Let me take a few minutes to introduce you to the brand – a general overview. ESP, short for Electronic Sound Products, now ESP Company, Limited, began in 1975 in Tokyo, Japan. They primarily focused on making custom replacements to guitar and bass parts.
About the same time, they produced guitars. Ronnie Wood of Rolling Stones was one of the first users of ESP guitars.
In 1996, the company started producing its LTD series – a more affordable guitar line primarily to customers outside Japan.
Until today, they continue to make quality products and ESP LTD EC-1000 remains a product of interest even to the younger generation.
Contents
The Look and Feel
Just by the looks of it make you want to scream. I’m not a fan of highlighting colors. But, perhaps you want it and it’s something you don’t want to miss.
At a first glance, it’s a Les Paul. The shape is a Les Paul, but ESP managed to have a perfect blend of a classic Les Paul-looking guitar with heavy metal and complex distortion.
In addition, it’s extremely comfortable to play on like an LP. However, this is way lighter compared to an LP.
The Body and Finish
Like any other metal ax, its body and neck are made of mahogany. The black color combined with gold hardware elicits luxury beyond compare.
This is just a thing of beauty and I bet, you can’t help but want to hold this thing forever.
The thin-U neck is perfect to accommodate quick attack and faster action. It has a rosewood fretboard with a 2.75” scale length divided into 24 jumbo frets. It has a solid set neck joint, but it won’t get in the way, even doing some wails at the 24th fret.
Electronics
In the electronics department, the most prominent feature is the EMG active pickups. At the bridge is the EMG 81 pickup, while the neck has EMG 60.
The bridge pickup accommodates a variety of styles, especially the modern high-gain heavy metal. But, the neck pickup compliments EMG 81.
It provides access to more melodic sounds and an overall warmer tone. It’s capable of producing blues and rock tunes, too.
In all honesty, the pickups are hot and probably among the most talked-about combinations. With the mahogany body, it makes the pups work done so well to make powerful shredding sounds.
The tuners are great. Even if you press down the strings a little harder, you can’t have any signs of de-tuning. Perfect for long hours of practice and jamming.
Hardware
The hardware is really good at providing intonation, as well as tuning retention and sustain.
This is because of the TonePro locking bridge system. What’s this?
Well, let me explain. This system features a tailpiece and screws on either side of the bridge.
Hence, the bridge system is really more secure, making the bridge setting more accurate and got no chance of falling off.
The sustain is also better with this since the hardware is very secure in place. It seems like the system is part of the guitar body and becomes one with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9RtIHnTb_4
Shredding Prowess
Simply put, this is a shredding guitar machine. If you are not a fan of heavy metal, it won’t ring a bell. But, if you are into metal, it’s something you should check out.
Produces strong and full tone compared to high-end Gibson. Not only that, shredding up and down thing come so natural and easy. This is thanks to the flawless and exceptional fretboard finish of this guitar.
Also Read: The Best Gibson Les Paul-Style Copy Guitars
Designed for the Spotlight
The color, the finish, and the mere design speak of how evil this thing is! Evil in a good way, as it can bring you to the underworld with its deep and very powerful riffs and fast playing tricks.
ESP might not be as notable as Fender and Gibson, but it sure is a great brand. It’s a perfect head turner.
PROS
- Good intonation and sustain
- Lightweight
- Smooth body and fast neck
- Better access to higher frets
CONS
- Better access to higher frets
- A little expensive for beginners
Drawbacks
This thing is probably one of the best in the market. But, for now, I think I’m gonna look for another. Not because I don’t like the brand or the features, it’s way too expensive.
I’m really not into the metal genre, so I’d pass on this guitar. With a guitar in this price range, I’d rather have this Fender Classic Series ’50s Stratocaster.
As an alternative to this guitar, there are also other good options available such as this Ibanez Iron Label, which is a newly released model by the brand.
The Jackson JS32 Dinky is also a great budget option.
However, if you’re really dying to have one now, then I’m getting my hands off. Anyway, it’s just my personal preference. Maybe you have a different perspective on this.
Verdict
I won’t recommend it to beginners(might be best to choose from my recommended list of best beginners electric guitars).
But, for those intermediate players and seasoned musicians, this is definitely for grabs. No second thoughts, this thing is just what you need.
So, should you really buy it?
Even though it can play music styles on the opposite side of the spectrum, heavy metal is still its thing. If you are not into this genre, you might want to step back and reconsider.
