The ESP LTD EC-1000 enjoys a stellar reputation amongst guitarists, particularly those within the metal genre. Known for consistently garnering 5-star reviews, it’s often hailed as the quintessential sound of modern metal. After spending a month with this instrument, it’s time for an in-depth review to see if it lives up to the hype.
The Pros: Where the EC-1000 Shines
The neck on the LTD EC-1000 is immediately striking. It’s incredibly fast, arguably the fastest neck many players will ever experience. This allows for effortless shredding and rapid transitions across the fretboard. Furthermore, achieving a clean tone suitable for recording is surprisingly straightforward. With the right speaker cabinet impulse response (IR) and a nuanced touch, the EC-1000 can produce pristine cleans without relying on coil-splitting. Weight is also a significant advantage; the guitar is remarkably light, contributing to playing comfort, especially during extended sessions. The fretwork is where this guitar truly excels. They are flawlessly executed – perfectly level, polished, and seated. Tuning stability is rock solid, even with aggressive playing styles. Most importantly, the guitar delivers the aggressive, powerful tone that players expect from an EC-1000, making it ideal for metal and hard rock genres.
Alt text: Close-up shot of the fast neck and perfectly finished frets of an ESP LTD EC-1000 guitar, highlighting its playability.
The Cons: Areas for Improvement in the LTD EC-1000
However, the ESP LTD EC-1000 is not without its shortcomings. A notable oversight is the bridge saddles, which are inexplicably not notched at the factory. The strings simply rest on top of the smooth saddles, a baffling design choice for a guitar in this price range. This necessitates manual notching, a task that requires tools and expertise most players might not possess. For many, this factory defect would be grounds for returning the instrument. Another point of contention is the inclusion of a plastic nut. At this price point, a plastic nut feels like a significant compromise. Upgrading to a Graphtec Black TUSQ XL nut, which arguably should be standard on the EC-1000 from the factory, is almost essential for optimal performance and tuning stability.
Alt text: Image showcasing the bridge of an ESP LTD EC-1000 guitar, specifically pointing out the un-notched saddles and highlighting a potential factory setup issue.
Final Verdict: Is the ESP LTD EC-1000 Worth It?
Is the ESP LTD EC-1000 a good guitar? Absolutely. It excels in crucial areas like playability, tone, and build quality (excluding the mentioned issues). However, is it acceptable to pay a premium price for a guitar that requires additional setup and component upgrades right out of the box? That’s debatable. When comparing it to other guitars, like an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro with Black Winter pickups, the value proposition becomes even murkier. The EC-1000 is undoubtedly a fantastic instrument, particularly for left-handed players who have limited options in the 24.75″ scale, EMG-equipped guitar market, crucial for genres like metal and achieving iconic tones for covers like those of Metallica. Ultimately, despite its flaws, the ESP LTD EC-1000 remains a keeper for those who prioritize its strengths and are willing to address its minor shortcomings.
