“Streamlined, pro specs and built for brutal chug”: The ESP LTD Deluxe EC-01FT is a no-nonsense tone machine that asserts single-pickup supremacy
This new offering from ESP draws raw inspiration from the brand’s popular Eclipse series, enhanced with refined features and a cutting-edge custom Seymour Duncan humbucker pickup
Taking a page from, undoubtedly, one of the coolest-looking guitars in ESP's entire repertoire – their single-cutaway Eclipse series – the LTD Deluxe EC-01FT is a modern interpretation that boasts refined features and hard-hitting tones for players with exquisite taste.
The EC-01FT is a single-cutaway guitar with a minimalist flat-top body, a streamlined layout, and no unnecessary fluff. It features a 24.75” scale and a smooth set-thru neck heel that enhances playability by providing easier access to the highest frets.
At the core of the guitar's construction is a classic mahogany body paired with a 3-piece mahogany set-thru neck-through design, featuring a thin “U” profile and a brushed matte black pickguard that instantly makes the design stand out. Furthermore, it offers a 43mm nut for a bit more fretboard in your hand, boosting playability whether you're crafting intricate melody lines or playing big, commanding chords.
Speaking of the fretboard, this guitar features a Macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid block inlays and 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, which aid in playing precision and smoother bends.
The solid combination of a recessed TonePros TOM bridge and string-thru body keeps the string height low and comfortable while maintaining maximum resonance. Meanwhile, the LTD locking tuners ensure optimum stability, even throughout long, hard-hitting sets – so you don't have to tune after every song (unless you want to).
Even beyond the high-end specs, perhaps one of the biggest highlights of the EC-01FT is the Custom 14 – a new custom triple ceramic humbucker pickup designed exclusively for ESP by Seymour Duncan. Borrowing DNA from the classic Custom and the Black Winter, it delivers strong output with flexible tones, ranging from pure cleans to gritty, hardcore chug and angular yet articulate solo tones.
For an even wider sonic palette, the guitar comes fully equipped with a push-pull coil-split on the volume control, giving players access to softer, single-coil sounds.
And for aesthetically-oriented players, the guitar is currently available in three versatile and attractive finishes: Olympic White, Black, and Vintage Burst.
Priced at $1,099, the EC-01FT is available from all ESP partners and distributors.
For more information, head to ESP.
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