How's this el cheapo LTD?

[Jofipe]

So, I wanna get a decent cheap guitar to just have in the rehearsal room, cause I have to take a flight each time we rehearse... It costs extra to check in a guitar.

I mostly play les pauls.. I have a Custom and a R0.


Does anyone have any experience with this guitar? They have one for sale for 380USD at my local store here in Denmark... thats really NOTHING for a guitar.

I would swap the PU's to Bareknuckles.. I have an extra set lying around.

Is it playable?

Another link:
http://www.theperfectguitar.com/ESP-LTD-Standard-Series-EC-256-I11020738.htm

 

[maddnotez]

Ive never played that model, but any cheap ltd Ive played was very uncomfortable. I also wouldn't put pups in a guitar that are worth more.

You could sell the pups and buy a better guitar.

Just my opinion i really disliked the cheap Ltd's but again never played that model

On the other hand If you like it get it


Have you played it? What did you think?

 

[Jofipe]

Not yet, but im gonna swing by the place tomorrow.
Was just wondering if anyone had any "alert" experiences with it.

It needs to have sustain, tone and feel good. haha

 

[racerevlon]

Played one in my local music store. More consistent and playable than any random Epiphone in the same price range. I'd have one as a backup for sure. I just picked up a couple of LTDs to use as strat backups: ST203M in distressed black and distressed 3-tone sunburst. Both are awesome after a little setup and tweaking--I dropped Dimarzios in both. The black is full metal (Fast Track 2, Fast Track 1, Chopper) and the sunburst is more classic (Air Norton S, RWRP True Velvet, Injector Neck). Just find a good one and you'll be happy.

 

[colimofsmoke]

it's true, LTD's are way better than epiphones and many other "cheap" guitars. and I disagree with maddnotez...not a damn thing wrong with putting high zoot pickups in a cheaper guitar. some of those cheaper guitars actually play well, but IME, sound like shit plugged in, so why not solve the problem with the bkp's? and of course, you should go play it for yourself, and if you like it, get it, and don't listen to us.

 

[exhibit-sbt]

I've always steered clear of the Indonesian model LTDs.. The Korean ones from around 2006/older always played/sounded way better. They can also be grabbed for much less since the value doesn't generally go up on LTDs.

 

[Rushtallica]

I played the same model at a local GC a few times. It felt solid, and I really liked it except this one had sharp fret ends that would've needed filed down -- the high E string kept catching on the higher frets. I kind of wish I would've grabbed it but just dislike getting something I probably won't be able to set up the way I want to on my own. I need to get some very cheap guitar necks to practice working on filing/dressing frets in case other opportunities come up.

 

[bpetersen]

I had one, that I got for REALLY cheap and after a pickup swap, I had no complaints especially for the price. It killed an Epi LP Standard that was twice the price at the same store. If the guitar feels good to you, go for it.

 

[ConcreteVampire]

IMO absolute pass. I owned the flat black Custom version... Firewood.

Hella Sharp frets pretty much unplayable (Not kidding)
Radius felt real flat
Way too twangy for a LP style git
Neck is Very thin Shreddy
Fit finish blems
A JB couldn't save it

Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It holds the distinction of being the guitar I held onto for the least amount of time!

Unfortunately I bought online, had I played it it would have stayed in the store...

OF course, YMMV, definately play it and see...

 

[racerevlon]

IMO absolute pass. I owned the flat black Custom version... Firewood.

Hella Sharp frets pretty much unplayable (Not kidding)
Radius felt real flat
Way too twangy for a LP style git
Neck is Very thin Shreddy
Fit finish blems
A JB couldn't save it

Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It holds the distinction of being the guitar I held onto for the least amount of time!

Unfortunately I bought online, had I played it it would have stayed in the store...

OF course, YMMV, definately play it and see...

WOW!! Totally different than the two Indos I have. Necks are what I would describe as a thicker, chunkier Fender Stratocaster "C" shape. Stock they sounded like a good Strat. After Dimarzios and a Babicz Full Contact Strat Tremolo Bridge they're a couple of my favorite grab 'n go axes. Plus, since I paid very little for them AND they're distressed finish, I'm not worried about them getting banged up.

Like CV says though, YMMV--go play it and see what you think--how does it play? I don't know that I'd put $300 BKPs in a $300 guitar, but a nice Dimarzio or Duncan and you could have a winner for cheep!!

 

[ConcreteVampire]

IMO absolute pass. I owned the flat black Custom version... Firewood.

Hella Sharp frets pretty much unplayable (Not kidding)
Radius felt real flat
Way too twangy for a LP style git
Neck is Very thin Shreddy
Fit finish blems
A JB couldn't save it

Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It holds the distinction of being the guitar I held onto for the least amount of time!

Unfortunately I bought online, had I played it it would have stayed in the store...

OF course, YMMV, definately play it and see...

WOW!! Totally different than the two Indos I have. Necks are what I would describe as a thicker, chunkier Fender Stratocaster "C" shape. Stock they sounded like a good Strat. After Dimarzios and a Babicz Full Contact Strat Tremolo Bridge they're a couple of my favorite grab 'n go axes. Plus, since I paid very little for them AND they're distressed finish, I'm not worried about them getting banged up.

Like CV says though, YMMV--go play it and see what you think--how does it play? I don't know that I'd put $300 BKPs in a $300 guitar, but a nice Dimarzio or Duncan and you could have a winner for cheep!!

Your talking about your Indo Strats... He's asking about the LP... I've found them to be different guitars feel wise. Your LTD Strats are fine! It's this 1 in thick LP I had an issue with

 

[D-Rock]

They are OK at best. My two Korean LTD's smoke 'em IMO.

 

[Jofipe]

Well, if it sounds twangy and spanky, it definatly a pass! Being that its quite thin and the mahogany maybe being a bad quality, most of whats lacking in this guitar i'd guess is tone.
Ill make sure to play it unplugged to begin with.

 

[Filter500]

Just a reminder, it has a 1-5/8" nut, so narrower than a LP.

 

[racerevlon]

IMO absolute pass. I owned the flat black Custom version... Firewood.

Hella Sharp frets pretty much unplayable (Not kidding)
Radius felt real flat
Way too twangy for a LP style git
Neck is Very thin Shreddy
Fit finish blems
A JB couldn't save it

Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It holds the distinction of being the guitar I held onto for the least amount of time!

Unfortunately I bought online, had I played it it would have stayed in the store...

OF course, YMMV, definately play it and see...

WOW!! Totally different than the two Indos I have. Necks are what I would describe as a thicker, chunkier Fender Stratocaster "C" shape. Stock they sounded like a good Strat. After Dimarzios and a Babicz Full Contact Strat Tremolo Bridge they're a couple of my favorite grab 'n go axes. Plus, since I paid very little for them AND they're distressed finish, I'm not worried about them getting banged up.

Like CV says though, YMMV--go play it and see what you think--how does it play? I don't know that I'd put $300 BKPs in a $300 guitar, but a nice Dimarzio or Duncan and you could have a winner for cheep!!

Your talking about your Indo Strats... He's asking about the LP... I've found them to be different guitars feel wise. Your LTD Strats are fine! It's this 1 in thick LP I had an issue with

AHA!! See, I've only played one of the LP-style axes once. Was "OK." Reminded me of an Epiphone with the 70's-style neck. Go with the ST203--everyone's blowing them out for $249 or less!! AMS=3 payments of $83.33 or something like that...

 

[glassjaw7]

I played that model and I liked it. It felt a bit light and sort of "plastic" compared to my LP but still solid and it stayed in tune well after hard bends. I'd say it would suffice as a backup, especially with a pup change.

 

[madrigal77]

I like mine. Fretwork is good on it for the price range. Really nice neck. With EMG's and a few hardware upgrades, it sounds good. Paid $200 used for mine, but it's still a bargain at $380.

Just don't go in expecting Les Paul tone/feel. Yes, it has a LP type body, but it plays and sounds more like a superstrat.

 

[Chris O]

I think those are Vietnamese? I haven't played one that felt very good, and I own an Ec-1000T, so I'm not biased from the brand. The nuts are poorly cut most of the time, and the action can be tough to get into a good playable range. I've also had issues with 2 of the 3 I was considering buying in terms of the truss rod - it was at its limit when the guitar was new on the rack. Scary. I'm not the only person that has had that issue. Look at the EC-400/401 instead. It already has good pickups, etc, and used is probably even cheaper than these.