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Average Price: $3,937

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The ESP USA Viper is a bold reinvention of the classic double-cutaway electric guitar, combining tradition with innovation for the modern musician. Lovingly crafted in ESP's North Hollywood workshop, this guitar is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and performance. Its quilt-maple-topped mahogany body not only delivers striking visual appeal but also enriches your sound with full-spectrum warmth and rich harmonics. The set-through construction ensures seamless resonance between the body and the 3-piece mahogany neck, offering unparalleled stability and sustain.

Equipped with Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special humbuckers, this guitar channels the spirit of 1970s rock while providing the flexibility needed for today's genres. These Alnico IV pickups capture the essence of vintage tones with modern articulation, making it a versatile choice for any stage or studio setting. The Thin U-shaped neck profile and 12-inch radius ebony fretboard are designed for speed and precision, accommodating a range of playing styles with ease.

From the rock-solid Tonepros Locking TOM bridge to the Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad tuners, every component of the ESP USA Viper is engineered for reliable performance. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's an extension of your musical identity, ready to unleash your creativity.

Key Features:

  • Handbuilt in ESP USA’s North Hollywood, California workshop
  • Quilt-maple-topped mahogany body
  • Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special humbuckers for vintage and modern tones
  • Set-through construction for enhanced resonance and sustain
  • 3-piece mahogany neck with graphite reinforcement rods
  • Thin U-shaped neck profile and 12-inch radius ebony fretboard
  • Tonepros Locking TOM bridge and Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad tuners for stability and precision
  • 22 frets with a 24.75-inch scale for versatile playability

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model USA Viper
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP USA Viper's Seymour Duncan Sentient/Pegasus pickups?

The Seymour Duncan Sentient/Pegasus pickups in the ESP USA Viper offer a versatile range of tones, providing a balanced output suitable for both clean and high-gain settings. The Sentient is known for its clarity and warmth, while the Pegasus delivers articulate and dynamic tones, making this guitar ideal for progressive rock and metal genres.

Is the ESP USA Viper suitable for advanced guitar players?

Yes, the ESP USA Viper is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, set-through neck design, and premium components like the Seymour Duncan humbuckers and TonePros bridge. Its playability and tonal versatility make it a great choice for professional performance and recording.

What is the neck profile like on the ESP USA Viper?

The ESP USA Viper features a 24.75" scale, set-through 3-piece mahogany neck with a 12" radius ebony fretboard, providing a comfortable and fast-playing experience. This setup is ideal for players who prefer a smooth and responsive neck for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the ESP USA Viper stay in tune well during performances?

Yes, the ESP USA Viper is equipped with Sperzel locking tuners and a TonePros locking tune-o-matic bridge, both of which contribute to excellent tuning stability during performances. These features ensure that the guitar remains in tune even with aggressive playing styles.

Is the ESP USA Viper's body shape comfortable for long playing sessions?

The double cutaway body shape of the ESP USA Viper is designed for comfort and easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for extended playing sessions. Its ergonomic design helps reduce fatigue, allowing for a more enjoyable playing experience.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

ESP USA Viper Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for ESP USA Viper Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

ESP USA Viper Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Watch Paul Riario test drive the “stunning” high-performance ESP USA Viper electric by Guitar World

Watch Paul Riario test drive the “stunning” high-performance ESP USA Viper electric

Guitar World

Guitar World

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The 2008 ESP Viper Standard typically comes with EMG 81 and 85 pickups, controlled by a 3-way toggle for switching between bridge, bridge & neck, and neck pickups.

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  • It's a misconception that the 2008 model includes a push/pull knob; any presence of such is likely due to aftermarket modifications.

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Build quality

  • The guitar features a mahogany body and set-neck design with a thin 'U' mahogany neck, complemented by a rosewood fretboard and 24 jumbo frets.

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  • Equipped with ESP Locking Tuners and a Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece bridge, ensuring stable tuning and consistent intonation.

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  • The Japanese-made E-II models are highlighted for superior quality control compared to the variable quality of the LTD series.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Although not standard, some owners might retrofit a push-pull knob to accommodate different pickup configurations.

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  • Owners have successfully used Fender Weighless stretchy straps to counteract neck dive in the Viper models.

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User experience

  • Some players express a preference for alternative pickups like Seymour Duncans over the stock EMGs, citing tonal versatility as a consideration.

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  • Owners tend to play their less costly models more frequently, despite acknowledging the superior build of the ESP USA models, due to concerns about damaging the more expensive instrument.

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  • The Viper's neck is described as not too thin nor bulky, providing comfort for both sitting and standing play.

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Comparisons

  • ESP USA models are often seen as superior to Standard Series, with noticeable craftsmanship improvements, although not proportionately reflected in the price difference.

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  • The ESP Original Series is cited as comparable to or slightly better than ESP USA in craftsmanship, with more affordable options available in the UK market.

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  • Some owners compare the LTD Viper to the Gibson SG, suggesting the Viper has a superior design despite being heavier.

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Value and pricing

  • Used ESP USA guitars offer better value, with some owners finding them at 50% of retail price, yet still considering them expensive.

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  • The Viper 400 from mid-2000s and 2017 is praised for its build quality and considered a great buy at around $500.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Viper 400 is noted for its suitability in doom metal, although some users prefer a mellower bridge pickup than the stock JB.

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Critic Reviews

REVIEW: Guitar World's Paul Riario Test Drives the ESP USA Viper - The ESP Guitar Company

espguitars.com

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