Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Posted: 10/2/2023 8:19:55 PM EDT
ESP LTD-256FM in cobalt blue.




Link Posted: 10/2/2023 9:37:49 PM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 10/2/2023 9:39:54 PM EDT
[#2]
Dig that flame.
Link Posted: 10/3/2023 9:02:12 AM EDT
[#3]
Looks really nice.  Body cut on the back?

What do they use for the neck wood?
Link Posted: 10/3/2023 11:13:59 AM EDT
[#4]
I honestly don't understand why anyone buys Gibson LP's for a player instrument anymore.  The features and F&F are just so good with these LTD EC-series and Schecter Solo-II single cut guitars. My son's LTD F-50 came with the same LH150 pickups and he has used that guitar for tracking frequently when he's writing for a wide range of tones and its $100 guitar. I wouldn't swap immediately.  Vid of them compared to the JB/Jazz set.  For rock/metal there's very little difference.

ESP LH-150 vs Seymour Duncan Jazz/JB
Link Posted: 10/3/2023 3:51:00 PM EDT
[#5]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Looks really nice.  Body cut on the back?

What do they use for the neck wood?
View Quote



3-piece mahagony for the neck; jatoba fretboard.
Link Posted: 10/3/2023 4:04:01 PM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I honestly don't understand why anyone buys Gibson LP's for a player instrument anymore.  The features and F&F are just so good with these LTD EC-series and Schecter Solo-II single cut guitars. My son's LTD F-50 came with the same LH150 pickups and he has used that guitar for tracking frequently when he's writing for a wide range of tones and its $100 guitar. I wouldn't swap immediately.  Vid of them compared to the JB/Jazz set.  For rock/metal there's very little difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4lXmIYHKc
View Quote

Every so often, I try to get into a Les Paul...

This thing is....different.

It has to be the thinnest neck I've ever owned. Thin necks most of the time are uncomfortable for me; not this one.

This is a full-on mod mule...

Plans include:
-full fret job and set-up
-TUSQ nut
-JB/Jazz nickel covered and new pots, toggle, jack, wiring, etc.
-Gotoh SG381 keystone locking tuners
-Tonepros bridge and tailpiece
-Q-parts knobs

I had everything but the pickups bought before the guitar arrived.

$600 guitar fixing to be a $1,200 guitar.
I'm sick...
Link Posted: 10/3/2023 5:30:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Every so often, I try to get into a Les Paul...

This thing is....different.

It has to be the thinnest neck I've ever owned. Thin necks most of the time are uncomfortable for me; not this one.

This is a full-on mod mule...

Plans include:
-full fret job and set-up
-TUSQ nut
-JB/Jazz nickel covered and new pots, toggle, jack, wiring, etc.
-Gotoh SG381 keystone locking tuners
-Tonepros bridge and tailpiece
-Q-parts knobs

I had everything but the pickups bought before the guitar arrived.

$600 guitar fixing to be a $1,200 guitar.
I'm sick...
View Quote
I'm nowhere near pulling the trigger, but I was planning to upgrade the pickups, pots and wiring of my PRS SE 245 before I even bought it.  Modifying (anything from any hobby) is half the fun!!!    I think it had locking tuners on it within the first month, just for the convenience of easier stringing.
Link Posted: 10/3/2023 7:23:58 PM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

$600 guitar fixing to be a $1,200 guitar.
I'm sick...
View Quote

Sounds like my kind of party.
Link Posted: 10/4/2023 5:51:13 AM EDT
[#9]
I've got a 256 but purple flame top.
I like it.
Link Posted: 10/5/2023 12:12:26 AM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Sounds like my kind of party.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:

$600 guitar fixing to be a $1,200 guitar.
I'm sick...

Sounds like my kind of party.

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 10/5/2023 5:31:15 AM EDT
[#11]
Damn, that's pretty. My main reason for not buying a Gibby was (well, aside from price) I really couldn't get into the classic burst look. I like that cap! Grats on the new guitar!
Link Posted: 10/5/2023 8:10:04 AM EDT
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Damn, that's pretty. My main reason for not buying a Gibby was (well, aside from price) I really couldn't get into the classic burst look. I like that cap! Grats on the new guitar!
View Quote

Thanks.

I hear ya on the traditional bursts..the only ones I've seen I can get into are the Wildwood Honeyburst Standards.

At this price point, I was also looking at Epiphones; until I saw "China".

This is my second CorTek(Indonesia) guitar...so far I'm impressed.
Link Posted: 10/5/2023 8:39:36 AM EDT
[#13]
Forget Gibsons.  If you're gonna buy a really high quality single cutaway then buy a Heritage and get it over with.  Half the price of a Gibson and better quality, plus tons of custom options.

One of these days I still need to have them build me a lightweight copy of my '79 LP Artist so I can record with the heavy guitar and practice/play shows with a lighter one.  I got distracted by a one-of-one Robin Avalon last time I was gonna order it LOL.

OP what really gets me about your new axe is how hard it is to balance the nickel/chrome, the white, and the black with that color and how sharp they made it look.  Easy to go really wrong with combinations like that!
Link Posted: 10/5/2023 12:53:27 PM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Forget Gibsons.  If you're gonna buy a really high quality single cutaway then buy a Heritage and get it over with.  Half the price of a Gibson and better quality, plus tons of custom options.

One of these days I still need to have them build me a lightweight copy of my '79 LP Artist so I can record with the heavy guitar and practice/play shows with a lighter one.  I got distracted by a one-of-one Robin Avalon last time I was gonna order it LOL.

OP what really gets me about your new axe is how hard it is to balance the nickel/chrome, the white, and the black with that color and how sharp they made it look.  Easy to go really wrong with combinations like that!
View Quote

Spent all my fun money this year but if I wanted something more traditional def a Heritage or a vintage Ibanez Artist. Just not into vintage stuff so Op's NGD is more in line with my interests in single cuts.
Link Posted: 10/5/2023 5:37:21 PM EDT
[#15]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Thanks.

I hear ya on the traditional bursts..the only ones I've seen I can get into are the Wildwood Honeyburst Standards.

At this price point, I was also looking at Epiphones; until I saw "China".

This is my second CorTek(Indonesia) guitar...so far I'm impressed.
View Quote


Awe, man. Don knock my Epi. Plays sweet. Has nice grit. My buddy is a Gibson guy... 2 standards and a custom and gave it the nod.Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 10/5/2023 7:35:23 PM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Awe, man. Don knock my Epi. Plays sweet. Has nice grit. My buddy is a Gibson guy... 2 standards and a custom and gave it the nod.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/539786/20221101_123447_jpg-2979686.JPG
View Quote

Awe man...I didn't mean to knock it like that. It's just my stupid China hang-up...
Plus, I've tried several times over the years to get into a proper Epiphone and Gibson Les Paul. I wanted to try something a little different...

Did I mention mine comes in at 6lbs,14oz?

From everything I've heard, Epiphone makes a fine guitar. I sort of have a hankering for a Casino...
Link Posted: 10/6/2023 4:26:49 AM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Awe man...I didn't mean to knock it like that. It's just my stupid China hang-up...
Plus, I've tried several times over the years to get into a proper Epiphone and Gibson Les Paul. I wanted to try something a little different...

Did I mention mine comes in at 6lbs,14oz?

From everything I've heard, Epiphone makes a fine guitar. I sort of have a hankering for a Casino...
View Quote


No worries. I didn't take it personally. 6 and 14... that's sweet. My Epi is straight 60s standard with no weight relief... close to 10 lbs. Good thing I was a machine gunner. I might feel a lot different about it if I were a gigging musician. I've thought Casino but been leaning towards a 335 for some reason. Not even sure why. Next NGD is back burned for and AR10.
Link Posted: 10/6/2023 10:25:06 AM EDT
[#18]
This would be my first purchase if i went SC. I believe it made in same factory as Op's new guitar so things like the heel/neck joint are very similar.

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 10/6/2023 10:46:16 AM EDT
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


No worries. I didn't take it personally. 6 and 14... that's sweet. My Epi is straight 60s standard with no weight relief... close to 10 lbs. Good thing I was a machine gunner. I might feel a lot different about it if I were a gigging musician. I've thought Casino but been leaning towards a 335 for some reason. Not even sure why. Next NGD is back burned for and AR10.
View Quote


*laughs in '79 Artist at 12+ lbs*
Link Posted: 10/6/2023 1:03:04 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


*laughs in '79 Artist at 12+ lbs*
View Quote

Is that the one with the Moog board?
Link Posted: 10/6/2023 4:19:26 PM EDT
[#21]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Is that the one with the Moog board?
View Quote


It was; I tore that shit out and stuck Rio Grandes in it.  It is too bad they don't make all LP Customs like they made these, with the 5-ply maple/walnut necks with volute.  They are the only Les Paul that won't break when it gets bumped plus they are much more articulate.  To me mahogany necks sound mushy in an electric.
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 11:54:51 AM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Forget Gibsons.  If you're gonna buy a really high quality single cutaway then buy a Heritage and get it over with.  Half the price of a Gibson and better quality, plus tons of custom options.

One of these days I still need to have them build me a lightweight copy of my '79 LP Artist so I can record with the heavy guitar and practice/play shows with a lighter one.  I got distracted by a one-of-one Robin Avalon last time I was gonna order it LOL.

OP what really gets me about your new axe is how hard it is to balance the nickel/chrome, the white, and the black with that color and how sharp they made it look.  Easy to go really wrong with combinations like that!
View Quote

This would bug me on a $4000 guitar...




https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H150CCDLB--heritage-custom-core-h-150-dirty-lemon-burst?serial=HC1220917
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 1:16:58 PM EDT
[#23]
What's that?  Private label tuners?
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 3:10:25 PM EDT
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What's that?  Private label tuners?
View Quote


Right middle one on the back view isn't perfectly lined up
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 3:32:06 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Right middle one on the back view isn't perfectly lined up
View Quote

That's the stand out...

They all(or, at least half)look cocked to my eye. Treble side looks 90° to the string centerline; bass side looks like it's 90° to the side of the headstock.
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 4:02:44 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

That's the stand out...

They all(or, at least half)look cocked to my eye. Treble side looks 90° to the string centerline; bass side looks like it's 90° to the side of the headstock.
View Quote


From the front I might not notice, but the back view my eye goes to that one not generally being in line with the others.
Attachment Attached File


That being said, if Heritage is built like Gibson that fucker is gonna break off and you can have the repair guy line em up properly.

https://woodford-instruments.creator-spring.com/listing/woodford-instruments-sticker?product=794


ETA is hard to tell exactly which is off since the headstock tapers towards the end
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 7:44:13 PM EDT
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Forget Gibsons.  If you're gonna buy a really high quality single cutaway then buy a Heritage and get it over with.  Half the price of a Gibson and better quality, plus tons of custom options.

One of these days I still need to have them build me a lightweight copy of my '79 LP Artist so I can record with the heavy guitar and practice/play shows with a lighter one.  I got distracted by a one-of-one Robin Avalon last time I was gonna order it LOL.

OP what really gets me about your new axe is how hard it is to balance the nickel/chrome, the white, and the black with that color and how sharp they made it look.  Easy to go really wrong with combinations like that!

This would bug me on a $4000 guitar...

https://i.postimg.cc/1XjsbJts/Screenshot-20231008-103626-Chrome.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/15DNDqY4/Screenshot-20231008-103704-Chrome.jpg

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H150CCDLB--heritage-custom-core-h-150-dirty-lemon-burst?serial=HC1220917


Congrats on the NGD OP, didn't you have a NGD not that long ago?  Not judging, maybe jealous?

I'm easily bugged by some things, that would probably do it.  Now I'm checking all my guitars, all closer to $400 than $4000.  I see one mismatched on my Gretsch G5220. Epiphone's: SG Modern appear damn perfect, 50's LP vintage cocked a bit this way and that, 59 "inspired" LP nice and straight, but a little more head stock left on the bass side tuners.

Here's the only tuners I've installed, Warmoth neck from the 90's.
Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 8:06:03 PM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Congrats on the NGD OP, didn't you have a NGD not that long ago?  Not judging, maybe jealous?

I'm easily bugged by some things, that would probably do it.  Now I'm checking all my guitars, all closer to $400 than $4000.  I see one mismatched on my Gretsch G5220. Epiphone's: SG Modern appear damn perfect, 50's LP vintage cocked a bit this way and that, 59 "inspired" LP nice and straight, but a little more head stock left on the bass side tuners.

Here's the only tuners I've installed, Warmoth neck from the 90's.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/116377/IMG_1791_JPG-2984301.JPG
View Quote

Yeah...had a PRS SE NGD not too long ago.

For the last 20 years, I've been doing strat and tele builds, on mostly Warmoth parts; so I've been acquiring guitars I can't build.

...and, when the gratification is this instant...
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 8:29:08 PM EDT
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
This would be my first purchase if i went SC. I believe it made in same factory as Op's new guitar so things like the heel/neck joint are very similar.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/300247/Screenshot_20231006_092252_Brave_jpg-2980653.JPG
View Quote

That's a nice one.
That's the Solo II Custom, right?

I think it's more in line with the ESP EC-1000 series than my EC-256 series; as far as, neck joint and price point. My neck joint is more traditional than the Schecter and EC-1000 'sculpted' joint.
Link Posted: 10/8/2023 8:40:21 PM EDT
[#30]
Really nice OP.
I can’t play a tune but my dad now 69 has been playing since he was a teenager. So I’ve learned to appreciate the skill and the instruments over the years.
Link Posted: 10/9/2023 12:02:41 PM EDT
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

That's a nice one.
That's the Solo II Custom, right?

I think it's more in line with the ESP EC-1000 series than my EC-256 series; as far as, neck joint and price point. My neck joint is more traditional than the Schecter and EC-1000 'sculpted' joint.
View Quote

Yep.  They all seem better than the LP neck joint, even if its slight.  I bought a LTD Viper-401 to clean up and flip, and while I made a couple hundred on it I really regret selling it. It was a better SG; EMG's, volute, no dead spots on the neck.  

Link Posted: 10/12/2023 12:53:04 PM EDT
[#32]
Just a heads up...
Sweetwater has SE singlecuts on sale($170-$190 off).

Unfortunately, I had a $2,100 vet bill last week...

ETA- It appears to be an industry-wide 20% sale on the entire SE line.
Link Posted: 10/13/2023 3:54:22 AM EDT
[#33]
Guess Gibson is trying to hold onto being the last of the last. Even Fender offers guitars with a belly cut now.
Link Posted: 10/13/2023 9:46:32 AM EDT
[#34]
The Strat has always had a belly cut... ?  Talking about Teles?
Link Posted: 10/20/2023 7:00:25 AM EDT
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


*laughs in '79 Artist at 12+ lbs*
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


No worries. I didn't take it personally. 6 and 14... that's sweet. My Epi is straight 60s standard with no weight relief... close to 10 lbs. Good thing I was a machine gunner. I might feel a lot different about it if I were a gigging musician. I've thought Casino but been leaning towards a 335 for some reason. Not even sure why. Next NGD is back burned for and AR10.


*laughs in '79 Artist at 12+ lbs*

Since you seem to have an affinity for sporterized Norlin-era LPs, I thought you might find this video interesting.

I Finally Got It! (After 5 Years) | 1979 Gibson Les Paul Limited Edition Super Custom Wooden Binding
Link Posted: 10/20/2023 9:08:16 AM EDT
[#36]
I saw that pop up on my youtube feed but I can't fucking take that guy.  His weird lisp thing is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

I'll try to watch it just for you.

I just wish LP customs had belly cuts instead of back binding.  Then they would be about perfect from the factory (well, they would only need the pickups changed out at least).
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top