Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $512
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ESP LTD Viper 256P". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The ESP LTD Viper 256P is a masterclass in combining style, performance, and affordability, designed for those who crave a guitar that can handle both rock and metal with subtle finesse. Its iconic Viper body style is not just a statement of intent; it's a gateway to comfortable, extended play and effortless access to the upper frets, thanks to its double-cutaway design and offset waist. With a body and neck crafted from mahogany, this guitar sings with rich, warm tones and superior sustain, making it a reliable companion for stage and studio alike.
At the heart of the Viper 256P are the ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers, providing a versatile range of sounds that can shift seamlessly from bluesy undertones to molten metal mayhem. Whether you're riffing hard or laying back with some classic rock, these pickups deliver the punch and clarity you need. The TOM bridge adds another layer of stability and string response, ensuring that your performance is never compromised.
The roasted jatoba fingerboard not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds an extra layer of articulation to your playing, making every note resonate with precision. With its rock-solid construction and attention to detail, the ESP LTD Viper 256P is a testament to quality and performance, perfect for musicians who demand more from their instrument without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- All-mahogany body and neck for rich, warm tones
- Iconic Viper body style with comfortable offset waist and double-cutaway design
- ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers for versatile rock and metal tones
- TOM bridge for enhanced stability and string response
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard for style and articulation
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | Viper-256 P |
| Finish | Black, See Thru Black Cherry |
| Year | 2012 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Red |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| 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" |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of music is the ESP LTD Viper 256P best suited for?
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The ESP LTD Viper 256P, with its mahogany body and HH pickup configuration, is well-suited for rock and metal genres, providing a warm, powerful tone with excellent sustain.
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How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD Viper 256P affect playability?
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The set-neck construction and mahogany neck of the ESP LTD Viper 256P offer a smooth playing experience, making it comfortable for fast playing styles and extended sessions.
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Does the ESP LTD Viper 256P have a versatile tone range?
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Yes, the HH pickup configuration allows for a versatile tone range, making the Viper 256P capable of handling both clean tones and high-gain settings effectively.
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Is the ESP LTD Viper 256P suitable for beginners?
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While it is designed with features that appeal to more experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a quality instrument.
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What is the scale length of the ESP LTD Viper 256P, and how does it impact playability?
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The ESP LTD Viper 256P has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly shorter reach and lower string tension, making it easier to play for guitarists with smaller hands or those who prefer a more relaxed feel.
Videos
scugnizzzo1st
ESP LTD Viper 256P STBC with Standard Humbucker Mod
Reviews
PROS
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Perfect for heavy metal and doom metal genres
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Nice tone with a comfortable weight for extended play
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Visually striking, described as looking like a "beast"
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Great for intermediate players with 1-3 years of experience
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Holds tuning well, comparable to Gibson or Epiphone SG
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Includes coil tapping for versatile sound options
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Beautiful color and overall aesthetic appeal
CONS
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Requires fret leveling to avoid fret buzz at low action settings
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Lacks active pickups, might not suit all players' preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Viper 256P.
Build quality
User experience
Comparisons
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The ESP LTD Viper 256P is often compared favorably to Epiphone models, which some users find lack the same build quality and feel toy-like in comparison.
Source
Value and pricing
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While the Viper 256P is available at a lower price point, some users recommend considering higher series like the LTD 400 for better long-term value and potential resale.
Source
Use cases and applications
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This guitar is particularly recommended for bluesy rock styles, aligning well with sounds reminiscent of early Aerosmith and AC/DC.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP LTD Viper 256P, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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