LTD EX-260 Review

The EX 260 features a set neck, 24.75 scale, agathis body, 3-pc. maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, dots inlays w/name at 12th fret,: EMG-HZ H-4 humbuckers, volume, tone, 3-way toggle, black hardware, and Tune-O-Matic w/stop tailpiece.

Features:	9.2
Sound:	9
Action:	8.8
Reliability:	9.4
Impression:	9.4
Overall rating:	9.2
Users rating:	8.2
Comments:	67

overall: 9

Featured review by: Sanitarium24, on april 20, 2006

Price paid: $ 419.3

Purchased from: Woodwind and Brasswind

Features: This Explorer model has an agathis body and a three piece maple fingerboard with a set-neck construction. The fingerboard is made of rosewood and has 22 extra jumbo frets. The inlays are standard pearl dots with the exception of the 12th fret which has the model name. The pickups are two EMG-ESP LH-300s which are located at the neck and bridge. It has a tune-o-matic bridge and no locking tuners. All the hardware on the guitar is black. It looks great with the black finish. It has two knobs, master volume and master tone, as well as a three way toggle. For the price I paid, I wouldn't expect any other features on this guitar. I give it a 9 because I think the pickups could have been nicer and I would have liked locking tuners. // 9

Sound: I play thrash, death, and progressive metal, so I figured this guitar would be perfect. It is. I run it through a small 15 watt practice amp and a DigiTech Metal Master. The lead tones and the tone out of the treble pickup is amazing. It's great. The lower tones and rhythm pickup lack a lot of chunk and powerful bass that I get out of my other guitar. Palm mutes on the lower strings lack the chug that I'm looking for, but it's useable. Don't let that keep you from this guitar. The clean tone is adequate, but it lacks alot of ring, but it has a great sound nonetheless. I give it an 8 mostly for the lead tone which is, as I said, incredible. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: When I got the guitar, the action was a little low, but nothing that couldn't be changed. The finish was perfect, and all the hardware was in mint condition. The rhythm pickup is a little tall, so I'm going to see if I can lower that. It's also very close to the bridge, making it impossible to palm mute and play directly over the rhythm pickup at the same time, but this isn't much of a problem. So other than the action and the one pickup perfect. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This thing was built to last. I've already bumped it a few times and the finish stays on without a scratch. The hardware is solid and I don't worry about it. Aside from breaking strings due to vigorous playing, I wouldn't stress over it. // 10

Impression: This guitar is a great match for anyone Who plays metal. It might also be suitable for various types of hardcore and such. I've been playing for 5 years now, and this is only my second guitar. I would not recommend this guitar for beginners. If it were stolen/lost, I would definately buy this guitar again. It has a unique look that can be matched and being an ESP it is of great quality. If you're thinking about buying it, chances are you should. // 9

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: Metallipad!!, on december 04, 2007

Price paid: $ 800

Purchased from: Globemusik DK

Features: This is a nice Explorer from 2006 with agathis body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and it has 22 extra jumbo frets. It has EMG-ESP LH-300 which is EMG designed. Set neck construction and 24.75" scale. Bridge: Tune-O-Matic w/tailpiece. It also has one vol knob, one tone knob and 3 way toggle. This is a perfect guitar for me! The only thing I don't like perfectly, is that the guitar is pretty heavy, so it can hurt in the shoulders if you play some hours but there's many heavy guitars so it doesn't matter. // 10

Sound: I love its sound! really heavy. I'm playing with a Marshall MG100DFX, and DigiTech Hot Head and Death Metal dist pedals. I play a lot of Metallica and it suits it perfect (the reason I've got this is that James Hetfield also is playing on a ESP Explorer). It is a little bit noisy but I've never really noticed.. This guitar can play all styles of music but I don't think it's design suits so many of them. The toneknob is very effective, it can be very bright and dark. With my old guitar (Fender Stratocaster) I couldn't hear any difference when I turned the knob, but I never really liked Fender. So this guitar is great for any style of metal or rock, and it sounds great for the money. Of course you can get a better sounding guitar but that will cost. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: It was set up pretty well. But I've adjusted the pickups. No flaws or anything, it was even in tune when I got it! But when I play a upstroke on the H/B string it kinda make a anoying sound, but it doesn't come through the amp so no worry there, and the pickup Switch is a little loose so it's almost perfect. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I've had this badass 5 months and it still looks great. But because of it's shiny black finish, it easily get greasy. It is very solid and I would totally depend on it. It won't last forever of course but almost! But there is a little ptoblem. Lately I've noticed that my bridge had something that looked like rust on it. Don't know what it is, but I think it's the silver-kind-a-paint that's falling off, but I can't really see it. // 9

Impression: I've played guitar for about 5 years (I'm 15 years old) and I'm playing heavy metal and hard rock with my band. I've played some few gigs with it and it was awesome! I love this thing. It works great with my Marshall MG100DFX and DigiTech distortion pedals. If it were stolen I'd probably save up and buy a more expensive model, maybe the Ex-400. If you want a super, heavy axe for serious rock/metal and for a low price, is this the only one for you. // 10

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: metalrockpunk, on august 14, 2006

Price paid: $ 419.97

Purchased from: American Music Supply

Features: Features: This guitar has a set-neck construction, agathis body, rosewood fingerboard, EMG LH-300 pickups, Tune-O-Matic bridge, volume and tone controls w/3-way switch. I absolutly love this thing! It doesn't come with a case or a gig bag but you can deffinitly buy one for it which I am doing. // 10

Sound: This guitar is perfect for my bands metal music. It has a hard hitting sound that gives your music the punch it needs. It has a decent clean sound to it but it also has a deep heavey sound that blows your mind away! You can play just about anything on this thing from Metallica to hell anything you want! I am using a 15 watt practice amp and I get fantasic sounds out of it! // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: Ok in the factory they basicly put the guitar togeather and made sure everything worked, but they didn't tune it so the strings were all messed up and some of them touched the bridge and muted the strings but that was really easy to fix. Once you fix that the guitar was apsolutly perfect. I love this thing! And I know you will to! // 9

Reliability & Durability: Oh this thing is deffinitly reliable and durable I will be using this thing forever! The button straps are really solid! The whole thing is built to last! You can deffinitly depend on this thing for live shows! The finish is great I hit it on the wall when I was playing and it didn't have a scratch on it! // 10

Impression: I play metal music in a band. I have been playin guitar for about a year. The other guitar I own is an Ibanez which is another great guitar that I use all the time! If this thing was stolen or lost I wouldn't hesatate for a second to buy another one! I compared it to some Jacksons, Gibsons, and a few Deans and this was the best one for my sound and the looks of the guitar just blow you away. Get this guitar! // 10

overall: 8.2

Reviewed by: guitarfreak222, on october 20, 2009

Purchased from: Music express

Features: This guitar was made in Indonesia. Not sure when it was made though. The body is made out of Agathis wood. It has a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard. This particular model has a black finish and is based on the Gibson Explorer shape. It has ESP tuners and a TOM bridge and tail. It also has a set neck with black nickel hardware. The pickups that come with the guitar are ESP EMG LH-300 designed passive - high output pickups. There is one master tone and volume with a push coil tap on tone control. // 8

Sound: Judging by the shape and brand of this guitar, the target genre for this guitar will be Heavy Metal and that's exactly the majority of music that I play. This guitar is very versatile and can handle most genres because of the push coil tap option which lets you Switch from a humbucker setting to a single coil setting. This fulfills a guitarist's needs for other genres like punk and softer rock. I am currently playing this through a Peavey Vypyr 75 Watt with a Boss ME - 20 as a distortion booster and wah pedal.

The pickups are pretty good. They remind me of the EMGHZ pickups. They sound very meaty and chunky, good for metal and rock. They can produce a lot of gain without sounding muddy but they can sometimes sound a bit sterile. The pickups are not noisy unless you flood the amp with heaps of distortion without a noise suppressor.

This guitar is very versatile and can deal with a wide range of musical genres. However, the pickups sometimes and sound a bit dry and empty. I suggest fitting this guitar with EMG's to make it perfect. I play metal primarily and this guitar fits it like speedo. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: The action was perfect at the factory. The pickups were adjusted just how I like them. The finish was perfect. However the tuning pegs were slightly loose but that was easily fixed. Another thing was that the fret board was poorly cut in some places which makes it looks a bit crummy. Other than that, the guitar played pretty smoothly in my hands apart from another thing that bugged me. It was hard to reach up to the 22nd fret because of the shape. Still, this guitar is pretty well set up. // 8

Reliability & Durability: This guitar was made by ESP and through my experience, ESP's last. This guitar has withstood a lot of Live playing. I use this guitar all the time. The strap buttons look very secure, however I do recommend strap locks. I would depend on it, but I never go to a gig without a back up. I actually had a problem with a neck pick up after a few months of having it. The neck bit up was very quiet whenever I switched to it and I just had to toggle the pickup selector and it would work again which was very annoying but surprisingly went away after a while. The finish is will not wear off from playing but the paint will chip if you bump this guitar. The hardware seems like it will last for a long time. In my opinion, this guitar is very reliable and it can be used to Live playing. // 8

Impression: This guitar fits most music genres and is very versatile. I have been playing for 2 years and I own a Squier Strat and an Epiphone les paul and this guitar in my opinion is my favourite. I had tried many other guitars Dean, Jackson and Ibanez guitars and I feel that this guitar fits me the best. If this were stolen I would consider buying a higher end version of the EX with EMG's if I had the money. I am, overall, very happy with this guitar and I am getting a EMG 81 for the bridge soon which will make this guitar absolutely perfect for me. // 9

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: Grenkutzu, on august 20, 2007

Purchased from: zzounds.com

Features: This is an 06 model, with 22 extra jumbo frets, a thin you shaped neck, black finish, and made of agathis. The body is an Explorer copy, but with harder, sharper edges. The bridge is a Tune-O-Matic with stop tailpeice, all black hardware. The pickups are passive EMG HZ-4 humbuckers with one master tone, and one master volume, one bridge, one neck. The tuners are ESP brand, and they stay in tune wonderfully. I play very often and I rarely have to tune, even after bumping it. // 9

Sound: It has a good, heavy sound to it. The sustain is incredible. Not noisy at all, with a great clean tone for the neck and awesome distortion for the bridge. I play metal, and a lot of Children Of Bodom style shredding. This axe is great for getting that kind of sound. There isn't a huge variety of sounds between clean and distortion, but they both sound really nice. I use a DigiTech RP-350 with headphones plugged directly into it for about 90% of my playing. I have played it on a Marshall MG100DFX, and the sound is absolutely incredible on it. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The action was low, and buzzed some when I got it, but it seemed to fix itself after I changed strings and tuned it up, I didn't have to adjust bridge height to make it play perfectly. Now, the action is still nice and low, but there is zero buzz on the frets. The pickups were perfectly adjusted from the factory, and everything was in great order. Giving it a 9 for that initial fret buzz. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This thing is absolutely built to last. No question. I've bumped it here and there when playing in my tight space of a playing area, and there are no problems with anything, and no visible dents at all. Everything is totally solid, and I would bring it to a gig without a backup. // 10

Impression: This is great for shredding, metal, overdrive, and cleans. I've been playing for a while now, and this guitar feels great. If it were stolen, I would probably buy it again, that or the version up from this one. I don't have any real complaints, other than that the neck could be flatter on the high frets. I've compared with other guitars, and the rock solid feel of this axe, and it's killer looks make it one of my favorites. // 9

Comments

[False_God]

Jeez, I could never find a review for this model but now since I did Im gonna get it..

[dimebag7]

Sounds good

[black_sabbath85]

ESP rocks!

[BLAKK:JAKK]

that guitar is beautiful

[stratmanjay3000]

your going to "see" if you can lower it?
you dont have a screwdriver?????

[rocker411]

Its alsome playin, sound, its all nice!

[.:LoCo:.]

im sure James Hetfield uses one...?

[RR=bestevrplaya]

but wat about an "agathis", body? whats that wood compare to?

[Leo_Watkins]

looks great in black

[Ac/dc_Zeppelin]

I dont know.....

[paulhimpjc]

Nice!!!!!

[cleadus_134]

It looks pretty cool in black, but I think if I was to get one, I'd get white. Im not sure if its this exact model, but im considering to get one of these as a new guitar. Helpful review.

[guitarjared]

This guitar blows, what are you people on? Agathis is one of the cheapest woods out there, next to low end basswood and low end alder. Save up your money and get a higher end LTD EX model, one with mahogany and active EMGs.

[halfstepdown88]

EMG HZ pickups suck my balls

[Sixpounder]

My cousin has one of those, its pretty sweet

[Insane Esp]

this guitar is great. ive played the higher ends too, not much difference. the only difference between these and the higher ones is the through body neck, the pickups and the weight. but who really gives a ****. the pickups are fine they still give a nice crunchy tone. pretty sweet guitar.

[DaBlackE]

The EC-400 is better

[Claptindisciple]

its a nice looking guitar, id say the hardware is just ok tho

[irishmatt1992]

esp explorers are the way to go!!

[shibby j]

i got an esp ltd viper-50 and its awesome so i reckon this one will be just as good!!

[MaAal_MaAan]

i put in a custom order from www.bmusic.com.au for a custom EX, came bak az 8 grand AUD! but i had like a floyd rose, custom inlays, 3 humbuckers but still kool EX shape lols, i'd better start saving!
Great review 2 mate.

[skralan]

I bought this guitar about a month ago, and i must say it plays like an angel.

Checked.

[cheames]

this will be better than a viper-50...cause its a higher equivalent model...im getting one a.s.a.p

[trollhäck]

is any king of gigbag included?

[trollhäck]

kind*

[Kiran Warren]

i was gonna get this guitar but in Australia they were selling it to me for $1100

[ZEiNDEiN]

wats the differences btwn the explorer guitars with different numbers as their names??

[norths01]

what guitar is better buy for a metal guitarist this 1 or the bc rich ironbird platnim pro

[norths01]

FUCK OFF GUITARJARED U DIRTY FUCK WHAT WOULD U KNOW

[dylan87654321]

DaBlackE wrote:

The EC-400 is better

of course it would sound better because it has emg 81's but this guitar looks way better than the stupid ec's

[Black-Metal]

.:LoCo:. wrote:

im sure James Hetfield uses one...?

i thought hetfiled used a gibson.
but true, he does use an esp.
though he used to use the old esp explorer design, not this new one. and now he has his own signature esp which isn't explorer shaped at all. its one of those les paul shaped one that i can't remember what they're called

[Zeroxsk8er1]

this guitar is terrible, my friend bout one and he ended up selling it like 3 months after. the bridge was messed up, he detested the pickups, one of the straplocks broke off he had to superglue it back. he had the ex-50 by the way. but i dont think it would be much difference

[wurzel1981]

i thought hetfiled used a gibson.
but true, he does use an esp.
though he used to use the old esp explorer design, not this new one. and now he has his own signature esp which isn't explorer shaped at all. its one of those les paul shaped one that i can't remember what they're called

its called a truckster and loks pretty rubbish, as the aging or artificial wearing looks waay obvious. It probably sounds really good and a joy to play but in my opinion its gotta look quite good as well.

[MrChris]

this guitar is terrible, my friend bout one and he ended up selling it like 3 months after. the bridge was messed up, he detested the pickups, one of the straplocks broke off he had to superglue it back. he had the ex-50 by the way. but i dont think it would be much difference

Well my friends brother's monkey's uncle says you really have a squire and that you are being a troll

[Pingis_Or_Death]

Looks pretty killer. I'm not keen on the agathis body though.

[sambargun]

For the price, this sounds like a good buy. Generally i think of ESPs as more expensive imitations of Jackson and Gibson/Epiphone with active EMGs. I'm yet to hear of an original ESP model that can be used to play genres other than heavy metal, like jazz or fusion.....

[Shinozoku]

I'd personally save up and get the EX-400. Mahogany body (more tone than agathis), active EMGS. Although I'd probably still swap the EMGs for active Duncans.

[MrChris]

Well ESP does do some hollow bodys and other styles but they have found a real niche in metal guitars and LTD is such good value for money.

[Shabalaba]

Shinozoku wrote:

I'd personally save up and get the EX-400. Mahogany body (more tone than agathis), active EMGS. Although I'd probably still swap the EMGs for active Duncans.

+1 except i would swap the pickups for Nailbombs, although the EMGs are pefectly fine

[LTDax260]

I LOVE THAT GUITAR SP MUCH!!!!!

[BulletCrazy]

stratmanjay3000 wrote:

your going to "see" if you can lower it?
you dont have a screwdriver?????

hahahaha hilarious

[Shredder Guitar]

yeah ESP also makes "Vintage" guitars, which are like modified fat strats.

[Headbanger_1]

had mine for a year now. still sounds amazing. its definately my favorite of my 4 guitars. My only sad spot on it is the small dent from where my stupid drummer knocked a mic stand into it.

[blaze2thekings]

i think if your interested in this guitar then just go for the ex-400 mahogany and active pups

[muso_ chris]

awesome stuff.
i wants.

[welshy120]

how much is the ex-400 aud?

[Ali-b912]

.:LoCo:. wrote:

im sure James Hetfield uses one...?

Hetfield uses an ESP i believe. i cant imagine him being too happy with being given an LTD.

welshy120 wrote:

how much is the ex-400 aud?

its $1359 at bmusic.com.au. they are an Aussie ESP dealer. dunno if they have storefronts or whatever but thats the online price.

[metallica 666]

if only i had 500 bucks

[freakzila85]

guitarjared wrote:

This guitar blows, what are you people on? Agathis is one of the cheapest woods out there, next to low end basswood and low end alder. Save up your money and get a higher end LTD EX model, one with mahogany and active EMGs.

Ya have you even picked up and played the guitar. I cant stand people who wont pickup a guitar because they dont like the type of wood

[fenderbender_1]

honestly though although agathis is a cheap wood it does a good job of imitating the sound of mahogany. The only problem is it weighs a tonne.

[Tyler Durden]

just got mine yesterday and i love it, gives me something different from my 2 Les Pauls. Doesn't weight that much, try a LP on your back for 2 hours!! For the price this kills - I know many overlook anything under the 400 series, but this really is a nice axe - get one!

[thrash-til-deth]

I CAN ONLY AFFORD THE EX-260 MODEL DO YOU THINK I SHOULD SAVE UP FOR THE EX-400? IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY?

[DIMEBAGLIVEDON]

Why is half the reviews playing through a ****ing Marshall MG. For **** sakes get a good amp.

[Maldihr]

I love to play Metal, so I think this guitar will be perfect for me. I have played 1 year with a Stratocaster, but it is almost impossible to play any heavy riffs with it
Is tapping and advanced soloing possible with EX-260?

[Maldihr]

thrash-til-deth wrote:

I CAN ONLY AFFORD THE EX-260 MODEL DO YOU THINK I SHOULD SAVE UP FOR THE EX-400? IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY?

I think you should do that

[Maldihr]

freakzila85 wrote:

guitarjared wrote:

This guitar blows, what are you people on? Agathis is one of the cheapest woods out there, next to low end basswood and low end alder. Save up your money and get a higher end LTD EX model, one with mahogany and active EMGs.

Ya have you even picked up and played the guitar. I cant stand people who wont pickup a guitar because they dont like the type of wood

I know -.-

[Yoyo Of Death]

Kiran Warren wrote:

i was gonna get this guitar but in Australia they were selling it to me for $1100

i got mine in australia for $649 so im feeling very happy face right now

[guitarherojosh]

i do not like this guitar fender tele custom is better!!!!!

[-AnzzA-]

I like this guitar really much, bought one for 417€ last week. The pickups are quite good but if you've got the money, I'd recommend going for the higher end models. I'd say that it's a pretty good guitar. A good rythm guitar and shredding with this is easy. I think it's pretty good for it's price. But to anyone thinking about buying one of these, go try it at the local shop first.

[Jumbaliah4ESP]

This seems to be the best guitar in its price range im pretty sure this will be my next guitar

[guitarfreak222]

I got mine today and I really didn't like the EMG's and so i traded the pickups with my friend's ESP Stock pickups and they were much better in my opinion.

[guitarfreak222]

guitarjared wrote:

This guitar blows, what are you people on? Agathis is one of the cheapest woods out there, next to low end basswood and low end alder. Save up your money and get a higher end LTD EX model, one with mahogany and active EMGs.

This wood is way better than basswood...

[guitarfreak222]

Kiran Warren wrote:

i was gonna get this guitar but in Australia they were selling it to me for $1100

Bad luck mate.. I live in australia too and i went to this shop called music express and they marked it down from 1099 to 822.

[DeadSoloist]

Ali-b912 :
.:LoCo:. wrote:

im sure James Hetfield uses one...?

Hetfield uses an ESP i believe. i cant imagine him being too happy with being given an LTD.

You have no idea how much that made me laugh, the main guitar model james hetfield uses are ESP EX he has 3 and they're the main main model he uses.He has a white explorer, black explorer and a diamond plated one. Its true that he has a truckster signature but after the Death Magnetic tour he stopped using it. He's back to good old papa het (the white explorer)

[Andy413]

The Best Guitar i ever bought

i got it as damaged good and my friend at the music store gave me a discount for the terrible pick ups on it.

$140!!! its in almost mint condition plays like a dream
and i got it for a steal! (my friend said it was about $500 when it was first bought so i got a steal )

[=MetaL=FanatiC=]

Does it annoy anyone else that some people writing reviews insist on saying "If this guitar was stolen...blah blah"? You're meant to be reviewing the guitar for gods sake, we dont give a shit how you would react if some ghetto **** stole it.

guitarherojosh wrote:

i do not like this guitar fender tele custom is better!!!!!

You dont see your friend driving a lamborgini and tell him its a pile of steaming excretement just because you drive a suzuki now do you? Tis only a matter of opinion.