Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $514

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP LTD EC-256 FM". 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

Discover the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern performance with the ESP LTD EC-256 FM. This solid body electric guitar is designed to satisfy the demands of guitarists who crave versatility and reliability without breaking the bank. Its mahogany body, enhanced by a stunning flame maple top, delivers a rich, resonant tone that is both warm and articulate. The set-neck construction not only ensures incredible sustain but also allows seamless access to higher frets, making it ideal for intricate solos and complex riffs.

Equipped with dual ESP LH-150 humbucking pickups, the EC-256 FM provides a wide tonal palette ranging from the bold and aggressive sounds of rock and metal to the more delicate, brighter timbres of single-coil tones, thanks to the push-pull coil-splitting feature. This guitar isn't just about sound; it’s about playability. The slim U-shaped neck profile is coupled with a rosewood fingerboard, offering a fast and comfortable playing experience for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Built with high-quality components like the Tune-O-Matic bridge and nickel tuners, the EC-256 FM ensures stable tuning and precise intonation. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home, this guitar delivers exceptional value and performance that can elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with flame maple top for rich, resonant tone
  • Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain and easy upper-fret access
  • Dual ESP LH-150 humbucking pickups with push-pull coil splitting
  • Slim U-shaped neck profile for fast, comfortable playability
  • High-quality hardware including Tune-O-Matic bridge and nickel tuners
  • 22 extra-jumbo frets and a 12" radius rosewood fingerboard

Product specs

Body shape Single cutaway
Body type Solid body
Body material Solid wood
Top wood Flamed Maple
Body wood Mahogany
Body finish Gloss
Neck shape Not specified
Neck wood Mahogany
Joint Set-in
Scale length 24.75"
Neck finish Gloss
Material Jatoba
Radius Not specified
Fret size Extra-jumbo
Number of frets 22
Inlays Acrylic block
Nut width 1.653" (42 mm)
Configuration HH
Neck Humbucker
Bridge Humbucker
Brand ESP
Active or passive pickups Passive
Series or parallel Not applicable
Piezo No
Active EQ No
Special electronics Master tone w/push-pull coil tap
Control layout Volume 1, volume 2, master tone
Pickup switch 3-way
Coil tap or split Coil tap
Kill switch No
Bridge type Fixed
Bridge design Tune-o-matic
Tailpiece Stopbar
Tuning machines ESP locking
Number of strings 6-string
Country of origin Indonesia

FAQs

What kind of music is the ESP LTD EC-256 FM Cobalt Blue best suited for?

The ESP LTD EC-256 FM is well-suited for rock and metal genres, thanks to its dual humbucker pickups that deliver powerful and aggressive tones.

Does the ESP LTD EC-256 FM have a coil-splitting feature?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-256 FM features a push-pull coil tap on the master tone control, allowing you to access single-coil tones in addition to its standard humbucker sounds.

Is the ESP LTD EC-256 FM Cobalt Blue comfortable to play for long sessions?

With its single cutaway design and set-in neck, the ESP LTD EC-256 FM offers easy access to higher frets and a comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for extended playing sessions.

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

While the specific neck profile isn't listed, the guitar features a set-in mahogany neck with a jatoba fingerboard and extra-jumbo frets, designed for smooth playability and fast action.

How does the ESP LTD EC-256 FM Cobalt Blue handle tuning stability?

The ESP LTD EC-256 FM is equipped with ESP locking tuners, which help maintain tuning stability even during aggressive playing styles.

Steve Ricardo

Steve Ricardo

ESP LTD EC-256FM COBALT BLUE

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256FM COBALT BLUE by Steve Ricardo

ESP LTD EC-256FM COBALT BLUE

Steve Ricardo

Steve Ricardo

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256FM | Cobalt Blue by MooreMusicGuitars

ESP LTD EC-256FM | Cobalt Blue

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-1000 BLACK NATURAL BURST and LTD EC-256FM COBALT BLUE October 2023 by Brendan Breakdown

ESP LTD EC-1000 BLACK NATURAL BURST and LTD EC-256FM COBALT BLUE October 2023

Brendan Breakdown

Brendan Breakdown

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Cobalt Blue finish is noted to appear more teal or green under certain lighting conditions, differing from initial expectations.

    Source
  • The EC-256 features a mahogany set neck, adding to its sustain, unlike the bolt-on maple neck of the EC-200DX.

    Source
  • Some owners have reported issues such as rusted frets and broken machine heads upon delivery, highlighting potential quality control inconsistencies.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend using Frine fret polish for a glass-like feel, especially beneficial during string changes.

    Source
  • The XL Jumbo frets on the EC-256 are notably tall, which some players find uncomfortable, potentially requiring adjustment or a setup to personal preference.

    Source

User experience

  • After years without an electric, players find the EC-256FM revitalizing, likening the excitement to a Christmas morning experience.

    Source
  • One owner chose the EC-256 over the more expensive EC-1000 due to its playability and sound quality, even returning the latter.

    Source
  • Some players find the EC-256 to be the best-feeling guitar they've owned, comparing it favorably to more expensive brands like Gibson.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Grover 406c mini locking tuners can be directly installed on the EC-256 without drilling, enhancing tuning stability.

    Source
  • Owners have found that swapping in Seymour Duncan Jazz/59 pickups significantly improves the EC-256's tonal depth and warmth.

    Source
  • Owners recommend swapping stock pickups for Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 or Jazz models to enhance tonal quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • EC-256 is often compared to the Epiphone Les Paul Studio Lite, but it's noted for offering better value at its price point.

    Source
  • The ESP LTD EC-256 is compared to the Harley Benton SC-Custom III, with the LTD offering better resale value and a hotter output, while the HB is more articulate at full volume.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EC-256 comes with flag inlays, providing a more premium aesthetic compared to the dot inlays on the EC-200DX.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While the EC-256 has a higher initial price, it may offer better resale value compared to the Harley Benton, which tends to linger unsold on marketplaces.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bthompson2020

Best Stock midrange guitar ever

Solid sound stock even though I’ll be swapping out the stock pickups for EMGs, it’s not too lightweight but not too heavy either. The neck is super super comfortable.

Genre Usage

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

More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides