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ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Electric Guitar, Black Satin

TLDR Review: ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Guitar

Item: ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Guitar
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 13th, 2026

Pros

•The ESP LTD Elack Metal delivers a sharp, powerful tone ideal for metal, thanks to its single bridge humbucker pickup with strong, hot output.
•It features a smooth sehrough neck with a comfortable heel transition, providing excellent playability and neck feel.
•The Macassar Ebony fretboard is visually striking, equipped with invisible front dots and glon-the-dark markers visible from above for easy navigation.
•Locking tuners ensure quick, hasslree string changes and excellent tuning stability during play.
•The satin black finish is distinctive and appealing, giving the guitar a sleek aesthetic.
•Plays well right out of the box with excellent craftsmanship and a lightweight body around 7 lbs, enhancing handling comfort.
•Simple, playeocused design with a single control layout makes it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced players.
•Many users praise it as comparable or even superior in performance to discontinued Gibson Les Paul models, highlighting its satisfying playing experience and versatility.
•Highly recommended by players, with some stating it ranks as the best guitar they've experienced after years of playing.

Cons

•Some quality control issues include small white paint dots near the strap button caused by paint not setting properly.
•Common fret buzz noted on the low E string around frets 10 to 12, which typically requires a setup or professional adjustment.
•The guitar may feel underpowered or less effective when paired with active pickups, limiting its versatility for some players.
•A few users feel the overall quality and features do not fully justify the relatively high price point.
•The design is noted as simple and artistic but lacks some additional functionality that more advanced players might seek.

Bottom Line

The ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Satin is a fantastic choice for metal-oriented players seeking a powerful, punchy tone with excellent playability right out of the box. Its unique features like the glow-in-the-dark markers and locking tuners add serious value, especially for those looking for a straightforward, player-focused instrument. However, if you rely on active pickups or want a guitar without any fret buzz or paint flaws, you might want to consider a professional setup or explore alternatives. Overall, it's a standout in its price range and could be your go-to for heavy-hitting metal tones combined with comfort and style.