AudioFu

Best ESP Single Cut Guitars 2026

Premium ESP single cut guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Blues For Jazz For Metal For Classic Rock For Hard Rock
BRANDS: Gibson ESP Harley Benton Epiphone Gretsch Larry Carlton Maybach Hagstrom PRS DAngelico Heritage Guitar Stanford Kramer Guitars
ESP LTD EC-01 FT Vintage Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

ESP LTD EC-01 FT Vintage Burst

by ESP
Classic Rock Jazz Metal
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Rich midrange presence
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

ESP LTD EC-01 FT Vintage BurstElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck-thru-body: MahoganyFingerboard: Macassar...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 584612
$1,242
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD EC-01 FT Olympic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

ESP LTD EC-01 FT Olympic White

by ESP
Hard Rock Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Great for overdriven tones
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars

ESP LTD EC-01 FT Olympic WhiteElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck-thru-body: MahoganyFingerboard: Macassar...

⭐ 4.5/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584610
$1,275
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse Custom ST Black SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

ESP Eclipse Custom ST Black SB

by ESP
Metal Blues Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • Less twangy than single-coil guitars
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

ESP Eclipse Custom ST Black SBElectric GuitarESP Custom Shop Japan ModelBody: MahoganyTop: ModelNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614972
$8,799
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse USA Raspberry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

ESP Eclipse USA Raspberry

by ESP
Jazz Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Great for overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies
  • • Higher price point typically

ESP Eclipse USA RaspberryElectric GuitarESP Custom Shop USABody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614987
$7,149
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse USA Black Cherry SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

ESP Eclipse USA Black Cherry SB

by ESP
Blues Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
  • • Great for overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point typically
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

ESP Eclipse USA Black Cherry SBElectric GuitarESP Custom Shop USABody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614982
$5,279
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse Custom Tiger Eye SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

ESP Eclipse Custom Tiger Eye SB

by ESP
Metal Hard Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Classic rock sound and feel
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than other guitar types
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

ESP Eclipse Custom Tiger Eye SBElectric GuitarESP Custom Shop JapanBody: MahoganyTop: MapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614980
$8,799
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse SC SD CH RED RMB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

ESP Eclipse SC SD CH RED RMB

by ESP
Hard Rock Classic Rock Rock
Key Feature:
• Rich midrange presence
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Great for overdriven tones
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

ESP Eclipse SC SD CH RED RMBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyFingerboard radius:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 607212
$6,599
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD EC-401 QM STBCS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

ESP LTD EC-401 QM STBCS

by ESP
Classic Rock Jazz Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

ESP LTD EC-401 QM STBCSElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: flamed mapleGlued-in 3-piece neck: mahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 573881
$853
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP Eclipse FM SD STBLKCSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

ESP Eclipse FM SD STBLKCSB

by ESP
Jazz Classic Rock Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for overdriven tones
✓ PROS
  • • Rich midrange presence
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Higher price point typically

ESP Eclipse FM SD STBLKCSBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed maple3-Piece set-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 602890
$6,159
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD EC-256 Vintage Gold Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

ESP LTD EC-256 Vintage Gold Satin

by ESP
Rock Blues Metal
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Rich midrange presence
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

ESP LTD EC-256 Vintage Gold SatinElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck: MahoganyFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 584449
$692
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD TE-201 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

ESP LTD TE-201 Black

by ESP
Jazz Blues Metal
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent upper fret access
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

ESP LTD TE-201 BlackElectric Guitarbody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyNeck profilke: Thin...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 608605
$604
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM FM VS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM FM VS

by ESP
Metal Hard Rock Jazz
Key Feature:
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
  • • Excellent upper fret access
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

ESP LTD EC-1000T CTM FM VSElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleNeck-through: MahoganyFretboard: Macassar...

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 535861
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin Bundle

by ESP
Rock Classic Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies
  • • Heavier than other guitar types

ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin*Electric Guitar*Body:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 520673
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD EC-201 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

ESP LTD EC-201 Black

by ESP
Rock Blues Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Classic rock sound and feel
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for some styles
  • • Neck dive possible with light bodies

ESP LTD EC-201 BlackElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: Roasted JatobaNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 608613
$626
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin Bundle

by ESP
Metal Blues Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent upper fret access
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, sustaining humbucker tone
  • • Rich midrange presence
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than other guitar types
  • • Higher price point typically

ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, ESP LTD EC-256 Black Satin*Electric Guitar*Body:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 520672
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Single Cut Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced single cut guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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