ESP LTD EC-1000 QM, See Thru Purple Sunburst

The ESP LTD EC-1000 QM See Thru Purple Sunburst is a professional-level single-cut electric guitar combining striking quilted-maple figuring with powerful active EMG pickups and modern, performance-focused playability.

Its mahogany body and set-thru three-piece mahogany neck provide warmth, sustain and a solid response, while the quilted maple top adds definition and gives the transparent purple finish impressive visual depth. A smooth Macassar ebony fingerboard, 24 stainless-steel frets and ESP’s Thin U neck profile make the EC-1000 comfortable for fast lead playing, heavy rhythm work and extended performances.

The aggressive EMG 81 bridge pickup is paired with a versatile EMG 60TW-R neck pickup. The neck pickup can be coil-split using the push-pull tone control, giving players access to brighter, more focused sounds alongside the guitar’s full active-humbucker tones.

This example is offered in open-box condition, providing an excellent opportunity to own a highly specified LTD Deluxe guitar at a reduced price.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	EC-1000 QM
Series	LTD Deluxe EC-1000 Series
Finish	See Thru Purple Sunburst
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Condition	Open Box
Body Style	EC single cutaway
Construction	Set-thru
Body Material	Mahogany
Top Material	Quilted maple
Scale Length	24.75 inches
Pickups	EMG 81 and EMG 60TW-R
Bridge	TonePros locking TOM and tailpiece
Main Appeal	Premium construction with powerful active tones
Best For	Rock, metal, alternative, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Open Box Condition

This instrument has had its original packaging opened and may have been handled for inspection, photography, demonstration or display purposes. It is not being sold as a factory-sealed example.

The guitar has been inspected by the Fair Deal Music team and is supplied ready to play. Please study the product photographs carefully, as they show the exact cosmetic condition of the individual instrument available.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD EC-1000 QM See Thru Purple Sunburst electric guitar

• No case or gig bag is included

Condition Notes

Presented in open-box condition. Any signs of handling or cosmetic imperfections associated with its open-box status are represented in the product photographs.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Our team has inspected the guitar’s active EMG pickups, coil-split function, controls, pickup selector, output, locking tuners, bridge, neck, frets and general playability.

The electronic system has been tested in each pickup position, including the split-coil setting of the EMG 60TW-R neck pickup. The guitar has also been checked for stable tuning and consistent performance across the fingerboard.

Service and Setup Work Performed

The guitar has received a general inspection, tuning check and playability assessment before being offered for sale.

Setup preferences vary between players, particularly when changing string gauge, using alternative tunings or adjusting the action for a specific playing style.

Why Choose the ESP LTD EC-1000 QM?

Professional LTD Deluxe Construction

The LTD 1000 Series is designed for serious recording, touring and live performance.

The EC-1000 QM combines premium components with durable construction, providing the dependable playing experience required by musicians who expect an instrument to perform consistently on stage and in the studio.

Quilted Maple Top

The quilted maple top is one of the EC-1000 QM’s most distinctive features.

Its natural three-dimensional figuring is visible beneath the transparent purple finish, giving the guitar a unique visual character that changes with the light and viewing angle.

As quilted maple is a naturally figured material, each instrument has an individual grain pattern.

Mahogany Body

The mahogany body provides a full fundamental response with strong mids, warmth and sustain.

This tonal foundation complements the clarity and output of the active EMG pickups, helping the guitar sound substantial without losing definition through distortion.

Set-Thru Neck Construction

ESP’s set-thru design extends the neck joint further into the body than a conventional set-neck construction.

This creates a smooth transition into the upper register and supports comfortable access to all 24 frets. It also contributes to the guitar’s connected feel and sustained note response.

Thin U Neck Profile

The three-piece mahogany neck uses ESP’s Thin U profile, providing a streamlined playing feel without becoming excessively narrow.

It is equally comfortable for:

• Fast lead passages

• Heavy rhythm playing

• Extended chords

• Wide bends

• Controlled vibrato

• Rapid position changes

The multi-piece construction also provides additional strength and stability.

Macassar Ebony Fingerboard

The Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, firm playing surface with a clear and immediate response.

Its natural density complements the warmth of the mahogany construction, helping individual notes retain definition during fast passages and high-gain playing.

24 Stainless-Steel Frets

The EC-1000 QM is equipped with 24 extra-jumbo stainless-steel frets.

Stainless steel is highly resistant to normal playing wear and provides an exceptionally smooth surface for bends and vibrato. The extra-jumbo fret size supports a light fretting touch and allows notes to be articulated cleanly.

The 24-fret layout also provides a full two-octave range on each string.

EMG 81 Bridge Pickup

The EMG 81 is one of the most recognised active bridge humbuckers in rock and metal.

It delivers a tight low-frequency response, strong upper-midrange presence and a controlled, immediate attack. These characteristics help riffs remain clear when using heavy distortion or lower tunings.

The EMG 81 is particularly effective for:

• Palm-muted rhythm playing

• Heavy power chords

• Modern metal

• Hard rock

• Fast alternate picking

• High-gain lead tones

• Artificial harmonics

EMG 60TW-R Neck Pickup

The EMG 60TW-R provides a smoother and more rounded response than the bridge pickup while maintaining the clarity associated with active electronics.

It works well for clean chords, melodic lead playing, fluid legato and sustained neck-pickup solos.

Its reversed internal coil arrangement positions the active single coil closer to the neck when split, helping create a warmer and more musical split-coil response.

Coil-Splittable Neck Pickup

Pulling the master tone control activates the single-coil mode of the EMG 60TW-R neck pickup.

This provides a brighter and leaner alternative to the full humbucker sound, expanding the guitar’s usefulness for:

• Clean arpeggios

• Brighter chord voicings

• Lower-gain rhythm parts

• Layered studio recordings

• Parts requiring greater note separation

The bridge EMG 81 remains in its full humbucker mode.

TonePros Locking Bridge and Tailpiece

The TonePros Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and tailpiece lock securely onto their mounting posts.

This prevents the components from becoming loose during string changes and creates consistent contact with the body. The system provides accurate intonation adjustment and a stable foundation for the strings.

LTD Locking Tuners

The locking tuning machines securely grip each string at the post, reducing the number of winds required during restringing.

This makes string changes faster and helps support dependable tuning stability.

Why Choose an Active-Pickup Electric Guitar?

Active pickups use an onboard powered preamp to produce a strong and controlled signal.

They are especially popular with rock and metal guitarists because they can provide:

• High output

• Low unwanted noise

• Tight low-frequency response

• Consistent attack

• Strong note separation

• Clear performance through heavy distortion

• Reliable results with long cable runs and complex pedalboards

The EMG 81 and 60TW-R combination gives the EC-1000 QM a focused response that remains controlled under high levels of gain.

Who Is It For?

Rock and Metal Guitarists

The active EMG pickup pairing, fast neck and stable fixed bridge make the EC-1000 QM particularly effective for powerful rhythm playing and high-gain lead work.

Recording Musicians

Its controlled active output and clear note definition make it easy to achieve consistent recorded tones, particularly when layering rhythm guitars.

Live Performers

Locking tuners, a locking bridge and durable stainless-steel frets make the EC-1000 QM a dependable option for regular rehearsals, touring and live shows.

Lead Players

The Thin U neck, extra-jumbo frets and smooth upper-fret access support fast playing, wide bends and expressive vibrato.

Players Upgrading Their Main Guitar

The EC-1000 QM represents a substantial upgrade for musicians seeking premium pickups, professional hardware and modern construction without moving into custom-shop pricing.

Sound and Playing Character

The EC-1000 QM combines the warmth and sustain of mahogany with the controlled output of active EMG pickups.

EMG 81 Bridge Position

The bridge pickup provides:

• Tight palm-muted riffs

• Powerful distorted chords

• Strong harmonic response

• Focused upper mids

• Clear alternate-picked passages

• Sustained high-gain lead tones

EMG 60TW-R Neck Position

The neck pickup provides:

• Smooth lead tones

• Defined clean chords

• Warm arpeggios

• Fluid legato sounds

• Controlled lower frequencies

• Singing overdriven solos

Split Neck-Pickup Setting

Activating the split-coil mode creates a brighter and less compressed sound that occupies less space in a mix.

It is particularly useful for clean passages, layered rhythm parts and songs requiring a lighter tonal contrast.

Combined Pickup Position

Selecting both pickups combines the body and smoothness of the neck position with the attack of the bridge pickup.

This setting works well for detailed clean sounds, medium-gain rhythm playing and broad chord voicings.

See Thru Purple Sunburst Finish

The See Thru Purple Sunburst finish highlights the natural pattern of the quilted maple top rather than covering it with an opaque colour.

Its rich purple centre transitions into darker edges, framing the body and emphasising the guitar’s carved single-cut shape.

Multi-ply white binding around the body, neck and headstock provides clear visual contrast, while the black hardware and brushed black-chrome pickup covers give the guitar a modern, coordinated appearance.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	LTD Deluxe EC-1000 Series
Model	EC-1000 QM
Orientation	Right-handed
Finish	See Thru Purple Sunburst
Body Shape	EC single cutaway
Construction	Set-thru
Scale Length	24.75 inches / approximately 629mm
Body Material	Mahogany
Top Material	Quilted maple
Neck Material	Three-piece mahogany
Neck Profile	Thin U
Fingerboard Material	Macassar ebony
Fingerboard Radius	350mm
Fingerboard Inlays	ESP flag inlays
Number of Frets	24
Fret Type	Extra-jumbo stainless steel
Nut Width	42mm
Nut Type	Moulded
Neck Pickup	EMG 60TW-R, brushed black chrome
Bridge Pickup	EMG 81, brushed black chrome
Pickup Type	Active humbuckers
Coil-Split	EMG 60TW-R neck pickup
Controls	Bridge volume, neck volume and push-pull tone
Pickup Selector	Three-way toggle switch
Bridge	TonePros locking TOM and tailpiece
Tuning Machines	LTD locking
Hardware Colour	Black
Binding	Multi-ply white body, neck and headstock binding
Factory Strings	D’Addario XL110
Factory String Gauges	.010, .013, .017, .026, .036 and .046

Power Requirements

The active EMG electronics require a 9V battery.

To preserve battery life, disconnect the instrument cable from the guitar when it is not in use. Leaving a cable connected keeps the active electronic circuit switched on.

ESP LTD EC-1000 QM Compared with Other EC Models

Compared with the ESP LTD EC-1000ETQM

The EC-1000ETQM uses an EverTune bridge designed to compensate mechanically for changes in string tension.

This EC-1000 QM uses a TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece, giving it a more traditional fixed-bridge feel with straightforward setup adjustment.

The EC-1000ETQM is ideal for players who prioritise maximum tuning consistency, while the standard EC-1000 QM will appeal to those who prefer conventional string response and easier tuning changes.

Compared with Passive-Pickup EC-1000 Models

Passive EC-1000 models offer greater sensitivity to picking strength and guitar-volume adjustments.

The active EMG pickups in this model provide higher output, lower noise and a more controlled response through heavy distortion.

Compared with the ESP LTD EC-256

The EC-256 provides the core LTD single-cut experience at a more accessible level.

The EC-1000 QM adds set-thru construction, active EMG pickups, locking tuners, a TonePros locking bridge, a Macassar ebony fingerboard and stainless-steel frets.

Compared with a Traditional Single-Cut Guitar

The EC-1000 QM retains the warmth, sustain and familiar 24.75-inch scale associated with traditional single-cut instruments.

Its 24-fret neck, Thin U profile, active electronics, sculpted neck joint and locking hardware give it a faster and more modern performance character.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD EC-1000 QM works particularly well with:

• High-gain valve amplifiers

• Modern modelling amplifiers and profilers

• Overdrive and boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Digital recording systems

• Audio interfaces

• Drop-tuning and pitch-shifting effects

• Professional live pedalboards

• Medium or heavy guitar picks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are both pickups coil-splittable?

No. The push-pull tone control splits the EMG 60TW-R neck pickup. The EMG 81 bridge pickup remains in full humbucker mode.

What does the coil-split sound like?

The split setting provides a brighter, leaner and more open response than the full neck humbucker. It is particularly useful for clean passages and detailed rhythm playing.

Is the EC-1000 QM suitable for lower tunings?

Yes. Its active bridge pickup and stable fixed bridge make it highly suitable for reduced tunings.

Heavier strings and an appropriate setup are recommended when tuning substantially below standard pitch.

Is this guitar only suitable for metal?

No. Although the EMG pickups are particularly effective for rock and metal, the neck pickup and coil-split function also provide clean, alternative and lower-gain sounds.

What are the benefits of stainless-steel frets?

Stainless-steel frets provide a smooth surface for bends and vibrato while resisting normal wear more effectively than conventional nickel-silver fretwire.

Do active pickups require special equipment?

No. The guitar connects to a standard amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface using a conventional instrument cable. The pickups simply require a working internal battery.

Can the guitar be used for recording?

Yes. The active electronics provide a strong, controlled signal with excellent note definition, making the EC-1000 QM particularly effective for layered rhythm tracks and high-gain recording.

What is the advantage of locking tuners?

Locking tuners reduce the number of string winds required around the tuning post, making restringing faster and helping minimise string slippage.

Is the 24.75-inch scale comfortable for string bends?

Yes. The shorter scale provides a slightly softer string feel than a 25.5-inch guitar, making bends and wide vibrato more comfortable for many players.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD EC-1000 QM See Thru Purple Sunburst combines premium appearance, powerful active tones and professional-level playability in one highly capable single-cut guitar.

Its EMG 81 bridge pickup delivers the tight attack and definition needed for demanding rock and metal playing, while the coil-splittable EMG 60TW-R neck pickup gives it greater versatility than a typical dual-active setup. Set-thru construction, 24 stainless-steel frets, locking tuners and a TonePros bridge create a dependable instrument that is ready for serious recording and live performance.

The dramatic quilted maple top and transparent purple finish make it equally impressive visually. In open-box condition, it represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a feature-packed LTD Deluxe guitar at a reduced price.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available. It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.