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Description

The ESP LTD EC-330 FM is the ideal choice for musicians seeking a blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance in a solid body electric guitar. This guitar is built with a mahogany body topped with flame maple, delivering not only a stunning visual appeal but also a rich, resonant tone that cuts through any mix. The Eclipse body style is a nod to traditional design while offering the ergonomics and playability that contemporary guitarists crave.

Equipped with ESP-designed active humbucking pickups, the EC-330 FM provides a dynamic range of tones, from clean and crisp to powerfully aggressive, making it a versatile instrument for any genre. The mahogany neck, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, ensures a fast and smooth playing experience, perfect for intricate solos and heavy riffing alike.

Crafted for reliability, this guitar features a TOM bridge/tailpiece setup, offering dependable tuning stability and precise intonation. Whether you're jamming in your garage or rocking the stage, the ESP LTD EC-330 FM is built to withstand the demands of any performance. With its robust construction and thoughtful design, this guitar provides exceptional value without compromising on quality or tone.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a flame maple top
  • ESP-designed active humbucking pickups
  • Bolt-on mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets for extended playability
  • Thin U neck contour for comfortable handling
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge and ESP tuners for stable tuning and intonation

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EC-330 FM
Year 2013
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Blue, Green, Purple, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-330 FM, and how does it affect playability?

The ESP LTD EC-330 FM features a Thin U neck contour, which provides a comfortable grip that suits fast playing styles and easy access to all 24 frets, making it ideal for shredding and complex chord work.

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD EC-330 FM have, and what tones can I expect?

The ESP LTD EC-330 FM is equipped with ESP ALH-200 active humbucker pickups, delivering powerful, high-output tones suitable for rock and metal genres, with a clear and aggressive sound.

Is the ESP LTD EC-330 FM suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The ESP LTD EC-330 FM is versatile enough for both beginners and advanced players, offering high playability with its comfortable neck and powerful pickups, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore rock and metal styles.

How does the bolt-on neck construction of the ESP LTD EC-330 FM affect its sound and performance?

The bolt-on neck construction provides a bright and snappy tone with excellent sustain, contributing to the guitar's overall responsiveness and clarity, especially beneficial for dynamic playing styles.

What are the color options available for the ESP LTD EC-330 FM?

The ESP LTD EC-330 FM is available in a variety of colors, including Blue, Green, Purple, and Red, all featuring a striking sunburst finish that highlights the flamed maple top.

Tom West

Tom West

ESP LTD (EC-330-FM)

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD (EC-330-FM) by Tom West

ESP LTD (EC-330-FM)

Tom West

Tom West

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD EC-330 FM.

Build quality

  • The EC-330 series features a bolt-on neck, praised for incredible bends and action, with users highlighting its superior quality compared to other guitars they own.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One owner plans to upgrade to EMG pickups to achieve a heavier tone, indicating potential for tonal improvement with aftermarket pickups.

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  • The Tosin Abasi Fluence pickups provide three voices, including a single coil tone, enhancing versatility and clean tones on the EC-330 FM.

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Comparisons

  • The EC-330 is compared to M-330R for its exceptional neck feel, though neck-thru models like M-1000 offer better access to higher frets.

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User experience

  • A user shared satisfaction with the EC-330 after scoring it in a deal with an amp, noting its suitability for heavy chugging tones.

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  • Owners find the clean sound of stock pickups acceptable but often replace them for improved tone, particularly for high-gain applications.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A neck swap from a Viper 10 fits perfectly, suggesting compatibility for similar repairs or modifications.

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  • A slight fret buzz noted, potentially fixable by checking neck relief and angle; uneven frets may need leveling.

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  • Using a shim between neck and body can correct neck angle issues, particularly after a neck change.

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  • Installing Fluence pickups may require over two hours, replacing most wiring except for pickup switch and bridge ground wires.

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Other

  • Replacement hardware with screws and epoxy indicates previous repairs; careful inspection recommended before purchase.

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Features and functionality

  • A black Bigsby B700 was installed primarily for aesthetics, adding a unique visual element not commonly seen on this model.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Bigsby vibrato complements clean and overdrive tones, adding versatility to genres beyond heavy chugging.

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Critic Reviews

LTD EC-330FM review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The ESP LTD EC-330 FM is a well-balanced, playable guitar with a decent spec sheet, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious players. Its handsome design and comfortable playing experience are noteworthy. However, it struggles in the highly competitive metal guitar market under £500 due to its quality control issues and lackluster tonal power, particularly in high-gain settings. While the ALH-200 pickups offer warmth and clarity, they don't deliver the punch needed for metal enthusiasts. Overall, it's a competent choice for intermediates, but buyers might find more powerful options with a bit more investment.

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