Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (20)
$499.00
Guitar Center
4.0 (14)
$499.00
Reverb
5.0 (57)
$484.53 New
$379.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$499.00
zZounds
5.0 (30)
$499.00
Thomann
4.7 (52)
$449.00
Gear4Music
£430.00

Average Price: $473

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "LTD EC-256FM". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The LTD EC-256FM is where classic design meets modern versatility, offering guitarists a blend of timeless style with cutting-edge features. Crafted with a mahogany body and a stunning flamed maple top, this guitar not only looks impressive but delivers a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of musical genres. The set-neck construction enhances sustain, enabling searing solos and resonant chords that linger beautifully.

Equipped with a pair of ESP LH-150 humbucking pickups, the EC-256FM delivers a powerful, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity and punch. The addition of a push-pull tone pot allows for coil-splitting, providing access to bright, glassy single-coil tones for even greater tonal flexibility. This feature makes the EC-256FM a versatile choice for players who need to switch from crunchy rock riffs to clean, articulate melodies with ease.

The playability of the EC-256FM is exceptional, thanks to its 22 extra-jumbo frets and a thin U-shaped mahogany neck, which offers a smooth, fast playing experience. The Jatoba fingerboard and contoured body provide comfort whether you're practicing for hours or performing on stage. With premium components like a Tune-O-Matic bridge and chrome hardware, this guitar ensures reliable performance and tuning stability.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a flamed maple top
  • Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Thin U-shaped mahogany neck with Jatoba fingerboard
  • 22 extra-jumbo frets
  • Dual ESP LH-150 humbucking pickups with push-pull coil-splitting
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge and nickel hardware
  • 24.75" scale length
  • 3-way toggle switch with two volume and one tone control
Agufish

Agufish

An Eclipse on a Budget!! || ESP LTD EC-256FM Demo/Review

Video thumbnail for An Eclipse on a Budget!! || ESP LTD EC-256FM Demo/Review by Agufish

An Eclipse on a Budget!! || ESP LTD EC-256FM Demo/Review

Agufish

Agufish

Video thumbnail for ESP GUITARS UK - OFFICIAL LTD EC-256 FM DEMONSTRATION by Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

ESP GUITARS UK - OFFICIAL LTD EC-256 FM DEMONSTRATION

Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

Jamie Hunt (Guitar)

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC256 FM by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

ESP LTD EC256 FM

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256FM In Deep Review by ToroK

ESP LTD EC-256FM In Deep Review

ToroK

ToroK

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC256 FM by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

ESP LTD EC256 FM

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for ESP/LTD EC-256 FM (for Flame Maple) Wow! by MooreMusicGuitars

ESP/LTD EC-256 FM (for Flame Maple) Wow!

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256FM COBALT BLUE by Steve Ricardo

ESP LTD EC-256FM COBALT BLUE

Steve Ricardo

Steve Ricardo

Video thumbnail for [HermissMusic] Review LTD EC-256FM COBALT by Hermissmusic

[HermissMusic] Review LTD EC-256FM COBALT

Hermissmusic

Hermissmusic

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-256FM | Cobalt Blue by MooreMusicGuitars

ESP LTD EC-256FM | Cobalt Blue

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent playability with smooth neck and fretboard

  • Impressive sustain and tone versatility with coil splitting

  • Beautiful finish with unique wood grain patterns

  • Comparable to high-end models like Gibson LP for a fraction of the cost

  • Quality build with no fret buzz and well-set intonation

  • Versatile sound, suitable for genres from metal to classic rock

  • Great value for money, often praised as best in its price range

  • Comfortable and ergonomic design, ideal for extended playing sessions

  • Easy bridge adjustments for personal setup preferences

  • Consistently praised for fit and finish, even compared to more expensive models

CONS

  • Some users find the stock pickups lack range and may require upgrades

  • Glossy neck finish can feel sticky during fast playing

  • Inconsistent color representation between pictures and actual product

  • Cheap plastic nut and tuners may need replacements for serious players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD EC-256FM.

Build quality

  • The guitar is described as too light for some, impacting perceived quality and tone, leading one owner to switch to a Gibson.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the EC-256 lacks separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, which can be a limitation for some users.

    Source
  • Coil tap feature helps manage high output on cleans, offering more versatility in sound.

    Source
  • The EC-256FM features a set neck with either jatoba or pau ferro fretboard, offering a distinct feel compared to the bolt-on neck of the EC-200DX.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the neck to Ibanez, noting the 42mm nut width makes it feel smaller, unlike the 43mm nut width on Ibanez models.

    Source
  • The EC-256 is often compared to the Epiphone Les Paul, with owners noting superior playability and effortlessness in the LTD model.

    Source
  • Maple top versions are perceived as brighter, whereas all-mahogany models are described as having a darker tone, though some argue this is largely cosmetic.

    Source
  • The EC-200DX has a poplar body and rosewood fretboard, while the EC-256FM uses mahogany for the body, providing a different tonal foundation.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The EC-256 is considered a good platform for upgrades, with emphasis on replacing plastic nuts for better performance.

    Source
  • Swapping stock pickups for a Duncan '59 in the bridge and Jazz in the neck enhances tone significantly, especially for clean and slightly dirty settings.

    Source
  • Grover 406c mini locking tuners can be directly swapped into the EC-256FM without drilling, improving tuning stability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The lighter weight of the EC-256 is preferred by some players who find it more fitting and comfortable compared to heavier models.

    Source

User experience

  • New owners frequently report needing to perform minor adjustments like truss rod tweaks and tightening the pickup selector switch for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Owners find the EC-256FM to be a versatile workhorse, with some preferring it even over higher-end models like the EC-1000.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The EC-256FM is seen as a better value over the EC-200DX due to its superior specs and aesthetic features at a similar price point.

    Source

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