Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (7)
$499.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (39)
$499.00
Amazon
4.5 (543)
$599.00
Reverb
5.0 (28)
$399.00 New
$329.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (88)
$399.00
zZounds
5.0 (30)
$499.00
Thomann
4.5 (115)
$479.00
Gear4Music
£486.00

Average Price: $463

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "ESP LTD EC-256". 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

Embrace the power of rock with the ESP LTD EC-256. This electric guitar is not just a musical instrument but a statement piece, boasting a stunning flamed maple top over a warm mahogany body. The EC-256 is built for performance, featuring a slim U-shaped neck with 22 extra-jumbo frets for fast and effortless shredding.

The EC-256 is equipped with dual ESP humbucking pickups, delivering tight lows, rich mids, and searing highs. Unleash your creativity with the push-pull tone knob, offering coil-splitting function for single-coil tones, expanding your tonal palette.

Constructed with a set-neck, the EC-256 ensures optimal tone transfer and sustain. Its solid mahogany body resonates with a woody warmth, while the maple top adds articulation. The tune-o-matic bridge and die-cast tuners offer rock-solid intonation and tuning stability, making the EC-256 a reliable choice for any musician.

Key Features:

  • Dual ESP humbucking pickups for versatile tone
  • Set-neck construction for exceptional sustain
  • Push-pull tone knob for coil-splitting capabilities
  • Slim U-shaped neck with 22 extra-jumbo frets for fast playing
  • Mahogany body with flamed maple top for resonant tone and stunning aesthetics
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and die-cast tuners for stable tuning
  • 24.75" scale length for balanced tension
  • Affordable price point without compromising on quality or performance

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape LTD EC-256
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material Flamed Maple
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material 3-Piece Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 13.7"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid ESP Flags
Number of Frets 22, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece Tune-O-Matic Bridge with 2-Piece Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners LTD
Neck Pickup ESP Designed LH-150N Humbucker
Bridge Pickup ESP Designed LH-150B Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume (push/pull voice switching), 1 x tone (push/pull voice switching)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD EC-256 have and what tones can I expect?

The ESP LTD EC-256 features ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers, which offer a versatile range of tones suitable for rock, metal, and blues. These pickups provide a warm, full sound with the ability to push into higher gain territories.

Is the ESP LTD EC-256 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-256 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable thin U-shaped neck and versatile sound. Its quality construction and playability make it a great choice for players starting out.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-256?

The ESP LTD EC-256 has a thin U-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip and easy playability, especially for fast playing styles.

Can I use the ESP LTD EC-256 for playing metal music?

Absolutely, the ESP LTD EC-256 is well-suited for metal music thanks to its powerful humbucker pickups and solid mahogany body, delivering the heavy and aggressive tones often associated with the genre.

Does the ESP LTD EC-256 have a push/pull feature?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-256 features push/pull voice switching on both volume controls, allowing for coil-splitting and providing additional tonal options.

What type of wood is used for the body of the ESP LTD EC-256?

The ESP LTD EC-256 has a mahogany body with a flamed maple top, offering a rich, resonant tone with enhanced sustain and visual appeal.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

ESP LTD EC256 - Andertons Price Slash Special

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC256 - Andertons Price Slash Special by Rob Chapman

ESP LTD EC256 - Andertons Price Slash Special

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for ESP Ltd EC-256 Guitar in Aged Honeyburst - Sam Bell @ PMT by PMTVUK

ESP Ltd EC-256 Guitar in Aged Honeyburst - Sam Bell @ PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC 256 - Demo by Artyom Reborn

ESP LTD EC 256 - Demo

Artyom Reborn

Artyom Reborn

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 - 60 Second Review by Haworth Guitars

ESP LTD EC-256 - 60 Second Review

Haworth Guitars

Haworth Guitars

Video thumbnail for Play authentic ?? | Unboxing an LTD Eclipse EC-256 guitar by Taylor Danley

Play authentic ?? | Unboxing an LTD Eclipse EC-256 guitar

Taylor Danley

Taylor Danley

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 by session

ESP LTD EC-256

session

session

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars LTD EC-256 Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

ESP Guitars LTD EC-256 Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Exceptional Value! - ESP LTD EC-256 by MooreMusicGuitars

Exceptional Value! - ESP LTD EC-256

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC 256 Review and SOLO by Casey Weishaar

ESP LTD EC 256 Review and SOLO

Casey Weishaar

Casey Weishaar

Video thumbnail for After one year with the LTD EC256, THIS is what I think.. by Taylor Danley

After one year with the LTD EC256, THIS is what I think..

Taylor Danley

Taylor Danley

Video thumbnail for A Guitar worth the Money! ESP LTD EC-256 Reviewed! by John's Music

A Guitar worth the Money! ESP LTD EC-256 Reviewed!

John's Music

John's Music

Video thumbnail for ESP EC-256 LTD Electric Guitar (Aged Honey Burst) by N Stuff Music

ESP EC-256 LTD Electric Guitar (Aged Honey Burst)

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Quarantine Metal ltd ec 256 by Carlos Karlsson

Quarantine Metal ltd ec 256

Carlos Karlsson

Carlos Karlsson

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC256 - Andertons Price Slash Special by Andertons Music Co

ESP LTD EC256 - Andertons Price Slash Special

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD EC-256 Demo by Lenny Widegren by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD EC-256 Demo by Lenny Widegren

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar Review and Demo by Fret Zealot

ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar Review and Demo

Fret Zealot

Fret Zealot

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 VS Gibson Les Paul | Which Has The Better Tone? | by Uhlik Music

ESP LTD EC-256 VS Gibson Les Paul | Which Has The Better Tone? |

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Video thumbnail for Dimarzio X2N Bridge Humbucker ESP LTD EC 256 AVG gold top by Anarchy Audio

Dimarzio X2N Bridge Humbucker ESP LTD EC 256 AVG gold top

Anarchy Audio

Anarchy Audio

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 guitar | distortion demo by SoundsofChaosBelow

ESP LTD EC-256 guitar | distortion demo

SoundsofChaosBelow

SoundsofChaosBelow

Video thumbnail for Two guitars are never the same - ESP LTD EC-256 Black vs Purple Sunburst Comparison by George V Guitars

Two guitars are never the same - ESP LTD EC-256 Black vs Purple Sunburst Comparison

George V Guitars

George V Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD. EC-256 Black Unboxing & Sound Test by John Guitars/ 2021 by John Guitars

ESP LTD. EC-256 Black Unboxing & Sound Test by John Guitars/ 2021

John Guitars

John Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar | REVIEW | Black Cherry Sunburst | EC-256FM by A MINOR ERROR

ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar | REVIEW | Black Cherry Sunburst | EC-256FM

A MINOR ERROR

A MINOR ERROR

Video thumbnail for THE BEST AFFORDABLE SINGLECUT? - ESP LTD EC256 - BLACK GOLD HARDWARE by Ninecore Neil

THE BEST AFFORDABLE SINGLECUT? - ESP LTD EC256 - BLACK GOLD HARDWARE

Ninecore Neil

Ninecore Neil

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 AVB by TVGuitarCenter

ESP LTD EC-256 AVB

TVGuitarCenter

TVGuitarCenter

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 & TE-200 - Demo by ESP Guitars Australia

ESP LTD EC-256 & TE-200 - Demo

ESP Guitars Australia

ESP Guitars Australia

Video thumbnail for Review & Demo LTD EC-256 Guitar? Is it Versatile? by Larry Martins

Review & Demo LTD EC-256 Guitar? Is it Versatile?

Larry Martins

Larry Martins

Video thumbnail for LTD ec256 Dark Brown Sunburst by The Zombie Guitar Company

LTD ec256 Dark Brown Sunburst

The Zombie Guitar Company

The Zombie Guitar Company

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 Metallic Gold 2013 Model Electric Guitar Demo with Johnny Blade by 6-String

ESP LTD EC-256 Metallic Gold 2013 Model Electric Guitar Demo with Johnny Blade

6-String

6-String

Video thumbnail for "Белый Дрозд" - Обзор Гитары ESP LTD EC-256 SW Snow White. by Гитарная Стойка

"Белый Дрозд" - Обзор Гитары ESP LTD EC-256 SW Snow White.

Гитарная Стойка

Гитарная Стойка

Video thumbnail for Ltd by ESP EC-256 Gold Top Electric Guitar TEST by Guitar Joint

Ltd by ESP EC-256 Gold Top Electric Guitar TEST

Guitar Joint

Guitar Joint

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256 in Dark Brown Sunburst. by Notecracker videos

ESP LTD EC-256 in Dark Brown Sunburst.

Notecracker videos

Notecracker videos

Reviews

PROS

  • Neck is comfortable and inviting for diverse finger sizes

  • Excellent tuning stability; stays in tune with minimal adjustments

  • Coil-splitting feature adds versatility for various music styles

  • Attractive finishes, including flamed maple top and vintage options

  • Well-balanced weight, lighter than a typical Les Paul

  • High-quality construction and finish for the price

  • Intonation and action are impressive out of the box

  • Stock pickups are satisfactory, with a clear and aggressive sound

  • Good sustain and tone, suitable for metal and blues

  • Great value for money, offering a platform for upgrades

CONS

  • Stock pickups may lack range for some players

  • Some reports of minor finish imperfections or blemishes

  • Tone knob can be loose, requiring adjustment

  • Generic tuners might need upgrading for better performance

  • Coil-split feature weakens volume noticeably

  • Neck may feel chunky to some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD EC-256.

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping stock pickups for Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers can achieve a classic Gibson sound.

    Source
  • Gotoh SG381-04 MGT Magnum Lock tuners are a direct swap for the EC-256, but require using the original set screws due to thread size differences.

    Source
  • Locking tuners from Gotoh and Fame are popular upgrades, improving tuning stability and ease of string changes.

    Source
  • Some owners replaced LH150 pickups with EMG JHB/JHN for enhanced sound quality.

    Source
  • Some users consider upgrading to the EC-1000 for better hardware and active pickups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Weighing approximately 7.5 lbs, the EC-256 provides a manageable weight for players who find traditional Les Pauls too heavy.

    Source
  • The EC-256 lacks separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, impacting tonal customization.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Players focusing on pop punk and metal genres find the stock pickups surprisingly effective, negating the immediate need for upgrades.

    Source
  • The lighter weight of the EC-256 is preferred by some who find traditional Les Pauls too heavy.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck shape is surprisingly suitable for players with smaller hands, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking comfort in playability.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the resonance and heft of the guitar, describing it as "thin but heavy in a good way."

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the action as low as possible without buzz involves spending time modifying bridge and pickup heights for personalized playability, especially when using alternate tunings.

    Source
  • The original neck finish can be sticky; sanding to a satin finish is recommended for smoother playability.

    Source

User experience

  • After basic setup and new strings, many find the stock pickups surprisingly good for both clean and crunch tones.

    Source
  • Users report that the fretboard is smooth, accommodating string bends with ease when using 10-52 gauge strings.

    Source
  • The EC-256 is often recommended for beginners due to its playability and design.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used EC-256 is considered a good deal at around $300, with some suggesting negotiating to $250.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners report the EC-256 has a thinner neck than a typical Les Paul, but slightly thicker than Ibanez models, influencing playability preferences.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 15 Reviews and 38 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
theinkdemon

Spectacular!

Ever since I saw Mick Thomson of Slipknot playing an Eclipse, I knew I wanted to get one for myself.

It feels great to play, and it never gets tiring. It's also a beautiful guitar in general.

My only complaint about it is that no matter what I do, I can never give it a more crisp, clear tone. If anybody has any suggestions for how I can get a tone like what I'm wanting, please let me know! Cheers.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Mine is set up for Drop A.

mrevil03

Great Guitar

It's a great metallish guitar for any metal genre, it has a great sounding, but I prefer to use it in guitar rig 7 with the Kruspe presets (Rammstein)

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Works great with a SansAmp GT2

darkest_blessing

Impressed!

Fretboard feels great, beautiful clean tones, and will produce the chugs I am looking for. The only issue I had was loosing tuning when dropping down to C. Easy fix, bought locking tuning keys.

rob_vandewiele

Beautiful clarity

The stock pick-ups blew me away, for the price this guitar is amazing. The tuning pegs hold well and I played everywhere from Drop D to Drop G# on this beast!

conorsomers

Lovely and versatile guitar

This guitar is brilliant all around, with near professional level quality. I use it a lot for metal, though it also works great for blues too. It reminds me a lot of my dads old Gibson Les Paul, which is why I bought it, and it feels a lot sleeker than a Les Paul, as well as lighter. I would recommend it to intermediate and professional guitarists, it's a solid battle axe and will serve one well!

baptiste_valletoux

ESP LTD EC-256FM

Some of the most highly-regarded guitars in history have many similarities to the affordable and popular LTD EC-256FM. Mahogany body and 3 pc. neck? Check. Rosewood fingerboard and flamed maple top? Check and check. Covered passive pickups, set-neck construction, and 22XJ frets? You get it all, without the massive price tag you’d usually expect from such a well-made single-cutaway electric guitar. The EC-256FM is at home on blues, classic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, fusion, and much more, and it’s available in two terrific vintage-looking finishes: Cherry Sunburst and Lemon Drop.

P

ESP and ESP ........ what guitars they can't handmake ?

Good guitar with a so nice neck, it's a pleasure to play but when I am sit down, cose I play for 50 years and this guitar is louder than my 59's Stratocaster, great sustain and 2 volumes but 1 tone, but sounds great even on non tube amps, very affordable with no default, it is rings !

jimmarchi1

are you going to review your holy grail strat, or what?

toolhead713

Nice looking, nice sounding, and a joy to play.

What a bargain, it's very playable from the start at a low price, for those who can't afford a Les Paul. This guitar is a instrument that you can grow with, because of the pricing, if you wanted to upgrade it in the future it as you continue to grow, it would be very possible.

funkymonk69420

Worth every penny

I bought one of these "used" (it was basically brand new). It's a great guitar, which surprised me seeing as how I paid less than $400 for it.

haltizer

My new favorite guitar

Affordable price, excellent modding platform, overall an excellent guitar.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Zven Kruspe uses ESP LTD EC-256

Richard Zven Kruspe

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via Guitar Center

During the Festivals 2016 tour, Richard Zven Kruspe used the ESP LTD EC-256 Aged Vintage Black guitar, notably incorporating a flamethrower effect during performances, as detailed on Guitar Center's website.

See how Miland Petrozza uses ESP LTD EC-256

Miland Petrozza

Singer, Guitarist

Kreator

...
Verified via Photo

The photograph provides evidence of Miland Petrozza using an ESP LTD EC-256, as it shows him playing an eclipse model with a tune-o-matic bridge.

See how Spencer Hazard uses ESP LTD EC-256

Spencer Hazard

Guitarist

Full of Hell

...
Verified via Photo

spencerhazard Just traded a BC Rich I never used once for this brand new EC-256.

L

Luke Pabich

Composer

Good Riddance

...
Verified
Color/Finish: Black

Luke Pabich uses the ESP LTD EC-256, as evidenced by his performance at Hellfest 2025.

See how Damien J. Stanley uses ESP LTD EC-256

Damien J. Stanley

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Instagram

Damien's most recent guitar, is probably one of his favorites. "I love the clean tones with this guitar, but I also like it heavy and it does heavy for me too."

See how Kian Marashi uses ESP LTD EC-256

Kian Marashi

Guitarist

Awoken

...
Verified via Photo

You can see in this photo he uses this Esp ltd Ec 256

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP LTD EC-256, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
peter_ozahl

peter_ozahl

Gear IQ 234

awoken

awoken

Gear IQ 318

falka

falka

Gear IQ 119

thehorny

thehorny

Gear IQ 103

haltizer

haltizer

Gear IQ 134

1 alternative for ESP LTD EC-256, curated by the Equipboard community.

ESP Eclipse II

$2,351.36 - $2,899.00

similar sound

Honestly, both are Eclipses. Mine is so far the ONLY model I've ever played, so I can't make a clear judgement right now.

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