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Average Price: $512

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$400

$1001+

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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

What type of music is the ESP LTD Viper 256P best suited for?

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.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD Viper 256P affect playability?

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.

Does the ESP LTD Viper 256P have a versatile tone range?

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.

Is the ESP LTD Viper 256P suitable for beginners?

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.

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

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.

scugnizzzo1st

scugnizzzo1st

ESP LTD Viper 256P STBC with Standard Humbucker Mod

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Viper 256P STBC with Standard Humbucker Mod by scugnizzzo1st

ESP LTD Viper 256P STBC with Standard Humbucker Mod

scugnizzzo1st

scugnizzzo1st

Video thumbnail for LTD Viper 256P by Muzyczny_pl

LTD Viper 256P

Muzyczny_pl

Muzyczny_pl

Video thumbnail for LTD Viper 256-P - Phil Uhlik Music Demo by Uhlik Music

LTD Viper 256-P - Phil Uhlik Music Demo

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect for heavy metal and doom metal genres

  • Nice tone with a comfortable weight for extended play

  • Visually striking, described as looking like a "beast"

  • Great for intermediate players with 1-3 years of experience

  • Holds tuning well, comparable to Gibson or Epiphone SG

  • Includes coil tapping for versatile sound options

  • Beautiful color and overall aesthetic appeal

CONS

  • Requires fret leveling to avoid fret buzz at low action settings

  • 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

  • The ESP LTD Viper 256P is praised for its neck, which is noted for being exceptionally smooth and easy to play, distinguishing it from competitors.

    Source
  • The stock pickguard is noted as a distinctive feature of the ESP LTD Viper 256P, which some owners were previously unaware of.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners frequently highlight the distinct midrange growl of the stock pickups, which is said to be unique compared to other guitars.

    Source
  • Some owners find the neck dive to be more pronounced than on Gibson models, requiring creative solutions to improve playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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

  • 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

  • This guitar is particularly recommended for bluesy rock styles, aligning well with sounds reminiscent of early Aerosmith and AC/DC.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's suggested to counteract neck dive by inserting wheel weights or a 9v battery into the wiring cavity, providing a practical solution for balance issues.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD Viper 256P | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The ESP LTD Viper 256P channels heavy metal roots with a solid mahogany body and a fast neck, making it an ideal choice for riff-hungry guitarists. Its stack-humbucker pickups deliver powerful tones, excelling in distorted settings. However, the weight and tendency to neck-dive may deter some players. Overall, it’s a versatile rock machine that offers great value for its price, perfect for anyone looking to unleash their inner metalhead.

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Artist usage

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See how Lars Frederiksen uses ESP LTD Viper 256P

Lars Frederiksen

Guitarist

Rancid

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Lars can be seen playing a esp viper 256

See how Song Seung Hyun uses ESP LTD Viper 256P

Song Seung Hyun

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for FTISLAND's "Hello Hello," released on May 24, 2011, Song Seung Hyun is seen using an ESP LTD Viper 256P at the 1:53 mark.

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 ESP LTD Viper 256P, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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