Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
4.7 (9)
$599.00
Reverb
5.0 (16)
$479.00 New
$200.00 Used
zZounds
3.5 (1)
$499.00

Average Price: $438

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ESP LTD Viper-256". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the ESP LTD Viper-256 in Snow White. This electric guitar is a perfect blend of classic style, modern versatility, and top-notch craftsmanship. Designed to cater to both stage and studio performances, the Viper-256 is a guitarist's dream come true. From its mahogany body that resonates with a warm, full-bodied tone to its gloss polyurethane finish that enhances resonance and sustain, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to give you a great playing experience.

The Viper-256 features an extra thin, fast-playing mahogany neck with a U-shaped profile, offering a comfortable grip for both rhythm and lead playing. The 24 extra-jumbo frets on the roasted jatoba fingerboard guarantee a smooth playing experience, facilitating solos that glide across the fingerboard with ease.

This guitar doesn't just sound good, it looks good too. With its aggressive rock image, see-through black cherry finish, and black hardware, the Viper-256 is a surefire head-turner.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and set neck design for warm, full-bodied tone
  • Gloss polyurethane finish for enhanced resonance and sustain
  • Extra thin, fast-playing mahogany neck with U-shaped profile
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets for effortless soloing
  • Dual humbucking pickups with coil-split via push-pull pot for versatile tonal options
  • Black hardware and binding for a bold, stylish look
  • Comes professionally set up from the factory for immediate playability.

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Viper-256
Finish Black, Dark Brown Sunburst, Military Green Satin, Olympic White, See Thru Black Cherry, Snow White
Year 2013 - 2025
Made In Vietnam
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Green, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Jatoba, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 13.78"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain, Quilted

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD Viper-256?

The ESP LTD Viper-256 features a thin U-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles, especially for rock and metal genres.

Are the pickups on the ESP LTD Viper-256 suitable for heavy music genres?

Yes, the ESP LTD Viper-256 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver powerful and aggressive tones, making it well-suited for heavy music genres such as rock and metal.

Is the ESP LTD Viper-256 a good choice for beginners?

The ESP LTD Viper-256 is a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate players due to its comfortable neck, versatile pickups, and durable build quality, making it easy to play and reliable for learning and performance.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD Viper-256, and how does it affect playability?

The ESP LTD Viper-256 has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which offers a slightly shorter reach between frets, making it easier to play for those with smaller hands and enhancing playability for quick chord changes and solos.

Does the ESP LTD Viper-256 support coil-splitting for tonal variety?

No, the ESP LTD Viper-256 does not feature coil-splitting options; it focuses on delivering a consistent humbucker sound suitable for powerful, full-bodied tones.

Strings of Rock

Strings of Rock

Don't Miss This Guitar UNDER $500 ! // LTD Viper-256 // Review & Sound

Video thumbnail for Don't Miss This Guitar UNDER $500 ! // LTD Viper-256 // Review & Sound by Strings of Rock

Don't Miss This Guitar UNDER $500 ! // LTD Viper-256 // Review & Sound

Strings of Rock

Strings of Rock

Video thumbnail for LTD Viper 256 In Deep review by ToroK

LTD Viper 256 In Deep review

ToroK

ToroK

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD VIPER 256 ( Sound Sample ) by irsan nursany

ESP LTD VIPER 256 ( Sound Sample )

irsan nursany

irsan nursany

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Viper 256 demo by Charles Benson

ESP LTD Viper 256 demo

Charles Benson

Charles Benson

Video thumbnail for LTD Viper 256 Demo In The Mix by ToroK

LTD Viper 256 Demo In The Mix

ToroK

ToroK

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning visual appeal with an offset shape and quilted maple finish

  • Comfortable neck profile, ideal for various hand sizes

  • Versatile sound with coil-splitting and phase switching options

  • High-quality fretwork and hardware, stable tuning

  • Solid build quality, suitable for gigging out of the box

  • Great value for money, rivals higher-end models at a lower price

  • Suitable for beginners to pros, adaptable across music styles

  • Excellent intonation and action, easy playability

  • Offers a range of tones suitable for rock, blues, metal, and more

CONS

  • Heavier body compared to similar models like the SG

  • Single-coil pickups can be buzzy in certain settings

  • Some minor cosmetic issues with headstock binding gluing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Viper-256.

Features and functionality

  • The coil-split feature offers a thinner, treble-rich tone; however, it doesn't fully replicate the iconic quacky Stratocaster sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its metal-oriented design, the Viper-256 is versatile enough to handle genres like blues and jazz, aided by its passive humbuckers.

    Source
  • The cherry red model resembles a standard SG, making it visually more adaptable for non-metal genres despite its aggressive headstock.

    Source
  • Users planning to tune to A and use 0.13 strings suggest the Viper-256's suitability for heavier music genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the guitar's warm tones, with some choosing it over non-Fender Strats for its tonal versatility.

    Source
  • A Korean-made ESP model still performs well after almost 20 years, implying durability that may apply to the Viper series.

    Source

Comparisons

  • When choosing between new and used models, some users consider older Korean or Indonesian-made Vipers as potential better investments.

    Source
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Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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fleshwound

The Chad Gibson SG

I got this for my 18th birthday and I still love it. It’s tuned a full step down and sounds awesome. I call it the Chad Gibson SG because they look similar, but the Viper has more features.

near

Quality Guitar

I love this guitar. Had it for over a year now and can confidently say it is a solid pick for new guitarists and professional guitarists.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas Erak uses ESP LTD Viper-256

Thomas Erak

Singer, Guitarist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "The Fall of Troy live @ Red Light Sting" by FOnewmike on YouTube, Thomas Erak can be seen at 10 seconds playing a white ESP LTD Viper-256 during the song "Laces Out, Dan."

Genre Usage

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