Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (16)
$699.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$999.00
Amazon
4.5 (34)
$699.00 New
$557.50 Used (Very Good)
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$699.00 New
$665.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$999.00
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$999.00
Thomann
4.9 (28)
$1,075.00
Gear4Music
£939.00

Average Price: $854

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "LTD EC Black Metal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The ESP LTD EC-BKM Black Metal is a striking blend of style and performance, crafted for musicians who crave an instrument that complements their dark, intense sound. Its Eclipse body style not only offers a classic silhouette but also enhances sustain and resonance, thanks to its solid mahogany construction. This guitar's stealthy appearance is amplified by the satin finish, black components, and hardware, exuding a presence as bold as the music it creates.

The heart of the EC-BKM Black Metal is the Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter humbucker, designed to deliver crushing distortion and aggressive saturation perfect for extreme metal genres. This pickup is mounted directly to the body, enhancing its resonance and presence. The guitar features a set-thru construction, ensuring smooth access to all 24 extra-jumbo frets on the Macassar ebony fretboard, which is both fast and smooth under the fingers.

With a 3-piece mahogany neck shaped in a Thin-U profile, the EC-BKM offers a comfortable playing experience for shredding solos or chugging riffs. The TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece ensure tuning stability and precise intonation, while the glow-in-the-dark side markers provide visual guidance in low-light settings. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a statement piece for the modern metal guitarist.

Key Features:

  • Eclipse body style with solid mahogany construction
  • Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter humbucker
  • 3-piece mahogany neck with Macassar ebony fretboard
  • Set-thru construction for easy fret access
  • TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
  • Glow-in-the-dark side markers and black hardware
  • LTD locking tuners for stable tuning

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Eclipse
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Satin Polyurethane
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 13.77"
Fingerboard Inlay Glow-in-the-dark side markers only
Number of Frets 24, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners LTD Locking
Bridge Pickup Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume
Strings D'Addario, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the ESP LTD EC-BKM Black Metal best suited for?

The ESP LTD EC-BKM Black Metal is designed for metal genres, offering a dark and aggressive tone ideal for heavy music styles.

What kind of pickups does the ESP LTD EC-BKM Black Metal use?

This guitar features a Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter humbucker, known for its high output and clarity, making it perfect for metal and heavy rock.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-BKM Black Metal affect playability?

The Thin U neck profile provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, suitable for intricate riffs and solos common in metal music.

Does the ESP LTD EC-BKM Black Metal have any inlays on the fingerboard?

The guitar has no fingerboard inlays, but it features glow-in-the-dark side markers for easy visibility on stage.

Is the ESP LTD EC-BKM Black Metal suitable for live performances?

Yes, its solid mahogany body, locking tuners, and high-output pickup make it reliable and powerful for live metal performances.

Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

Official LTD EC-BLACK METAL Demonstration

Video thumbnail for Official LTD EC-BLACK METAL Demonstration by Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

Official LTD EC-BLACK METAL Demonstration

Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

Video thumbnail for 2017 ESP LTD EC-Black Metal by Zombie Thirteen

2017 ESP LTD EC-Black Metal

Zombie Thirteen

Zombie Thirteen

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-Black Metal by Metalhead Productions

ESP LTD EC-Black Metal

Metalhead Productions

Metalhead Productions

Video thumbnail for Don't Buy LTD EC Black Metal by Grays Guitars

Don't Buy LTD EC Black Metal

Grays Guitars

Grays Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC Black Metal - test by Krzysztof Królikowski

ESP LTD EC Black Metal - test

Krzysztof Królikowski

Krzysztof Królikowski

Video thumbnail for The ESP/LTD EC Black Metal+ The V401FM by Red Dragon

The ESP/LTD EC Black Metal+ The V401FM

Red Dragon

Red Dragon

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship defies expectations for its price range

  • Black Winter pickup delivers powerful, clear, and aggressive tones

  • Comfortable neck shape enhances playability for fast, precise playing

  • Single pickup design offers surprising tonal versatility

  • Locking tuners provide stable tuning and easy string changes

  • Glow-in-the-dark fret markers are practical and unique

  • Lightweight yet maintains a substantial tonal body

  • Perfectly set up out of the box; minimal adjustments needed

  • Simple controls allow quick, on-the-fly sound adjustments

  • Excellent balance and comfort, even for extended playing sessions

CONS

  • Occasional paint job issues reported, affecting finish quality

  • Some experience fret buzz, particularly on the low E string

  • Macassar ebony fretboard not as dark as traditional ebony

  • Lack of tone control limits sound customization for some players

  • Single pickup may not suit players needing diverse tonal options

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The ESP LTD EC-BKM comes stock with a Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickup, known for its aggressive tone ideal for metal genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar's clean aesthetic is enhanced by a sleek finish that owners find visually striking but potentially prone to scratches.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EC-401 offers a more versatile setup with two pickups and full knob controls compared to the BKM's single pickup configuration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EC-BKM is noted as part of the EC-1000 series, offering a distinct, darker aesthetic specifically designed for black metal enthusiasts.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's suggested to consider the EC-1000, slightly pricier than the EC-401, due to its additional features like locking tuners, which enhance performance and value without further upgrades.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users express a preference for EMG 81 pickups over the Black Winter, citing the EMG 81's classic and versatile tone as more appealing for broader musical applications.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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4 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Teloch uses LTD EC Black Metal

Teloch

Guitarist

Mayhem

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

In the last photo he can be seen with the new LTD EC-BKM Black Metal Model.

See how Piotr "E.V.T." Dziemski uses LTD EC Black Metal

Piotr "E.V.T." Dziemski

Guitarist

Mgla

...
Verified via Kvlt

It's easy to spot on few photos that he uses black LTD eclipse with one knob, one humbucker, big dark logo on headstock. It is clearly LTD EC-BKM Black Metal which was introduced the same year of this concert.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use LTD EC Black Metal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Marshall AVT 150H
Marshall AVT 150H Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
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1
ESP LTD EC-401
ESP LTD EC-401 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Blackstar HTV-412 Speaker Cabinet
Blackstar HTV-412 Speaker Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Bugera 6262 Infinium
Bugera 6262 Infinium Guitar Amplifier Heads
1

Community setups

Show yours
D

darren_waters

Gear IQ 91

devan_arya

devan_arya

Gear IQ 133

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