Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$649.00
Amazon
4.3 (26)
$621.00 Used
Reverb
4.0 (4)
$519.20 3 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$649.00
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$649.00
Thomann
4.4 (12)
$489.00

Average Price: $582

Standard/Professional

$400

$1501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP LTD EC-258". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the power of low-end fury with the ESP LTD EC-258, a formidable addition to any guitarist's arsenal. Designed for those ready to explore the depths of extended-range playing, this electric guitar combines affordability with high-quality craftsmanship. Its 3-piece mahogany neck with a Thin U profile ensures exceptional playability, while the roasted jatoba fretboard boasts 22 extra-jumbo frets, perfect for intricate solos and chunky riffs alike. The solid mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tones that come alive with the articulate clarity provided by the ESP Designed LH-308 humbucking pickups. Whether you're laying down bone-crushing chugs or experimenting with complex chord voicings, the EC-258's extended range opens up a world of musical possibilities.

The guitar's set-neck construction enhances sustain and articulation, giving you the kind of lasting tone that fills the room. Its single-cutaway Eclipse body style not only offers classic rock aesthetics but also ensures comfortable access to the upper frets. Equipped with a reliable TOM bridge and tailpiece, the EC-258 maintains stability and precision, crucial for those heavy, extended-range performances. With individual volume controls for each pickup, a master tone control, and a 3-way toggle switch, this guitar provides versatile tonal control at your fingertips. Ready to embark on a sonic journey? The ESP LTD EC-258 is your ticket.

Key Features:

  • 8-string electric guitar with a solid mahogany body
  • 3-piece mahogany neck with Thin U profile
  • Roasted jatoba fretboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
  • Dual ESP Designed LH-308 humbucking pickups
  • Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • TOM bridge and tailpiece for tuning stability
  • Individual volume controls and master tone control
  • 3-way pickup selector switch
  • Black hardware and satin finish

Product specs

Number of Strings 8
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape LTD EC Baritone
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 3-Piece Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 15.7"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Flags
Number of Frets 22, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length 26.5"
Nut Width 2.125"
Nut Material Molded Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece LTD Fixed
Tuners LTD Closed Gear
Neck Pickup ESP Designed LH-308N Humbucker
Bridge Pickup ESP Designed LH-308B Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .010-.074
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD EC-258, and how does it affect playability?

The ESP LTD EC-258 features a 26.5" scale length, which provides a balance between tension and playability, making it suitable for extended range and lower tunings often used in metal and progressive genres.

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD EC-258 have, and what tones can I expect?

The ESP LTD EC-258 is equipped with ESP Designed LH-308N and LH-308B humbuckers, delivering powerful, articulate tones with a focus on clarity and punch, ideal for heavy music styles.

Is the ESP LTD EC-258 suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the ESP LTD EC-258 is designed for more experienced players due to its 8-string configuration, beginners interested in extended range guitars can still benefit from its playability and ergonomic design.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-258 like?

The ESP LTD EC-258 features a Thin U neck profile, providing a comfortable grip and facilitating fast playing, which is beneficial for intricate riffs and solos.

Does the ESP LTD EC-258 come with a case or gig bag?

The ESP LTD EC-258 does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to ensure protection during transport and storage.

AJ Brown

AJ Brown

ESP LTD EC-258 - Playthrough and Review

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-258 - Playthrough and Review by AJ Brown

ESP LTD EC-258 - Playthrough and Review

AJ Brown

AJ Brown

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-258 - DEMO [Metal] by Late Honkola

ESP LTD EC-258 - DEMO [Metal]

Late Honkola

Late Honkola

Video thumbnail for Metal Riffs | LTD EC-258 | Eight String by Curt Scythe

Metal Riffs | LTD EC-258 | Eight String

Curt Scythe

Curt Scythe

Video thumbnail for 8-String Guitar Noob Tries an 8-String Guitar by Kendall James

8-String Guitar Noob Tries an 8-String Guitar

Kendall James

Kendall James

Video thumbnail for 8 String guitar one year later. ESP ltd EC 258 1 by Professional Canadian beaver walker

8 String guitar one year later. ESP ltd EC 258 1

Professional Canadian beaver walker

Professional Canadian beaver walker

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent price-to-quality ratio, making it a great value for money

  • Comfortable neck and wide fretboard suitable for extended range playing

  • Stock pickups deliver a versatile sound, especially strong for metal tones

  • Unique kill switch function adds creative play options

  • Sturdy build with a high-quality satin finish

  • Eye-catching aesthetic with appealing body striping

  • Solid tuning stability, especially notable for an 8-string

  • Great platform for upgrades, offering customization potential

  • Exceptional playability despite the heavy and thick neck

  • Perfect for metal genres with clear articulation and strong low-end tones

CONS

  • Scale length may affect tuning accuracy, particularly for lower strings

  • Intonation issues, especially with low F# string, reported by several users

  • Satin finish can be slippery, affecting seated play stability

  • Some players find the guitar heavy, impacting long play sessions

  • Bridge design criticized for using Phillips head screws, complicating intonation adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD EC-258.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest using a 9-80 string gauge to improve tension and intonation, especially on the low E, when dealing with a 26.5” scale length.

    Source
  • It's noted that the lowest string may require a professional setup for precise intonation, as saddle adjustment might run out of room.

    Source
  • When tuning to drop E, an 84 gauge is recommended for better tension; an 80 gauge is suitable for F# tuning to avoid sloppiness.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the additional strings initially disorienting but recommend starting with familiar 6 or 7-string songs for adaptation.

    Source
  • Owners of the EC-258 describe the overall playability as pleasant, even when acknowledging the need for thicker strings to maintain proper tension.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is appreciated for both metal and non-metal styles, with recommendations to explore artists like Ihsahn and Rob Scallon for diverse 8-string applications.

    Source
  • Despite scale length concerns, 26.5" is considered adequate for F# Standard tuning using a 74 gauge string, balancing tension and tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 26.5” scale length is considered adequate by some, although a 27” scale is often preferred for better performance in lower tunings.

    Source
  • The older version of the EC-258 featured a shorter 25.5" scale, which presents challenges in maintaining tension for low F#/E strings compared to the current 26.5" model.

    Source

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