| If the words "Made in Korea" turns you off | | | | fretboard (24 frets) is absolutely flawless. |
| regarding a potential guitar purchase, it's time for | | | | The ESP is a metal or shred guitarist's dream. You |
| you to think again. Sure, Korean-made guitars | | | | can rip sweep arpeggios with pleasure and chug |
| were once low quality, but those days are long | | | | out drop-D power chords until you get arrested. |
| gone. Many Korean-made musical instruments rival | | | | The EMG 81 pickups are rather multifaceted, so if |
| their Japanese and American made counterparts. | | | | you do happen to get a country gig, you'll be able |
| The ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 is proof positive | | | | to pull it off, but it's in the metal and shred arena |
| that top-flight guitars are made in Korea. Why is | | | | where this guitar really shines. |
| that the case? | | | | The tuning is spot on as well, thanks to the |
| When you're looking at the quality of an import | | | | included Earvana nut. Chords were in tune from |
| guitar, though, you have to pay special attention | | | | the first to the high frets, and the intonation was |
| to the parts used. The ESP shines in this regard, | | | | exact. |
| because it uses some of the greatest hardware | | | | It's also a real good-looking guitar, and we loved |
| around. The guitar features EMG 81 pickups, | | | | the maple top/mahogany body combination. The |
| Sperzel locking tuners, TonePros locking bridge, | | | | rosewood fretboard is extremely attractive as |
| and an Earvana nut. | | | | well, as are the abalone inlays. |
| So, it's clear that ESP used the finest hardware | | | | We tried and tried, but we simply couldn't find any |
| they could find, as strong as instruments costing | | | | troubles with the guitar's construction. Kudos to |
| three times as much. Still, we have to ask the big | | | | ESP! This is a guitar that could fulfill a lot of folks, |
| questions. How does the instrument sound? How | | | | given its pro-quality hardware and its color choices. |
| does it play? | | | | With a list price of less than $1000, the LTD |
| We're in luck. The LTD Deluxe EC-1000 is a | | | | Deluxe EC-1000 is a pro-quality instrument at a |
| winner in the tone and action department as well. | | | | very inexpensive price. The Korea vs. USA |
| Put clearly, the action matches guitars costing | | | | debate may finally be a thing of the past. |
| twice the price. It's low and buzz-free. The | | | | |