Where do I start?I love everything about this guitar and it is my favorite that I own.If you’re looking for something that sounds very sweet and beautiful clean, this is not the guitar for you.That’s not to say that you can clean it up a bit with maybe some stereo chorus reverb or delay but as this guitar stands on its own, it truly suits one purpose for me , it is true metal madness euphoria.Not only do the pick up scream but this guitar is not only beautiful but constructed perfectly.It is the best most comfortable neck I’ve ever played and it is rocksolid!!!The satin finish on the back of the neck makes it effortless to slide up and down.I’m typically not a fan of gold on guitars but with the black matte finish it actually is pretty sharp and not ... MoreWhere do I start?I love everything about this guitar and it is my favorite that I own.If you’re looking for something that sounds very sweet and beautiful clean, this is not the guitar for you.That’s not to say that you can clean it up a bit with maybe some stereo chorus reverb or delay but as this guitar stands on its own, it truly suits one purpose for me , it is true metal madness euphoria.Not only do the pick up scream but this guitar is not only beautiful but constructed perfectly.It is the best most comfortable neck I’ve ever played and it is rocksolid!!!The satin finish on the back of the neck makes it effortless to slide up and down.I’m typically not a fan of gold on guitars but with the black matte finish it actually is pretty sharp and not too Goddy in my opinion.I am mediately replace the strings on this guitar with some nice thick ones for drop C tuning.Even with the 24.75 scale it Plays drop tuning nicely without string floppige.As long as you have the right strings on this exit is no problem.This current model has the EMG pick ups.I am seriously considering getting another EC 1000 with the Pegasus sentiment pick up combo.It’s a little heavier than I thought it would be but in a good way.This guitar is perfectly balanced and the body is definitely thinner than a Les Paul.That’s one thing I didn’t like about Les Pauls is it was thick bulky heavy and a baseball bat neck.I honestly couldn’t be more pleased with this guitar.Love the EC 1000 and the great service I always get at American musical supply.I’ll be honest, i’ve went through about half a dozen brand new guitars and returned every single one of them except for this one.I believe I am pickier than most, if I spend $1000 on a guitar I want to fall in love with it and not settle.If you like playing James Taylor and Crosby stills and Nash I suggest you look elsewhere.If you want to rip some faces off get this guitar!!!!

Only had it a few days but I love it! 😁 Sounds and plays great. I had considered going for something more expensive but read that the EC-1000s give you great bang for buck and so far I’d definitely agree. I can’t comment on the other pickup options available in this range but I wanted the EMGs and I’m very happy with my choice. The only minor criticism as you will probably see elsewhere is the plastic nut. For such a great guitar I am surprised they haven’t used something a little nicer than plastic.

A professional affordable Les Paul like guitar

I have the Vintage Black finish with Ebony fingerboard.Apparently these guitars also come with a thin flamed maple top too. With the mahogany, thin flamed maple top, mahogany set neck and ebony fingerboard? Pretty much a Japanese Les Paul but essentially an ESD edition. I want it because it has twenty four frets; and that's hard to find in a Les Paul shaped guitar. This model or at the least, the one I use, can contend with a Gibson Les Paul pretty fair. It's unique in it's own way but can match Les Paul like tones excellent. The pickup's high output are definitely Metal; but doesn't mean you can't use em for other tone features.The nobs are durable and wired professionally. I'm definitely satisfied with this instrument. If you want a professional Les Paul like ... MoreI have the Vintage Black finish with Ebony fingerboard.Apparently these guitars also come with a thin flamed maple top too. With the mahogany, thin flamed maple top, mahogany set neck and ebony fingerboard? Pretty much a Japanese Les Paul but essentially an ESD edition. I want it because it has twenty four frets; and that's hard to find in a Les Paul shaped guitar. This model or at the least, the one I use, can contend with a Gibson Les Paul pretty fair. It's unique in it's own way but can match Les Paul like tones excellent. The pickup's high output are definitely Metal; but doesn't mean you can't use em for other tone features.The nobs are durable and wired professionally. I'm definitely satisfied with this instrument. If you want a professional Les Paul like guitar and have easy access to Metal tones, you will not be disappointed. If you want a professional tone for not only Metal but other genre based tones, you will not be disappointed. You will have to get a gig bag or case but otherwise, you will definitely not be disappointed with this instrument.

A solid purchase - Quality tones and it chugs!

I bought this LTD EC-1000 after playing it at the shop for over an hour. This guitar delivers in spades the metal tone I was looking for. (I tried against Duncan Seymour version) With the right setup, it will CHUG! The chugs that is produced is so satisfying and inspirational to downstroke riffs like Papa Het for hours. Action is set at 2mm low E and 1.5mm at high E. A bit higher than I am used to but easy to get used to. This guitar is a beauty and plays and sounds great! You can't go wrong!

Best pick I could have made!

I bought this guitar 8 years ago (2012 for reference) as my second guitar when I finally started to get serious with my practicing. I went with the silver sunburst variant. I couldn't possibly have made a better choice. It was top rated on MF then, and it's still top rated now, and for good reason. This guitar sings on its own, it can make sounds that some guitars just cant. The action is comfortably low and the fretboard feels like home. Even after these many years, the neck is straight as an arrow, no adjustment needed. This fine guitar has never lost its tune on me yet, even when I was off it for weeks, I would plug it in and it would still be true. The locking tuners were a nice plus side on this guitar, I would have it no other way now. Active pickups were new ... MoreI bought this guitar 8 years ago (2012 for reference) as my second guitar when I finally started to get serious with my practicing. I went with the silver sunburst variant. I couldn't possibly have made a better choice. It was top rated on MF then, and it's still top rated now, and for good reason. This guitar sings on its own, it can make sounds that some guitars just cant. The action is comfortably low and the fretboard feels like home. Even after these many years, the neck is straight as an arrow, no adjustment needed. This fine guitar has never lost its tune on me yet, even when I was off it for weeks, I would plug it in and it would still be true. The locking tuners were a nice plus side on this guitar, I would have it no other way now. Active pickups were new to me and took some learning, so I would advise reading up on them and how to not kill your battery before you seal the deal.There is minor fret buzz from time to time, however I haven't made any adjustments or looked into it and the sound through an amp doesn't hear it, so I would mark that down as fixable and/or preventable.I could have bought a Les Paul, an SG, a Telecaster, PRS, whatever. I didn't, and I'm glad. I could have a third electric, but I don't. Kinda still wish I did, but the point is I don's have a need for another because this guitar is so well rounded, and paired with my first guitar, my Stratocaster, I can get whatever tone I need between the two.137/10

ESP ec-1000amb

Overall:I purchased the ec-1000amb after looking at it for several months and reading a ton of reviews on it. I have purchased other items from zZounds and am impressed with their excellent phone customer service, knowledgable sales staff, and amazingly fast shipping! I have been playing for 40 years and have owned Les Paul's, Guilds, Epiphones, etc. I was a bit concerned about this guitar being made in Korea but the endless reviews stating the high quality from Korea convinced me to try it out. I'm glad I did. The guitar arrived in 2 days, was extremely well packaged, and was set up reasonably well. Set up is such that everyone wants something different so I will say good work ESP! I lowered the action a bit but it was damn close. I also purchased the fitted case ... MoreOverall:I purchased the ec-1000amb after looking at it for several months and reading a ton of reviews on it. I have purchased other items from zZounds and am impressed with their excellent phone customer service, knowledgable sales staff, and amazingly fast shipping! I have been playing for 40 years and have owned Les Paul's, Guilds, Epiphones, etc. I was a bit concerned about this guitar being made in Korea but the endless reviews stating the high quality from Korea convinced me to try it out. I'm glad I did. The guitar arrived in 2 days, was extremely well packaged, and was set up reasonably well. Set up is such that everyone wants something different so I will say good work ESP! I lowered the action a bit but it was damn close. I also purchased the fitted case and am very pleased with the fit and the finish. Guitar fits like a glove and it has better neck support than my Gibson cases. I looked this guitar over for a hour solid and couldn't find ANY defects, none! The inlay work is clean and flawless. I am an LP fan since my first in 1980, an LP gold top pro with the P90s But the thinner body and the contouring on the back make this guitar a pleasure to play and if it gives up any sustain due to the thinner body I sure can't tell it. The push-pull tone pot to split the pickups is great and adds several new tonal possibilities. The neck heel is nice and aids upper fret access nicely. I have heard that ESP is having some of these starting to be made in Indonesia but have not seen any of them yet. I can't say enough good things about this guitar, get yourself one now as you won't regret it!

Fantastic guitar

I picked up a used EC-1000 in vintage black with gold hardware and passive Seymour Duncan pickups. I cleaned it up and restrung with 11-56 strings for D tuning. I had to make a minor truss Rod adjustment. Everything is easy with this guitar; locking tuners, 24 jumbo frets, simple controls, smooth feeling neck joint with access to high frets, perfect balance when wearing a strap, thin neck, but not too thin, classy looking multi ply binding, nice inlays even the first fret like a LP custom. Nice resonant sound, pickups are perfect for hard rock, blues, metal... whatever you could want to play, this guitar will do the job. I like that it has two volumes. I also got an ESP fitted case and it's an awesome case that holds the guitar firmly in place and the storage holds ... MoreI picked up a used EC-1000 in vintage black with gold hardware and passive Seymour Duncan pickups. I cleaned it up and restrung with 11-56 strings for D tuning. I had to make a minor truss Rod adjustment. Everything is easy with this guitar; locking tuners, 24 jumbo frets, simple controls, smooth feeling neck joint with access to high frets, perfect balance when wearing a strap, thin neck, but not too thin, classy looking multi ply binding, nice inlays even the first fret like a LP custom. Nice resonant sound, pickups are perfect for hard rock, blues, metal... whatever you could want to play, this guitar will do the job. I like that it has two volumes. I also got an ESP fitted case and it's an awesome case that holds the guitar firmly in place and the storage holds a strap, and cable no problem. (Try that in a Gibson case). I love Gibson Les Pauls but I have to admit this guitar plays and sounds just as well at a much better price.

Great guitar for the money!! IF you get a good one...

For fit and finish, good looks, play-ability, sound and value, this guitar gets a 10++ !! Simply Amazing quality for a 1000 dollar axe!! Perfect set-up right out of the box. If it said Gibson on the head-stock it would cost at least 3 grand or more. Plays great, looks great, and the EMG's rock with classic tones. Problems - Unfortunately, mine arrived with a small dent on the top near the bridge. The neck pick-up works only when it feels like it. The pick-up selector switch is way way to stiff to operate and may be the cause of this neck pick up problem. Did I return it? No...Why? - I needed a "Les Paul" that was light weight due to shoulder and neck issues caused by playing my old, nearly ten pound class Les Paul on stage for many many years. This EC-1000 weighs in ... MoreFor fit and finish, good looks, play-ability, sound and value, this guitar gets a 10++ !! Simply Amazing quality for a 1000 dollar axe!! Perfect set-up right out of the box. If it said Gibson on the head-stock it would cost at least 3 grand or more. Plays great, looks great, and the EMG's rock with classic tones. Problems - Unfortunately, mine arrived with a small dent on the top near the bridge. The neck pick-up works only when it feels like it. The pick-up selector switch is way way to stiff to operate and may be the cause of this neck pick up problem. Did I return it? No...Why? - I needed a "Les Paul" that was light weight due to shoulder and neck issues caused by playing my old, nearly ten pound class Les Paul on stage for many many years. This EC-1000 weighs in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. I didn't return it as other advertised Sweetwater EC-1000's where much heavier. Fortunately, I can fix the electronics issues myself..I'll live with the ding in the top. To be fair, Nick at Sweetwater called and emailed me twice to see if there where any problems with my purchase.

Phenomenal Guitar!

Sound:The sound of this guitar is better than I expected and I expected a lot. With the Seymour Duncan JB/'59 it has a lot of grunt if you like metal, rock, etc... and the coil tap gives this guitar more versatility and cleanliness. Don't mistake, it can go from gospel to Metallica in 0.1 seconds. It obviously can't do Fender Stratocaster single coil "twang" but it does good in the coil tap mode. The JB has a lot of hair if you want it, or you can dial it back and get a tamer rounded sound, while the '59 has that buttery creaminess that we all love with a driven solo.Features:The guitar is a mahogany body and neck with a flame maple top and ebony fretboard and appears to be finished in a poly clear but doesn't feel at all plastic-ey like some cheaper guitars. ... MoreSound:The sound of this guitar is better than I expected and I expected a lot. With the Seymour Duncan JB/'59 it has a lot of grunt if you like metal, rock, etc... and the coil tap gives this guitar more versatility and cleanliness. Don't mistake, it can go from gospel to Metallica in 0.1 seconds. It obviously can't do Fender Stratocaster single coil "twang" but it does good in the coil tap mode. The JB has a lot of hair if you want it, or you can dial it back and get a tamer rounded sound, while the '59 has that buttery creaminess that we all love with a driven solo.Features:The guitar is a mahogany body and neck with a flame maple top and ebony fretboard and appears to be finished in a poly clear but doesn't feel at all plastic-ey like some cheaper guitars. The pots and switch function as intended but at this price point (and considering how nice and well made this guitar is) probably has cheaper components under the rear plastic covers. With very smooth locking tuners and a tone pros tune-o-matic bridge and stoptail piece I feel makes up for cheaper pots... Also the older EC-1000 guitars had abalone running up the fretboard, the newer ones do not, BUT, the new model has an ultra access heel which helps tremendously up the neck and worth the trade off...Ease of Use:The sound from this guitar is amazing. The playabilty is amazing. It has a thinner neck than say a 60's Les Paul but not hardly Jackson Dinky thin. The neck is very comfortable and fast, and the action was surprisingly low straight out of the box. The pickups is the only thing I adjusted and that's all by preference.Quality:The fit and finish, frets, strap buttons, tail piece, nut and binding over all are very nice but not flawless. The binding on the body had a slight divot about the diameter of a match stick that was cleared over but impossible to see unless you are inspecting the guitar for such, and the LTD on the headstock had a ever so slight imperfection at the corner of the "L". Again impossible to notice unless you are searching really close. Listen, I owned two Gibson Les Pauls here recently. 2016 - 2018 models and fit and finish was nowhere as nice as this EC-1000 for 1/2 the price. The fit & finish is superb on these guitars.Value:I find this product is priced well for what you are getting. I would buy another without question.Manufacturer Support:I haven't dealt directly with ESP but I have never had the need.The Wow Factor:This guitar is stunningly beautiful! The abalone flag inlays and abalone binding on the amber sunburst flame maple is very HOT! This guitar will pull inspiration from you that you forgot about years ago. Go for it and thank yourself later!Overall:First I would like to thank zZounds for being so customer care driven! They always go above & beyond for their customers, and I find that very important while online shopping. I ordered the ESP LTD EC-1000 Amber Sunburst w/ duncan pickups and it is a very nice guitar! Order this guitar you will NOT be disappointed!

Stunning guitar

First off, this guitar is stunning. I have another ESP LTD and these are my favorite guitars based on looks. Sound wise....amazing. Once you get them set up, which GC doesn't bother to do or even open the box, they sound great. I like my bridges a bit higher and also different strings than they come with. Once set up for me, they sound amazing and the sustain just goes on forever it seems. Since GC doesn't bother to check the stuff they ship or repack to make sure it ships without damage, I was surprised when this guitar showed up. There was a large hole in the side of the box and the box itself had clearly had other heavy stuff stacked on it. I was amazed it was not damaged (not always the case with GC shipping). If you can buy it, do it. You won't regret it. Looks ... MoreFirst off, this guitar is stunning. I have another ESP LTD and these are my favorite guitars based on looks. Sound wise....amazing. Once you get them set up, which GC doesn't bother to do or even open the box, they sound great. I like my bridges a bit higher and also different strings than they come with. Once set up for me, they sound amazing and the sustain just goes on forever it seems. Since GC doesn't bother to check the stuff they ship or repack to make sure it ships without damage, I was surprised when this guitar showed up. There was a large hole in the side of the box and the box itself had clearly had other heavy stuff stacked on it. I was amazed it was not damaged (not always the case with GC shipping). If you can buy it, do it. You won't regret it. Looks great and sounds great.