ESP LTD Viper-256
$390.99
Rock out with the ESP LTD Viper-256, the ultimate electric guitar that combines classic design with modern features for truly unforgettable performances.
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Description
ESP LTD Viper-256: An Iconic and Versatile Electric Guitar for Every Musician
ESP LTD is a well-known brand in the guitar market, famous for producing some of the best electric guitars in the world. The ESP LTD Viper-256 is a high-quality, versatile guitar designed for both novice and experienced musicians. Its exceptional sound and sleek design make it a popular choice among guitar players.
Design and Build Quality
The guitar is crafted with a solid and sleek mahogany body that has a matte finish, giving it a smooth and comfortable feel. The neck is made of three-piece mahogany and is set up with a rosewood fingerboard. The guitar has a 22-fret neck with a thin U-shaped profile, making it effortless to play.
The Viper-256 has a stunning construction with a double-cutaway design that offers easy access to the upper frets, making it easy to play fast and intricate solos. The overall design is clean and straightforward, giving it a classic and timeless look.
Electronics and Sound
The ESP LTD Viper-256 is equipped with two powerful ESP-designed humbucker pickups that provide a warm, rich sound. The pickups produce incredible tones that are perfect for rock, metal, and blues, making it a versatile electric guitar for any genre.
The pickups can be controlled using the volume and tone knobs, allowing you to adjust the sound to your liking. The guitar has a three-way pickup selector switch that enables you to switch between the pickups and create different sounds.
Hardware
The hardware is another significant aspect of this guitar. The guitar has a Tune-O-Matic bridge and a stop tailpiece, providing excellent sustain and stability. The guitar’s hardware is built to last and stay in tune, making it perfect for live performances or recording sessions.
The guitar has a set of high-quality ESP locking tuners that keep the guitar in tune, even after heavy playing. The guitar’s neck joint is a classic set-neck design, which improves the guitar’s overall sustain and resonance.
Conclusion
The ESP LTD Viper-256 is a classic and versatile guitar that provides exceptional sound and a sleek design. The guitar’s humbucker pickups, hardware, and construction make it perfect for any music genre. It is ideal for professionals and beginners who want an electric guitar that delivers high-quality sound and ease of use.
Overall, the ESP LTD Viper-256 is a top-of-the-line electric guitar that provides an excellent playing experience, making it a top pick for any guitar enthusiast.
ESP LTD Viper-256 properties
| Product name |
ESP LTD Viper-256 |
| Brand |
ESP |
| Type |
Electric Guitar |
| Size |
4/4 |
| Colour |
Black, Brown, Sunburst/Colourburst, White |
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the active EMG 81/85 pickup set in the ESP LTD Viper-256 contribute to its high-performance capabilities?
The ESP LTD Viper-256 is a guitar designed with high-performance capabilities. One factor contributing to this performance is the active EMG 81/85 pickup set installed on it. These pickups are known for their ability to deliver powerful and clear sounds, making them ideal for shredding and aggressive playing styles. The EMG 81 in the bridge position provides high output and a tight response, while the EMG 85 in the neck position offers a more balanced and rounded tone. Overall, the active EMG pickup set in the ESP LTD Viper-256 is a key component that helps to make this guitar a top choice for serious musicians.
How does the ESP LTD Viper-256's set-neck construction and mahogany body contribute to its unique playing feel and tone?
The ESP LTD Viper-256's set-neck construction and mahogany body work together to provide a unique playing feel and tone. The set neck allows for a more stable and solid connection between the neck and body, which results in improved sustain and intonation. Mahogany is also known for its warm and rich tonal qualities, which make it a popular choice among guitar players. In combination with the set-neck construction, the mahogany body of the Viper-256 produces a full-bodied and resonant sound that's perfect for high-gain playing styles. The overall result is a guitar that feels comfortable and balanced in your hands, with a rich and powerful tone that's both versatile and satisfying to play.
What is the primary difference between the active and passive humbucker pickups on the ESP LTD Viper-256?
The ESP LTD Viper-256 features a set of active and passive humbucker pickups, which are designed to provide distinct tonal characteristics. Active pickups use an onboard preamp to boost the signal, providing a hotter output with more gain. This results in a brighter, more aggressive tone with increased sustain. Active pickups often require batteries to operate, but they can also be used without them, although the tone will suffer slightly. Passive pickups, on the other hand, rely solely on the guitar's volume and tone controls to shape the signal. They produce a warmer, more vintage-inspired sound with less gain and a smoother sustain. Passive pickups tend to require an amplifier with a bit more headroom to achieve the same level of output as active pickups. In terms of playability and feel, both types of pickups can provide excellent performance, but the difference lies in the tone they produce. Active pickups are generally favored by metal and hard-rock players for their aggressive sound, while passive pickups are preferred by blues and jazz musicians for their warm, vintage tone.
What are the differences between the humbucking pickups on the ESP LTD Viper-256 and how do they affect its tonal characteristics?
The ESP LTD Viper-256 is a shredder's dream, featuring a pair of humbucking pickups that set it apart from other guitars in its class. Specifically, this guitar is equipped with EMG 81 and EMG 60 pickups. The EMG 81 pickup is known for its aggressive and snappy tone, with a strong midrange presence that cuts through the mix like a hot knife through butter. This pickup excels at producing tight, articulate notes that are perfect for lead playing and high-gain applications. The EMG 81 has a slightly higher output than the EMG 60, which means it can handle more overdrive and distortion before distorting itself. On the other hand, the EMG 60 pickup is designed to provide a smooth, warm tone with a strong low-end presence. This pickup is ideal for rhythm playing and provides a great balance between warmth and clarity. The EMG 60 also has a slightly lower output than the EMG 81, which means it's better suited for cleaner tones and lighter gain settings. The combination of these two pickups on the ESP LTD Viper-256 creates a unique tonal landscape that sets this guitar apart from other instruments in its class. When using both pickups together (in humbucking mode), they work synergistically to produce a full, rich tone with excellent note clarity and definition. The EMG 81 adds an aggressive bite to the lower notes, while the EMG 60 provides warmth and depth to the upper frequencies. However, when using just the EMG 81 or the EMG 60 individually, the guitar's tonal characteristics can vary significantly. With the EMG 81 alone, you'll get a bright, aggressive tone with plenty of high-end bite. This is perfect for lead playing and high-gain applications. On the other hand, using just the EMG 60 will provide a smooth, warm tone with excellent warmth and depth. It's worth noting that the tonal characteristics of the ESP LTD Viper-256 can also be influenced by various factors such as the guitar's electronics, the player's playing style, and the amp settings.
What are the specific tonewood combinations used for the neck and body of the ESP LTD Viper-256, and how do they contribute to its overall tone and playability?
* Neck: Mahogany
* Body: Alder
Mahogany, the wood used for the neck of the Viper-256, has a warm, balanced tone with good midrange presence. It provides a smooth playing feel due to its even grain structure and moderate density. The mahogany neck contributes to the overall playability of the guitar by offering a comfortable, fast-playing surface. Alder, the wood used for the body of the Viper-256, has a light, airy tone with a slightly scooped midrange. It is known for its high clarity and definition. Alder's moderate density makes it easier to sustain notes compared to other tonewoods like ash or alder. The combination of mahogany and alder contributes to the guitar's balanced and articulate sound. The use of these specific tonewood combinations in the ESP LTD Viper-256 allows for a versatile playing experience, accommodating various musical styles from heavy metal to hard rock, while providing a smooth-playing surface for fast solos and intricate passages.
Before you buy ESP LTD Viper-256
Lily –
As an avid guitar enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of purchasing the ESP LTD Viper-256 Electric Guitar from this online store. My overall rating for this product is 2 out of 5 possible stars. While there were some aspects of the guitar that I enjoyed, there were also significant drawbacks that left me disappointed.
Firstly, let’s discuss the positive aspects of the ESP LTD Viper-256. The guitar has a sleek and stylish design, with a unique black and red finish that immediately catches the eye. The neck is made from maple wood, which provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience, while the body is constructed using basswood and mahogany materials. These components work together to produce a rich and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for rock and metal guitarists.
The ESP LTD Viper-256 also features a set of active EMG pickups, which are known for their high output and clarity. These pickups provide plenty of volume and sustain, making them perfect for shredding solos or driving riffs. The guitar is equipped with Grover tuners and a Floyd Rose locking nut, ensuring that it stays in tune even during the most intense performances.
However, there were also several issues with this product that detracted from my overall satisfaction. Firstly, I found that the fretboard had an uneven and rough texture, making it uncomfortable to play for prolonged periods. This issue was compounded by the fact that the frets themselves seemed to be misaligned in some areas, which made it difficult to hit certain notes accurately.
Moreover, I experienced a significant amount of feedback when playing at high volumes, which made it difficult to maintain clarity in my sound. While this is a common issue with many electric guitars, I expected better results given the price point of the ESP LTD Viper-256.
In terms of its environmental impact, the ESP LTD Viper-256 leaves something to be desired. The guitar is made primarily using plastic components, which are not biodegradable and contribute to pollution and waste accumulation. Additionally, the packaging materials used during shipping were excessively large and unnecessary, leading to an excessive amount of waste.
For those interested in purchasing an electric guitar, I would recommend considering alternative brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness in their manufacturing processes. While the ESP LTD Viper-256 may have some redeeming qualities, its negative aspects far outweigh any potential benefits.
In terms of tips for future buyers, it’s essential to inspect the guitar carefully before making a purchase, paying particular attention to the fretboard and frets. Additionally, consider reaching out to customer service or the manufacturer to inquire about their environmental policies and initiatives, as this can provide insight into their commitment to sustainability.
In conclusion, while the ESP LTD Viper-256 has some noteworthy features, its drawbacks ultimately outweigh any potential benefits. I would encourage future buyers to explore other options that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, as this will result in a more positive overall experience.