ESP LTD EC-256 QM Black Cherry SB

ESP LTD EC-256 QM Black Cherry SB review

The ESP LTD EC-256 QM Black Cherry SB pairs a mahogany body and neck with a quilted maple top and a see-through black cherry sunburst finish. Its carved-looking visual character is a clear part of the appeal, though the supplied owner feedback also points to comfortable playability, dependable tuning, and a strong sound after setup. At a listed price of $599, it is aimed at players who want a set-neck electric guitar without moving into a higher price bracket.

The product has been available since May 2024. Its model details list a 628 mm scale, 22 frets, two humbuckers, and no tremolo. There is no case or gig bag included. The color is also described as Black Cherry in the general specifications, while the detailed finish name is See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst. Check the retailer's current listing to confirm the exact finish and package contents.

Construction and playing feel

The body and three-piece set-in neck are mahogany, with a quilted maple top and a roasted jatoba fingerboard. The neck has a Thin U profile, a 42 mm nut width, and a 350 mm fingerboard radius. Those measurements give buyers useful reference points, but they do not by themselves establish whether the neck will suit a particular hand or playing style. If possible, try the guitar in person, especially if neck shape is a deciding factor.

The fingerboard carries 22 extra-jumbo frets. One owner described the instrument as comfortable to play and said the workshop finish was very high quality. Another reported that, after adjustment of the bridge, intonation, and string height, the guitar played and performed very well. That distinction matters: the feedback describes a properly set-up instrument, not a guarantee that every example will arrive with the same adjustment.

The supplied comments also include a report of occasional rattling from the bridge's intonation screws. The owner said the sound was not heard through the amplifier and did not interfere with playing. This is a useful point to inspect during a trial. Listen to the guitar acoustically as well as through an amplifier, and ask the seller or a technician to check the bridge if any hardware noise persists.

Pickups and controls

The stock pickup set consists of an ESP LH-150N humbucker at the neck and an ESP LH-150B humbucker at the bridge. Separate volume controls serve the two pickups. A single tone control has a push-pull function, and a toggle switch selects between the pickup positions. The listed specifications do not describe the exact tonal change produced by the push-pull control, so confirm its operation with the seller rather than assuming a particular coil-splitting behavior.

One owner praised the guitar's sharp, lively sound, while another said the sound was excellent during the first two weeks of ownership. These are individual impressions, not measurements, and the available feedback does not describe amplifier settings or playing styles. A separate buyer mentioned asking for Seymour Duncan Slash pickups to be installed. That was a requested modification, not the factory pickup configuration reviewed here. Buyers considering a similar change should account for the additional work and cost.

Bridge, tuning, and included equipment

The guitar uses a TOM-style bridge and tailpiece, with LTD tuning machines and black hardware. It has no tremolo. One owner reported that the instrument held its tuning well after setup, a positive sign for players who want a fixed bridge. The same owner's note about possible intonation-screw rattle is worth keeping in mind, though the reported noise was not audible through the amplifier.

D'Addario YB-XL110 strings are listed as the supplied set. The guitar ships without a case or gig bag, so include protection in the budget if you need to carry it regularly. The sales unit is one guitar, and the listed item number is 584442.

Verdict

The ESP LTD EC-256 QM Black Cherry SB makes its case with its figured top, set-in mahogany neck, dual humbuckers, and practical fixed-bridge layout. Feedback from owners highlights comfortable playing, strong sound, solid workshop finishing, and stable tuning after setup. The main caveat in the supplied reports is occasional bridge-screw noise, which was not amplified but may merit inspection.

At $599, it is worth considering for a newer player seeking a substantial-looking electric guitar, as well as an experienced player shopping within a limited budget. Before buying, check the setup, test the controls and pickups, listen for hardware rattle, and confirm whether a protective bag or case is available separately.