Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $438
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
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.
* 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
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.
Videos
Strings of Rock
Don't Miss This Guitar UNDER $500 ! // LTD Viper-256 // Review & Sound
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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
fleshwoundGear IQ 5488
-