LEC200DXCHB vs LEC201FTSTBC-B — Compare
ESP LTD EC-200DX CHARCOAL BURST guitar vs ESP LTD EC-201 Flat Top Guitar See Thru Black Cherry B-Stock
The EC-200DX is a bolt-on single-cutaway with a poplar body and versatile push-pull pickup switching, ideal for players prioritizing playability and tonal flexibility at an entry-level price. The EC-201 is a set-neck mahogany guitar with higher output and warmer sustain, better suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking depth and reliability for rock and metal gigging.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD EC-201 Flat Top Guitar See Thru Black Cherry B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD EC-200DX CHARCOAL BURST guitar | ESP LTD EC-201 Flat Top Guitar See Thru Black Cherry B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $399.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD EC | LTD EC |
| Body | — | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | — | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Jatoba |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | — |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | 2023 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD EC-200DX CHARCOAL BURST guitar
- ✓ Bolt-on neck for easier maintenance and adjustment
- ✓ Push-pull switch on tone knob for single-coil versatility from both pickups
- ✓ Roasted maple neck with 350mm radius supports varied playing styles
- ✓ More accessible price point for beginners entering the lineup
Why choose ESP LTD EC-201 Flat Top Guitar See Thru Black Cherry B-Stock
- ✓ Set-neck construction delivers superior sustain and upper-fret access
- ✓ All-mahogany body and neck produce warm, resonant midrange characteristic
- ✓ Higher output LH-150B bridge pickup drives amplifiers more aggressively
- ✓ B-Stock pricing offers used/cosmetic discount on a premium construction method
Frequently asked questions
What's the main construction difference between these two?
The EC-200DX uses a bolt-on roasted maple neck attached to a poplar body with flamed maple top, while the EC-201 features a set-neck construction with a 3-piece mahogany neck glued into a mahogany body. Set-neck designs typically provide more sustain and easier upper-fret access, while bolt-on necks are easier to repair and adjust.
Which has better single-coil tones?
The EC-200DX has a dedicated push-pull switch on the tone knob that engages single-coil textures from either pickup position, offering more explicit single-coil access. The EC-201 uses a master volume push-pull for coil splitting but focuses primarily on its warm humbucker voice from the high-output LH-150B bridge pickup.
How do the fingerboards and playability compare?
The EC-200DX has 24 extra-jumbo frets on a 350mm radius with a 42mm nut width, designed for both lead work and open chords. The EC-201 has 22 extra-jumbo frets on a 13.77-inch radius with a 1.692-inch nut width and set-neck access to higher positions; the shorter scale reduces string tension for easier bending.
Which is better for heavy rock and metal?
Both are voiced for rock and metal, but the EC-201's all-mahogany construction, set-neck sustain, and high-output LH-150B bridge pickup make it the stronger choice for thick, aggressive tones and extended soloing. The EC-200DX remains versatile and gigging-capable but sacrifices some of the raw sustain and output the EC-201 delivers.