Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (2)
$1,099.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (2)
$1,249.00
Amazon
$1,299.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$899.00 New
$765.00 Used
Thomann
4.5 (2)
$985.00

Average Price: $1,049

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover a harmonious blend of classic style and modern innovation with the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Electric Guitar. Designed for serious musicians, this guitar offers a traditional full-thickness single-cutaway mahogany body adorned with a flamed maple top, creating a visually striking and sonically rich instrument. Embrace the sonic versatility provided by the active Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic Humbucker pickups, which deliver a range of tones from pristine cleans to fiery high-gain distortion and beyond. Each pickup features three distinct voicings, accessible via push-pull controls, allowing you to seamlessly switch between vintage PAF warmth, hot-rodded humbucker aggression, and the crisp articulation of an overwound single coil.

The EC-1000T/CTM is crafted for comfort and playability, featuring a set-through 3-piece mahogany neck topped with a smooth Macassar ebony fingerboard. The 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets and a TonePros locking Tune-o-matic bridge/tailpiece ensure precise intonation and sustain, while LTD locking tuners provide reliable tuning stability whether on stage or in the studio. Custom multi-ply binding enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal, accentuating both body and neck for a truly refined look.

This guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a gateway to your creative expression, whether you're exploring new genres or perfecting your signature sound.

Key Features:

  • Full-thickness mahogany body with flamed maple top
  • Macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
  • Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic Humbucker pickups with 3 selectable voicings
  • Set-through construction for enhanced access and sustain
  • TonePros locking Tune-o-matic bridge and LTD locking tuners
  • Custom multi-ply binding on body, neck, and headstock

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape LTD EC-1000T
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material Plain Maple cap with Flamed Maple veneer
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material 3-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set-through
Radius 13.7"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Flags
Number of Frets 22, Extra Jumbo Stainless Steel
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Molded Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners LTD Locking
Neck Pickup Fishman Fluence Open Core Class Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Fishman Fluence Open Core Class Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume (neck push/pull voice 3), 1 x tone (push/pull voice 1)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM's pickups?

The ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM is equipped with Fishman Fluence Open Core Class Humbuckers, which offer a versatile range of tones. You can expect clear, articulate sounds suitable for genres like rock and metal, with the ability to switch between multiple voicings for different tonal textures.

Is the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM is ideal for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile pickups, and comfortable Thin U neck profile. Its features cater to professional needs, offering a wide range of tonal options and excellent playability.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM like?

The ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM features a Thin U neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience. This neck shape is well-suited for players who prefer quick access across the fretboard, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM have a full-thickness body?

Yes, the "T" in the EC-1000T/CTM stands for traditional, indicating its full-thickness single-cutaway mahogany body. This design contributes to the guitar's rich sustain and tonal depth.

How does the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM handle different playing styles?

The ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM is versatile enough to handle various playing styles, from heavy riffs to intricate solos. Its Fishman Fluence pickups and set-through neck design provide clarity and sustain, making it suitable for genres like rock, metal, and blues.

What type of bridge does the ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM have?

The ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM features a TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic Bridge with a Stopbar Tailpiece, offering enhanced tuning stability and sustain. This setup is favored by players who need reliable performance during intense playing sessions.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Rowan Robertson demos the LTD EC-1000T/CTM

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Rowan Robertson demos the LTD EC-1000T/CTM by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Rowan Robertson demos the LTD EC-1000T/CTM

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for The FIRST 2021 ESP LTD Model on YouTube!! || EC-1000T CTM Fluence Demo/Review by Agufish

The FIRST 2021 ESP LTD Model on YouTube!! || EC-1000T CTM Fluence Demo/Review

Agufish

Agufish

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD Deluxe EC-1000T CTM Demo by Cameron Stucky by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD Deluxe EC-1000T CTM Demo by Cameron Stucky

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for A Classic Looking Eclipse, With Modern Firepower! - LTD EC-1000T In Vintage Gold Satin! by PMTVUK

A Classic Looking Eclipse, With Modern Firepower! - LTD EC-1000T In Vintage Gold Satin!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Did ESP LTD Just Release A Modern RANDY RHOADS Signature? | EC-1000T CTM Vintage Gold Satin Unboxing by DenDenBMX

Did ESP LTD Just Release A Modern RANDY RHOADS Signature? | EC-1000T CTM Vintage Gold Satin Unboxing

DenDenBMX

DenDenBMX

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM - review/playthrough by Gav King with Fishman Fluence Classics (Neural: Rabea) by Gav King

ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM - review/playthrough by Gav King with Fishman Fluence Classics (Neural: Rabea)

Gav King

Gav King

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile Fishman Fluence pickups with three selectable voicings for each pickup

  • Stainless steel frets standard on all new models, enhancing durability and playability

  • High-quality build with mahogany body and ebony fingerboard for rich sustain

  • Locking tuners and locking bridge enhance tuning stability and ease of maintenance

  • Traditional single-cut body style with a modern neck for improved playability

  • Excellent finish quality with no visual flaws noted

  • Comes with multiple high-end pickup options like Fishman, EMG, and Seymour Duncan

  • Offers a professional-level sound and feel at a mid-range price point

  • Comfortable neck with smooth bending and fast playability

  • Double binding and gold hardware add to the aesthetic appeal

CONS

  • Fret buzzing issues reported, requiring additional setup adjustments

  • Some find pickups lack character with high gain settings

  • Battery compartment requires screws, making quick changes inconvenient

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The EC-1000 offers a wide tonal range by splitting tones between neck and bridge pickups with individual volume controls.

    Source
  • Installing a kill switch combined with a tone knob adds versatile control options for dynamic sound manipulation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners transitioning from Fenders note an adjustment period due to the EC-1000's scale length and neck profile.

    Source
  • The EC-1000T is preferred over the $2.5k E-II model due to its quilted maple top and stainless steel frets, despite having a plastic nut.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used EC-1000s are frequently available for $500-$700, providing excellent value compared to new models.

    Source
  • The EC-1000T model with a quilted maple top and Fishman Fluence pickups is priced at $1.3k, compared to $1k for models with passive Seymour Duncan pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is praised for its ability to maintain tuning stability even when heavily used or subjected to rigorous playing conditions.

    Source
  • With three voicings on the Fishman pickups, the guitar suits diverse genres from death metal to blues, offering low noise for cleaner effects pedal use.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping EMG 81/60 pickups for Fishman Fluence pickups results in clearer tones, particularly with the Tosin Abasi version.

    Source
  • Swapping stock EMG 81/85 pickups with a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge and Humbucker from Hell in the neck yields distinct tonal variations.

    Source
  • Owners recommend upgrading the plastic nut and potentially replacing the bridge and tailpiece with black Gotoh parts if needed.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner noted that rolling back the volume on Fishman pickups helps manage their hot output for cleaner tones.

    Source
  • The EC-1000T CTM is noted for its thick body with double binding, reminiscent of a Les Paul Custom design.

    Source

Build quality

  • Changing from black to white pickup rings offers a contrasting visual upgrade, enhancing the guitar's aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The EC-1000T features stainless steel frets, a quilted maple top, and direct-mounted Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic pickups, but retains a plastic nut.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners request 0.011 strings and tune a full step down, enhancing the guitar's darker tonal characteristics and complementing baritone vocals.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000T CTM review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Electric Guitar impresses with its blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary functionality. Guitar World's review praises its versatile tonal range, courtesy of Fishman Open Core Classic humbuckers, and its exceptional playability, thanks to a "thin U" neck profile and stainless steel frets. The guitar's chambered body and set-through neck enhance comfort and sound accessibility. While it shines in both vintage and modern tones, no significant drawbacks were noted, making it a standout choice for players seeking a versatile, LP-style guitar.

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axel_tnl

EC-1000 with a more traditional feel

Everyone knows the EC-1000 ESP model. It is their primary single cut guitar. It is like a mix of a single cut design with a super strat design. Some people wanted ESP to make a single cut that has a more traditional feel in the body. This is that guitar. The EC-1000 CTM. The CTM model has a more traditionally shaped body. While the normal EC-1000 has a lot of bevels in the body the CTM has a traditional Gibson style body with just the carved top. The body is double bound as well like a Les Paul Custom. The cutaway isnt as big and it only has 22 frets as well. The guitar has a mahogany body. The set in neck is mahogany as well with the 24.75 inch scale. The fretboard is ebony with 22 jumbo frets. The hardware is all gold with ESP locking tuners up top and a Tonepros locking bridge down at the bottom. It has the traditional pickup setup for an EC1000 with an 81 in the bridge and a 60 in the neck. The controls are 2 volumes and a master tone with a 3 way switch on the upper bout.

UTILIZATION

Every mid to high end ESP guitar plays well. This is an LTD model so it isnt made in Japan but it is made to pretty much the same specs with the same hardware. This guitar comes from the factory with all the upgrades I would do to a singlecut guitar. The ESP locking tuners do the job and hold tuning well. The Tonepros locking bridge makes changing strings and working on the guitar easy because the bridge doesnt fall off every time you have the strings off. The locking bridge also increases sustain a bit. Since the pickups in this guitar are active they include a battery compartment. This is nice but the compartment uses screws to open it. If you have to unscrew the compartment you are not saving any time from just having the battery in the control cavity. I dont know why some ESP's have screw in compartments and some have flip out compartments. The flip out compartments make more sense to me.

SOUNDS

This is a metal guitar so it is armed as such. The pickups in this guitar are full of metal pickups. They are so metal that they need batteries to operate. The 81 gives you great high end crunch and clarity even in the lowest of tunings. With the 81 harmonics pop right out and you get a nice searing high end tone. This high end is what keeps the sound nice and clear. The 60 in the neck is a pretty much neck only pickup. It is not super high output and is best used for clean tones. You can get good bluesy low gain tones as well with the neck pickup 60. If you want a more organic and passive like tone from the pickups you can do the 18v mod which has you running the pickups on 2 batteries instead of one. This gives the pickups more headroom and a more organic tone overall.

OVERALL OPINION

If you are looking to get into a more modern style Singlecut guitar but dont like all the bevels in the body and whatnot this is the guitar for you. it has a traditional style body construction that gives you the same feel as your old school singel cut but combines that feel with the modern neck and playability of a modern guitar. With the locking tuners and locking bridge it has all the mods you should do anyway from the factory so it is pretty much ready to gig right out of the box. This ESP is great if you are looking for a guitar with a thick body and thick tone with upgraded hardware and modern playability.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

I'm playing D standard With Ernie ball skinny top heavy bottom 10-52.

paddywatermountain

Great sounding guitar!

Bought this when I was 20 years old, still my main guitar on Stage!!

harley_charlonne

Esp

Nice guitar man looking cool man nice job

Artist usage

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See how Samy Elbanna uses ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Electric Guitar

Samy Elbanna

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

He is demonstrating this guitar in the video

See how Martin Stewart uses ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Electric Guitar

Martin Stewart

Guitarist

Terror

...
Verified via Photo

Martin Stewart uses an ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Electric Guitar in Snow White with EMG pickups, as seen in a photo shared by Miquel Casey on Instagram.

See how Clay Crenshaw uses ESP LTD EC-1000T/CTM Electric Guitar

Clay Crenshaw

Guitarist, Bassist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via Photo

In this December 8, 2019 Instagram photo, Clay models his new "ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM" guitar.

Genre Usage

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