Pricing and availability

Average Price: $252

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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 impeccable harmony of craftsmanship and sound with the ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that fuses classic design with modern innovation. Perfect for musicians who crave a robust tonal experience and sleek playability, this guitar is a true workhorse in any setting. The ESP-designed ALH-200 active pickups deliver a powerful, spine-tingling tone that cuts through any mix, ensuring your sound is always front and center.

Its mahogany body, coupled with a set mahogany neck, offers a warm resonance, while the 24.75" scale and 24 extra-jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth, comfortable playing experience. The thin-U neck profile is ideal for both intricate lead work and heavy power chords, making this guitar versatile enough for any genre. With a tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece providing stable tuning and precise intonation, you can focus on your performance without worry. Whether you're shredding on stage or jamming in the studio, the EC-331 BLKS is built to keep up with your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and set mahogany neck
  • 24.75" scale length
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard
  • ESP-designed ALH-200 active pickups
  • Thin-U neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece for stable tuning
  • LTD tuners for reliable performance

FAQs

What type of neck does the ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS have?

The ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS features a set-neck construction with a Thin U neck contour, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What pickups are included in the ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS, and how do they affect the sound?

The ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS is equipped with ESP-designed ALH-200 active pickups, which deliver powerful and clear tones, making it ideal for rock and metal genres.

Is the ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS offers features that appeal to advanced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a quality instrument.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS, and why is it important?

The ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS has a 24.75" scale length, which provides a slightly shorter reach and a warmer tone, often preferred by players who enjoy classic rock and blues styles.

How is the tuning stability of the ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS?

The ESP LTD EC-331 BLKS features LTD tuners and a tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece, offering reliable tuning stability and ease of adjustment for consistent performance.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD EC-331 Demo by Chris Cannella

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD EC-331 Demo by Chris Cannella by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD EC-331 Demo by Chris Cannella

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for Esp Ltd EC-401 & EC-331 by Umberto Ronco

Esp Ltd EC-401 & EC-331

Umberto Ronco

Umberto Ronco

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC331 FR | is it any good after all these years? | My Gear by Samer Bata

ESP LTD EC331 FR | is it any good after all these years? | My Gear

Samer Bata

Samer Bata

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD EC-331.

Comparisons

  • The EC-401's EMG-60 and EMG-81 pickups provide a hotter output, ideal for metal, compared to the ESP Designed ALH-200N and ALH-200B in the EC-331.

    Source
  • The LTD EC-401 is described as having a "dry tone" typical of some ESP models, though newer pickups like the 81x and 57/66 sets have improved this.

    Source
  • Schecter guitars are suggested as an alternative for those accustomed to Fender, due to their more fluid tone and feel compared to the Gibson-like LTDs.

    Source
  • The EC-1000 and ESP Eclipse, both with thin U necks, differ in that the ESP Eclipse's neck is thinner and allows easier playability.

    Source
  • Despite similar pickups and wood types, the ESP Eclipse is reported to produce a brighter sound and cut through mixes better than the EC-1000.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EC-401FM model's clean tone and hot pickups are well-suited for distorted metal sounds, enhancing its appeal for heavier music genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some E-II models have been noted for issues like missing inlays and scratched headstocks, indicating potential quality control inconsistencies compared to older ESP Standards.

    Source

User experience

  • A user with an M-400 Indonesian-made guitar reports nearly flawless finish and binding, with a slim C neck that's easy to play, suggesting high quality at its price point.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

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

More LTD Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    br_blues
    br_blues

    Gear IQ 626