I've had ESP and LTD Eclipses for 15 years, literally never had a bridge screw sheer off the bridge, nor have I ever heard of anyone having a problem with that happening.
I must have bad luck! I've had it happen twice. I'm glad yours have held up. I hope yours never fail! Thanks for sharing your experience. It's good to know that other players have had these hold up well over time.
_You can’t go wrong buying a guitar by LTD and I can definitely say their quality top notch. Awesome demo my friend! 🎶🎵 I like the way you did your comparison. It’s a good idea for a format._
The irony here is that more often than not LTD's come with EMG pups and Epiphones come with passive pups. I like the LTD better overall but I think the LTD with EMG's would be even better.
I used to have a Korean-made Epiphone Les Paul and a Gibson Les Paul. The Epiphone was better in virtually EVERY aspect. I liked the Gibson's pups a little better, but that's a relatively inexpensive fix. Unfortunately, I had to sell both when I moved overseas. I miss the Epiphone. I don't ever really think about the Gibson. Now I'm using a Korean-made LTD KH-602 and it's a dream. The EC-1000 is next on my shopping list.
Hey Levi like your comparison I have the ESP EC 1000 Amber Sunburst mine has SD 59 N and SD JB bridge what pups are in your Eclipse? Also my esp is my go to guitar love it
Thanks!! I put a SD invader in the bridge and an SD alnico 2 in the neck. I'm not 100% sure the model name of the alnico 2, as I found it used. But both pickups are AMAZING. I also still have that stock set, JB & 59, I put them in an EC 256, and they also sound super good. I'm always impressed by the JB & 59 combo! The Eclipses are really fun guitars!
The weight thing on the Epiphone LPs is no joke. I have bought and later sold 3 mostly because the weight deterred me from playing very often. If it is bugging you at your age... They are very good instruments though. Never had an issue with one.
I sold mine a little while ago, but you might be able to find this on reverb or on your local kijiji/craiglist type of place. This one is an older model so you might have a harder time finding this specific one. The newer models are likely available at guitar stores near you, and I think they might be better than the model I showed in this video!
Hey Marion! The black thing on the nut is called a fretwrap, made by Gruv Gear. It can help with muting the strings. When it's placed on the headstock, it stops any unwanted sympathetic vibrations from the strings past the nut. When it's placed over the fretboard, it can be used as an assist for tapping, where the fretwrap will automatically mute the open strings, reducing unwanted string vibrations. Typically these things are not totally necessary unless you're actually noticing those sympathetic vibrations and they're bothering you. I hope this helps!
I have both an LTD and an Epiphone and I gotta say, they both hold tune amazingly and they both sound great. I've never had problems with either of them.
Looks, hands down the LTD. As for sound there is a definite difference BUT, both are fine. I would not recommend active over passive or the other way around. I own an Epiphone Les Paul Custom with EMG 81/85 (I installed them after market), an Epiphone Extura with Fishmans, a John Petrucci with Dimarzio pickups, and a Gibson SG (as well as a few others). They all sound unique but not better than one another. If I had to choose one it would be difficult honestly but probably the Extura.
Nice! I think you're spot on about both being fine. They have their slight differences but both get the job done for what ever we're trying to create with each guitar. Thanks for the constructive comment!
Great comparison and great choice. I enjoy playing Les Paul style guitars, and even a Tele or two. Then I pick up a super strat and remember why I started playing guitar in the first place :)
Similar here. Strat is in heavy rotation, and what I come back to the most. Especially when playing with friends. When the pressure is on, definitely the easiest guitar to play. 🎸 🤘🏻
Yup, I have the older model. I've heard that the new model with fishmans is superior to the older models with EMGs, but I've never had the chance to try one of them. I hope you enjoy your new prophecy with those great pickups!
I’m glad LTDs moved away from the abolone for the binding. The recent 1000 series have the five ply binding and is so much nicer and classier. I have a MH1000NT and I love everything about the guitar.
@@oldfart6938 true however I haven’t had any issues with the nut on mine. It hold tuning well and there are no kinks when tuning either. A tusq nut is also an easy upgrade but I haven’t had any need to do so. Perhaps when these frets finally wear down I’ll install some stainless steel replacements and change out the nut.
I own a bunch of the esp ltd ec1000 guitars...I love everything about them, except for the 3 way toggle switch. I've had to replace all of them. Otherwise the guitars, feel, sound and look fantastic. I have 7 of the silver sparkle ec1000, that I use to play out with. Also have others...The performance of these guitars is outstanding and for a little over 1k you can't go wrong
@@sledgehammer3989 I think they can be prone to failure over time. This is something I've heard of a lot, as it's a part that can really wear down with use. However it's a fairly cheap and easy fix if it happens. If you do have to replace a 3 way toggle switch, buy a nice one and it'll serve you for a long time!
Totally! I'm at the point where comfort goes above almost everything else, haha. Both are definitely fun though! It's cool to see someone else out there owns both.
Hands down, the LTD is a better guitar. Fit and finish will have a big impact on resale value. Also, fit and finish denotes the overall quality of the instrument. And besides, "F" Gibson for suing everybody under the sun!
I’ve never had a guitar that cost more than $600. That being said, my current guitar is a 2016 LTD EC-256 that I got for $300 used. It’s literally the best playing guitar that I’ve ever owned. I know that the 256 is the low end version, but I’m truly blown away with how it sounds and plays at such a cheap price.
Preferred the sound of the ESP. I just copped the Ltd. EC 1000S with the Fishman Fluence picks. Went through so many vids and felt that the Fishman offered the best of both worlds (Seymour/EMG). I do like the 1000 with the Gold trim and may pick one up in the future 😅 wish I had the cash 4 both.
Easily the ESP over the Chinese Epiphone.. also, you can literally get the pickups you want in the different versions of the EC and Stainless Steel frets. Also, don't forget the Evertune version, which is a great bridge. Being that Epiphone is sort of Gibson, quality control out of China is gotta be terrible. Gibson can't do that here. LOL.
You're spot on. I didn't even consider stainless steel frets, because mine is older & I don't think it has those. I love the customizability ESP/LTD offers with all those different options. I enjoy that EC-1000 a lot!
Actually the Epiphones are really good with quality they have really stepped up their game. EMG's are good pickups but they are hard to play clean, but if you want a metal tone they are great for that.
I have a 2010 Dean Deceiver F . single cut.. Les Paul style. (sortta.). 24 frets. 24.75" scale length.. ebony fretboard.. access heel joint. Floyd Rose trem.. (it came with a special series Floyd. I upgraded to "original series Floyd) DiMarzio "Joe Satch" in the bridge. and Duncan Jazz in the neck... and I don't play that enough. because I really love the way a ML body shape fits Me.. of course I have to Modify them to Ibanez necks and Floyd Rose trems. but that's another story for another day
In the sound comparison, the ltd wasn't as clear, but the epi kinda sounded like it was playing through a coffee can. Sort of a weird mid tone to it. And the rhythm section the epi felt thin
the pickups sound surprisingly similar. considering EMG actives useally have a more noticeable difference from alnico. or even Ceramic magnets... you notice the preamp push on the clean channel
EMG pickups were originally designed for jazz guitarists. to have a clearer. and more open headroom on clean amps of course then Rock and metal Guitarists found that Active pickups were Great in those Genre's
So what if you compared a 2020 Epiphone Prophecy to a 2020 LTD as the new Epiphone actually has addressed a lot of your concerns such as weight and finish
I'm trying to decide between basically the same two guitars as far as buying one. I can get the ESP with EMG or Fishman so it's a hard choice but I also think the weight might make a difference to me. I believe that you can get the Epiphone now with Fishman pickups also but you might have to get a signature model which is basically a Prophecy also.
Tough call! I'm biased towards ESP LTD. I have no experience with Fishman pickups but I've heard good things and I'd probably buy Fishmans over EMG just cause I haven't owned a guitar with Fishmans before. The best way to know which way to go is to get hands on and play each guitar. If you can do that, I think you'll get a feel for which one you can live with. The weight difference can definitely affect your enjoyment of playing the guitars, but it's all preference as some players prefer the hefty feel of a Les Paul. Best of luck in finding your next axe!
I have the Matt Heafy Les Paul Origins, it's such an amazing guitar! The Fluences sound great, plus it's got locking tuners and the modern neck joint. It doesn't weigh a ton, either.
@@shanewalton8888 Idk, check out my shorts (I have both the Esp LTD Eclipse and the Epiphone 1959 LP standard), Epiphone is now using American hardware and electronics and doing better for quality control.
Nope. I believe the Epiphone is from 2012. The LTD is from 2011. So both guitars are outdated. I haven't had the chance to get my hands on a new prophecy model or a new EC-1000, so I can't say anything about the new models. Both current models have slight differences from the 2011-2012 models of each respective guitar. This is just a comparison of the two guitars I actually had in my possession. Hope this shines some light on that point!
@@Levisrad I have one of the new SG Prophecy’s and it’s a great guitar. Fit and finish is exceptional, and the Fishmans are legit. I believe the newer LP Prophecy is a little more versatile tone wise, being able to mix and match the voicing for each pickup. Can’t really speak to the weight on the LP, but the SG is a comfortable weight. If you get a chance to try a new one, I’d highly recommend it.
I really like that prophecy. because I'm partial to blue Quilted Maple and 24 frets with block inlays.. but I would have to do a bit of body. neck joint modification...lol. that's just me. I RARELY have any Guitar bone stock. unmodified....lol I would probably change the headstock to a Gibson style "open book" look .. again. I just like to Modify my Things so they're unique
I much prefer the ESP LTD cuts (that "Florentine" cutaway on those guitars) compared to the classic Les Paul, however, I generally don't like the colors, or how the paintings are done on those LTDs (besides the cheery red that's looks great), and the thickness of the body and feel of the neck. I like Abalone, but for cherry red, and sometimes black guitars. Even the black LTD guitars tend to look "different" from the way painted guitars like Epiphone or Gibson are. I would like to have the modern cuts of the ESP LTD but with the finish, body and neck thickness of the classic guitars, so it's just sad to have so many pros and cons on these guitars for me. Obviously, there are Full Thickness guitars but they cost a lot more, and I don't see much point in that, I don't have a problem with veener and stuff to make stuff cheaper. I think it's possible to make a guitar with the right feel of a Les Paul even though it looks more modern and without straying too far from what the PRS single cut or being too much modern like Solar guitars. Actually, I have the Deuxe version of LTD with abalone, beautiful guitar... But I kinda prefer overral the cheaper Harley Benton SC Custom P90, and I play some 90s metal, strangely.
The LTD sounded better to me overal, and these days they come in standard with EMGs so you get the best of both worlds, such an easy choice in this price range.
Quick note, maybe. Japanese manufacturers have one overall advantage: They are Japanese and their culture and devotion to honorable "everything" is the reason that I own Epiphone Elite/Elitist LP's and SG's. I own one Chinese Epiphone, the 100th Anniversary Wine Red Custom. It is essentially a Japanese quality made Epiphone, with 24K overlay and the Imperial tuners with a "Guild" D-55 fretboard MOP/Abalone inlay. An overall excellent guitar that will compete with any Gibson just like the Elite/Elitist from 2002-2008 before "Gibson" shut that assembly line down, except for the Casino, because they were made better, had every model Gibson had to include acoustics, hollow body and some artist endorsed models, ie. JJ French Pink Les Paul Standard, McCartney Texan and so on, so forth. I own 14 and acquire any Mint/Excellent LP I can for investment purposes. And they are getting harder to find in those stellar conditions all around. Now I do own two ESP EC 1000, the newer Violet Shadow and Blue Gradation Birdseye Maple top. Both stunning quality and appearance. A Quilt top on the Violet Shadow that will rival any PRS, Kiesel, or any high end top by anybody!!! Sorry I cant attach a Photo. The weight issue is not a problem for me, but, the detail, or lack of, you displayed on each model is also apparent on my ESP models. They are built better overall!!!
After I watched the part about the bridges all I can say is I'm happy I bought another Ibanez instead of any of these two brands. The Ibanez Gibraltar Performer bridge is so superior to these two it's not even funny. Both my AR420 and my FRM300 have it and it's the best version of a tune o matic style bridge. But obviously if you want the Les Paul body shape these two will do.
Just checked out that Ibanez Gibraltar Performer bridge.. I'll definitely have to keep that one in mind if I ever need a tune-o-matic upgrade in the future. I honestly hadn't even heard of or considered that bridge before you brought it up here. Thanks for sharing!
@@Levisrad No problem mate. They made very nice upgrades over the authentic design: they made the notches on the saddles deep and round so they won't cut the string easily, they put notches on the bridge on both sides of each saddle so if you like your tail piece very close to the body the string won't touch the wall of the bridge, just the saddle and most importantly they put the intonation screws off centre right from the string path so you can easily intonate your guitar. Small changes but they make all the difference.
The only thing better is the original Les Paul shape on the Epi if that matters to you otherwise neck frets weight playability goes to EC. I have 1 epi 2021 std 60s and 2 ECs a full thic 400vf and a thinner 256p w p90s. The EC necks are better for me thinner than an Epi 60s slim taper.
Remember this trying to be kinda like a Gibson LP and their QC sucks at $2K and up even the custom shop models are terrible at QC. Usually Epiphone does a bang up job and outshines Gibson in that dept but then they aren’t trying to be a Gibby LP then. Go LTD. Your ears, shoulder and back will thank you.
Call me old school, but I prefer les paul with traditional look and tone. Meaning 22 fret, PAF style pickup, burst color, and all cosmetic that make les paul an iconic guitar. For modern and more metal version of LP. Eclipse is my no 1 choice. It looks traditional enough with its own unique twist that make it different than LP. Well if I may say. All ESP model actually take inspiration from Fender, Gibson, Kramer, and Jackson. Then they put their own twist to each guitar to avoid lawsuit from those american brands.
I feel that! I really dig that traditional style of the Les Paul. If I could get my hands one one of those, I would have a much harder time parting with it. 😅
I would also add the Epiphone Qingdao facility is completely owned by Gibson Epiphone not the Chinese the building and ground are designated American property and American Master luthier Scott Lewis and American luthiers also there along with Asian builders..LTD no American luthiers touch there guitars..Epiphone they do..
good info.I once bought a used prohecy from guitar center with a case. I was excited i always liked the LP shape and tone and play metel.I was disapointed when it came. The neckhad a sot break at the nut and no case despite being sold with a case. GC customer service was really good and took the return no problem. I still want a new prophecy with the fishman pick ups and cur away heel joint.Until then i am satidying my self with jacksons and harley bentons, got a real nice HB single cut deluxe but the actives done sound quite as good as emgs. 24 frets on a 24.75 scale is nice feels good. so far my fav HB has been a DC 550 with grovers added, the pasive pickups and neck feel is great, a lot of guitar for a little money. I also have a Micheal Kelly Hex Deluxe the neck feels like a LP at 25.5 and the pick ups are passive, mde before they put actives on it and the sound is comparable to the emgs on my soloist
got the old Epiphone prophecy Les Paul with the Gibson dirty fingers..... the sheer weight of this thing made me stop playing it. But a great guitar. the Eclipse is a better LP style in my opinion. these days, Schecter could also be king of singlecut....
@@Levisrad scect out their solo or soloist series. Insane single cuts with amazing value for money features. And Schecter gets their guitars right ....I own an SLS Elite and it's the best guitar I've ever held so far....and I've held MANY.
yeah sure just venmo me so I can afford this years models of both ;) tbh I just don't have access to this years' models. If I did I certainly would love to compare those. Thanks for the feedback though.
Also Epiphone is the real deals LTD are nothing more than copies..Epiphone uses Maple and Koa Caps..I don't remember LTD using them LTD are not better than Epiphone under any circumstances..
Hey man, I appreciate the comments. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Some players are gonna like one guitar more than the other. There's no 'one right answer' my friend. There's room in the market for both guitars and brands, and you are more than welcome to keep supporting Gibson Epiphone, as they do make good guitars! Some players are gonna like the ESP LTD guitars. That doesn't make them wrong for doing so. Have a good day man!
software plugins can be a great way to experiment with different sounds, but they're not a substitute for a real amplifier. If you want to hear the true sound of a guitar, you need to hear it through a real amp
@@Levisrad Sweet water sells the LTD left handed.. I think the model is the 256, have you played one before? if so how is it because I'm thinking about buying it.
I own an older Chinese made 256 - it's great! I swapped the pickups bcuz personal preference and that guitar is one of my favourites. Super good value for money even at the current prices. I think you'd probably be happy with a 256, I sure am. @@Bronco2Cj
I have an og epiphone LP custom the first run from the Korea factory. Bad ass guitar I think Korea busts out amazing instruments. But also having SS frets I would go with the ltd. I think the Eclipse rocks.
Have some bad news for ya..first the Epiphone Qingdao facility is only owned by Gibson Epiphone not the Chinese and 2nd American Master luthier Scott Lewis and American luthiers along with Asian builders are there.. so where did you get your laughable not true at all information? I'm curious to know
