Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,045

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa is a powerhouse for any guitarist seeking a blend of aesthetic allure and sonic excellence. Crafted with a koa-topped mahogany body, this electric guitar delivers a luscious blend of warmth and resonance, making it an ideal companion for both studio sessions and live performances. Seymour Duncan pickups are at the heart of this instrument, featuring a Pearly Gates bridge pickup that offers vintage tones with a modern twist, delivering higher output and an extra dose of midrange sizzle. The Jazz neck pickup, on the other hand, ensures tight bass and exceptional articulation, accommodating a wide range of musical genres.

Designed with the modern guitarist in mind, the M-1000 HT is equipped with an Extra Thin Flat maple neck, allowing for swift and effortless playability. The ebony fingerboard adds a touch of elegance while enhancing the guitar's tonal clarity. The Hipshot bridge with string-thru construction not only contributes to the guitar's sleek appearance but also provides increased sustain, ensuring every note rings with clarity. The M-1000 HT is a testament to ESP's commitment to crafting high-quality instruments that stand the test of time.

Key Features:

  • Koa-topped mahogany body for rich warmth and resonance
  • Neck Thru construction enhances sustain and durability
  • Extra Thin Flat maple neck with ebony fingerboard for superior playability
  • Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates bridge pickup for vintage tone with modern output
  • Seymour Duncan Jazz neck pickup for tight bass and articulation
  • Hipshot bridge with string-thru design for increased sustain
  • Exotic wood top complemented by sleek black nickel hardware

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model M-1000 HT Koa
Finish Natural Gloss
Year 2017 - 2019
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa's pickups?

The ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for various genres, especially rock and metal. The pickups deliver a rich, full sound with excellent sustain and clarity.

Is the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa is well-suited for advanced players, thanks to its high-quality construction, neck-through design, and premium materials like the mahogany body and ebony fretboard. These features offer superior playability and tonal quality.

How does the neck-through construction of the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa benefit playability?

The neck-through construction of the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa enhances sustain and stability, providing a seamless playing experience across the entire neck. This design also allows for easier access to the higher frets, making it ideal for fast soloing.

What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa?

The ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa typically features a thin U-shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable and fast playing experience, particularly favored by shredders and players who prioritize speed and precision.

Does the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa have any special aesthetic features?

Yes, the ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa boasts a natural gloss finish with a koa top, providing a striking visual appeal. The matching headstock and sleek design make it not only a high-performance instrument but also a visually appealing one.

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

LTD M1000HT Koa

Video thumbnail for LTD M1000HT Koa by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

LTD M1000HT Koa

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD M-1000HT ELECTRIC GUITAR NATURAL KOA - QUICK REVIEW by Haworth Guitars

ESP LTD M-1000HT ELECTRIC GUITAR NATURAL KOA - QUICK REVIEW

Haworth Guitars

Haworth Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa.

Build quality

  • Some owners note minor buffing scratches on B-stock models, though these are often invisible unless closely inspected.

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  • The top is a koa veneer over a maple cap, not a single piece, providing diverse aesthetic options without custom shop pricing.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Issues with nut height and friction are reported, especially with 11-49 gauge strings, prompting some users to file the nut for smoother playability.

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  • Issues with G string intonation are noted, suggesting potential need for nut filing for better playability.

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  • The poly finish on the neck can become sticky with regular play, prompting some to de-gloss it for smoother hand movement.

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Comparisons

  • The M-1000HT is noted to have better sustain than the E-II Horizon, attributed to its hardtail bridge compared to the E-II’s Floyd Rose.

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  • M-1000HT with poplar burl top is praised visually compared to other models.

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User experience

  • The neck's extra thin U profile is praised for allowing faster hand movement compared to thicker necks on more traditional models like the E-II Horizon.

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  • Owners frequently play the M-1000HT over ESP M-II, citing its ease of access and playability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Many owners recommend upgrading the plastic nut to a bone nut for improved performance and considering Fishman Moderns with single coil voicing for enhanced versatility.

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  • One user swapped Fishmans for a Seymour Duncan Nazgûl/Sentient set, claiming it significantly improved the guitar's performance.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar features a Hipshot bridge praised for its comfort, especially noted when palm muting or performing chugging techniques.

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  • A 2018 Ebony Snow White version features EMG 85 in the neck, swapped from the original EMG 81.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners using Fishman pickups report a brighter tone, particularly favorable for drop C and D standard tunings.

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Value and pricing

  • Used models can be found around $500 to $650, significantly lower than the $1300 new price tag.

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Artist usage

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See how Jim Hocking uses ESP LTD M-1000 HT Koa

Jim Hocking

Guitarist

For the Fallen Dreams

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from Jim Hockings social media you can see him playing a ESP LTD M1000HT Koa with Fishman Fluence Classic Humbuckers live

Genre Usage

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

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