LTD EC-500 Review

The LTD EC-500 guitar replaces the EC-2005 anniversary model in LTD line. It features a set neck 24.75" scale design, mahogany body, 3-piece maple neck with 24-fret ebony fingerboard with model name at the 12th fret, string-thru body bridge, and EMG 81/60 pickups.

Features:	9
Sound:	9
Action:	10
Reliability:	8.5
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9.2
Users rating:	8.7
Comments:	62

Featured review by: unregistered, on september 04, 2006

Price paid: $ 553

Features: This was made in 2006 and is the replacement to last years anniversary series. Made in Korea, 24 jumbo frets, mahogany body, ebony fretboard, set neck, EMG 81/60 pickups. It has a satin finish, string thru body, Tune-O-Matic bridge, 1 volume 1 tone, and Grover tuners. // 9

Sound: Great guitar for hardrock or metal. The EMG pickups are pre-amped internally so much less noise in high gain settings. The neck pickup is very bright, as is the bridge but with a little more bite for rythim or artificial harmonics. Not a lot of low-end growl, so I would not recommend it with a Boss Metal Zone or any other really treble heavy stompboxes. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: This factory setup was quite good. I have played many ESP's where I thought the action was a little too low, but not this one. Intonation was dead on, I raised the pickups a litttle as you can have EMG's very close to the strings without worrying about any magnetic fields killing string vibration. All that stuff is to be expected though (personal preference). Finish, frets, woods, hardware, nut, and everything else were exceptional. // 10

Reliability & Durability: So far this guitar is every bit as good as the day it came home. Neck is still straight as an arrow. Nice toggle switch too. Strap buttons are big and quite solid, which is rare these days. I would gig with this with no backup provided I had an extra 9 volt! I'm a little concerned about the finish in the long run, satin finishes tend to show scuffs and oils (from forearm or palm) quite visibly, but really as a workhorse guitar, small concern! // 8

Impression: I have been a longtime fan of the Korean ESP, but a first time owner. Great guitar for the heavy stuff. Very comfortable to play with the body contours and weight distribution. If this guitar was lost or stolen I would have no hesitation to buying another. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 16, 2007

Price paid: $ 915

Purchased from: Thomann.com

Features: // 9

Sound: I like to play the heavy stuff on this guitar and it is perfect for it. The EMG's are a dream, really bright and heavy. The neck pickup has a warm tone which is perfect for the solos. The bridge pickup screams! Artificial harmonics sounds great! This guitar sounds awesome with distortion but has been critisised for its clean sound. I have found that you can infact a very good clean tone on this guitar. I have a Marshall VS65R amplifier and use the Ibanez turbo tube screamer. This guitar already sounds heavy through just the overdriven channels, but with the Ibanez screamer. Oh yes. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: When the guitar came to me it had the perfect setup, all I had to do was tune it up and away I was. I have had this guitar now for several months, so far no problems and I am pretty confident this guitar will last me many years to come. I have heard people being worried about satin finishes being easily scratched but this is not entirely true. I have bumped this guitar many times and so far have not yet discovered a scratch! // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is a workhorse guitar, solid as a rock:P The hardware on this guitar, I'm confident, will last for a long time. On many other guitars I have tried I felt uncomfortable as I felt the strap could just fall off as the strap buttons were so small. On this guitar though, the strap buttons are much larger and very sturdy. This guitar is very dependable. So far no problems. Regardless I would never gig without a backup. You never know. The finish seems like it will last for a long time, no discolourations or anything. // 9

Impression: This guitar is perfect for rock/metal. The EMG's give it an amazing umph! The only regrets I have about this guitar is finding out I could of bought it for cheaper than I did. If I lost or had this guitar stolen from me I would hunt down the person that did it. If I couldn't get it back I would definitely buy this guitar again. I love this guitar for it's heavy sound, perfect for solo's and riffage. // 10

Comments

[Strongbow]

Good review and looks like a great guitar.

[kill em´all]

love ESP!

[Sephirangel]

esp's are awesome
i have the EC-300 and its the best guitar ive owned

[Shib]

can somebody tell me why active pickups are so good?

[jumpmanhat]

because they are hyped

[sabbath1313]

I wanted one of these but I couldn't find any store that sold them around me.

[DaBlackE]

Goods guitar but I think my EC-400 is better.

[BassWODM]

ESP guitars are good but, if your looking for an amazing guitar for very little money go with a Schecter, I'd trust my Schecter Damien FR over any Gibson or Fender

[prstremonti777]

where can i find one?

[Shinozoku]

Shib: Because they use batteries to drive the signal before it gets to the amp, so the amp doesn't have to work as hard to distort the sound. Because of this, the notes are also more defined. At least, that's how I understand it. Someone else could probably explain it better, that's just what I've heard.

[DeathByStereo23]

EC-300 is the best you ever owned? Try japanese ESP and you'll notice the differences.....trust me....

[High_o]

dude, he didn;t say the ec300 is the best guitar full stop, he said its the best guitar he's ever owned. and it probably is.

[Xeus]

looks real nice! Doesnt Gibson have a problem with the whole single cut thing though?

[Shinozoku]

Xeus wrote:

looks real nice! Doesnt Gibson have a problem with the whole single cut thing though?

Not really, no. Tons of guitar companies have single-cutaway instruments reminiscent of the Les Pauls. But Jackson has issues with the RR shape...

[DaBlackE]

Xeus wrote:

looks real nice! Doesnt Gibson have a problem with the whole single cut thing though?

I don't think Gibson ever went after ESP over this shape, I think they did on their Explorer type model, that's why they got pointed headstocks instead of the "hockey stick" style you see on earlier ESP/ltds. Gibson did try to sue PRS over their Singlecut model, which resulted in the company to stop making it for 2 or 3 years, but they didn't win and now it's back. Gibson also sued Ibanez back in the late 70s & early 80s for copying the Les Paul style too.

[nAILZ]

ESP's are the shit. but they are expensive. BASSwodm is right. Schecter is the best band for your buck. the ony problem with a schecter is that they are really heavy bodies and aren't so great if you're like me and you go crazy on stage.:P

[nik_I]

what's the difference between this and the EC-400?

[ironBLSmaiden]

how can you like these guitars, i'de feel digusted playin one because they're all rip off guitars of other brands

[falafel]

it looks cool 8)
81's are good stuff to my new guitar has got one at the bridge

[ibanezeric82]

nik_I wrote:

what's the difference between this and the EC-400?

i've got a 400. and the differences are that the 400 has a stop tailpiece instead of a string-thru-body setup. also, it has TWO volume knobs instead of one, and has a gloss finish instead of satin.

checked.

[ESP Maniac]

Xeus wrote:

looks real nice! Doesnt Gibson have a problem with the whole single cut thing though?

Gibson Only sued PRS because they used the four knob layout.

[Lord Lustinhell]

ESP are the gr8est guitarz ever **** ibanez

[operaterxrayter]

who the hell uses stomp boxes? i think if you use a boss metal zone for anything, you should not be aloud to write reviews, let alone own an instrument. " don't use this guitar with a metal zone, the metal zone sounds too cool and this guitar will ruin all of it's SIZZLING TONE," and by sizzling tone i mean, the sound of the elderly shitting in unison.

[operaterxrayter]

BassWODM wrote:

ESP guitars are good but, if your looking for an amazing guitar for very little money go with a Schecter, I'd trust my Schecter Damien FR over any Gibson or Fender

im sorry? but im pretty sure my gibson would probably own your $ 400 dollar god guitar. and yes i have played a damien fr... and the quality does not compare, best choice or cocacola? they both taste the same if you dont have alot of cash, but when you can afford it. you can taste the quality.

[JeffReigns]

operaterxrayter wrote:

BassWODM wrote:

ESP guitars are good but, if your looking for an amazing guitar for very little money go with a Schecter, I'd trust my Schecter Damien FR over any Gibson or Fender im sorry? but im pretty sure my gibson would probably own your $ 400 dollar god guitar. and yes i have played a damien fr... and the quality does not compare, best choice or cocacola? they both taste the same if you dont have alot of cash, but when you can afford it. you can taste the quality.

+1.

While LTDs/Schecters/etc. are great great guitars for the money, they can't beat a high-end USA made guitar. I can understand him when he says Fender... I've heard of some real shit coming out of their USA factory... but Gibsons/USA Jackson's(yes I know, made by Fender, a good USA Jackson)/ESPs>Schecters.

[x_themetalfan_x]

JeffReigns: The only way you get a good Gibson is either to get lucky with a production model (and trust me, you have to get very lucky) or get a custome shop which rule six ways from Sunday provided you can afford them. The gap in quality between production Gibsons and production ESP or Schecter guitars is quite insignificant when you consider they are a mere fraction of the price.

Anyhoo, these new ESPs are very nice indeed. I'd sex it up

[0Berserker]

jesus.... naaaah not jesus...ESP!!!
what a guitar i;ll buy one as soon as my paycheck come around

[slayersaves22]

esp are sik, the only guitars for metal, i own a jh-600 and it bloody rulz. active pikups are awesome

[Insane Esp]

FUCK U U BRITISH ASSHOLE NO ONE LIKES U FUCKING "BLOODY BRITISH FUCKS". THIS GUITAR SUCKS GET A LES PAUL IF UR GOING FOR THE BODY. IF NOT, THEN GO WITH THE EXPLORER OR THE LTD THEIR A LOT BETTER THAN THIS PEICE OF SHIT.

[The_Man_IV]

Insane Esp wrote:

FUCK U U BRITISH ASSHOLE NO ONE LIKES U FUCKING "BLOODY BRITISH FUCKS". THIS GUITAR SUCKS GET A LES PAUL IF UR GOING FOR THE BODY. IF NOT, THEN GO WITH THE EXPLORER OR THE LTD THEIR A LOT BETTER THAN THIS PEICE OF SHIT.

Whoa...go back to bed....

[metalhead_365]

yo arsehole, who you calling "BLOODY BRITISH FUCKS" britain is ****ing awsome. and where the hell did all that ^^ come from!!! anyway it looks amazing, bet it plays better though! \m/

[AGowans]

Please guys, get your facts straight before posting.

Did Gibson go after ESP?
via a direct lawsuit - no, but behind the scenes they did. ESP introduced their changed single cut in to the US market last year, it's sharper and less 'Les Paul' like - and given Gibson and US courts have no jurisdiction over foreign nations, the less sharp cut can be purchased in any other country.

Why did Gibson sue PRS?
4 knob layout - bollocks.
PRS fronted their advertising campaign with the slogan "the only Les Paul you'll ever need". Gibson dind't like it too much and used the supposed likeness in the single cut to hinder production temporarily.
Gibson seem to have a fear of progressing as a company, where as PRS at least have some vision unlike their contemporaries.



Point 2:
Japan vs. USA
This seems to come up a lot from time to time, often backed by: "nothing beats a US made guitar". Thats like saying nothing beats a US made movie, it's a load of rubbish.
Japan produces (probably) higher quality instruments than the US does in general, just because it's built in the US it doesn't mean it has a stamp of authority on it.

It is very very naive to think that - a good guitar is a good guitar, regardless of where it is built, be it Japan, Korea, the USA or Micronesia.

[madewithscience]

great guitar...feel/output-wise. I'd buy again if needed.

[rhys_jacksonrr3]

how much are they in stirling£££££?

[ec_andrew]

the ec 2005 ltd is better than this!!!!!

[hectorjr]

i own it and is one of the best guitar i ve ever play

[Mr.Tea]

I wanna get an ESP. I think i'm gunna go with this one it sound awesoem.(but i'd put on a kahler)

Also about the ESP and other companies copying the Les paul, thats dumb they are different!

[bleedoutblack]

ballsack

[CaptainInternet]

Insane Esp wrote:

FUCK U U BRITISH ASSHOLE NO ONE LIKES U FUCKING "BLOODY BRITISH FUCKS". THIS GUITAR SUCKS GET A LES PAUL IF UR GOING FOR THE BODY. IF NOT, THEN GO WITH THE EXPLORER OR THE LTD THEIR A LOT BETTER THAN THIS PEICE OF SHIT.

1 word:

Wanker.

Think about it.

[arowana1027]

I own this guitar and love it!! I'm replacing the CRAPPY emg's with some Rockfield SWV's, to get more of a vintage tone. This guitar plays awesome otherwise.

[serpenttongue]

I own this guitar and it is incredible for the money. Obviously I would prefer a gibson les paul, but I dont have 2000 to spend on a guitar....as of yet But this guitar is still INCREDIBLE, even the clean tone is nice, and my portable amp is PATHETIC, yet it still sounds nice.

[LoveIsHell]

this is a nice guitar, i prefer the ec 1000 but could only afford the 500 at the time. Its good for beginners and for small gigs. But for big live stage gigs id go for the 1000. Overall this is a nice guitar for the price! Dunno why people talk up les pauls on here...they're not that great! Id prefer the ec 1000 to be honest!

[LTDax260]

ESP RULEZ!!!!!

[dr_92]

LoveIsHell wrote:

this is a nice guitar, i prefer the ec 1000 but could only afford the 500 at the time. Its good for beginners and for small gigs. But for big live stage gigs id go for the 1000. Overall this is a nice guitar for the price! Dunno why people talk up les pauls on here...they're not that great! Id prefer the ec 1000 to be honest!

how is this good for beginners? the ec-50 is good for beginners, this isnt exactly a cheap guitar, i mean theres a price difference n all between us bur here in australia its $1849. of course the ec 1000 is gonna be better but this is anything but a beginner guitar

[dr_92]

the second reviewer said it has been criticised for its clean sound is that because its clean sound is bad, or because its really clean for an esp?

[dr_92]

ec_andrew wrote:

the ec 2005 ltd is better than this!!!!!

HOW IS IT BETTER ITS EXACTLY THE SAME BESIDES THE MODEL NAME AT 12th FRET!!!!!????

[Metalic Demon]

it looks like a les paul to me

[dr_92]

Metalic Demon wrote:

it looks like a les paul to me

you look like a les paul to me

[j-p500]

I own an LTD ec-500 olympic white(2007 i think)ive tried an ec-1000 before buying it and i didn't feel it was worth paying more for the 1000 since to me wasn't playing that much better than the 500..isn'T the only difference between the 2 of them the loking tuners on the 1000??

[!Schecter!]

gee have you played one dumbass? they play amazing just as good as a gibson, but they don't weigh 50 pounds and aren't 2000 bucks

ironBLSmaiden wrote:

how can you like these guitars, i'de feel digusted playin one because they're all rip off guitars of other brands

[jmf283]

BassWODM wrote:

ESP guitars are good but, if your looking for an amazing guitar for very little money go with a Schecter, I'd trust my Schecter Damien FR over any Gibson or Fender

I'm with you, I have a CSH-1 with a Gibson Dirty Finger PU in the bridge and it screams. I've owned Fenders, Gibsons, and Jacksons...but the Schecter blows 'em all away
I totally agree, is

[jmf283]

dr_92 wrote:

Metalic Demon wrote:

it looks like a les paul to me

-hahaha

you look like a les paul to me

[Johanthevampire]

ESP makes the best guitars for heavy music, hands down.

[Carrot]

arowana1027 wrote:

I own this guitar and love it!! I'm replacing the CRAPPY emg's with some Rockfield SWV's, to get more of a vintage tone. This guitar plays awesome otherwise.

can i hav your EMG's please?

[dupaman]

i like ESP's version of the les paul better then Gibson's cause it looks cooler how its 'sharper'

i might get one of these they look really awesome, cheap (from the right websites) and have sick features (pickups, fretboard material, 24 frets etc)

[unknownpunkrock]

j-p500 wrote:

I own an LTD ec-500 olympic white(2007 i think)ive tried an ec-1000 before buying it and i didn't feel it was worth paying more for the 1000 since to me wasn't playing that much better than the 500..isn'T the only difference between the 2 of them the loking tuners on the 1000??

The EC 1000's seems almost like the have almost too much of the pearly stuff on the, around the body, the inlay and the headstock

http://www.espguitars.com/guitars_deluxe-ec.htm l

the thing I like about the EC 1000 just by looking at it though, is that it's more white then the EC 500

[bassman213293]

ec_andrew wrote:

the ec 2005 ltd is better than this!!!!!

and how much more expensive is the ec-2005?
not all of us have money coming out of our ass.

[Arnthor]

Whats the difference between a EC-500 and a EC-1000? Is the EC-1000 really worth a extra £200 just for the Deluxe logo and Locking tuners (which i could buy for £50 and install myself)

[ec_andrew]

ec_andrew wrote:

the ec 2005 ltd is better than this!!!!!

and how much more expensive is the ec-2005?
not all of us have money coming out of our ass.

i got mine for 500 pounds...

[Lockey111]

very nice guitar

[SaintsinneR82]

for my money,Ill take esp's stuff over gibson 9 times outta 10...played a buncha gibson,and tho they sound great and look awesome,they cant beat the value of any esp's ec lines 500 and up...plus nowadays gibson arent that realiable..my friend has a $1400 studio,that he constantly has trouble with and wishes he got the LTD...i loved my viper i wish i never sold it,but my ec500 kills it in every way and im very happy with it