Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$599.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (2)
$599.00
Amazon
4.3 (53)
$567.00 Used
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$499.00 New
$485.20 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$599.00
zZounds
1.5 (1)
$599.00
Thomann
4.6 (30)
$481.00
Gear4Music
£544.00

Average Price: $554

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "LTD EC-257". 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

Discover new sonic depths with the ESP LTD EC-257, a 7-string masterpiece crafted for those eager to explore extended range playing without breaking the bank. Designed for both aggressive tones and smooth playability, this guitar's robust mahogany body resonates with warmth and power, delivering a classic yet modern aesthetic. The set-neck construction ensures exceptional sustain, making it a reliable companion for your musical ventures.

Equipped with dual ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers, the EC-257 offers a versatile tonal palette, perfect for a wide array of genres from djent to rock. The three-piece mahogany neck, capped with a roasted jatoba fretboard, provides a comfortable and fluid playing experience, while the 22 extra-jumbo frets make every note accessible and expressive.

Whether you're shredding solos or laying down deep, rhythm-heavy tracks, the EC-257's tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece promise stable tuning and precise intonation. Its sleek design and authoritative sound make it an ideal choice for any guitarist looking to expand their musical horizons.

Key Features:

  • 7-string solid body electric guitar
  • Mahogany body with a set-neck for enhanced sustain
  • 3-piece mahogany neck with roasted jatoba fretboard
  • 22 extra-jumbo frets for comfortable playability
  • Dual ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers
  • Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
  • Satin finish with black hardware
  • 3-way toggle switch, 2 volume, and 1 tone control

Product specs

Model LTD EC-257
Neck Finish Satin
Fret Type Extra Jumbo
Number of Strings 7
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Eclipse
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Satin Polyurethane
Neck Material 3-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 15.74"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Flags
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.889"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners LTD
Neck Pickup ESP LH-150N Humbucker
Bridge Pickup ESP LH-150B Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x tone (push/pull coil-split)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .010-.059
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-257 Black Satin?

The ESP LTD EC-257 features a Thin U neck profile, which offers a comfortable and fast playing experience, suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the ESP LTD EC-257 suitable for metal music?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-257 is well-suited for metal music, thanks to its 7-string configuration and powerful humbucker pickups that provide a heavy, aggressive tone.

Can the ESP LTD EC-257 be used for coil-splitting?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-257 features a push/pull coil-split function on the tone control, allowing you to split the humbuckers for a single-coil sound.

What kind of pickups are installed in the ESP LTD EC-257?

The ESP LTD EC-257 is equipped with ESP LH-150 humbuckers in both the neck and bridge positions, offering a versatile and robust sound.

Does the ESP LTD EC-257 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the ESP LTD EC-257 does not come with a case or gig bag; these accessories are sold separately.

The Bass Pedal Show

The Bass Pedal Show

ESP Ltd EC 257 7 String Guitar Review - Goliath Studios

Video thumbnail for ESP Ltd EC 257 7 String Guitar Review - Goliath Studios by The Bass Pedal Show

ESP Ltd EC 257 7 String Guitar Review - Goliath Studios

The Bass Pedal Show

The Bass Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-257 Review & Demo. bUt  DoEs It DjEnT by Electric Flamingo

ESP LTD EC-257 Review & Demo. bUt DoEs It DjEnT

Electric Flamingo

Electric Flamingo

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-257 ECLIPSE 7 String by Cryptic Mask Guitar

ESP LTD EC-257 ECLIPSE 7 String

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-257 Review | Bax Music by Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

ESP LTD EC-257 Review | Bax Music

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Video thumbnail for 🎸 ESP LTD 7 STRING GUITAR EC 257 GUITAR REVIEW by Nappy Soldier NeuroFunk Drum&Bass Music Producer

🎸 ESP LTD 7 STRING GUITAR EC 257 GUITAR REVIEW

Nappy Soldier NeuroFunk Drum&Bass Music Producer

Nappy Soldier NeuroFunk Drum&Bass Music Producer

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-257 Black Satin -SOUND TEST -GUITARROFILIOTECA by GUITARROFILIOTECA

ESP LTD EC-257 Black Satin -SOUND TEST -GUITARROFILIOTECA

GUITARROFILIOTECA

GUITARROFILIOTECA

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-257 7-String Electric Guitar, Black Satin - Overview by Expensive Overviews

ESP LTD EC-257 7-String Electric Guitar, Black Satin - Overview

Expensive Overviews

Expensive Overviews

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone clarity, especially in high gain settings

  • Push/pull pot splits humbuckers into single coils, adding versatility

  • Attractive, flawless matte black finish

  • Excellent balance, no neck dive

  • Jumbo frets enhance playing speed

  • Suitable for diverse genres from metal to disco

  • Stays in tune well, even with intense play

  • Smooth fretboard, no sharp edges

  • Competitive price for a 7-string guitar

  • Good platform for future upgrades

CONS

  • Neck may feel thick for some players

  • Machine heads could be more precise

  • Pickup selector can obstruct playing during tapping

  • Some quality control issues, like minor finish imperfections

  • Stock pickups might not satisfy all preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD EC-257.

Build quality

  • The ESP LTD EC-257's neck finish and fretwork are superior to similarly priced Ibanez models, enhancing playability and comfort.

    Source
  • The satin black finish on the EC-257 ages well, polishing to a sheen in high-contact areas over time.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Ibanez guitars below $300 often have poor fretwork, while their quality improves significantly in the $600+ range, making the LTD EC-257 a better choice at its price point.

    Source
  • Agile guitars are suggested as a better alternative in the lower price range due to their direct sales model, offering more value than entry-level Ibanez models.

    Source
  • Nitro finishes, typically found on higher-end models, are harder to apply than poly and unlikely at this price point.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The ESP LTD EC-257 offers nearly ESP-level quality without the high price, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable mid-range seven-string guitar.

    Source

User experience

  • Users recommend testing guitars in person due to variability in quality, even among models from the same brand and price range.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest upgrading the pickups and tuners for improved tone and tuning stability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The thick poly finish is durable but lacks the aging characteristics of nitro finishes, making it less suitable for natural wear.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
neztlac

Bonne entrée de gamme 7 cordes

Pourrait avoir un meilleur nut, meilleurs micros et meilleurs tuners mais sinon marche très bien

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steinar Sverd Johnsen uses LTD EC-257

Steinar Sverd Johnsen

Keyboardist

Arcturus

...
Verified via Photo

In this screen capture of a live Mortem performance in 2023, Steinar can be seen playing a LTD EC-257 7 string.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyrtBqJxWXQ

See how KXVI uses LTD EC-257

KXVI

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "PLATINUM Producer Studio Tour" by KXVI, an ESP LTD EC-257 7-string electric guitar is visible in KXVI's studio at the 0:03 mark, and he discusses it further at 9:04.

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 LTD EC-257, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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