LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

[PFDarkside]

What’s your thought on the LTD EC-1000T series? Specifically looking at the Full Thickness model with 22 frets, made in Korea. Comparisons to “high end” Epiphones and the competitively priced Gibsons? Any other equivalents, maybe some of the SE PRS guitars?

 

[Ironbird666]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I have a white EC-1000 ctm, passive pickup model (changed them to a 59/DD pair) and I absolutely love it. I like it more than my epiphones; the playability, fit, and feel are just better IMO. I like my epiphones, not saying they are bad at all, but both of the EC-1000's I have are excellent instruments. That being said, the train track size frets make it have a different feel from a typical les paul-type guitar. If you're wanting something more like the real deal, Gibson or Epiphone would be better obviously. If you want a shreddy singlecut with the looks of a les paul but modern playability, these are worth a look.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

Thanks for the feedback. I’m used to my Strat style guitars that are modernized with flatter boards, bigger frets but bigger necks too. The idea behind the full thickness EC-1000 is really grabbing me (especially for how much they go for used) but I’m worried about that thinner U neck. Maybe I take a flyer on a used one and worst case, flip it.

 

[stratguy23]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I haven't played the full thickness EC-1000, but have played plenty of the normal thickness EC-1000s. The quality is at least as high as the top-of-the-line Epiphones. I believe the 1000-series LTDs are made in the same factory as the higher end PRS SEs. So, same build quality, but the 1000 series have better specs, namely locking tuners and name brand pickups (Duncans, EMGs). The 1000 series has enormous bang for the buck when bought used, as they are working professional-quality instruments, no upgrades needed.

I'm sure the CTM, being a special edition, has at least the quality of the normal 1000 series. Due to the full body thickness, the experience will be closer to a true Les Paul, but as the poster said above, you may want to check on the fret size if that matters to you. The SE 245 would be the PRS equivalent, but the non-adjustable wraparound bridge means some distance from the traditional LP experience.

If you need something closer to a traditional Les Paul experience at import price, the closest bet will still be an Epiphone LP with a 50s neck, like the Trad Pro or one of the Slash or Joe Bonamassa models.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

Thanks Stratguy.

Are the old EC-400 guitars (Korean) at the same level? It seems they now sell EC-401 models which are Korean.

 

[Van Noord]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I had a EC 401 and they are regular EC thickness, not thick. That was a sticking point for me and the neck was too thin and even seemed somewhat narrow. Otherwise a great quality guitar.

I've since moved to Korean made Schecter Solo II's for my full thickness import LP style guitar.
These are even better build quality IMO, and look and sound awesome.
I'm in the process of acquiring two more because I like them so much.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

Looks like the EC-401V (Vintage?) is the 22 fret thicker model in the 400 series.

I was going to ask if the 42mm nut was a little thin. Upon further inspection, my two main Strats are 42mm.

 

[Van Noord]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

Yes, full thickness. There was a cool Dimarzio one as well.

https://reverb.com/ca/item/914763-esp-ltd-ec-401v-dmz-blk-black

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

Korean Schecters have always been solid. It’s been a few years, but I remember thinking the Schecter necks were pretty chunky. Pretty amazing quality for the dough.

 

[stratguy23]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

Are the old EC-400 guitars (Korean) at the same level? It seems they now sell EC-401 models which are Korean.

I have played a few EC-400s new in the store. They are pretty decent for what they are, mid-level imports. However, since there are a lot of used EC-1000s on the market for about the price of a new 400 series, I would recommend going that route instead. The TonePros bridge that comes standard on the 1000 series is a big plus in my eyes.

There is an EC-401VF that has full body thickness and 22 frets. That may actually be a decent candidate for you. The current version has Dimarzio 36th PAFs, and the older version had the Duncan JB/59 combo.

Re: the comment about Schecter necks, they used to be generally chunky, but about in the past 3-5 years they've mostly switched to thinner necks. I wish they hadn't, but thinner necks seems to be the current fashion. Schecter neck specs are available on their site for their various models. Korean Schecters are made in the same factory as the ESP LTD 1000 series and non-Indonesion PRS SEs, so the build quality is high for those lines.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I had a EC1000 t/CTM back when they first came out. I really liked it except the EMGs that came in it. It was during my rolling phase so I rolled it, but would gladly welcome another!! Only real reason I rolled it was cuz at the time, I wanted the traditional 4 knob layout. Im not so hung up on that now. A real gem in the EC line was the EC400ATS. I really hate myself for having sold the one I had.. It was a great player and sounded great too.. Wish they hadnt stopped making them

 

[Gooch]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I had a EC 401 and they are regular EC thickness, not thick. That was a sticking point for me and the neck was too thin and even seemed somewhat narrow. Otherwise a great quality guitar.

I've since moved to Korean made Schecter Solo II's for my full thickness import LP style guitar.
These are even better build quality IMO, and look and sound awesome.
I'm in the process of acquiring two more because I like them so much.

I have a Solo II Custom and am looking at the EC-1000/CTM. The Schecter is 1.75” thickness and the LtD CTM is 2”.

I really like the Schecter Solo II. I just wanna try the fuller bodied LTD CTM.

 

[gtrgrl]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I love my EC1000 <3<3<3 because it is not as thick as a real Les Paul. I don’t know that I would like it as much if it was. Mine has a JB and 59. Soooo into playing Zepplin on it!!!!

If you want a thick Les Paul, why not just get a Les Paul?

 

[ScreaminEsp]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I've got a Ec 1001, I really like it.

 

[Adieu]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

If you're buying new, consider a used ESP Eclipse or maybe a used E-II for the same price or even less

Old Eclipse I / "The" Eclipse models are pretty cool, but they're more like sleek shredder superstrats in singlecut clothing, not at all thick LPs

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: LTD EC-1000T (CTM)

I love my EC1000 <3<3<3 because it is not as thick as a real Les Paul. I don’t know that I would like it as much if it was. Mine has a JB and 59. Soooo into playing Zepplin on it!!!!

If you want a thick Les Paul, why not just get a Les Paul?

I think I’ve pretty much arrived at that decision.