • The EC-10 reportedly detunes when bending a whole step, impacting playability despite the jumbo frets which are ideal for such bends.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EC-10 features a 24-fret neck with a thin U shape, making it suitable for a range of genres including metal, indie, and jazz.

    Source
  • The EC-10 is more suitable for those who prefer the look and feel of Les Paul-style guitars, while the MH-10 caters to those who favor Stratocaster designs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EC-10 has a 24.75" scale length, making it preferable for players with smaller hands compared to the MH-10's 25.5" scale.

    Source
  • For those accustomed to Fender Strats, the MH-10 will feel more familiar in terms of fret spacing and string tension.

    Source
  • The Jackson JS22 is suggested as a superior alternative to the MH-10, offering features like shark fin inlays and binding, and is available in multiple finishes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Gotoh Locking Tuners significantly enhance tuning stability and ease restringing for the EC-10.

    Source
  • A user is considering Bareknuckle Aftermath pickups for improved sound quality, despite the cost being higher than the guitar itself.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pickup swapping difficulty depends on soldering skills; suggest consulting YouTube tutorials or professional help if unsure.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners have noted the pickups in the EC-10 as feeble, suggesting potential need for an upgrade to achieve better sound output.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD EC-10 Review - Top Metal Guitar for $200? (In-Depth Tested)

guitaristnextdoor.com

While the ESP LTD EC-10 showcases solid construction and impressive hardware for its price, it falls short in versatility and sound quality. Ideal for metal enthusiasts, its chunky humbucker tones deliver heavy distortion, but clean sounds lack excitement and depth. The engineered wood fretboard feels cheap, and uneven frets can hinder playability. If you're a metalhead on a budget, this guitar might serve you well, but for those seeking a broader tonal range, alternatives like the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE are recommended. Overall, the EC-10 excels in niche areas but struggles to impress across the board.

negative

ESP LTD EC-10 Les Paul style guitar review (Good for beginner metal guitarists?) – Art Of Shred Guitar & Gear Reviews

artofshred.com

The ESP LTD EC-10 serves as a decent entry point for beginner metal guitarists, boasting a solid tone and comfortable playability. However, its sharp frets and unreliable tuners present significant issues that could frustrate novice players. While the guitar delivers a good sound for its price, the muddiness of the pickups in high-gain settings detracts from its overall performance. Though it might be a good mod platform for those looking to learn about guitar upgrades, it requires immediate attention to setup and quality control. Ultimately, while it’s not the worst option in the sub-$200 range, prospective buyers should weigh its drawbacks carefully.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
A

Really solid guitar.

It was the first guitar I ever purchased, and I still use it to this day. It's no longer my main guitar, but it's held up really well and sounds great.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deacon Frey uses ESP LTD EC-10

Deacon Frey

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In several photos, Deacon Frey is seen playing an ESP LTD EC-10 in black during his time with the Eagles, performing electric guitar leads alongside Joe Walsh.

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 LTD EC-10, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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