How does the EC-1000 compare with a Gibson Les Paul?

It copies the single-cut mahogany-and-maple recipe with a thinner neck and 24 frets. Owners say it gets close in tone and playability for far less, though the Les Paul holds resale value better.

Are the Seymour Duncan pickups good for metal?

Yes. The JB bridge is a hot, mid-focused pickup that handles high gain well, and owners say it goes from cleans to Metallica. The '59 neck stays warm and clear for leads.

Does it stay in tune?

Owners report stable tuning thanks to the locking tuners and Tonepros locking bridge. A proper setup and stretched strings help, as with any new guitar.

What is the neck like to play?

It is a thin, fast neck with 24 extra-jumbo frets and a rosewood board. Buyers describe low action out of the box and a comfortable feel for lead playing.

What comes in the box?

The guitar ships with its case or gig bag depending on the run, plus the usual truss rod tools. Check the listing for the exact included accessories.

Is the coil tap useful?

Yes. It splits the humbuckers for brighter, cleaner single-coil tones, which owners use for funk, blues and clean passages.

Where is the ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 Electric Guitar cheapest?

At Shop, for $1,050.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 Electric Guitar?

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 130 ratings. Buyers like: Sound better than expected; JB/'59 pickups go from gospel to Metallica; Coil tap adds versatility and cleanliness; Very smooth locking tuners and Tonepros tune-o-matic bridge. Common complaints: Pots and switch may be cheaper components under the rear covers; Newer models lack the abalone running up the fretboard.

Where can I buy the ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 Electric Guitar?

8 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Sweetwater, Shop, zZounds, American Musical Supply.

ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 Electric Guitar

Best price now

$1,050.00at ShopChecked Nov 3

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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What reviewers say

4.7 / 5130 ratings

Owners rate the EC-1000 very highly, calling the sound better than expected and the fit and finish comparable to more expensive guitars. Most praise the JB/'59 pickups, coil tap and locking hardware. Complaints center on basic internal electronics and small finish imperfections.

What people mention

PickupsPraisedOwners say the Seymour Duncan JB and '59 cover everything from clean gospel tones to heavy metal.
Coil tapPraisedThe coil tap is called a real versatility boost, adding clean single-coil sounds.
HardwarePraisedLocking tuners and the Tonepros TOM bridge are described as smooth and stable.
Fit and finishMixedMost call fit and finish superb for the money, but some report small divots in binding or logo flaws.
ElectronicsCriticisedSome owners suspect the pots and switch are cheaper components hidden under the rear covers.
InlaysCriticisedBuyers note newer models dropped the abalone inlay running up the fretboard.

About the ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 Electric Guitar

The ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 is an electric guitar with a mahogany body and a flamed maple top. The mahogany gives a warm, focused sound with added sustain. The maple top adds a bright, projecting tone and a visible wood grain. Abalone binding finishes the look.

It has a set mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and 24 XJ frets. The thin U neck contour is thinner than a '60s Les Paul but not as thin as a Jackson Dinky. The guitar has low action out of the box.

A Seymour Duncan JB humbucker sits at the bridge and a '59 humbucker at the neck. Hardware includes a Tonepros locking TOM bridge and LTD locking tuners.

Body

Mahogany with flamed maple top

Neck

Mahogany, set-neck construction

Fretboard

Rosewood

Neck contour

Thin U

Scale length

24.75"

Nut width

42mm standard

Frets

24 XJ

Pickups

Seymour Duncan JB (bridge), '59 (neck)

Bridge

Tonepros locking TOM

Hardware

Nickel, LTD locking tuners

What buyers say

Buyers like

Sound better than expected; JB/'59 pickups go from gospel to Metallica
Coil tap adds versatility and cleanliness
Very smooth locking tuners and Tonepros tune-o-matic bridge
Fit and finish superb, comparable to more expensive guitars
Stunning looks with abalone flag inlays and binding on amber sunburst flame maple
Comfortable, fast neck with surprisingly low action out of the box

Buyers complain about

Pots and switch may be cheaper components under the rear covers
Newer models lack the abalone running up the fretboard
Minor finish imperfections: small divot in body binding and slight imperfection on headstock logo