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Got this model a little less than a year ago. Definitely lives up to the hype of being comparable to their 1000 series but with less options. I know some people were concerned about where it was manufactured, but this model came to me in perfect condition and no flaws. The EC model specifically felt best when I tried some out, and still feels great to this day. The guitar has held up very well and was well worth the price, if anything it felt like a bargain. The glow in the dark side markers are a nice touch if playing in a darker environment. I do hope you continue expanding the black metal series, as I would happily look to buy another guitar from this line. This has definitely become one of my favorite guitars that I own, so I highly recommend it.
Hi Emperor, Thank you so much for your positive review of this model. We're always excited to hear this kind of feedback and we thank you for trusting in ESP to deliver you quality guitars!
Just received the EC Black Metal guitar yesterday from Musician's Friend. It's totally mind boggling in appearance and sound. As a matter of fact, the tones emanating from the lone Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter pickup is mysteriously beautiful!
Hi Ronn, Wow, that's great to hear! Glad that you like your new guitar and thanks for sharing this with us. And thank you for choosing ESP!!
Does the series with the Floyd Rose 1000 bridge have any shims installed under any saddles to match the neck radius ? I just got a new I believe M series,or the one with the Strat style body and I am having some string buzzing issues..I know how to do a truss rod adjustment,,bridge height adjustment and shim saddles and have read that the Floyds are usually 10 degrees and some guitars have saddles pre-installed to match necks radius..just wondering.
HI Ross, We don't usually install the shims. They are not necessary with our radius. Those shims would typically be used for something like a Fender Strat with a 10" radius. I believe the FR tremolo radius is around 12-14", so it's flatter. I suggest checking your string height across the radius of the neck. If you see that you need to raise a string or lower a string, that might call for a shim under a specific string or set of strings. Ideally you want the strings to be similar to the radius of the neck but it doesn't have to match perfectly. Another thing I recommend checking is the radius at the nut. It's quite possible that a radius of a string may be affected at the nut and can be adjusted slightly by filing the plating in the nut slots. There are some tolerance issues caused by plating over metal parts that are a frequent issue when dealing with things like guitar nuts and saddles. If you can't figure out your string buzzing issues with or related to the FR parts, I suggest taking your guitar to a good guitar tech who can trouble shoot the issue for you. There are a variety of things that can cause string buzz and sometimes it's hard to diagnose.
If this had a Floyd Rose I’d buy it without a second thought. I wish more of your EC models had a Floyd Rose option and this seems to be an obvious one that should have it.
Hi Richard, thanks for pointing that out and for your suggestion.
Come on, ESP. You know you need a 6 string SG body!
Hi Kay, Thanks for that suggestion.
Are these being made in Korea again? Mine was Indonesian made but the second image shows "KOREA" on the back..
Hi Sutekh, We are currently manufacturing this model in both Korea and Indonesia. However, we constantly monitor production standards at our various factories in Asia where we produce LTD models. Should we determine that a certain facility is capable of manufacturing an instrument to ESP's required standard or better, we may decide to shift production, or in some cases share production of a model, wherever that factory may be located. The guitar should be of excellent quality regardless of where it's made, and it will have passed our own quality assurance testing.
I LOVE this guitar, but I'm not into the locking tuner nonsense. What model Grover (black, of course) will swap right out? Thank you!
Graphtech Ratio are a direct drop in fit. They use the same 2-pin mounting setup.
Hi Sutekh, thanks for that recommendation.
Hi Kay, most all modern tuners will drop into the main hole, only the locating hole will be different. Our locking tuners have 2 pins under the body so you don't see any screw, so that means you can put just about any tuner on if you want. You will just have to drill holes for wherever the screw is. Another thing to note. If you don't like using the locking tuners, you can string them up like a normal tuner, meaning put lots of wraps on the post. This way you don't have to change the tuners. I also see Sutekh has a good suggestion to use Graphtech ratio tuners as a direct fit. Not a bad idea.
Hi, I was wondering how long the EC Black Metal series will be available for? I really want to purchase one but I'm currently moving and it may be a while before I can get one. Do you know of ESP has any plans to stop making them soon?
Hi Vincent, thanks for your question. These will be available for the rest of the year. There is no plan to discontinue them. In fact these Black Metal series guitars just came out last year so we'll probably be adding models as needed. Hope you can save up and get one and good luck with the move!
why the price increase on everything? Nw44 is 1-200 more and the sct607b is 100 more black metal is 50 more
Hi Logan, we now include cases with our higher end LTD signature series, so the price went up to include case. For other models, if price increased it is because the cost of manufacturing these models has also increased.
Can the pickup height be adjusted?
Hi Joe, Yes it can be adjusted. There is some sponge cushion material under the pickup that gives support and a little bit of adjustment range.
Thanks
Please offer this exact guitar in a glossy black finish as well.
I really like the simplicity and sound.
Rob
Hi Rob, Thanks for that suggestion. We'll keep it in mind.
Another thing I might suggest is making a version with a thicker and wider neck. I got long fingers and the thin u is almost a little too thin.
Hi Rob, thanks for your suggestion.
This will be after I get my 1000 NT ,,, need a few more side jobs is all !!
Hi Kenpachi, we could all use a few more guitars and extra $$ to buy them! Hope you get your hands on one soon.....
I think it would be cool to be able to split the humbucker like a push/pull knob for some single coil clean stuff.
Hi luckyguitar, thanks for your suggestion.
Hey ESP,
Any plans to have a an Arrow or TE model in the Black Metal Series with a hardtail and locking tuners? Is it possible that this series come with Spoke-Wheel adjustable tross rod at the base of the fretboard instead of the headstock? Thanks
Arrow or ESP V is good idea for this series they could make them too. All ''metal" shapes in black metal are suitable.
Hi Hubert, thanks for your suggestions.
Hi Driver, thanks for your question/suggestion. We will be releasing some new models at the beginning of next year. you might get a preview of some new models before end of the year.
Any chance we'll see more models for the black metal series anytime soon?
Hey Emporer, Yes you will see some new ones. Let us know what you're looking for. A lot of people have commented on what they want. Although we can't make every configuration we are planning to at least offer something more to choose from.
Thanks for the reply Todd. I think a seven string variant for the EC or M would be pretty cool. I also love the EX shape, and think it would be a great addition to the series. I'm looking forward to when the new models are revealed.
Hey Emperor, Got it, thanks for your suggestions.
Planning to change the tuners with Grovers also in black(just personal preference), Which one should I get?
Hello Ka, please contact our customer service team and they can help you. Just note that the locking keys on this instrument use pins to mount to the headstock so you will need to drill a new hole for the standard mounting tab which a Grover or similar key uses.
Can I get a left handed one ?
Hi Raphael, Yes this model is available in LH. It has only come available recently. Please contact your local dealer to inquire about this model.
Sweet looking guitar. Will this beauty ever be made with two pickups?
Hi Sammy, The idea behind these models are all blacked out hardware, single pickups and no frills, yet high quality build and parts. So at this time we are only making 1 pickup versions.
Thank you Todd! Btw. This guitar is awesome. Sounds great and plays like a dream.
Hey Sammy, Great to hear that, thanks!!
I just ordered this guitar. If I wanted to upgrade the nut would say the earvana esp style 42" nut work? Any other options? I love all the other specs but that could be an upgrade I make down the road...
Hi Luke, Our nuts are pretty decent but if you want to upgrade with an Earvana you should be able to do it, but be very careful. Some Earvana nuts require that you cut the fingerboard slightly so it may not be something you want to do without a really experienced tech.
Even if I find that to have only one pick-up, that makes a little bit empty on a guitar (no toggle, no other volume), i have to say that this design and color are interesting.
Hi Michael, Thanks for your comments! Yes this is a unique design, simple but very useful for many players.