Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (6)
$1,099.00
Amazon
3.3 (3)
$1,074.49 Used
Reverb
5.0 (103)
$257.58 New
$599.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$1,099.00

Average Price: $826

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ESP LTD EC-1000FM Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The ESP LTD EC-1000FM Electric Guitar is a harmonious blend of style and performance, perfect for guitarists who crave a professional sound without the prohibitive price tag. This revered instrument showcases a flamed maple top, offering both a visually striking appearance and a sonic depth that resonates with players across all genres.

At the heart of the EC-1000FM are its versatile pickups, available in either EMG 60/81s or Seymour Duncan '59/JB configurations, allowing players to tailor their tone from crisp, clean highs to growling, aggressive lows. The guitar's set neck construction ensures exceptional sustain and stability, making it as reliable as it is dynamic.

Crafted for comfort, the EC-1000FM features a sleek body contour and a choice between rosewood or ebony fretboards, catering to personal preference and playing style. Whether you're shredding solos or strumming rhythm, this guitar delivers a balanced feel that supports your musical journey.

Designed for the stage but accessible to all, the ESP LTD EC-1000FM remains a favorite among both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. Its combination of aesthetics, playability, and sound quality makes it an enduring icon in the world of electric guitars.

Key Features:

  • Flamed maple top for visual appeal and tonal richness
  • Choice of EMG 60/81s or Seymour Duncan '59/JB pickups
  • Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Rosewood or ebony fretboard options
  • Ergonomic body contour for playing comfort

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 is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD EC-1000FM Electric Guitar?

The ESP LTD EC-1000FM features a thin "U" neck profile, designed for fast and comfortable playability, making it ideal for shredding and intricate solos.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Seymour Duncan pickups in the ESP LTD EC-1000FM?

The Seymour Duncan Jazz and Custom 5 humbuckers deliver a versatile range of tones, from smooth, articulate cleans to powerful, high-gain distortion, suitable for rock, metal, and other heavy music genres.

Is the ESP LTD EC-1000FM suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD EC-1000FM is a high-quality instrument with professional-grade features, its playability and versatile tone make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a long-term guitar.

Does the ESP LTD EC-1000FM stay in tune well?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-1000FM is equipped with LTD locking tuners and a TonePros locking tune-o-matic bridge, which enhance tuning stability and sustain.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD EC-1000FM?

The ESP LTD EC-1000FM features a bound flamed maple top, a 3-piece mahogany body and neck, and a Macassar ebony fretboard, contributing to its rich tone and aesthetic appeal.

How many frets does the ESP LTD EC-1000FM have?

The ESP LTD EC-1000FM electric guitar comes with 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing.

Is the ESP LTD EC-1000FM Electric Guitar suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its solid construction, reliable hardware, and versatile pickups, the ESP LTD EC-1000FM is well-suited for live performances, delivering consistent sound and performance on stage.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Value and pricing

  • It's often suggested to purchase the EC-1000 used, as they can be found in the $500-700 range, offering significant value for the build quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EC-1000's design and pickups are particularly suited for heavier rock and metal, offering a punchy and clear sound when plugged in.

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  • Owners have found tuning the EC-1000 to drop C with 12-60 strings works well for metalcore and doom genres, maintaining tuning stability.

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  • The guitar's Seymour Duncan Custom 5 bridge pickup and Jazz neck pickup are well-suited for vintage metal styles, providing a notable sonic experience in both bedroom and band settings.

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Features and functionality

  • LTD models typically use a poly finish which is less prone to wear but may lack the aging characteristics of Gibson's nitro finishes.

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  • The 24 frets on the EC-1000 shift the neck pickup position, altering the tonal characteristics compared to a traditional 22-fret Les Paul.

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  • Users note that rolling back the volume on the EC-1000 with active pickups helps mitigate the hot output for cleaner tones, though it’s primarily suited for rock/metal.

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  • The EC-1000's Fishman Fluence Modern pickups offer a clear sound, but some find them to have a "cocked wah" midrange that may not suit all ears.

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  • Equipped with a push-pull coil split tone knob, allowing for versatile sound options, although single-coil tones may be less useful in lower tunings like C standard.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting pickup height or pole pieces can significantly influence the tonal output, making it brighter or more snappy as needed.

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  • Comes stock with D’Addario 11-52 strings, which provides higher tension in E standard compared to 9-46 on a Strat.

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User experience

  • Stainless steel frets on the EC-1000 are noted to produce a slightly brighter tone, especially noticeable on clean and low-gain settings.

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  • Some users find the body shape more comfortable for standing play, potentially impacting seated play comfort for those accustomed to different guitar shapes.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend considering Gibson 498T/490R pickups or Seymour Duncan JB/59 for those seeking a Les Paul-like tone on the EC-1000.

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Comparisons

  • The ESP LTD EC-1000 has a thinner body compared to a Gibson Les Paul, which can affect the acoustic resonance and plugged-in tone.

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  • Transitioning from Fender to EC-1000 may require adjustment due to differences in scale length, neck profile, and fretboard radius, which some find more comfortable for metal styles.

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  • The Seymour Duncan Custom 5 in the bridge is perceived to have a similar sound to the JB, with slightly lower output and scooped mids.

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Build quality

  • The nut width is slightly narrower at 42mm, influencing playability for those used to a standard 43mm width.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kone uses ESP LTD EC-1000FM Electric Guitar

Kone

Guitarist

Lordi

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Kone (@koneoflordi), he announced acquiring another ESP LTD EC-1000FM Electric Guitar, specifically in See Thru Purple. He mentioned, "You guys voted for it and here it is!" and indicated its debut at the Planer Fest on July 1st. The guitar was subsequently used during the 2024 tour.

Genre Usage

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

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