Esp: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying an ESP guitar is primarily a decision about which tier of the brand's range fits your budget and what you are going to do with it. The gap between an entry-level LTD and the Japan-made originals is significant — in quality, construction, and price. Getting that choice right from the start saves expensive mistakes.

LTD vs ESP Originals

The first decision is whether you are buying an ESP original or an LTD. The Japanese-made originals are professional instruments — they cost significantly more and deliver a corresponding leap in quality: better neck profile consistency, tighter fret work, superior hardware, and more carefully selected tonewoods. Most players who are not on a touring professional's budget will be in the LTD range, which covers everything from entry-level guitars to instruments good enough for any gigging or recording context. LTD is where the majority of buyers should focus.

LTD Budget Tiers

Within LTD, models divide roughly into three bands. Below £400, the range offers playable entry points — instruments that are functional and good starting points for beginners drawn to the aesthetics. From £400 to £700, the LTD 200 and 400 series offer significantly better specifications: proper neck profiles, better hardware, and pickups that perform well in the intended heavy genres. Above £700, the LTD 1000 series (EC-1000, MH-1000, Horizon NT-II) delivers near-professional quality at a fraction of the Japan-made cost. The 1000 series is where value peaks in the LTD range.

Active vs Passive Pickups

Many ESP and LTD instruments ship with active pickups — typically EMG 81/85. Active pickups require a 9V battery in the control cavity and offer tight, quiet, high-output signal ideal for high-gain playing. Passive pickups (Seymour Duncan, and sometimes the brand's own designs) are more dynamic and warm, responding more to playing nuance. Neither is better overall: active pickups suit players who prioritise noise control and tight bottom end; passive suits those who want a more traditional, responsive feel. Many instruments are available in both configurations, so specify when ordering.

Neck Construction

The ESP and LTD ranges use three neck constructions. Bolt-on is used on the more affordable LTD models — straightforward, easy to replace if damaged. Set-neck (glued) is the standard for mid-range LTD and the main brand, offering better upper-fret access and a warmer, more sustain-rich tone. Neck-through construction — where the neck wood runs the entire length of the body — is used on the Horizon NT and some higher-end models, giving even greater sustain and a distinct feel. Most players will encounter set-neck construction in the mid-price bracket.

Scale Length

Most standard ESP and LTD instruments use a 25.5-inch scale. Extended range and baritone models use longer scales — 26.5 or 27 inches — for lower tunings. If you are playing in standard tuning or a semitone or two down, the standard scale is correct. If drop tunings below drop A are part of your playing, a 27-inch or 26.5-inch model will hold tune and speak more clearly at those pitches. Extended scale instruments are readily available across the LTD range in 6-, 7-, and 8-string configurations.

New vs Second-Hand

Second-hand LTD and ESP instruments are common and well-priced. The 1000 series in particular holds up well — they are built to last, and a used EC-1000 or MH-1000 at the price of a new 400-series model is one of the better-value positions in the market. When buying used, check the neck for straightness, the frets for wear, and the electronics for clean operation on all pickup positions. Active pickup instruments also need a fresh battery for testing.

Where to Go Next

For the specific models that offer best value at each price, see the best ESP guitars for the money. For an overview of the brand, the ESP features and types guide covers the essentials. New players: the ESP beginner's guide is the right starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions