ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 Electric Guitar

$1,199.00

$999.00

4.0 (7)

$887.26 30 available New

$550.00 16 available Used

$1,199.00

4.5 (1)

$1,199.00

Average Price: $962

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 Electric Guitar is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Dripping in Metallic Gold, the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 Electric Guitar is a homage to the original ESP M-1 model that had the music world at its feet in the mid-'80s. With its neck-thru construction, this guitar offers easy access to the highest frets, making it a dream for speed players. Its double-cutaway alder body and 3-piece, extra-thin “U”-shaped maple neck are not just about speed, they also promise smooth playability.

The M-1 Custom '87 isn't just about speed and playability, it's also about power. Its top-mounted Floyd Rose 1000 bridge and single Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion humbucker with a push-pull control for coil splitting gives this guitar its unique voice. And when you need that extra push of raw power, the EMG PA-2 boost switch is there to make your solos soar.

The Seymour Duncan TB-6, a classic high-output passive humbucker, is equipped with a massive ceramic magnet and hot coil windings to deliver a powerful yet balanced punch of rock and metal tones with a rich upper-midrange harmonic content.

Key Features:

Neck-thru construction for fast access to the highest frets
Double-cutaway alder body and 3-piece, extra-thin “U”-shaped maple neck
Top-mounted Floyd Rose 1000 bridge
Single Seymour Duncan TB-6 Distortion humbucker with a push-pull control for coil splitting
EMG PA-2 boost switch
LTD tuners, a Macassar ebony fingerboard and chrome hardware
Powerful rock and metal tones with rich upper-midrange harmonic content.

Product specs

Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Solidbody
Body Shape	LTD M-1 CTM '87
Body Material	Alder
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Material	3-piece Maple
Neck Shape	Extra Thin U
Neck Joint	Neck-through
Radius	13.7"
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearloid Offset Blocks
Number of Frets	24, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length	25.5"
Nut Width	1.692"
Nut Material	Locking
Bridge/Tailpiece	Floyd Rose 1000 Double Locking Tremolo
Tuners	LTD
Bridge Pickup	Seymour Duncan Distortion Humbucker
Controls	1 x master volume (push/pull coil-split)
Switching	2-way mini toggle boost switch
Strings	D'Addario, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag	Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 have?: The ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 features an Extra Thin U neck profile, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for shredders and players who prefer a slim neck.
Is the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 suitable for heavy metal music?: Yes, the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 is well-suited for heavy metal, featuring a Seymour Duncan Distortion humbucker that delivers high-output, aggressive tones perfect for metal genres.
Does the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 have a tremolo system?: Yes, the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 is equipped with a Floyd Rose 1000 Double Locking Tremolo, allowing for stable tuning and expressive dive bombs and vibrato techniques.
Can the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 coil-split its pickup?: Yes, the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 includes a push/pull coil-split feature on the master volume control, enabling you to access single-coil tones from its humbucker pickup.
What is the scale length of the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87?: The scale length of the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 is 25.5 inches, which is standard for many electric guitars and provides a familiar feel for players.

Videos

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ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD M-1 Custom '87 Demo by Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk)

ESP Guitars USA

Metallica - Lux Aeterna | guitar cover by ALEX S | LTD M-1 CUSTOM 87

Alex S

ESP Guitars: LTD M-1 Custom '87 Demo by Pat Heath

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD M-1 Custom '87 Demo by Cameron Stucky

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD M-1 Custom '87 Demo by Pat Heath

ESP Guitars USA

Reviews

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PROS

Plays like a dream with a smooth, dark fretboard
Duncan Distortion pickup delivers powerful sound
Bright and resonant tone reminiscent of a single cut
Excellent playability and fit and finish
Impressive first LTD experience for users with high-end guitars
Beautiful craftsmanship and stunning appearance

CONS

Some units have poor build quality and sharp tuners
Floyd Rose system may not be smooth on certain guitars
High action difficult to adjust on some models
Tuning keys may require replacement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 Electric Guitar.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Extremely low action reported with slight adjustment on low E to prevent fret buzz, allowing for a functional D-Tuna on a floating bridge.
Source
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Issues with Sinclair saddles include difficulty in string retention and the challenge of finding replacements due to non-standard sizing.
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Stainless steel screws are recommended for replacing worn intonation screws on older models to improve longevity.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Plans for additional D-Tuna on high E string to achieve a unique 'fangs' appearance, despite non-standard application on a floating bridge.
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0 0

Custom engraved pickup ring crafted by a friend, adding personalized flair to the instrument.
Source
0 0

Plans to install Grover tuners for aesthetic purposes, despite the presence of a locking nut which makes it functionally redundant.
Source
0 0

A previous owner installed a Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker, modifying the coil split to switch voicing from active to passive.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Chrome hardware preferred for aesthetic appeal over black, enhancing the guitar's visual impact.
Source
0 0

The sustain and tone of the LTD M-1 Custom '87 are consistently praised, attributed to its build quality and design.
Source
0 0

The guitar's finish has aged from a yellowish white to a pearl-like glow, enhancing its vintage appeal.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The LTD M-1 Custom '87 includes a coil-split function via a pull knob, enhancing tonal versatility despite having a single humbucker configuration.
Source
0 0

The Sinclair tremolo on the ESP LTD M-1 Custom '87 is noted for maintaining tuning stability despite being over 30 years old.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The pronounced neck access carving is highlighted as excellent for lead playing, prioritizing playability over additional neck pickups.
Source

Comparisons

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Users compare the LTD M-1 Custom '87 favorably with high-end ESP models, noting that its playability is on par with the ESP USA M-II.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

The LTD M-1 Custom '87 is praised as one of the nicest guitars available under $1000, especially among higher-end LTD models.
Source

User experience

0 0

Some users with multiple guitars, including MIJ Ibanez, express that the LTD M-1 Custom '87 is one of the best-sounding and well-crafted instruments they've owned.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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