ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock
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Out of stock
- SKU
- LVIPER256STBC-B
- Color
- Red
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CVIPERFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for Viper Guitars (Case Only)
$229.00
Description
Sound & Tone
The all-mahogany body and set-neck build give the Viper-256 a warm, thick midrange with long sustain, and the shorter 24.75" scale adds a slinky feel and slightly looser low end. Its ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers push plenty of output for hard rock and metal rhythm work, while the push-pull coil split thins things out for brighter, snappier cleans and lighter passages. With 24 extra-jumbo frets and a flatter 350mm radius, it handles fast lead runs and heavy riffing equally well.
ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish — B-Stock
The Viper-256 is a session-ready instrument built for tracking and layering work in the studio. Its Thin U neck profile and 24.75" scale offer a responsive platform that translates well to both single-note passages and dense rhythm arrangements. The set-neck construction yields solid sustain and resonance—critical for capturing definition in dense mixes—while the See-Thru Black Cherry finish showcases the mahogany body with striking visual depth. This B-Stock unit carries the same specifications and hardware as new, with only cosmetic or packaging variation.
Playing Comfort & Tracking Efficiency
The 3-piece mahogany neck with Thin U profile and roasted Jatoba fingerboard reduce finger fatigue during long overdub sessions and support rapid position changes across the fretboard. The 350mm fingerboard radius and 24 extra-jumbo frets enable precise intonation whether tracking lead lines or complex chord voicings, while the 42mm nut width maintains clear string definition without unwanted buzz or crosstalk.
Tone & Recording Character
Dual ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers capture articulate, thick tones that sit naturally in dense arrangements. The push-pull coil-splitting control on the tone knob expands your sonic palette from full humbucker warmth to single-coil brightness during a single session, all managed through passive circuitry with separate volume and tone controls—letting you shape your sound at the source rather than relying solely on post-production processing.
Key Features
- Set-Neck Construction for sustain and resonance
- 24.75" Scale Length
- Mahogany Body
- 3-Piece Mahogany Neck with Thin U Profile
- Roasted Jatoba Fingerboard
- 350mm Fingerboard Radius
- 24 Extra-Jumbo Frets
- 42mm Nut Width
- Dual ESP Designed LH-150 Humbuckers
- Volume / Tone / 3-Way Toggle with Push-Pull Coil Splitting
- Black LTD Tuners and TOM Bridge with Tailpiece
The Viper-256 combines traditional set-neck construction with modern playability features and reliable electronics, delivering consistent tone across multiple takes and providing the versatility needed for varied production work.
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 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
About this B-Stock unit
| Condition | B-Stock - cosmetic blemish, fully functional |
|---|---|
| Photos | 2 photos of this exact unit, not stock images |
| Inspected | Photographed and inspected in Temecula, Jun 14, 2026 |
| Price vs new | $100 under the new unit ($499) |
Prefer a brand-new one? ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish is in the catalog at $499.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 24.75" Scale |
| Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Jatoba |
| Fingerboard Radius | 350mm |
| Nut Width | 42mm |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Profile | Thin U |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Pickups | HH |
| Pickup Models | ESP LH-150N (neck), ESP LH-150B (bridge) |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Made In | Indonesia |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Hard Rock, Metal, Rock, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Thick humbuckers, articulate mids, versatile character, warm sustain, single-coil brightness via coil-split |
| 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 does B-Stock mean, and will it affect the guitar's tone or playability?
B-Stock means the unit is new and unplayed but carries a minor cosmetic finish mark from the factory—no impact on tone, sustain, playability, or structure. It is covered by the full manufacturer warranty and sells for less because of that cosmetic difference, not any functional defect.
Is this guitar suited for hard rock and metal, or can it handle other styles?
The Viper-256 is purpose-built for hard rock and metal with its thick humbuckers, articulate mids, and warm sustain. It is not well-suited to jazz, folk, or country; metal, rock, and studio session work are its sweet spot.
What does the coil-split control do, and how do I use it?
The push-pull coil-split on the tone knob lets you switch each humbucker to single-coil mode, adding brightness and snap to your tone without changing pickups. Pull the tone knob for single-coil character, push it back for full humbucker warmth.
What neck profile does this have, and is it comfortable for long sessions?
The Thin U profile is modern and fast—responsive and slim without feeling thin or unstable. Combined with the 42mm nut width and 350mm fingerboard radius, it supports both lead work and chord voicings comfortably over extended playing.
How does the Viper-256 compare to similar guitars like the Schecter C-1 or Ibanez RG550?
The Viper-256 shares the set-neck construction and thick humbucking tone of the Schecter, but with a slightly more traditional 24.75-inch scale versus the Ibanez's shorter, faster neck. It sits between classic sustain and modern playability, making it reliable for stage and studio without sacrificing either.
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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