Pricing and availability
Average Price: $1,045
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The ESP LTD M-1000 KOA is a striking blend of craftsmanship and performance, designed to captivate both your eyes and ears. Its koa-topped mahogany body not only ensures a stunning visual appeal but also delivers a warmth and resonance that players crave. Whether you're shredding on stage or riffing in the studio, the Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates bridge pickup provides vintage tones with a higher output and a distinctive midrange sizzle. Transition smoothly to the Seymour Duncan Jazz neck pickup for tight bass and exceptional articulation, making it perfect for complex chord work and intricate solos.
The M-1000 KOA's construction is geared towards the modern guitarist, featuring a Neck Thru design that enhances sustain and durability. The Extra Thin Flat maple neck, complemented by an ebony fingerboard, offers a seamless playing experience, allowing you to explore new techniques with ease. Meanwhile, the Hipshot bridge with string-thru design further amplifies sustain, ensuring your notes linger just a little longer.
Crafted with the modern musician in mind, the ESP LTD M-1000 KOA is not just a guitar; it’s a statement piece that's ready to rock any stage or studio session. Its combination of exotic wood and sleek black nickel hardware makes it as much a pleasure to look at as it is to play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring shredder, this guitar promises to deliver.
Key Features:
- Koa-topped mahogany body for warmth and resonance
- Neck Thru construction for enhanced sustain and durability
- Extra Thin Flat maple neck with an ebony fingerboard
- Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates bridge pickup for vintage tone with extra midrange
- Seymour Duncan Jazz neck pickup for tight bass and superb articulation
- Hipshot bridge with string-thru design for increased sustain
- Exotic wood top with sleek black nickel hardware
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | M-1000 HT Koa |
| Finish | Natural Gloss |
| Year | 2017 - 2019 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Brown, Natural |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Through |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the body of the ESP LTD M-1000 KOA, and how does it affect the sound?
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The ESP LTD M-1000 KOA features a mahogany body with a koa top. Mahogany provides a warm, resonant tone with good sustain, while the koa top adds a bright, articulate quality, making it versatile for various music styles.
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What is the neck construction of the ESP LTD M-1000 KOA, and what benefits does it offer?
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The ESP LTD M-1000 KOA has a neck-through construction, which enhances sustain and stability. This design allows for easier access to higher frets, making it ideal for lead guitarists who require smooth playability across the fretboard.
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What kind of pickups does the ESP LTD M-1000 KOA have, and what tones can I expect?
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The guitar features a humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a powerful, high-output sound ideal for rock and metal. Expect a full, rich tone with excellent clarity and definition, suitable for both clean and distorted settings.
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Is the ESP LTD M-1000 KOA suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the ESP LTD M-1000 KOA is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality materials, neck-through construction, and versatile pickup configuration, offering a wide range of tones and exceptional playability.
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What type of bridge does the ESP LTD M-1000 KOA have, and how does it affect tuning stability?
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The ESP LTD M-1000 KOA features a string-through bridge, which enhances sustain and provides excellent tuning stability. This design also offers a comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for various playing styles.
Videos
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SNAMM '15 - ESP Guitars LTD SN-1000W TSB-F, EC-1000 Koa, M-1000 Koa, & H-1007 B Demos
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD M-1000 KOA.
Setup and maintenance
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Players report the gloss poly finish on the neck can become sticky over time with regular play, potentially requiring de-glossing for smoother action.
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Owners often replace the plastic nut with a bone or Graph Tech compensated nut for improved performance, particularly when using thicker strings like 11-49s.
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A user reported difficulty intonating the G string, suggesting that filing the nut might be necessary for optimization.
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Features and functionality
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The ESP LTD M-1000 is equipped with a Floyd Rose 1000SE bridge, which maintains tuning stability even after extensive use.
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The M-1000 HT features a neck-through design with an extra thin neck profile, which some players find offers a comfortable playing experience for fast metal riffs.
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Mods and upgrades
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One owner swapped the EMG 81 neck pickup for an EMG 85, indicating a preference for a slightly warmer tone.
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Several users consider swapping the default Fishman Moderns for Seymour Duncan Custom V pickups for a different tonal character.
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Some owners have replaced the Fishman pickups with a Seymour Duncan Nazgûl/Sentient set, which they report enhances the guitar's tone for heavier music styles.
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User experience
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Owners note the guitar's resilience in shipping; however, it is recommended to use a hard case for protection.
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The M-1000HT is reportedly heavier than expected, weighing in around 8 lbs 3 oz, which is bulkier than similar models like the MH-1000.
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One owner, who frequently uses drop-B tuning, appreciates the guitar's capability for low tunings, although they encountered intonation issues with the G string.
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Value and pricing
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The guitar can lose significant value in the second-hand market, with prices dropping from $1300 new to as low as $500 used.
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Build quality
Comparisons
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The sustain on the hardtail M-1000HT is noted to be better than its Floyd Rose-equipped counterparts, contributing to its preference for lead play.
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The Josh Middleton signature model uses a bolt-on neck, which he claims provides better snap on pick attack, contrasting with the neck-through design of the M-1000 HT.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.