ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar in Black Finish B-Stock
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- SKU
- LEC256BLK-B
- Color
- Black
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CECFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for EC Guitars (Case Only)
$229.00
Description
Sound & Tone
The all-mahogany body and set neck give the EC-256 a warm, thick voice with long sustain, while the passive ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers keep the attack clear and focused whether you're on clean chords or heavy gain. The 24.75" scale adds a slightly slack, punchy low end that thickens riffs and helps bends sing, and the roasted jatoba fingerboard keeps note definition tight. With dual volumes, a push-pull master tone and a 3-way switch, it moves easily from round rhythm tones to cutting leads, making it a natural fit for classic rock, hard rock and metal.
ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar in Black Finish
The EC-256 is a capable recording and studio instrument that balances playability with tonal character. Its set-neck construction and thin U contour deliver consistent resonance across tracking sessions, while the mahogany body and neck combination produces a warm, articulate response that sits well in dense mixes—equally effective captured clean or with saturation and overdrive applied in the mix chain. A straightforward, reliable design built to capture both rhythm and lead performances with genuine sonic versatility.
Playability & Recording Performance
The thin U neck contour and 24.75" scale support clean, repeatable takes during extended recording sessions without fatigue. A 42mm nut width and roasted jatoba fingerboard with 22 XJ frets ensure precise intonation and smooth articulation across the full range—critical for overdubs and layered parts, while the 350mm fingerboard radius balances comfort for rhythm work with responsive feel for lead lines and solos.
Tone & Electronics
The ESP Designed LH-150 pickups—neck and bridge configurations—deliver clear, articulate output through a passive electronics layout with independent volume controls for each pickup, a master tone control with push-pull function, and a 3-way toggle switch. This straightforward setup provides real mixing flexibility at the instrument level: sculpt warm rhythm tones from the neck position, dial in punchy, defined lead tones from the bridge, or blend both for fuller stacked arrangements without relying on post-processing.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction for sustained resonance and body/neck joint stability
- Mahogany body and 3-piece mahogany neck for warm, cohesive tonal character
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard with superior stability and distinctive appearance
- 24.75" scale length and thin U neck contour for comfortable, fast playability
- 22 XJ frets with 350mm radius for smooth bending and chording
- 42mm molded nut for consistent string spacing and tuning
- ESP Designed LH-150N neck pickup and LH-150B bridge pickup in passive configuration
- Dual volume controls with master tone (push-pull) and 3-way toggle switch
- TOM bridge and tailpiece with gold hardware
- LTD tuning machines for reliable tuning stability
- Black finish with professional appearance
- D'Addario XL110 strings (.010–.046)
The EC-256 combines proven construction methods, solid electronics, and thoughtful hardware into an instrument that captures and records tone substantially above its price point.
As a B-Stock instrument it carries a minor factory cosmetic blemish — a small finish mark with no effect on playability, tone or structure — which is why it sells for less than a first-quality unit. The exact blemish varies from unit to unit, so it is not described or pictured here; photos show the model, not the individual unit. It is new, unplayed and covered by the full manufacturer warranty.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
About this B-Stock unit
| Condition | B-Stock - cosmetic blemish, fully functional |
|---|---|
| Price vs new | $120 under the new unit ($599) |
Prefer a brand-new one? ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Black is in the catalog at $599.
Specifications
| Body Style | Single Cutaway |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 24.75" Scale |
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Pickups | HH |
| Bridge | Fixed |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Made In | China |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Live Performance, Studio Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Warm, resonant, articulate, punchy, balanced |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B-Stock, and does it affect playability or sound?
B-Stock means this guitar is new and unplayed but carries a minor factory cosmetic blemish—such as a small finish mark—that does not affect playability, tone, or structure. It is covered by the full manufacturer warranty. The exact blemish varies by unit.
Is this guitar suitable for rock and metal, and how does it compare to Les Paul-style guitars?
Yes; the EC-256 is purpose-built for rock and metal with warm, resonant tone and clear, articulate pickup response. Its 24.75-inch scale and thin U neck contour are comparable to Gibson Les Paul Special and other classic solidbodies, but the set-neck construction and roasted jatoba fingerboard offer modern stability and fast playability.
What pickup configuration does it have, and how flexible is the tone control?
The EC-256 features passive ESP Designed LH-150N (neck) and LH-150B (bridge) pickups with independent volume controls for each pickup, a master tone control with push-pull function, and a 3-way toggle switch. This setup delivers real tonal range—from warm rhythm to punchy leads—without unnecessary complexity.
What is the neck profile and fret count, and who is it for?
The neck has a thin U contour, 42mm nut width, and 22 XJ frets with a 350mm radius, suiting intermediate to advanced players accustomed to classic solidbody ergonomics. The profile balances comfort for barre chords with responsiveness for lead work.
What hardware and construction details support reliability in live and studio use?
The EC-256 uses set-neck construction for sustained resonance and joint stability, a 3-piece mahogany neck for tonal cohesion, a TOM bridge and tailpiece with gold hardware, and LTD tuning machines for reliable tuning stability—all designed for dependable performance in both environments.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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