Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The ESP Standard Viper is a beastly concoction of craftsmanship and raw power, ready to electrify any stage. Crafted with a mahogany body and set neck, this guitar offers a familiar feel and the kind of sustain that resonates deep. It's not just about the looks; it's about the performance, driven by the ferocious EMG-81/85 active humbuckers, ensuring your sound cuts through with precision and bite.

The Viper doesn't stop at sound alone; it boasts an ebony fretboard adorned with 24 extra-jumbo frets, inviting you to explore every nuance of your musical expression. The Gotoh Tune-o-matic-style bridge with stop tailpiece ensures stability, while the Gotoh Magnum locking tuners promise you stay perfectly in tune, even during your most intense performances. Adding a touch of elegance, the white binding on the neck and headstock contrasts beautifully with the sleek black hardware, making this guitar as visually captivating as it is sonically potent.

Professional musicians will appreciate the straightforward controls: a single volume knob, tone control, and a 3-way pickup selector, providing everything you need right at your fingertips. Whether you're riffing in a dimly lit club or shredding under the spotlight, the ESP Standard Viper is your trusted ally.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and set neck for enhanced sustain
  • EMG-81/85 active humbuckers for powerful sound
  • Ebony fretboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
  • Gotoh Tune-o-matic-style bridge with stop tailpiece
  • Gotoh Magnum locking tuners
  • White binding on neck and headstock
  • Volume, tone, and 3-way pickup selector

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model Standard Viper
Year 1997 - 1999
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Purple, Red, Silver, White
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the ESP Standard Viper feature?

The ESP Standard Viper is equipped with EMG-81 and EMG-85 active humbucker pickups, providing powerful, high-output tones ideal for rock and metal genres.

How does the neck profile of the ESP Standard Viper affect playability?

The ESP Standard Viper features a set-thru mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and 24 extra-jumbo frets, offering smooth playability and easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for fast playing styles.

Is the ESP Standard Viper suitable for live performances?

Yes, the ESP Standard Viper is well-suited for live performances due to its durable build, stable tuning provided by Gotoh Magnum locking tuners, and powerful EMG pickups that deliver consistent, high-quality sound on stage.

What is the body material of the ESP Standard Viper?

The ESP Standard Viper features a solid mahogany body, which contributes to its warm, resonant tone and sustain.

Does the ESP Standard Viper come with a tremolo system?

No, the ESP Standard Viper uses a Gotoh Tune-o-matic-style bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, providing stable tuning without a tremolo system.

GAK

GAK

ESP - Standard Series Viper Demo at GAK!

Video thumbnail for ESP - Standard Series Viper Demo at GAK! by GAK

ESP - Standard Series Viper Demo at GAK!

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for ESP Standard Series Viper Review by Cameron Johnson

ESP Standard Series Viper Review

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

Video thumbnail for ESP VIPER STANDARD TEST (Julio Castro) by limafrontier

ESP VIPER STANDARD TEST (Julio Castro)

limafrontier

limafrontier

Video thumbnail for ESP STANDARD SERIES VIPER URBAN CAMO GUITAR UP CLOSE REVIEW EMG PICKUPS GOTOH BRIDGE TUNERS by Essex Recording Studios

ESP STANDARD SERIES VIPER URBAN CAMO GUITAR UP CLOSE REVIEW EMG PICKUPS GOTOH BRIDGE TUNERS

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for ESP Standard Series Viper - SOLD by Shreyas Skandan

ESP Standard Series Viper - SOLD

Shreyas Skandan

Shreyas Skandan

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The 2008 ESP Viper Standard features a mahogany body and set-neck with a Thin 'U' profile, providing a comfortable playing experience.

    Source
  • ESP Viper's ebony fretboard is preferred over the rosewood found in lower series, offering a richer playing feel.

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  • The ESP Viper boasts a more consistent and glossy black paint job that outlasts the finish on many Ibanez guitars, which may flake over time.

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  • The neck is described as both beefy and remarkably fast, combining heft with playability for a unique feel.

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Features and functionality

  • Equipped with EMG 85 neck and EMG 81 bridge pickups, the guitar uses a 3-way toggle switch to select between pickups, without a push/pull knob.

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  • The Viper is noted for being heavier than a Gibson SG, which may affect comfort during extended play sessions.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The Viper Standard comes with ESP Locking Tuners and a Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and intonation.

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  • A Fender WeighLess stretchy strap is recommended to counteract the slight neck dive issue present in some Viper models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested that a push-pull knob might be added for coil splitting, although this is not a standard feature on this model.

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  • Users with experience suggest swapping the stock bridge pickup for a Seymour Duncan JB for a mellower tone, particularly for doom metal.

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Comparisons

  • Some users express a desire for more variety in pickups, like Seymour Duncan models, as the Viper rarely comes with them.

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  • ESP Viper's construction quality is likened to the Ibanez S5470 Prestige, known for its meticulous build.

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  • Owners highlight that Japanese-made E-II Vipers offer superior quality control compared to the LTD models, aligning with experiences from other brands like Ibanez and Jackson.

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User experience

  • Users appreciate the Viper's sustain, which is surprisingly robust for a guitar often used in high-gain settings.

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  • A 2017 Viper 400 owner praises its build quality, comparing it favorably to the SN-1000, with both offering high comfort levels while sitting.

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Use cases and applications

  • Considered a strong candidate for a "deserted island" guitar due to its versatility, despite its focus on high-gain styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Viper Standard Review | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP Standard Viper is a rock-solid contender for metal enthusiasts and more. Its robust build belies its lightweight feel, excelling in metal genres with its versatile performance across blues and classic rock. While it's likened to the Gibson/Epiphone SG in shape, its unique slant and thickness set it apart. However, brand-new buyers outside the US might feel the pinch of its high price. Overall, it’s a superb choice for those who value quality and versatility, though it comes with a premium tag.

positive

Viper Standard Review: I've been playing for 22 years and have owned BC Rich... | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP Standard Viper is a metalhead's dream, boasting active EMG pickups that deliver a versatile tone fit for any genre from jazz to metal. Its reliability is unmatched, handling sweaty gigs and frequent use without a hitch. The satin camo finish is a visual and tactile delight, while its sturdy construction instills confidence. However, the included hard case could be sturdier. Overall, this guitar is a powerhouse of performance and style, with only minor quibbles regarding its accessories.

positive

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Artist usage

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See how MIsaKI uses ESP Standard Viper

MIsaKI

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Red

MIsaKI is confirmed to use the ESP Standard Viper guitar, as evidenced by a photo on their Instagram account, where the guitar is visible. The post, authored by mem_misaki, features a caption that reflects on pursuing the best year of their life, accompanied by an image of the guitar.

Genre Usage

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