Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$499.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (39)
$499.00
Amazon
4.5 (544)
Reverb
5.0 (57)
$483.58 New
$329.99 Used
Thomann
4.8 (39)
$485.00
Gear4Music
£479.00

Average Price: $473

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP LTD EC-256FM Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The ESP LTD EC-256FM Electric Guitar in Dark Brown Sunburst offers a perfect blend of classic style and modern versatility, making it a standout choice for musicians across genres. With its striking flamed maple top perched on a warm, resonant mahogany body, this guitar is crafted to deliver rich, full-bodied tones. The sleek single-cutaway design not only gives it an iconic look but also ensures comfortable access to the upper frets for those high-energy solos.

Equipped with ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers, the EC-256FM provides a wide array of tonal possibilities, from articulate cleans to aggressive distortion. The addition of a push/pull tone pot for coil-splitting further enhances its versatility, allowing you to switch between robust humbucking and crisp single-coil sounds with ease. Whether you're laying down heavy riffs or exploring melodic lines, this guitar’s set-neck construction ensures exceptional sustain and articulation.

The thin U-shaped neck, made from a three-piece mahogany set-in design, provides a comfortable, fast-playing experience. Paired with a jatoba fretboard and 22 extra-jumbo frets, it feels like an extension of your creative expression. Chrome hardware, a Tune-o-Matic bridge, and LTD machine heads round out this guitar's reliable and stylish features, ensuring it stays in tune and performs consistently through every gig.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a flamed maple top
  • Set-neck construction with a thin U-shaped mahogany neck
  • Jatoba fretboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
  • ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers
  • Push/pull tone pot for coil-splitting
  • Tune-o-Matic bridge with LTD machine heads
  • Dark Brown Sunburst finish with chrome hardware

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape EC
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material Flamed Maple
Neck Material 3-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set Neck
Number of Frets 22, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece TOM & Tailpiece
Tuners LTD
Neck Pickup ESP Designed LH-150N Humbucker
Bridge Pickup ESP Designed LH-150B Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x tone (push/push coil-tap)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'addario EXL110, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the ESP LTD EC-256FM suitable for?

The ESP LTD EC-256FM is versatile and well-suited for rock, metal, and blues due to its mahogany body and humbucker pickups, which provide a warm, full sound with excellent sustain.

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

The ESP LTD EC-256FM features a Thin U neck profile, offering a comfortable grip for fast playing and easy access to all 22 frets.

Can the ESP LTD EC-256FM handle coil-tapping?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-256FM includes a push/pull coil-tap feature on the tone control, allowing you to split the humbuckers for a single-coil sound.

Is the ESP LTD EC-256FM a good choice for beginners?

The ESP LTD EC-256FM is a great choice for beginners and intermediate players due to its comfortable playability, versatile sound, and quality construction.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD EC-256FM?

The ESP LTD EC-256FM has a solid mahogany body with a flamed maple top and a 3-piece mahogany neck, providing durability and a rich tone.

Does the ESP LTD EC-256FM come with a case or gig bag?

No, the ESP LTD EC-256FM does not include a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one separately for protection and transportation.

All Music X'cess AMX

All Music X'cess AMX

LTD EC-256FM | AWESOME NEW COLOURS | #espguitars

Video thumbnail for LTD EC-256FM | AWESOME NEW COLOURS | #espguitars by All Music X'cess AMX

LTD EC-256FM | AWESOME NEW COLOURS | #espguitars

All Music X'cess AMX

All Music X'cess AMX

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 LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar by Mundt Music of Longview LLC

LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar

Mundt Music of Longview LLC

Mundt Music of Longview LLC

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent fit and finish; comparable to higher-end guitars.

  • Versatile sound with coil split and tone knob features.

  • Lightweight and comfortable for standing play.

  • Warm, mellow tone with aggressive overdrive capabilities.

  • Low action with minimal fret buzz.

  • Sleek, appealing aesthetic with flawless finish.

  • Great value for price; rivals more expensive models.

  • Easy to play with a comfortable neck and balanced weight.

  • Stock pickups are surprisingly effective for metal and rock.

  • Ideal for modding, offering a solid base for upgrades.

CONS

  • Tuners are basic; locking tuners recommended for better stability.

  • Neck has a glossy finish, which can feel sticky.

  • Pickups may lack range and versatility for some users.

  • Minor finish blemishes reported by some users.

  • Nut quality could be better; suggested upgrade or lubrication.

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The guitar's neck profile, a thin U shape, is thinner than a Les Paul but not as slim as an Ibanez, which may not suit players preferring thicker necks.

    Source
  • One owner felt the rosewood fretboard didn't aesthetically complement black guitars as well as ebony, especially when paired with gold hardware.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EC-256 lacks the ability for separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, which some users found limiting.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners prefer the lighter weight and size of the EC-256 compared to an Epiphone Les Paul, finding it more comfortable to play.

    Source
  • The EC-256 offers a shorter 24.75" scale length compared to the Horizon's 25.5", affecting tone and playability preferences.

    Source
  • Similarities between the EC-256 and Horizon include covered vs. uncovered pickups, coil split options, and neck profiles, with the main difference being scale length.

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User experience

  • One user described the EC-256 as "too light" and "thin sounding," likening it to a budget version of a Les Paul before switching to a Gibson.

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  • After setup, including new strings and action adjustment, the guitar delivers impressive playability and sound, comparable to more expensive models.

    Source
  • Owners find the EC-256's body shape and scale length significantly influence the guitar's overall tone and feel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend swapping LH150 pickups for EMG JHB/JHN for enhanced tone, or Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers for a classic Gibson sound.

    Source
  • Some users recommend swapping stock pickups for Seymour Duncan Distortion Mayhems for a heavier sound.

    Source
  • Changing the nut to a Tusq nut is recommended for improved tuning stability and tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Neck sanding down to satin finish is suggested for reducing stickiness and improving feel, particularly with heavy use.

    Source
  • Some users found stock tuners rough and upgraded to Gotoh or Grover locking tuners for smoother performance and better tuning stability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EC-256 can achieve awesome cleans and great crunch tones, making it versatile for various music styles.

    Source

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