Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $937
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "LTD EC-1000". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Product Description
Step into a world of artistic expression with the ESP LTD EC Series EC-1000 Electric Guitar. This guitar is not just a visual spectacle, it's a powerhouse of tone and playability. Crafted with a stunning quilted maple top on a robust mahogany body, this guitar delivers a harmonically rich tone that is sure to inspire. The set mahogany neck lends itself to the guitar's robustness and ensures long sustain and excellent note definition.
The EC-1000 comes equipped with EMG-81/60 active pickups, offering a hot, punchy tone perfect for solos, heavy rhythm playing and intricate chords. The EMG-81 in the bridge position complements the warm, articulate voice of the EMG-60 in the neck position, providing a balanced, versatile and aggressive tone. With a quick coil tap, you can even access single-coil tones for added versatility.
To match its tone and playability, the EC-1000 features premium components like a TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece for accurate intonation and Grover tuners for tuning stability. The ebony fretboard feels sleek under your fingertips and has elegant abalone flag inlays as position markers. Whether you're shredding solos or playing chunky rhythm parts, the EC-1000 delivers professional performance, reliability and the freedom of limitless expression.
Key Features:
- Quilted maple top and mahogany body for a robust, harmonically rich tone
- Fast, smooth profile set mahogany neck for intricate playing
- EMG-81/60 active pickups for aggressive tone and excellent note definition
- Coil tap for single-coil tones
- TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece for accurate intonation
- Grover tuners for tuning stability
- Sleek ebony fretboard with elegant abalone flag inlays
- Premium components for rock-solid performance
- Designed for versatile play, suitable for any style
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Eclipse |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Neck-through |
| Radius | 13.7" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Flags |
| Number of Frets | 24, Extra Jumbo, Stainless Steel |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.650" |
| Nut Material | Molded |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Locking |
| Neck Pickup | EMG 60 Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG 81 Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the ESP LTD EC-1000 feature?
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The ESP LTD EC-1000 is equipped with EMG 60 and EMG 81 active humbucker pickups, known for delivering powerful and clear tones, especially suitable for heavy metal and hard rock genres.
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Is the ESP LTD EC-1000 suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the ESP LTD EC-1000 is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring a neck-through construction, high-quality hardware, and active pickups that provide excellent sustain and tonal versatility.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-1000?
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The ESP LTD EC-1000 has a Thin U neck profile, offering a comfortable grip for fast playing and smooth transitions across the fretboard, ideal for lead and rhythm guitarists.
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Does the ESP LTD EC-1000 come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the ESP LTD EC-1000 does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately.
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How does the satin finish affect the playability of the ESP LTD EC-1000?
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The satin finish on the ESP LTD EC-1000 provides a smooth feel that reduces friction, allowing for faster and more comfortable playing, particularly beneficial during long sessions or performances.
Videos
PMTVUK
ESP LTD EC 1000 Vintage Black with EMG's - Sam Bell @ PMT
Reviews
PROS
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Incredible finish that feels high-quality and resists smudges
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EMG pickups offer aggressive and punchy tones, perfect for metal
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Comfortable neck with fast playability and smooth transitions
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Locking tuners that maintain tuning stability
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Lightweight yet robust, making it easy to handle on stage
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Versatile sound suitable for both clean and heavily distorted play
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Excellent value, providing features comparable to higher-end models
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Unique appearance with detailed decals and gold hardware
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Easy access to upper frets thanks to the cutaway design
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Ergonomic body design with well-contoured shape for comfort
CONS
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Some users experience tuning issues despite locking tuners
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Finish may wear off over time, especially with heavy use
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Instances of fret imperfections and glue seepage
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Can be heavier than other guitars, causing shoulder fatigue
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Minor quality control issues like fret buzz and faulty switches
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD EC-1000.
Features and functionality
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The EC-1000's Fishman Fluence Modern pickups offer a clearer sound compared to EMG 81/60, with the ability to split tones between neck and bridge.
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The EC-1000 is noted for its lightweight design and carved heel joint, making it preferable for live performances over heavier LP-style guitars.
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User experience
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Owners report that the guitar maintains tuning stability even after extensive use, showcasing durability.
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Comparisons
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The EC-1000, with its thin U neck and flatter fretboards, offers a different playability compared to Fender models, requiring an adjustment period.
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Compared to the EC-401VB, the EC-1000 has a Tonepros locking bridge and ESP/LTD branded locking tuners, offering enhanced tuning stability.
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Compared to Epiphone Les Pauls, the EC-1000 offers superior playability, especially with locking tuners enhancing tuning stability.
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Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
Build quality
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners mention the EC-1000's compatibility with Seymour Duncan pickups, such as the SH-1 '59, for those seeking a different tone profile.
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Switching from EMG to Bare Knuckle pickups, such as Ragnarok and Cold Sweat, provides a less compressed, more expressive tone with lower output.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 14 Reviews and 85 Ratings
123
Everything I need in one
I've gone through many guitars to find the one that's right for me, and this is definitely it. The pickups are great, with a push pull for greater tonal flavours, and a well-countoured, ergonomic body that's a joy to play. Did I mention it also has locking tuners? You'll want for nothing
415
A Korean made Les Paul that doesn't break the bank
I love the simplicity of 3 knobs and the neck is great / perfect width. I've got the Seymour Duncans in mine & it's so much more articulate than stock pick-ups w/out the fizziness that comes with recording high gain amps. I like it more than the PRS S22.
Great guitar
I wish it had stainless steel frets but great guitar overall! Especially for the price!
2786
good for any genre?
eye candy
I think the most amazing thing about this guitar are the looks, its just very beautiful. I'm usually not a big fan of single cuts because I can find them very uncomfortable compared to super-strats or other type of body shapes. However, this one is very comfortable and plays like a charm. The sound is very tight and aggressive thanks to the EMG pickups. It also stays in tune forever with the ESP locking tuners. Absolutely satisfied with my purchase.
91
With 57/66
Replaced the default EMG 81/60 pickups with 57/66's. Great tone, insanely fast neck, surprisingly good sustain considering its thinness and weight.
120
Amazing beautiful and good sounding guitar.
This guitar is a beauty for both eyes and ears ;-)
Artist usage
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Richard Kruspe uses this guitar in the Emigrate's "Eat you alive" Music Video, but it is also used during Stripped with a flamethrower during the 2017 festivals tour.
According to this rig rundown, Holt used LTD's EC-1000 before his signature was ready, and he still uses to warm up before the shows.
Tony Perry, guitarist for Pierce the Veil, previously used the ESP LTD EC-1000 in Silver Sunburst before transitioning to the ESP Viper model. This is evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on deviantART.
Here we can see Frank Bello using an EC-1000 VB guitar for the set of Attitudes & Altitude set at Metal Masters 2014
In the official video for "Tears Don't Fall" by Bullet For My Valentine, Michael Paget is seen playing an ESP LTD EC Series EC-1000 Electric Guitar.
In 7:20 he plays the LTX eclipse which has "Deluxe" on the headstock so it is the EC-1000 model , black gloss finish with white binding... pair of the EMGs
The guitar in the picture appears to be an LTD EC series one. I could be mistaken, though.
Album Usage
The LTD EC-1000 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use LTD EC-1000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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