Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
$1,299.00
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$1,299.00
Reverb
3.0 (3)
$1,249.99 New
$699.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (13)
$1,299.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$1,359.00
Gear4Music
£1,432.00

Average Price: $1,201

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "LTD Viper 1000". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

Embrace the power and precision of the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK, a formidable choice for guitarists ready to dominate the stage. Crafted for rock and metal enthusiasts, this solid body electric guitar is designed with a mahogany body and a three-piece mahogany neck, providing a robust foundation for intense performances. Its set-thru construction ensures smooth access to the highest frets, allowing for effortless solos and riffs.

The Macassar ebony fingerboard, adorned with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets and white pearloid ESP flag inlays, offers a striking visual contrast and superior playability. The Viper 1000 is equipped with Fishman Fluence Classic Open Core Humbuckers, delivering a versatile tonal palette with the push-pull control feature. Whether you're shredding or playing soulful melodies, these pickups offer clarity and depth to your sound.

A TonePros locking TOM bridge with string-thru-body enhances sustain, while the LTD locking tuners ensure your tuning remains rock-solid. The Viper 1000's Thin U neck profile is tailored for speed, providing comfort even during the most demanding performances. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's an extension of your musical ambition.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with set-thru construction
  • Three-piece mahogany neck with Thin U profile
  • Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
  • Fishman Fluence Classic Open Core Humbucker pickups with push-pull control
  • TonePros locking TOM bridge with string-thru-body
  • LTD locking tuners
  • 3-way toggle switch with volume and tone controls (push/pull)
  • Scale length: 24.75 inches
  • Fretboard radius: 13.78 inches

Product specs

Available since December 2022
Colour Cherry
Soundboard Mahogany
Top None
Neck Mahogany
Fretboard Ebony
Frets 24
Scale 629 mm
Pickup System HH
Tremolo Nej
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK have?

The ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK is equipped with a Fluence Classic Open Core humbucker set, known for its versatile and dynamic tonal range, making it suitable for various music styles.

Is the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK suitable for metal music?

Yes, the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK's mahogany body and Fluence Classic Open Core humbuckers provide a powerful and aggressive tone ideal for metal genres.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK?

The ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK features a mahogany neck with a Thin U profile, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience, particularly suitable for lead guitarists.

Does the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK come with a case or gigbag?

No, the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your instrument.

How many frets does the ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK have?

The ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK comes with 24 frets, allowing for extended range and versatility across different musical styles.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD Deluxe Viper-1000 Demo by Eli Santana

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD Deluxe Viper-1000 Demo by Eli Santana by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD Deluxe Viper-1000 Demo by Eli Santana

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2024 - LTD Viper-1000 Vintage Black | ESP Guitars by ESP Guitars USA

NAMM 2024 - LTD Viper-1000 Vintage Black | ESP Guitars

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for Caleb Shomo (Beartooth) Reacts to the LTD Viper-1000 Vintage Black | ESP Guitars by ESP Guitars USA

Caleb Shomo (Beartooth) Reacts to the LTD Viper-1000 Vintage Black | ESP Guitars

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for The ESP/LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe in Tiger Eye Sunburst by C. A. House Music

The ESP/LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe in Tiger Eye Sunburst

C. A. House Music

C. A. House Music

Video thumbnail for THIS GUITAR IS GORGEOUS - ESP LTD Viper-1000 QM in TIGER EYE SUNBURST by Music Bliss Malaysia

THIS GUITAR IS GORGEOUS - ESP LTD Viper-1000 QM in TIGER EYE SUNBURST

Music Bliss Malaysia

Music Bliss Malaysia

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Viper 1000.

Comparisons

  • The Viper 1000 is compared favorably to an ESP Eclipse II, indicating similar playability and sound quality.

    Source
  • The LTD Viper 1000 ET is preferred by some over Epiphone guitars due to superior tuning stability and build quality.

    Source
  • The matte black finish is described as having more "attitude" compared to the see-through black cherry variant, highlighting aesthetic preferences.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Viper 1000 models are often found for less than the EC series on Reverb, especially older deluxe models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A previous owner used a Viper baritone for super low tunings, indicating its versatility for different music styles.

    Source
  • The guitar is often restrung with heavier gauge strings (e.g., 12-60) for drop tunings, enhancing its suitability for metal genres.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner prefers the EC1000T CTM for its wine red flame top, gold hardware, and Fishman Open Core Classics pickups, highlighting personal taste in aesthetics.

    Source
  • Some users find the Evertune setup challenging, requiring specific gauge and tuning adjustments to function optimally.

    Source
  • New owners express satisfaction with the Viper 1000, noting it as their first ESP/LTD and being impressed by its playability and construction.

    Source
  • A buyer waited nearly six months for the guitar, underscoring demand and anticipation for this model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The half-pickguard design on the 2012 Viper 1000 model is noted, though it garners mixed feelings regarding its appeal.

    Source
  • The Evertune bridge is praised for maintaining perfect tuning stability, even with heavy play, but it's noted to complicate tuning changes.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Stock tuners on the Viper 1000 ET are solid but not locking; many owners opt for Schaller M6 tuners despite the inability to swap buttons.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck heel joint is highlighted for its aesthetic appeal and comfort, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • The satin finish is praised for its smooth feel, enhancing playability and comfort during extended sessions.

    Source

Other

  • The unique shape of the Viper 1000 is likened to a "Batman guitar," indicating its distinctive design appeal.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kirk Windstein uses LTD Viper 1000

Kirk Windstein

Guitarist

Down

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded Flickr photo, Kirk Windstein is shown playing an ESP LTD Viper 400 in black, rather than the listed Viper 1000 BLK.

See how Reba Meyers uses LTD Viper 1000

Reba Meyers

Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via YouTube

Reba states in the interview that she has played this guitar for pretty much all of Code Orange's career. She has replaced the EMGs that come with it for Rail hammer pickups. She has also put a kill-switch in it. The exact model is a Viper 1000 FM Seethru Black . It is a see through black Flame Maple top.Which is visible at some angles in the video.

She does wrongly state that it is an ESP Viper 1000 at 0:13, but it clearly says LTD on the Guitar's headstock, so yeah.

See how Vinnie Stigma uses LTD Viper 1000

Vinnie Stigma

Guitarist

Madball

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

Vinnie used this guitar to track Agnostic Front's album " The American Dream Died" and has been using this guitar regularly live.

See how Patryk "Seth" Sztyber uses LTD Viper 1000

Patryk "Seth" Sztyber

Guitarist, Composer

Behemoth

...
Verified via Photo

Patryk "Seth" Sztyber is occasionally seen playing an ESP LTD Viper 1000 BLK, as shown in the provided image.

See how John LeCompt uses LTD Viper 1000

John LeCompt

Guitarist

Evanescence

...
Verified via YouTube

on this video, John Lecompt use ESP LTD Guitar

See how Stuart Ross uses LTD Viper 1000

Stuart Ross

Guitarist

Misery Signals

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post by Stuart Ross he's showcasing 2 LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe models (black and see thru black cherry

See how Tony  Cappochi uses LTD Viper 1000

Tony Cappochi

Singer, Guitarist

Dragged Under

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Tony can be seen using an ltd viper

See how Craig Silverman uses LTD Viper 1000

Craig Silverman

Guitarist

Agnostic Front

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

Craig owns three ESP LTD Viper 1000's

See how Jules Hodgeson uses LTD Viper 1000

Jules Hodgeson

Guitarist

KMFDM

...
Verified via Photo

Jules and the rest of KMFDM were sponsored by ESP who provided them with Vipers and Eclipses with the pickups changed to Seymour Duncan JB sets as opposed to the usual EMGs

See how Jim Barraza uses LTD Viper 1000

Jim Barraza

Guitarist

Cirith Ungol

...
Verified via YouTube

I Used this ESP LTD Viper 1000 Tiger Eye sunburst guitar on our latest EP Cirith Ungol "Half Past Human"

See how Tony Kim uses LTD Viper 1000

Tony Kim

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Says he uses this guitar in the photo's description.

Album Usage

The LTD Viper 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 Viper 1000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for LTD Viper 1000, curated by the Equipboard community.

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