ESP LTD EC-1000

This guitar pretty much has all the aftermarket goodies that I would have put on it if I had to replace them. Features a set-neck, abalone inlays on the neck and headstock. Abalone binding on the body, neck and headstock. Inlay work was really good. Made in Korea. The hardware is second to none with Sperzel trimloks on the head, a tone pros II locking bridge and tailpiece. A really nice combination. The pickups are awesome active EMG 81's in the neck and bridge. Two tone pots, one volume. This thing actually stays in tune quite well even after transport. The body is a solid mahogany LP style, but thinner and not as heavy. I really like the strap buttons on this thing. I probably won't even have to change to strap-loks.

I play a lot of heavy music and this thing is perfect for that. I'm using a solid state Marshall combo and it really screams. I don't use any effects, dont need'em with the EMG 81's. Has a nice tone, but my Viper sounds better.

Guitar was set up pretty well with decent semi-low action. I play heavy rhythm so I don't need it too low anyway. I didn't like the gauge of strings that came on it, but I guess I being picky. The black finish is laid down smoothly. The only mistakes I can see are in the fretting. At about the 19th 20th frets, the frets are too short, they don't go all the way to the edge of the fret board and are short by about 1/8" on two of the frets.

The guitar and all the hardware seem to be top-notch and should last for a good long time. The finish has a good thick coat of lacquer on it. Again I dig the beefy strap buttons on this thing. I would use it on a gig without backup, but bring extra 9-volts for the 81's.

Here is where ESP failed me. I don't like Gold hardware and that's the only color hardware you can get with the black finish. I contacted ESP about having the hardware replaced with a different color and it seems that the guy couldn't get off the phone with me fast enough. I told them I would pay extra and the guy just told me they "couldn't" do that. Hmmmm, a custom shop that can't do hardware replacement, That's BS. Anyway I've heard that customer service is at the top of ESP's list. That's dangerous in this economy.

I would probably not buy it again unless they offered different hardware options and changed their attitude on customer service. I may have just spoke with the biggest prick in custom shop though. If I never have to deal with sending it back, the guitar is a good deal for under a grand.