LTE201BLKS-B vs LVIPER256STBC-B — Compare

ESP LTD TE-201 Black Satin Electric Guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock

The TE-201 is a bolt-on design with a brighter, snappier tone ideal for cutting through mixes, while the Viper-256 uses set-neck construction for deeper sustain and resonance, suiting players who want warmer, more traditional character. Choose the TE-201 for modern rock and metal edge; choose the Viper-256 for classic hard rock and blues feel.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

ESP LTD TE-201 Black Satin Electric Guitar B-Stock

$399.20
View ESP LTD TE-201 Black Satin Electric Guitar B-Stock

ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock

$399.20
View ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock

Specs side by side

ESP LTD TE-201 Black Satin Electric Guitar B-StockESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock
Price$399.20$399.20
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
SeriesLTD TELTD Viper
BodyTelecaster
Body TypeSolidSolid
Scale25.5" Scale24.75" Scale
Strings66
Frets24 Frets24 Frets
FretboardJatobaJatoba
NeckMapleMahogany
Neck ConstructionSet-Neck
Pickup ConfigurationHH
BridgeFixedTune-O-Matic / Stopbar
Year20232021
ConditionRefurbishedRefurbished

Why choose ESP LTD TE-201 Black Satin Electric Guitar B-Stock

  • Bolt-on construction delivers bright, snappy attack that cuts through a mix
  • Single high-output humbucker simplifies controls and reduces weight slightly
  • 25.5" scale length offers versatile tuning options and tighter string tension
  • Fast U-shaped neck and 350mm radius support rapid lead playing

Why choose ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock

  • Set-neck construction provides deeper sustain and resonance for richer tone
  • Dual humbuckers offer thicker, more versatile tonal palette across genres
  • See-Thru Black Cherry finish showcases striking visual depth
  • 24.75" scale length delivers traditional feel balancing modern playability
Bottom line: Pick the TE-201 if you prioritize cutting tone and modern metal/hard rock applications. Pick the Viper-256 if you want thicker sustain, dual-humbucker versatility, and a more classic hard rock or blues character.

Frequently asked questions

What's the main tonal difference between bolt-on and set-neck construction?

Bolt-on construction (TE-201) produces a brighter, snappier attack with clearer note definition, while set-neck construction (Viper-256) delivers warmer sustain and deeper resonance. Bolt-on suits modern metal; set-neck suits classic rock and blues.

How many pickups does each guitar have?

The TE-201 features a single ESP LH-150B humbucker with coil-split. The Viper-256 features dual ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers, offering more tonal variety and thickness.

Which scale length is better for drop tunings?

The TE-201's 25.5" scale maintains tighter tension in lower tunings and offers more versatility. The Viper-256's 24.75" scale is more traditional but still supports drop tunings capably.

Are both neck profiles the same?

Both use a Thin U-shaped neck profile with a 350mm radius roasted Jatoba fingerboard. The main difference is neck construction: the TE-201 uses a 3-piece maple neck, while the Viper-256 uses a 3-piece mahogany neck for warmer tonality.

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