There once was a time when the expression “Made in Korea” made any prospective guitar-purchaser wince in agony. Of course, the phrase “Made in Japan” used to evoke the same feelings, but companies like Ibanez and Takamine have proven that great guitars can be made overseas.

The ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 is proof positive that superb instruments are made in Korea. Why is that the case?

A guitar is only as good as its parts, and the ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 contains the best hardware in the business. The ESP is equipped with EMG 81 pickups, TonePros System II locking bridge, Sperzel locking tuners, and an Earvana compensated nut.

So, it’s evident that ESP used the finest hardware they could find, as good as guitars costing three times as much. Still, we have to ask the big questions. How does the instrument sound? How does it play?

Luckily, the LTD Deluxe EC-1000 plays and sounds as good as its parts intimate. The action is as low as any guitar we’ve ever played. The action is smooth, low, and silky, and the 24 fret fingerboard is impeccable.

The ESP is a metal or shred guitarist’s dream. You can rip sweep arpeggios with delight and chug out drop-D power chords until you get arrested. The EMG 81 pickups are quite multifaceted, so if you do happen to get a country gig, you’ll be able to pull it off, but it’s in the metal and shred arena where this instrument truly shines.

The tuning is spot on as well, thanks to the included Earvana nut. Chords were in tune from the first to the high frets, and the intonation was perfect.

Aesthetically, the ESP is a looker. The flamed maple top and mahogany body are quite lovely, as is the rosewood fretboard and its exquisite abalone inlays.

Try as we might, we couldn’t find any flaws in the construction quality. Available in a variety of colors, the LTD Deluxe EC-1000 could satisfy a wide variety of tastes.

The ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 is truly a top-flight guitar, and a relatively inexpensive one at that, given its list price of only $1,000. The verdict is in. Korean guitars are the real deal.

If you must find the absolute best price on a used or new ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000, then you must visit Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the best prices on all new and used acoustic and electric guitars available online. Go visit them today!

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