Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,499.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (6)
$1,499.00
Amazon
$1,499.00 New
$1,285.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$1,499.00 New
$1,349.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (40)
$1,499.00
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$1,499.00
Thomann
$1,499.00
Gear4Music
£1,432.00

Average Price: $1,480

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe". 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

The ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe is an electric guitar that merges compelling aesthetics with ferocious sound capabilities. Designed for musicians who demand both style and substance, this guitar is built with a solid mahogany body and a sleek 3-piece neck that fits comfortably in hand thanks to its thin "U" profile. The Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers are the real stars here, offering a dynamic range of tones. Whether you're setting the stage ablaze with hard rock riffs or delving into the blues, these pickups ensure every note is delivered with precision and power.

For the guitarist who won't compromise on comfort, the Viper 1000's contoured body provides ease during both standing and seated play. The 22-fret Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a silky-smooth experience, perfect for intricate solos or power chords. With a master volume and tone controls alongside a 3-way pickup selector, the tonal versatility is wide-ranging, empowering you to customize your sound effortlessly.

Aesthetic touches like gold hardware, elegantly bound neck and headstock, and banner inlays elevate its visual appeal to match its sonic prowess. The Tonepros Locking TOM and tailpiece, alongside LTD locking tuners, ensure that your tuning remains steadfast through even the most aggressive performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with a contoured Viper style
  • 3-piece mahogany neck with thin "U" profile
  • 22-fret Macassar ebony fingerboard
  • Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers for versatile tone
  • Master Volume and Tone controls with 3-way pickup selector
  • Push-pull Tone knob for additional voicings
  • LTD locking tuners and Tonepros Locking TOM and tailpiece
  • Gold hardware, bound neck/headstock, and banner inlays

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Viper-1000
Body Material Mahogany (wings)
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 3-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set-through
Radius 13.77"
Fingerboard Inlay Banner
Number of Frets 24, Extra-Jumbo, Stainless Steel
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece
Tuners LTD Locking
Neck Pickup Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone (push/push voice select)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario XL110, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe pickups?

The ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe features Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, providing a versatile range of tones from aggressive, high-gain sounds perfect for metal to clear, articulate cleans. The push/push tone control allows for quick voice selection, adding further tonal flexibility.

Is the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe is a high-quality instrument with advanced features, such as stainless steel frets and locking tuners, it may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully utilize its capabilities.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe?

The ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe features a Thin U neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for players who enjoy quick fretboard navigation and shredding.

How does the set-through neck joint affect the playability of the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe?

The set-through neck joint of the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe offers enhanced sustain and easier access to higher frets, making it a great choice for lead guitarists who require smooth playability across the entire neck.

Does the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe come with a case or gig bag?

The ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to ensure protection during transport and storage.

Станислав Гриценко

Станислав Гриценко

LTD by ESP Viper-1000 Deluxe

Video thumbnail for LTD by ESP Viper-1000 Deluxe by Станислав Гриценко

LTD by ESP Viper-1000 Deluxe

Станислав Гриценко

Станислав Гриценко

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe Trans Black EMG Abalone SG Guitar Up Close Video Review by Essex Recording Studios

ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe Trans Black EMG Abalone SG Guitar Up Close Video Review

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for The ESP/LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe in Tiger Eye Sunburst by C. A. House Music

The ESP/LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe in Tiger Eye Sunburst

C. A. House Music

C. A. House Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent neck feel and comfortable for fast playing

  • High-quality attention to detail and craftsmanship

  • Preloaded EMG pickups provide intense attack and dynamic range

  • One-piece mahogany body offers rich, resonant sound

  • Versatile across various music styles from metal to clean tones

  • Lightweight design makes it easy to handle during performances

  • Perfect setup out of the box, no need for immediate adjustments

  • Superior clean tones for a guitar with active pickups

  • Off-set body design provides a unique aesthetic

  • Comparable or superior to some Gibson models in performance

CONS

  • Off-set body may cause neck drop without right-hand support

  • Clean tones may sound synthetic to some users

  • Less common than the EC-1000, might be harder to find

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe.

Setup and maintenance

  • Evertune bridge requires specific string gauge and tuning setup, with separate spring tension sets for light, standard, and heavy tensions.

    Source
  • One owner notes the ESP Standard's strap button placement on the back can be awkward, suggesting relocation to improve comfort during play.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace stock tuners with Schaller M6, though original tulip peg buttons are preferred for aesthetics.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users experience neck dive, but the Evertune bridge's weight may counterbalance this issue in certain models.

    Source
  • Owners with multiple LTD and ESP guitars consistently praise the Viper 1000 for its fun playability and reliable build, adding it confidently to their collections.

    Source
  • The ESP Viper's neck profile is described as "beefy and tight," yet remarkably fast, providing a unique feel appealing to players seeking both substance and speed.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Evertune bridge maintains precise tuning stability across varying conditions, making it ideal for consistent performance, though setup complexity can be challenging.

    Source
  • The Viper 1000's half-pickguard design is a distinguishing feature that appeals to those seeking a unique aesthetic similar to SG-style guitars.

    Source
  • ESP Viper Standard models come stock with USA Sperzel tuners, enhancing tuning stability and performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Viper 1000 is often overlooked compared to the EC models, yet owners find it comparable in playability to high-end guitars like the ESP Eclipse II.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Older Viper Deluxe models are frequently available for much less than EC models, offering great value, especially when purchased second-hand from platforms like Reverb.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Viper is favored by owners who previously played in low tunings like G# but now prefer standard or drop tunings such as Drop C for melodic hardcore.

    Source
  • ESP Viper's sustain is praised for rivaling that of vintage guitars, making it suitable for genres requiring long note holding, like classic rock.

    Source

Build quality

  • The ESP Standard series offers superior fretwork durability, with a 13-year lifespan showing no inconsistencies, even after multiple owners.

    Source
  • The glossy black paint on ESP Standard models is noted for being richer and more consistent than on LTD models, maintaining a high-quality finish over time.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
D

Surprisingly versatile

Received one of these as a gift and have been playing it for over 5 years. Great for turning up the gain, smashing that distortion pedal and ripping up and down the neck. Also has much better clean tones than I would expect for a guitar with active pickups, but these tones can seem ‘synthetic.’ The frets are very nicely spaced, especially higher up on the neck which is what I would expect from a guitar made to shred. The active pickups have an intense attack (as expected), and can produce screaming highs and thundering lows. If you’re looking for something that will provide a good sound for high-gain metal or hard rock, this may be your guitar. It works for lower gain and clean tones as well, but this is not its forte.

dj_ttf

My second fav ESP

Very very very lightweight and great to play. Preloaded EMGs

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Skaff uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Kevin Skaff

Guitarist

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Skaff is seen playing ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe in black colour. This guitar was used for Rock Am Ring performance.

See how Bruce Kulick uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Bruce Kulick

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via YouTube

Bruce Kulick playing a LTD Viper White in a concert in KISS Kruise VII (as seen in video uploaded).

See how Captain Sensible uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Captain Sensible

Guitarist, Bassist

The Damned

...
Verified via Guitarz

"Captain has been playing ESP LTD Viper guitars for the last eight years or so, but I thought his new white ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe equipped with Seymour Duncan Custom-5 pickups and gold hardware sounded great and looked great under the stage lights."

See how Jeff Hickey uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Jeff Hickey

Guitarist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via Dailymotion

The LTD Viper is the first guitar Jeff demos in this video. He has Seymour Duncan pickups in his guitars, not the standard EMGs.

See how Logan Mader uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Logan Mader

Guitarist

Machine Head

...
Verified via Photo

In this post logan can be seen using an ltd viper

See how Pete Koller uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Pete Koller

Guitarist

Sick of It All

...
Verified via Positive Grid

Here he is playing “Black Venom” off the record “When The Smoke Clears” using his BIAS Rack amplifier

See how Grayson Stewart uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Grayson Stewart

Guitarist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via Photo

"And of course, my @espguitars Viper 1000 is still more than doing the job."

M

Mike DeWolf

Guitarist

Taproot

...
Verified via YouTube

As can be seen in the video, Mike is using this guitar to play riffs from the Taproot album THE EPISODES.

See how Glen Thomas uses LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe

Glen Thomas

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Google Docs

Glen Thomas uses the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe, as detailed in the "Grensan Setup/Gear" document on Google Docs.

J

Josh James

Singer, Guitarist

Stick to Your Guns

...
Verified via Photo

Josh James is confirmed to use the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe, as evidenced by a photo he shared on his Instagram account (@joshjamesxxx) on November 28, 2022. In the accompanying caption, James humorously discusses playing in a Ramones cover band and their upcoming performance at a Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles, without specifically mentioning the guitar. However, the photo clearly shows him with the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe, tagging another user (@del.on.earth) and indirectly confirming its use during his performances.

M

Michael Locher

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Michael Locher uses the ESP LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe in See-Thru-Black finish during live performances with Samael, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

Album Usage

The LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use LTD Viper 1000 Deluxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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stv74

stv74

Gear IQ 90

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