The Guitar That Looks Like It Costs Twice as Much

The EC body shape has been a staple for hard rock and metal players for decades, and the LTD EC-256 is the most accessible way into that platform. Snow White finish, multi-binding on the body and headstock, flag inlays on the fretboard — this guitar does not look like a budget instrument. It looks like something you'd see on a stage, because the EC shape was designed for exactly that.

Under the hood, you've got a mahogany body paired with a three-piece thin U-shaped mahogany neck in a set-neck construction. That means better sustain and resonance than a bolt-on at this price point, and access to the upper frets that actually feels comfortable. The rosewood fingerboard has 22 extra-jumbo frets that make bending and lead work feel effortless.

The ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers are the real story here for the money. They're voiced for rock and metal but they clean up well, and the push-pull coil split on the tone knob gives you single-coil tones when you need them. That's a level of versatility you don't always get at this price.

If you're a player who wants the EC platform without the EC price tag, or you're looking for a serious step-up guitar that won't embarrass you on a real gig, the EC-256 in Snow White is worth a serious look.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Three-piece mahogany, thin U shape, set-neck construction
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with flag inlays
• Frets: 22 extra-jumbo
• Pickups: ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers
• Controls: Volume, tone with push-pull coil split
• Finish: Snow White with multi-binding on body and headstock
• SKU: LEC256SW

Available online with shipping to the continental US. Pick up in person at The Pied Piper Music Store in Charleston, WV or at The Pied Piper of New Albany serving Columbus, Westerville, Dublin, Gahanna, Powell, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, Johnstown, and the greater central Ohio area — subject to availability at each location.