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Average Price: $812

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The EC Arctic Metal is not just another electric guitar—it's a metal masterpiece crafted for musicians who demand exceptional tone and performance. This solid body electric guitar boasts a robust mahogany construction, a choice tonewood prized for its deep, resonant sound that amplifies the power of any metal riff. Its single EMG 81TW bridge pickup delivers both single-coil and dual-coil capabilities, providing a versatile sonic palette that's perfect for every gig or studio session.

Designed with the iconic ESP Eclipse body style, the EC Arctic Metal offers unparalleled sustain and playability. Its extra-thin "U" shaped neck, made from three pieces of mahogany, ensures maximum comfort and speed, making it ideal for shredding solos and intricate fingerwork. The Macassar ebony fingerboard, adorned with 24 stainless steel extra-jumbo frets, further enhances playability, allowing for effortless chording and seamless transitions across the fretboard.

Engineered with precision, the Tonepros Locking TOM and tailpiece bridge ensure rock-solid tuning stability, even during the most intense performances. The absence of fret inlays, coupled with glow-in-the-dark side markers, gives this guitar a sleek and modern aesthetic, ready to take the stage in any lighting condition.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for deep, resonant tones
  • 3-piece mahogany neck with an extra-thin "U" profile for comfort
  • Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 stainless steel extra-jumbo frets
  • Single EMG 81TW bridge pickup with single-coil and dual-coil options
  • Tonepros Locking TOM and tailpiece bridge for stable tuning
  • ESP Eclipse body style for epic sustain and comfortable hand positioning

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EC Arctic Metal
Finish Snow White Satin
Year 2021 - 2025
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 13.78"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal have?

The ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal features a Thin U neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for shredding and intricate lead work.

What kind of pickup is installed in the ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal?

The guitar is equipped with a single EMG humbucking pickup, known for delivering high output and clarity, making it suitable for aggressive styles like metal and hard rock.

How many frets does the ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal have, and what are their characteristics?

This guitar has 24 extra-jumbo frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and easier bends, which is perfect for technical playing styles.

Is the ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal suitable for heavy music genres?

Yes, with its mahogany body, EMG pickup, and extra-jumbo frets, the ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal is tailored for heavy music genres, offering powerful tones and excellent sustain.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal, and how does it affect playability?

The guitar has a 24.75" scale length, which typically provides a warmer tone and makes it easier to perform bends, especially beneficial for lead guitarists.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD EC Arctic Metal Demo by Luis Kalil

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD EC Arctic Metal Demo by Luis Kalil by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD EC Arctic Metal Demo by Luis Kalil

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for LTD EC Arctic Metal by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

LTD EC Arctic Metal

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for Don't eat the yellow snow! LTD EC Arctic Metal by George V Guitars

Don't eat the yellow snow! LTD EC Arctic Metal

George V Guitars

George V Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal | Snow White Satin by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal | Snow White Satin

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal SWS | Guitar Center PL by TVGuitarCenter

ESP LTD EC Arctic Metal SWS | Guitar Center PL

TVGuitarCenter

TVGuitarCenter

Video thumbnail for ESP / LTD EC Arctic Metal (It's not a frozen Les Paul) by MooreMusicGuitars

ESP / LTD EC Arctic Metal (It's not a frozen Les Paul)

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for LTD/ESP ARCTIC METAL - Review & Demo by Steve Ricardo

LTD/ESP ARCTIC METAL - Review & Demo

Steve Ricardo

Steve Ricardo

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Arctic Metal guitars can yellow quickly, especially if exposed to sunlight, leading to a vintage yellow appearance that contrasts with still-white humbuckers.

    Source
  • The satin neck finish is praised for its smooth feel and fast playability, particularly beneficial for players with sweaty hands during live performances.

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User experience

  • Owners note the Arctic Metal series as a sturdy workhorse with great sound, making it a reliable choice for live performances despite cosmetic changes.

    Source
  • One owner replaced white EMG pickups and surrounds with black for aesthetic reasons, noting it significantly improved the guitar's look.

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  • After switching from gloss to satin necks, users report significant improvements in comfort and speed, particularly under high-performance conditions.

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Comparisons

  • The Arctic Metal's performance was compared favorably to Indonesian-built models, with fretwork nearly matching that of high-end Strandberg and MIJ Strat guitars.

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  • The EC-401 is viewed as more versatile due to its dual pickups, making it suitable for a wider range of genres beyond metal.

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  • The EC-1000, though slightly more expensive than the EC-401, offers a variety of pickup options including EMG, Seymour Duncan, and Fishman, enhancing tonal versatility.

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  • Compared to traditional Les Pauls, the Arctic Metal offers better fret access and 24 frets, appealing to those seeking a modern single-cut design.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite yellowing, a user compared the Arctic Metal favorably to the Black Metal series, which is prone to fingerprints and glossiness over time.

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Features and functionality

  • The EC-401 is equipped with Grover tuners and a regular TOM bridge, contrasting the EC-1000's LTD locking tuners and Tonepros Locking TOM bridge.

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  • Users highlight the Arctic Metal Arrow's kill switch and coil tap as valuable features that enhance functionality and justify its price.

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Value and pricing

  • The EC-401 is priced at 840€, compared to the Arctic Metal at 780€, making it a slightly more expensive yet potentially more versatile choice.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest sanding gloss necks to achieve a satin finish, emphasizing its impact on playability and ease of execution.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP unleashes a blizzard of new LTD models with the Arctic Metal Series | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

ESP's EC Arctic Metal delivers a striking design and solid performance, boasting a sleek Snow White Satin finish and powerful EMG 81TW pickups. The single-pickup layout appeals to minimalists, while features like stainless steel frets and glow-in-the-dark side markers enhance playability. However, the lack of versatility in tonal options might disappoint players seeking a broader range of sounds. Overall, it's an attractive choice for metal guitarists who prioritize aesthetic and straightforward functionality, though some may find it limiting for diverse musical styles.

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