ESP LTD EC-1000 - Made in KOREA vs. INDONESIA! Which one is better?
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- Today we are checking out two ESP LTDs EC-1000 (Piezo), one that was made in South Korea and one that was made in Indonesia! Are there differences? And if so, what are they...?
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I have an EC 1000 from indonesia, and I can't find any defects on it, I have to say that basically the guitar is perfect on every way possible
What I have discovered throughout the time, is that once I bought a full shred pick up from SD, an they arrived with the same black cover that you found on yours!!!!!! But honestly the sound was terrific!!!!
Regards from Mexico 🇲🇽
It’s awesome how quickly Korea rose in quality. In all things, really. Kia/Hyundai are no longer cheap feeling vehicles (even when they were, you still see those bastards driving right along to this day lol). It’s basically as if MIK has risen to slightly older MIJ tier, and MIJ has achieved the coveted MIA reputation. Then MIA just fell over the slope lmao
I have a 2014 EC-1000 in Silver Sparkle made in Korea and it is perfect. Bought it used with the case for just over $500 USD about 6 years ago. I have guitars made in the U.S., Japan, Korea and China and think the Korean ones are at least as nice as the USA and Japan made guitars. Surprisingly my favorite is a Korean made Peavey HP Signature EXP.
My favorite guitar is a Dean super strat made in Korea.
My EC-1000 De Luxe is made in Korea. It is the model with mother of pearl binding throughout the body, neck and headstock. I changed the nut from plastic to Tusq graphite, added a string butler and added rollers to the Tonepro bridge, keeping every dimension the same as before. It is now mechanically perfect and stays absolutely in tune. Second, I changed the bridge pickup to a P-Rail and added two miniature toggles between the knobs so that I can now choose between the Seymour Duncan JB humbucker, Rail (for Strat sounds) and P-90s. I also changed the all the pots to original CTS 500k push-pulls, with one for selectable tone bleed on the master volume, as well as removable capacitors (currently .015uf and .020uf respectively on two tone knobs for maximum variance of tones. The two push pulls on the tone knobs are unused. I had series parallel and coil splits but I couldn't appreciate the sound. So no, my advise is the ear matters more than the eye. Although for me, my LTC EC-1000 De Luxe is a super model, too dressed up, without a single scratch (yet). It is the only electric guitar I use.
I want to ask about saddle, rollers and string butler - was there problems in tuning stability? Im looking for some singlecut and thinking about Korean EC 1000 Deluxe or indonesian PRS MCCarty Se 594. Main question is tuning stability - i have nice vintage Aria Pro II from 70's (Matsumoku) but it makes me mad - 2 bends and a break for G tuning. Changing the tuners and saddle didnt improve it. So, is there typical Gibsonish/LP issuses with D and G string in ECs according caused by strings and headstock angle ?
I have an EC-1000 in the Natural Blue Burst. I swapped the stock pups with the EMG Het Set, and it’s an amazing guitar from Korea. Any visual blemishes were caused by me, and the guitar looks flawless otherwise. It plays great and sounds killer!
Tbh the biggest problem I have with the production facility change is the pricepoint. They moved from Korea to Indonesia to save costs, but the prices @ the consumer level has kept going up but the quality hasn't always been retained. Heck, when I bought a cheap Alexi-200, it was $429CAD...now its $1059CAD...same factory, same build quality, 10 years later. Barring COVID (the price had gone up long before that), it's absolutely insane what they're getting away with.
Dude! YES! The Alexi 200 is WAY over priced these days! If you are buying an Alexi, the Edwards model is the most sensible price point. It is actually cheaper, then the LTD 600 model. But just as good as the E2 models.
I got a Korean made EC-1000 in like 2008 and it was around $1000, the price has gone up $100 and changed factories- not too bad considering how much value our currencies lost over 15 years.
Its not about workmanship or anything else other than profit.
Mine arrived today! I got an EC-1000 in see through purple. Indonesian, and built in 2021 according to the serial number. Happy to say that all the issues you had seem to have been rectified. the binding is tidy, and the frets are nicely finished. I think they're stainless steel too.I'm not disappointed, it's as nice as the Korean MH-1000 I had a few years back.
I'll bet the slave labour has not been rectified.
Esp/Ltd also has had multiple factories in Korea. The first letter of the serial is the factory number. W is what you want (and what you got). They are made by World Musical Instruments, and dare I say, given that they mass produce someone else's designs (in this case ESP's), their build quality is insanely good.
I spent some time at the shop today playing with 2 EC-1000 (exact same model, both from Indonesia, just different color)- there were quite substantial differences in between those two in terms of the quality of the finish. One of them was absolutely flawless (and I did a very thorough check after seeing this video), the second one was just ok - the frets were slightly sharper, there were some paint imperfections in the area where neck conects to body, volume and tone nobs were slightly misaligned and not of the same hight. It was also slightly lighter from some reason. Dont get me wrong, It was still acceptable (and in line with the quality of the majority of other brands in this price range), most of those issues I would not have notice had i not watched this video before. Tried also different EC1000 model made in Korea and it was absolutely flawless, but due to Fishman pickups also substantially more expensive. In the end I got the first Indonesian one and even after another "inspection" at home, I can say I have never seen a better attention to detail. So the conclusion from my point of view- Korea flawless, Indonesia can differ a bit piece by pice. One more thing- the guy in the shop told me that even the ones with Korea mentioned on the neck are not necessarily being fully build there, but in some cases just the final paint job is done there on the ones made in Indonesia (not sure how true that is though).
I have ESP LTD EC-1000 (Piezo) - made in INDONESIA in late 2021. I have no quality complaint as you mentioned. Nut is perfectly seated, Bindings are absolutely perfect and Frets are perfectly dressed and rounded up to the highest fret. Maybe they improved lately due to complaints.
I wish they had zebra style humbuckers and a darker fretboard. That’s just me tweaking my own preferences. That guitar is awesome.
I have a Schecter Omen Extreme 7 from 2016, Made in Indonesia.....very very nice made guitar overall
I won't buy an esp ltd unless it's made in Korea
Why?!?
@@Skwisgaarz666 the quality is far better in Korea than in Indonesia
@@timjenkins502 I have an 09 ec1000 vintage black and 19 hc100. The quality of each is great in there own. You can tell difference, but they are both greatly crafted. The only edge I give is to the ec1000 ebony fretboard. The hc1000 has a macassar ebony board and it’s a little lighter in color. But still plays great.
I saw 3 LTD Arrows, 2 Korean and 1 Indonesian. Both Korean shape had a sharper pointy end and the Indonesian was more a traditional Rhoads thickness.
Smart man.
I have a 15 year old ec-1000 from Korea. My main gripe with the newer models is the way they contour where the neck meets the body. I like the old ec 1000s with that big block of wood like Les Paul's.
mine is an amber sunburst 2005, obviously from early Korean production. flawless build and my first Korean axe.. now have 5 Korean guitars. 2 Reverends, a 2003 G&L ASAT, and a CAP10 Chapman..ALL perfectly crafted and on par with Japanese finishing, probably the best in the industry.. i doubt my K axes all came from the same factory but the QA is first rate on each. Indonesian Ibanez (premium series), Yamaha (Revstar) I've noticed have common QC issues so less appealing if you're more discriminating. Great video comparison.. yeh, being OCD myself, can see where you're coming from. Moral of the story, never buy an indonesian made guitar unsighted..they are generally sloppy in one or two areas.. and they have had more than enough time to sort out the kinks in production
Thanks for the insights LL!
I also had 2 EC-1000’s, one was from Korea and one was from Indonesia. They were different finishes so the aesthetic wasn’t an issue, but I always found the Korean one was far more enjoyable to play. As you noted, it always felt a little lighter than the Indonesian one which meant I could play it for longer intervals without much back strain, the frets were more rounded, and the overall playability was better. One had EMG’s and one had Seymour Duncan’s, so of course they sounded a bit different, but in terms of playability I’d absolutely go with 🇰🇷
Edit: I actually ended up selling the Indonesian one recently.
I really appreciate you doing this video, and I agree that you want to be happy with your guitar visually as well as performance.
My strandberg is Indonesian and it's outstanding. Fretwork, fit, finish, wiring, etc is all top notch.
Ive got a Korean Schecter on the way and I've heard that they are some of the best of the best.
I have a 2005 Korean model. It’s the super dad rock looking one with the flame top and classic sunburst and every inch of binding is accompanied by abalone (yes even on the neck).
I’ve tried so many newer ec1000’s both Korean and Indonesian. It’s like they are completely different instruments by completely different companies.
Idk what was so different back in 2005 vs 2017 and up. I mean, maybe somebody really good at making guitars must have quit the company or moved up out of their production job. All I know is I’m looking for more 2005 Ltd ec1000’s.
I wish I could post you a pic of mine. At almost 20 years old, it’s in mint condition except it needs a basic fret dressing rn. It’s got a very light buzz on one string at the 10th fret. No biggie. Been putting off getting it fixed.
2013 EC-1000 ASB here, Korean made and absolutely flawless with the extra work (abalon) on the biding and fret board
i have a 2007 LTD EC-1000FM ASB and the guitar is flawless , made in Korea.
I have a 2015 EC1000 in Vintage Black and it's absolutely perfect!
I have an Indonesian EC-1000 see thru purple which I thankfully got to inspect very carefully before buying. It somehow has the exact level of detail as would be expected from a Korean one (including a black selector switch) so it is safe to say that Indonesian models can be very inconsistent in quality.
I just bought A Korean ec1000 deluxe piezo qm. It has the pickups with the black lettering, and the stainless steel looking three way switch, the nut is perfect, the frets are all correct. sounds incredible!!
I’ve got an EC-1000 in Violet Andromeda made in Korea. Hands down it’s easily the most enjoyable guitar I’ve ever owned. I’ve played $5k Les Paul’s, and to me, my EC blows them out of the water.
?? it still very beautifully Stealthy looking color you know?
so many good underrated Lespaul/SG Style of Guitars out there
so many great ones
I just recently picked up an EC-1000 CTM (Korean) from Sweetwater. Absolutely beautiful piece. I held out for a long time to specifically wait for a Korean made one. Funny enough SW had a batch of 4 on their website at the time I got mine, (if I'm not mistaken) 2 were absolutely gorgeous with lovely deep reds, and very nice wood grain. The other two looked like washed out toys, with a light, almost blown out cheap looking color and noticeably worse wood grain. No surprise that the two gorgeous ones were Korean while the cheap looking ones were Indonesian.
I find it intersting that tehy still produce in both countries?
@@MadebyMiike They do, from what I heard from the Sweetwater rep, they get alternate batches, so one might come from Korea and the next batch from Indonesia etc
I have an Indonesian made LTD EC 1000 that is flawless and my best made guitar.
I just bought one. It was brand new b-stock made in Korea emg pickups and I love it and can't find a single reason why it was b-stock. It has the macasar ebony fretboard, I like the looks of the darker ebony fretboard better and I thought that's what I was getting when I ordered it but I still like it. When I opened it I was surprised at how light and thin it is especially after playing my epiphone les paul custom for a long time but this is now my new favorite guitar.
MIK will become the new MIJ.
In a few years Indonesia will be killing it, around that time they will move manufacturing to another country to cut costs.
2019 EC407 & 2008 EX400 owner here, both MIK, no complaints on either instrument. Couldn't ask for more from a production line guitar.
Not much you can do about the binding; at least not cheaply, but the fret edges and nut can be fixed. I'd go with the Indonesian one.
I have one and it's Korean, so one build that a lesser guitar, I would re think this. The better build is always the way to go period.
I just got mine. Its korean. Black hardware. Chrome selector switch. No problems with the frets or the color. There is one blemish i can see on the binding on the headstock. I love playing it.
i also have indonesian production guitar, ltd ex 50 it feels & sound's great, the playability is awesome, and it looks amazing
Not ESP EC-1000, but my (Made in Indonesia -2020) LTD EC-256 looks, feels and sounds incredible especially considering its price point ($711 CAD). Mind you, I did upgrade the bridge humbucker to Seymour Duncan Invader. The neck PU remains original as I actually like the way it sounds. It inspires me to play more than any other guitar I have owned.
If you tear into them a bit more you'd discover some other build components aren't the same. The Korean built units have much better switches and output jack. The frets are definitely better on any Korean unit I've ever seen.
I agree, not all, but most indonesian guitars dont have the same electronics as Korean
I used to have a Schecter Hellraiser that was made in Korea and it's perfect in craftsmanship. I recently returned two Indonesia made guitars 1 G&L tribute and 1 Ibanez semi-hollow, both are due to manufacture defects. I don't dare to buy Indonesia made guitars in the future...
Ok I got my Korean ec-1000 and to each his own but there is no way I would trade this guitar for anything else . Mine is the see thru black with Duncans (black lettering) and everything is exceptionally perfect !!! I have a few other guitars in this price range and all are very nice guitars but........... this thing is just sick !
🎸🤟🍻
Thanks for calling them out. I also noticed that 2 large retailers listed these as "new" but the pictures looked similar. "New" meant we moved them to a cheaper factory and upped the price? The ltd m-1000 snow white is also a victim. I own the Korean one and it's beautiful. It's a shame they compromise quality. If you have to compromise, atleast do it on the electronics which are easily upgraded. Not many of us are artistic wood workers to fix construction flaws. If it's that big of a deal to save a few $ just sell them unwired with no pickups but constructed nicely in the Korean factory. Most of us don't want to pay your American ESP price for something $6k with probably more flaws than the Indonesian models. Short story is we liked the Korean models for mid price solid guitars! I'm not an ESP/LTD shopper for now!
I have Esp Ltd m1000ht Deluxe from Indonesia. I waited six months to arrive to Australia. Strings were rusty, fretboard dirty, and just above the neck pickup on the start of the neck something dirty.
Of course I changed strings, cleaned it. Its an awesome guitar though.
But, where was the guitar stored all these months before it got shipped to me???
Well, I was fortunate enough to just get a brand new EC -1000T made in Korea 08/2021 for a total cost of $347.59 U.S. dollars. For the price, I would not have cared either way where it was made 😊
Although, I would rather it be Korea if by choice. Just based on my experience with both.
I own red EC-1000 (2008) with EMG 81/60, made in Korea, one of my favorite guitars, it's perfect, never had a problem with it
not an ltd ec-1000, but a 256 made in indonesia. I have no complaints whatsoever about that guitar, the best that i've owned so far
Ditto. My (Made in Indonesia, 2020) LTD EC-256 looks, feels and sounds incredible especially considering its price point. Mind you, I did upgrade the bridge humbucker to Seymour Duncan Invader. The neck PU remains original as I actually like the way it sounds. It inspires me to play more than any other guitar I have owned. Nuff said...
Me too
I have one of these from Korea (in see-through black and lefty), I really enjoy it.
I have a ESP LTD EC1000T made in Korea. It is flawless. I really like it.
From what I know from friends here, that some big guitar factory in indonesia is owned by korean company.
Hey! Just bought a second hand EC-1000. It's the Vintage black from 2015 with EMG pickups made in Korea. I must say that the guitar is amazing and the finish too, one thing annoyed me; the nut is plastic-made. How is it possible a 1000 euro guitar has a plastic nut? For the rest, amazing guitar and sound! Cheers and thanks for the vid, have fun with the guitar :)
My ec1000 is an andromeda from korea and it is flawless. I wont buy an indo ltd right now, at least for a few years until they get QC under control.
New subscriber here, thank you! It's good to know and I wanted to know what is better, Korea or Indonesia for guitar builders. I'm now going to stick to looking for guitars made in Korea. Excellent review, now time to find a Korean made guitar. 👍
I just got an ec 1000 deluxe from Korea with pearl inlays and couldn't be happier
I have an Indonesian kh202, it sounds great.
Thanks for sharing. According to ESP, the all EC-1000 Series (including the EC-1000 Piezo) is made in both Korea AND Indonesia. So you should check with your dealer which one you'll get. By the way, my indonesian has perfectly rounded fret ends 🙂
i got the green ec1000 indonesia made.its a well made guitar no complaint.solid guitar.yes its green but its very nice.
I have a 2019 Indonesian made MH1000NT and I love the build quality to it.
I have Black / Gold made in Korea. Got it for 900$ back in 2016. It stills plays awesome. Nothing to complain about it.
It pisses me off when companies like ESP and also peavey, move to cheap foreign countries and don't pass on any savings to the consumers...
The Indonesian Jackson guitars from the past few years are amazing. Specifically the set neck/neck through models. A friend got a Rhoads v and a Kelly for about 750-800 each new and I was blown away by the quality
I got 1 Indonesian Jackson Chris Broderick model with the Floyd Rose special in Black..before I bought the guitar I knew I would change out to at least a FR 1000 tremelo and that would be good enough..when I got it I examined it closely and always when I get a brand new or new to me guitar I go across it and tighten up what can be tightened up..1 of the 2 screw holes for the locking nut was stripped out to where it needed a dowel but I just jammed toothpicks in there and it held but the locking nut always clicked,so I sent it back.
Then the next guitar was a new Charvel white bengal tiger Satchel model..I loved that guitar but the same thing,one of the locking nut screw holes was stripped out so I figured that for $1399 + tax I didn't want to deal with it and sent it back. Made in Mexico.
In 2021 I got a brand new ESP LTD EC 1001 in the brown tiger eye finish..the nut was horrible and I pulled it out to replace it with a Graph tech nut and the slot in the headstock was cut way too deep so I had to build it up to make it work half-assed..it never seemed to sound good so I sold it. it was a made in Indonesia guitar too.
I have had some bad luck in the 1.5 years with new guitars so I shopped used online and have picked up a few nice ones,a 2016 made in Indonesia Jackson with no problems and now 3 days ago a ESP LTD EC-401 in see thru Black and it's awesome..Made in Korea...so for me the Made in Korea models I have owned have been way better than the later model Made in Indonesia models.
I like number 1 better! The finish pops
I love the ESP LTD Series. That top is a flamed veneer over a maple cap.
The Korean guitar looks better in every way. However, I have an Indonesian PRS SE & it is flawless.
Anybody here know when ESP LTD's were stopped being Made in Korea..or are there still a few madels made there for ESP ?
I just picked up a Made in Korea LTD EC 401 qm in the see thru Black and its quality blows away a Made In Indonesia 2021 EC 1001 in Brown Tiger eye finish I had..I just cleaned this guitar up and its just about perfect..it also has the bigger block LTD logo on the headstock. the serial # starts with W1708**** and there is no model name and # at the 12th fret..just the truss rod cover has the EC-401 on it.
I have 3 guitars made in korea and 2 made in indonesia. All 3 korean made are flawless. One is even from 97 the ibanez rg470. The 2 from indonesia one has terrible tuning and neck stability issues and the other is also flawless. I know korea doesnt fuck around when it comes to pride in ones work. So id alwsys go with a korean made guitar.
I have a blue ec-1000p in blue quilt. Black hardware. But with the gloss SD pickups. Indonesian from 2017. It's the one in the andertons video, emg/sd/fluence shootout that rob chapman plays. Yes..that actual guitar.
Extra 200 grams= TONE. I replaced the nut, and swapped the pickups. Well I got rid of the pickups, pots, and replaced them with the Het-set. Been rolling active since preorder existed. 😂. Only complaint for this many years. It is a little rough by the binding on the neck. Hell I figured I’d eventually round them down. Nope still there. I can’t be bothered to smooth out that issue. Don’t want too! Hands down, has to be the most easily played electric on the planet. It’s like playing with silk. That’s how it feels.
2021 ones feature stainless steel frets which is a huge improvement!
My indo LTD is excellent! 3 upgrades will improve it though; a nut, locking tuners & maybe pickups because they're really good imho!
I have never owned owned a esp. I've always considered just haven't found that one yet. But I've owned many guitars of different types made in Indonesia. My experience is everyone I've owned felt a little heavier and better quality than most others. And I love epiphone les paul Jr's. And I know for a fact with the cult following it has most everyone looking for specific colors or neck shapes will always look for and choose the Indonesia made ones over any other.
I just got this guitar (Indonesian).
It is very nice but now that you mention it... it does have some QC issues.
The nut saddle is rough on one side. (Same as yours). All of the fret edges are less than great/not terrible though.
I have several (10) schecters from the Korean factory and all of them have perfect fret edges.
I have a schecter c1 hybrid (made in Korean factory) in the same trans black and the schecter does have a less desirable color ( same as you described) and the white binding on the schecter is slightly yellow compared to the esp.
So I guess pluses and minuses on both.
I have guitars from price point 200 to almost 2000. It is very interesting to compare them. Good examples are the Indonesian made RRX24 and Indian made JS32 RR24. Indian made RR24 is poor quality. Their price difference is about 200 ish. That Indonesian made Jackson RRX24 is from year 2018 and it is really good quality guitar and when bought it was priced 699. Japanese made ESP Edwards Aleksi Greeny is my highest quality guitar so far and it cost 1799 new. Charvel DS2 Trans Red LP style guitar with Flame Maple top is as good quality as Jackson RRX24. Charvel DS2 LP cost new 500 ish.
Thanks for this video. Makes me happy I chose to spend the extra money on an E2 eclipse
One of the nicest guitars I own is an 2011 model ESP LTD ST203 made in Vietnam
The Korean ones are worth more money when you resell it
Good to know, thanks!
I had a see through black cheery EC 1000 for year made a World Music in Korea... I had to sell my LP and many old Kramers from the 80s and for years that was the only guitar I had (two kids back to back trying to pay for day care). I traded it about 7 years ago and have been wanting one for a while. I ordered one in see through purple tonight but have been going through the pictures at Sweetwater for days. They had 1 Korean and 3 Indonesians... carefully looking at the one in Korea the build definitely seemed superior, the tuners were straight if nothing else but the binding was much better. Both now use the matte black pickups but the one from Korea still has the silver switch... which I'm good with. I ordered that one build quality to me is most important, hopefully it's as nice as my old 2003 model but the purple was MUCH darker as was the ebony on the board on the Korean one. This one has the 59/C5 duncans in it and your pickup comparison was very helpful!
I just bought an Indonesia one....It do not see any issues with the binding, or the nut area. They could have done a slightly better job with the fret ends but they are not bad... I have all black hardware...
Glad to hear.. I ordered an Indo Dark Cherry because it was the only 1000 in stock that was 9 lbs. Wanted heavier guitar. Also asking to change the nut to GraphTech. Not sure if the risk was worth it, it's pending shipping. Been feeling pretty anxious :D
I have 2 Korean made guitars, an Epiphone and a Schecter, both are just brilliant. I have utter faith in the Koreans to make top tier guitars.
I just bought an used ESP Ltd. MH 417 B ( 7 String Bariton ) made in Korea in mint codition , very rare find , cause they arent made in Korea anymore , they new ones made in China . The Guitar i got is from 2015 - 2016 3 piece neck thru maple neck flamed maple top and matching headstock MH 417 Inlay at the 12th fret (all Inlays perloid ) , built quality is just flawless . I checked pictures from the Chinese model .....satin finish only (cheaper) no 12th fret inlay like mine (also cheper) . At all the chinese model looks cheaper . I guess they cheaped out at some components , i bet they did at the Indonesian models too at some points (electronics inside ! ) . Hahaha grad gesehen , ja das Auge isst eh immer mit :-D . \m/
I just has a Korean model that I swapped for an Indonesian. The Korean had the push pull coil split. but the Indo doesn't have that option. Plus the pickups on the Indo are shiny with the lettering. I thought that was only supposed to be on the Korean? I'm confused what's happening here.
Those pickups that are "darker" appear to be the Seymour Duncan Pegasus and Sentient set, which is a set they use..... Also, depending what manufacture year, if I am not mistaken ALL new EC-1000 models come with Stainless Steel Frets, which could be another difference. Korean made, in my opinion are the superior models (it's just my opinion / viewpoint / experience) but I do have an Indonesian model that is amazing. When you mention Saddle, you mean nut, not saddle... Nut is up top, Saddle is the bridge area. Most of your complaints can and DO happen on what is known as "Friday" guitars, or some like to say "Monday" guitars. This has to do with the guy ready to go home after a long week, so the Guitars on Friday aren't as good as mid week. And the Monday ones are also not as good because the person may have just gotten over a long weekend of partying, etc, and is hung over, therefore creating sub par units... This has nothing to do with Korea vs. Indonesia, because while I personally prefer a Korean made guitar, it's mostly to do with the fact I like that factory and all they do, because out of my 7 ESP / LTD Guitars, the Indonesian models I have a SUPERB quality, without any visible flaws I could point out.
I have a 2 EC 1000s and MH1000s, one of each Korean and Indonesian. I must have got lucky because I see no difference in quality in them. There was a notice difference in the quality of a EC256 Indonesian I had but that could be expected.
This summer I got a new-old stock 2009 EC-1000 in amber sunburst, made in Korea. It is amazing, a flawless build. My only beef is sometimes the SD pickups get a little too much trebly bite; I roll off the highs both at the amp and the guitar. But, my God, it plays so amazingly well. I have cheaper guitars that play well, but, there is a quantitative difference. It makes me play better. My guitar tech says it's on par or better than many 3000.00 Gibsons he's worked on. He said, how much you want for it?!
ESPs are awesome! Thanks for watching Kevin!
I think part of what makes a Gibson so expensive is that American labor cost. Doesn't mean the craftmanship is better either.
yesterday i bought a ltd 401 i ordered a korean model, when the guitar arrives i check where it comes from and it was from indonesia it looks good but near the nut it has a little damage and the nut is plastic, the damage i can only feel it with the thumb, body and everything looks good and feels good, I called the store for an explanation and they told me, they only check on the ESP website where it comes from, not the one they have in the store, they assured me it sounds same and quality is good
Tell them about the damage (and send pictures), maybe you get a small refund. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Good luck!
Difference in weight can be poorly dried wood. I don't think it will be 200 grams, but anyway. The worst experience I had with Indonesian guitars - bent neck. The wood wasn't dried properly and in one month after buying the guitar it became way worth until dried completely. Ibanez RG-421 ahm.
Those pickups look like Pegasus and Sentient.
This is why, Schecter is the best metal brand, is todays market. ESP is getting really shady in business practice. Edwards is their best line. With price factored in. And unless you live in Japan, you have to dig, to even KNOW about it.
Which ones have the SS frets?
That's the one I chose.
The weight diff is the wood, from what i know and found out is that korea is using the same wood threatment as ESP Japan, so drier, then the indonesian ones
IS the finger board maple or ebony?
made in Korea or Bali ,are they the same price
Received a 2018 korean ec 1000 with the model on the truss rod cover, 12 fret inlay and a rounded neck to body joint. Anyone else get the same thing?
All of my deluxe/1000 series guitars are Korean, but I have an Indonesian 400 series which I think is killer.
I've heard that ESP dual sources certain models from both Korea and Indonesia (by the same contract builder), so I don't think it's solely a year difference whether you'll get one.
Oh, and every guitar is going to weigh different model to model, depending if you prefer a lighter or heavier guitar, it may be worth inspecting a few of a model you're interested in and down selecting by fit, finish and weight.
Yes same contract builder wildwood company.. you can see on serial number W mean "wildwood" on korean made and IW mean "Indonesian wildwood"
@@AriefRachman24 Wildwood? I thought it stood for World Musical Instrument Co. they are a contract builder for a ton of brands such as Chapman, Solar, Schecter and PRS.
@@ShredBird ya you right brother.. in here Indonesia they're made in PT. Wildwood Indonesia.. they also Made esp,shecter,solar,chapman,washburn. Etc.. i think wildwood is a part of world musical instrument in here...
@@AriefRachman24 I see, I hadn't heard of that I'll have to go do some research on it! Thanks for the clarification. Cheers!
Excellent video
Are u sure those pickups in the Indonesian one are JB/59?. I would bet they are Pegasus/Sentient also from Seymour Duncan.
I have a ec-1000 natural blue fade (Indonesia) with those pickups, nut is same as your Korean version. Binding ok
I used to own a EC 600 WA (Korea). Flawless guitar. The other day i picked up a EC 1000 blue natural fade( Indonesia) Havet been looking for flaws for a couple of days. Cant find anything. And those Pegasus and Sentinel pickups cant be beaten in imoa.
I got the same finish, blue natural fade, EC-1000 recently and it’s an Indonesian one. And agreed it’s pretty much flawless. Competes with any actual Gibson les Paul I’ve ever played at a third the price. And mannnnn what a finish. It’s gorgeous
Getting a 2018 in a few days....amber sunburst....SD59/JBs (or so I trust)....Indonesian. I own lots of guitars....lots...curious to see how this stacks up to my Edwards and Eastman...even a great Indonesian made G&L Strat.
So you prefer style over substance. Got it.
Korean Matte black EC1000 Deluxe. Bought it second hand for a steal. Aesthetically not the prettiest, my only gripe, its edge banding color is a dirty yellow/amber, would have prefered the abalone mother of pearl, but the gold fixtures look badassery on the matte black, so the abalone or a silver edging might be too pretty on this body. Anyway, glad that its Korean, now that I know. It is a well made tool, and that stood out too me before I watched this. I own two Gibson SGs as its next comparision, build qualty on those is excellent.
I bought a MH-1001 and hat to choose if I go for a used Korean one or a new Indonesien. I heard that the Korean ones are supposed to be much nicer but where to get one for a good price if they ain’t make them anymore and who ensures me that the person who sells a used guitar treted the guitar well? I’ll went with a new Indonesian one from a reputable seller where I know I can get a new one or my money back if I’m not happy with the guitar.
I just ordered a LTD EC-1000T CTM
I haven't received it yet, getting a PLEK'D job and a bone nut installed. I'll be back😎
lol when I get her!!!
Yeah please report back!
I got one that's made in Korea, and the pick up letters are black not white.