Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (42)
$1,099.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (88)
$1,099.00
Amazon
4.4 (120)
$1,099.00 New
$938.00 Used (Very Good)
Reverb
5.0 (102)
$158.45 New
$630.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (397)
$1,099.00
zZounds
5.0 (67)
$1,099.00
Thomann
4.7 (173)
$1,148.00 $1,145.00 $3.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,064.00

Average Price: $929

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "LTD EC-1000 EMG VB". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 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

In the world of electric guitars, the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB stands out as a harmonious blend of affordability and exceptional craftsmanship. Designed for the passionate musician who demands both performance and style, this guitar delivers a powerful sonic experience. Featuring a set-neck construction, it provides robust sustain and smooth playability, making it the perfect companion for both studio sessions and live performances. Its EMG 60/81 active pickups are known for their high-output power, delivering an aggressive sound that's ideal for heavy music genres.

Crafted with a mahogany body and a choice between rosewood or ebony fretboards, the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB ensures a warm, resonant tone with every strum. The sleek design and ergonomic contours make it comfortable to play for extended periods, while the high-quality hardware ensures durability and reliable performance night after night. Whether you're ripping through fast solos or laying down chunky riffs, this guitar is equipped to handle it all with style and precision.

For musicians who demand versatility, the EC-1000 offers a wide tonal range, making it suitable for various music styles. Its elegant aesthetic, combined with exceptional sound quality, makes it a standout choice for guitarists looking to elevate their performance.

Key Features:

  • Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Mahogany body with choice of rosewood or ebony fretboard
  • EMG 60/81 active pickups for powerful, aggressive sound
  • High-quality hardware for durability and reliability
  • Versatile tonal range suitable for multiple music genres

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EC-1000
Finish Amber Sunburst, Black, Black Natural Burst, Blue Natural Fade Burl, Dark Brown Sunburst, Gold Andromeda, Metallic Gold, Metallic Gold Sunburst, See Thru Black Cherry, See Thru Blue, See Thru Green, See Thru Purple, See Thru Purple Sunburst, Silver Sparkle, Silver Sunburst, Snow White, Vintage Black, Vintage Honey Burst, Violet Andromeda, Violet Shadow, Volcano Red, Woodland Camo Satin
Year 2002 - 2025
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Fade, Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony, Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12", 13.78"
Neck Construction Set-Neck, Set-Through
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body, Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed, Opaque, Quilted

FAQs

What type of pickups does the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB have?

The LTD EC-1000 EMG VB is equipped with EMG 81/60 active pickups, which are known for delivering high output and clarity, making them ideal for metal and hard rock genres.

Is the neck of the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB suitable for fast playing?

Yes, the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB features a Thin U neck contour, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, particularly suited for lead guitarists and shredders.

What is the body material of the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB?

The body of the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB is made from mahogany, which offers a warm tone with good sustain, complementing the guitar's high-output pickups.

Does the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB have locking tuners?

Yes, the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB is equipped with ESP locking tuners, ensuring stable tuning and quick string changes.

What is the scale length of the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB?

The LTD EC-1000 EMG VB has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is typical for single-cutaway guitars and contributes to its playability and tone.

How many frets does the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB have?

The LTD EC-1000 EMG VB features 24 extra jumbo frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing styles.

Is the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB suitable for live performances?

Yes, the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB is well-suited for live performances due to its durable construction, high-output EMG pickups, and reliable tuning stability provided by the locking tuners.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

ESP LTD EC 1000 Vintage Black with EMG's - Sam Bell @ PMT

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC 1000 Vintage Black with EMG's - Sam Bell @ PMT by PMTVUK

ESP LTD EC 1000 Vintage Black with EMG's - Sam Bell @ PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-1000 Deluxe VB - High Gain Fun with EMG 81/60s! by MooreMusicGuitars

ESP LTD EC-1000 Deluxe VB - High Gain Fun with EMG 81/60s!

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-1000 VB Vintage Black Overview by Sam Ash Music

ESP LTD EC-1000 VB Vintage Black Overview

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship with high-quality woods and hardware

  • Original EMG pickups deliver powerful sound

  • Smooth, comfortable neck ideal for various playing styles

  • Stunning finishes, particularly the Violet Andromeda

  • Seamless playability with excellent fit and finish

  • High-end features like locking tuners and stainless steel frets

  • Excellent value for the price point

  • Versatile sound suitable for metal and other genres

CONS

  • Occasional issues with output jack quality

  • Fluence pickups may require a learning curve for optimal use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD EC-1000 EMG VB.

Build quality

  • The heel joint on newer models is more sculpted and smooth compared to older, chunkier models, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • A user reported the Indonesian EC-1000 with Duncans had rough frets and finish flaws, resembling a lower model like the EC-256.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EC-1000 includes stainless steel frets and a satin thin U neck, which improve playability and contribute to a smooth feel.

    Source
  • EMG-equipped models are favored for a "screaming" tone, while Duncans offer more tonal versatility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EC-1000 has Tonepros locking bridge and ESP/LTD branded locking tuners, which are upgrades over the EC-401's non-locking counterparts.

    Source
  • The EC-1000 with Duncan pickups is noted for its Indonesian origin and lower build quality compared to the Korean-made EMG version.

    Source
  • Transitioning from Fender guitars to the EC-1000 may require an adjustment period due to differences in scale length, neck profile, and fretboard radius.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EMG 81/60 pickups are highlighted for delivering stereotypical 2000s metal tones, making them suitable for modern metal music.

    Source
  • EMGs in a mahogany body are praised for versatility, excelling in styles from AC/DC to modern metalcore and death metal.

    Source
  • The EC-1000 is well-suited for drop tunings, such as drop C with 12-60 strings, without any performance issues, making it ideal for metalcore and hardcore styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Left-handed versions of the EC-1000 are available and appreciated, although they are less common and often need to be ordered from specific retailers.

    Source
  • One owner found the Indonesian EC-1000's action too high, suggesting a setup is crucial for optimal playability.

    Source
  • Owners report that the EC-1000 can produce surprisingly rich clean tones on the neck pickup, despite being primarily marketed for metal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping EMG 81/60 pickups for Fishman Fluence Moderns provides clearer tones, favored by some metal players for their versatility and additional voicing options.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used EC-1000 models are often found priced between $500-$700, offering significant savings over new models without compromising quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD EC-1000 Review - The Greatest Metal Guitar

guitaristnextdoor.com

The LTD EC-1000 shines with its killer metal tones and stunning visuals, making it a joy to play, especially for those with smaller hands. Its smooth neck and spot-on action cater to fast players, while its versatility allows for exploration beyond metal. However, the plastic nut feels a bit cheap and upper fret access is limited, which may frustrate some players. Still, for the price, it offers excellent value and a blend of quality and playability that is hard to beat. Perfect for metal enthusiasts looking to dabble in other genres!

positive

ESP LTD EC-1000VB review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The LTD EC-1000 EMG VB delivers exceptional value at £899, featuring a stylish finish and powerful EMG pickups that excel in rock and metal tones. Its vintage black matte finish and gold hardware contribute to an appealing aesthetic. However, it lacks separate tone pots, which some musicians may miss. Overall, this guitar is a fantastic choice for players seeking a versatile and visually striking instrument, though purists might find the absence of certain features a drawback.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Ling uses LTD EC-1000 EMG VB

Jeff Ling

Guitarist

Parkway Drive

...
Verified via YouTube

Jeff was using a LTD EC1000 Deluxe Vintage Black with EMGs in their Boneyards music video as well as some live shows

See how Andrew Whiting uses LTD EC-1000 EMG VB

Andrew Whiting

Guitarist

Attack! Attack!

...
Verified via YouTube

In the BVTV Music video of Attack Attack!'s live performance of "Smokahontas" at Warped Tour 2011, Andrew Whiting is seen playing the LTD EC-1000 EMG VB guitar.

Album Usage

The LTD EC-1000 EMG VB has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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