Esp Ltd EC 256 (Distressed finish eclipses)

[James_B_K_P]

Anyone have any experience with these guitars? I've never had chance to try one out but am really tempted to buy one. As far as I can work out it's a really solid guitar, just in need of some tighter pickups for the kind of metal I want to play. I'd really appreciate it if any of you guys who've played one or own one could write a quick overview of any pro's / con's that you've found with this guitar. Also, Opinions on putting in a Ceramic Nailbomb bridge and when I can afford it, a cold sweat neck? Cheers! :)

http://www.espguitars.co.uk/guitars-ltd-ec256.html#

PS - I appreciate the "Road Worn" look isn't for everyone but I love the aged gold finish

[WeAreNotGentlemen]

I have a friend who owns this guitar and I've used it on several occasions at jam sessions. The neck felt really good to me. Pretty much any necks but the super thin Ibanez and super thick cheap brands feel good to me, as long as they're smooth and flowing. The sound was pretty good. New pups and it'd be great. Resonance was average but that won't be very important if you're playing modern metal on it. I'd recommend it, but I'd also play it first if I were you.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I feel like ESP LP shaped guitars are a compromise between a Lester and a Strat. They're very thin neck and body wise. But I like them.

[James_B_K_P]

Well I own a gibson explorer that i've fitted out with burst buckers that I adore but am after a much tighter sounding guitar. I'm almost after that kind of "Djent" tone. I figured the LTD with a nailbomb in the bridge would do the trick quite nicely. Unfortunately there is nowhere I can try one out so looks like I might have to risk it.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I think ESP does make guitars that you don't really need to try, they're actually the one brand I would trust buying without playing. I've yet to encounter as ESP/LTD with defects or just not that good, unlike many other makes even for much more money. I say go for it.

[James_B_K_P]

Well I did play one of the LTD Kirk Hammett guitars with those passive EMG's which I hate a few years ago but that's been the only ESP/LTD I've played that I didn't like. Yeah, I think I'll try it!

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Well I mean, I'd be wary of anything with Kirk's name on it  :lol:

[Mr_RD]

I bought one of these a few months ago and I love the thing! It's a solid brute and can kick out some sound. The stock p/ups are ok but a new set is highly recommended. Not back breaking but still weighty. The coil tap is a nice touch.

With a few minor tweeks it could definitely fit what you're after.

 RD.

[James_B_K_P]

Thanks for the reply RD! I've shopped around a bit and played a few epiphones and I've really taken a liking to the look of the Ec 256. Only problem is I can't find one in my area that I could try before I buy it. Looks like I might risk buying one and fitting a Painkiller bridge / Cold sweat neck.

[jibidy]

I like these guitars, I also love the distressed look.

However if i'm correct these aren't distressed... there more like stickers with a finish over the top. Which just doesn't do the same job for me.

[James_B_K_P]

Humm, stickers? In a youtube video with Andertons they say it's real distressing but all the guitars have identical wear. I don't understand how they could distress the finish exactly the same on every guitar though? I have a hand sander so I'll probably just do a bit of extra distressing myself. :)

[Ian Price]

They may well have some stickers that they apply when doing the relicing - i.e. protect the bits you don't want to get relic'd and then remove the stickers after.

Maybe. Maybe not.

[James_B_K_P]

At 5:20 Chappers talks about how the finish is genuine so will wear away more as you play.

[James_B_K_P]

Just realised that the previous comment makes no sense without the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2glFyhbWtyk&feature=related

[Alex]

The "sticker finish" is to my knowledge on the LTD version of the distressed George Lynch strat. That might have been confused with this guitar.