Esp versus Esp Ltd?

  • Thread starter Thread starter romanianreaper
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For me it depends on how much you like the neck. The radius is different between the two and for me it's a deal breaker.

Other than that, better hardware as well. Can always replace the hardware but can't change the board radius.

Esp >
 
OldGtrGuy said:
For me it depends on how much you like the neck. The radius is different between the two and for me it's a deal breaker.

Other than that, better hardware as well. Can always replace the hardware but can't change the board radius.

Esp >
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I'm a Gibson guy and seems like the ESP follows more of that path.
 
I have owned many ESP / E-II / LTD models over the years up and down the line with a broad range of price points. In my opinion that best cost to quality ratio arbitrage can be found in the higher end LTD (1000 level series) models. Simply the best bang for the buck all things considered.
 
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My LTD EC-1000 is one of the best non-MIA guitars I've ever played. It's from like '06 so don't know how factory changed play into it, but if you're not craving an American made guitar then LTD would be one of my top choices.
 
I have the ESP LTD Deluxe EC1000 model which is toted, by many, to be as good as a non LTD ESP Eclipse...

Here is a clip of me playing it when I installed the Seymour Duncan Green Magic set:


I haven't used it as much as I'd like and that's only because I have so many other guitars - I gravitate more towards single coil guitars.

I almost traded it in today but when I opened the case at the shop, I picked it up and strummed it a few times, unplugged. I quickly was reminded how good it actually is!

I decided that I would get some new pickups installed to reignite my play time with it. I love that it came stock, pre-modified with locking Gotoh tuners, bone nut, etc. It's one of those guitars that are great for the value!
 
I bought an LTD JM-II a few months ago, because it checked off all of the boxes that I was looking for in a fixed bridge shred stick for heavier styles of music. It's approaching E-II pricing, but it had everything I wanted. I do not regret my purchase. The fit and finish are excellent, and the playability is top notch. And it was still $1k less than the E-II that I would have bought instead.

I honestly feel that LTD and the newer Schecters are some of the best bang for the buck guitars on the market.

With all that said, yes, I wish it said "ESP" instead of "LTD" on the headstock... but I can live with it...lol!
 
I've owned a lot of the older Korean LTD Eclipses. Overall they're extremely solid instruments, good fretwork and overall quality. I'm not a huge fan of the super thick finish, but it's never been a deal breaker for me. I have one EC400AT that I've held onto for over 10 years, as it was the real standout of the ones I owned.

In my opinion they're in that sweet spot where they're solid enough guitars to gig with and perform as well as anything out there, but not something pricey that I feel worried about, taking them to bar gigs.

That being said, the handful of ESP Eclipses I've played have all been top notch. If I had it to do over again, I'd have gotten a used one when they were $1k and held onto it. Even today, I'd probably jump on one if I found a good deal.
 
I've had many Original Series ESPs, USA ESPs, Standards/E-IIs, and Korean LTDs.

The LTDs have big, level frets and to me the necks consistently feel good. If you are super picky, you will probably need to work on the nut and saddle heights.

To me, new E-II is the sweet spot. They feel more polished somehow than the LTDs and about the same as the more expensive ESPs. And trying to buy older used guitars can be a crapshoot.

But a newer LTD, especially for a few hundred used, is a great playing guitar and a good deal.
 
I appreciate everyone's input to this post! I think I would have having an Ltd EC-1000, etc but I'm gathering that it is almost worth it to spend a little more and get an actual ESP. I mean that says a lot about both companies that nobody was like "Ltds are garbage, etc."

I almost get that same vibe with Fender. I have an American Strat but was blown away at even the $500 Mexocan Strat I had.
 
I've got 6 LTD's in my rack right now - 4 of the 87 Series and 2 EC-1001T's. Only on had issues - an 87 Series M1 - it was neck-thru, and in order to get the action where I wanted it, the trem was decked (and then some), and the fingerboard was completely flat, so I was getting fret buzz all over. I returned it yesterday - it was one of the GC.com used buys in "Great Condition". I told the guy working the counter about the issue and that they ought to have their tech see if there's anything he could do. He said "We'll just put it on the wall, and someone else can have the problem"... Lol...SMH...

Anyway, the fretwork on all of these guitars is TOP NOTCH, and not just for the price. The necks are really exceptional on these guitars, and definitely the selling point. Good hardware, tight tolerances, and quality finishes. I had 3 EC-1000T's about 10 years ago, and traded them away, and that was one of the few trades I really regret. Other than the one guitar I mentioned above (which was MIIndo if that matters), I haven't gotten a turd.That's probably out of 20 or so over the years.
 
I have owned more than a few very expensive instruments over the years, and these two LTDs that I play frequently can hang in there pretty well. The upper level LTD line is best overall bang for the buck on the market, especially used.

20240327_101805~2.jpg
 
I recently got an EC-400VF from 2007 that plays better than my Gibson, and sounds like 99% as good.

454288916_10162047441355746_2851903059753871817_n.jpg


Highly recommend LTD's.

454638571_10162058274980746_6505756130982267456_n.jpg
 
Rex Rocker said:
I recently got an EC-400VF from 2007 that plays better than my Gibson, and sounds like 99% as good.

454288916_10162047441355746_2851903059753871817_n.jpg


Highly recommend LTD's.

454638571_10162058274980746_6505756130982267456_n.jpg
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I think i may have had one of those. I know I had a early 2000s Ltd I always regretted selling. One of the best I've played.
 
I've owned several LTD's but my fav of them all is my Viper 400 (also had a couple viper 1000's). Just plays so well and has a nice resonance to it, and of course it sounds great. It's got a emg 81/60 combo with the 18 volt mod.

I've only played a few ESP's and of course they are excellent guitars.
 
I tried to play two Ltds at Guitar Center today and unfortunately someone had them tuned down to Goth/Crabcore tuning with piano strings so I just put them back on the rack.
 
anomaly said:
I've owned several LTD's but my fav of them all is my Viper 400 (also had a couple viper 1000's). Just plays so well and has a nice resonance to it, and of course it sounds great. It's got a emg 81/60 combo with the 18 volt mod.

I've only played a few ESP's and of course they are excellent guitars.
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Vipers are pretty sweet! I almost got one but opted for the Guild Polara Limited which is just as nice but different in it's own ways.

How do you like the EMG's?
 
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