ESP LTD EC-201 FT Black (Open Box)

Quick Product Summary

The ESP LTD EC-201 FT Black is a stripped-back single-cut electric guitar created for players who want powerful rock and metal tones without unnecessary controls getting in the way. Its flat-top mahogany body, set-neck construction and single high-output humbucker give it a direct, responsive character that is ideal for hard riffs, power chords and energetic lead playing.

An ESP Designed LH-150B bridge humbucker provides plenty of punch and aggression, while the push-pull coil-split adds a brighter, leaner alternative to the guitar’s full humbucker sound. Finished in understated Black with matching hardware, it delivers the purposeful appearance associated with ESP’s heavier instruments.

This example is offered in open-box condition, making it an excellent opportunity to own a performance-focused LTD guitar at a reduced price.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	EC-201 FT
Finish	Black
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Body Style	Flat-top single cutaway
Condition	Open Box
Construction	Set neck
Body Material	Mahogany
Scale Length	24.75 inches
Pickup Configuration	Single bridge humbucker
Main Appeal	Powerful tone with simple controls
Best For	Rock, metal, punk, alternative and heavier styles
Skill Level	Beginner, intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Open Box Condition

This instrument has had its 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 refer to the product photographs for the exact cosmetic condition of this individual instrument.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD EC-201 FT Black electric guitar

• No case or gig bag is included

Condition Notes

Presented in open-box condition. The packaging has previously been opened, but the instrument remains a current retail product rather than a conventional pre-owned guitar.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

Our team has checked the guitar’s pickup, push-pull control, output, tuning machines, bridge, neck, frets and general playability.

The EC-201 FT’s deliberately simple electronic layout keeps operation straightforward, with fewer switches and controls to distract from the playing experience.

Service and Setup Work Performed

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

Individual setup preferences can vary depending on playing style, preferred string gauge and tuning.

Why Choose the ESP LTD EC-201 FT?

Stripped-Back Single-Pickup Design

A single bridge humbucker and one master control create a clean, uncluttered setup. This makes the EC-201 FT particularly appealing to guitarists who primarily use bridge-pickup tones and want quick, uncomplicated operation on stage or in the studio.

Powerful ESP Designed Humbucker

The ESP Designed LH-150B is a hot, punchy bridge humbucker with the output needed for saturated amplifiers, distortion pedals and modern high-gain sounds.

It delivers a strong attack for tight rhythm work while retaining enough sustain for lead lines and melodic playing.

Push-Pull Coil-Split

Pulling the master volume control splits the humbucker for a brighter and more focused sound. This gives the guitar additional flexibility without adding extra switches or a complicated control layout.

The split setting works particularly well for cleaner passages, lighter overdrive and parts that need greater definition within a mix.

Set-Neck Construction

The three-piece mahogany neck is joined to the body using set-neck construction. This helps create a solid, connected feel and supports the sustain players expect from a short-scale single-cut guitar.

The joint also provides comfortable access when moving into the upper register.

Comfortable Thin U Neck

ESP’s Thin U profile gives the neck a substantial enough feel for rhythm playing while remaining streamlined for faster lead work.

Combined with 22 extra-jumbo frets and a 350mm fingerboard radius, it offers a modern playing surface suited to bends, vibrato, power chords and technical playing.

String-Through-Body Bridge

The Tune-O-Matic-style bridge feeds the strings through the body rather than into a separate stop tailpiece. This creates a clean appearance while providing a secure and stable foundation for the strings.

Why Choose a Flat-Top Single-Cut Guitar?

A flat-top single-cut combines the familiar balance and sustain associated with this style of guitar with a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.

Removing the traditional carved top gives the EC-201 FT a more direct visual identity, while the mahogany construction retains the strong midrange and solid response that suit amplified rock guitar.

The 24.75-inch scale length also provides a slightly softer string feel than a longer-scale instrument. This can make bends, wide vibrato and heavier string gauges more comfortable.

Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

The simple control layout makes the EC-201 FT easy to understand. There is no pickup selector or collection of separate volume and tone controls to manage, allowing new players to focus on technique and amplifier settings.

Intermediate Players

Players progressing into heavier music will appreciate the high-output pickup, comfortable neck and dependable fixed bridge.

Advanced Players

Experienced guitarists may value the EC-201 FT as a focused live instrument, reliable backup guitar, alternative-tuning guitar or straightforward recording tool.

Sound and Playing Character

The EC-201 FT produces a strong, mid-focused sound with a firm attack and plenty of output from its bridge humbucker.

With distortion, it is well suited to:

• Tight palm-muted riffs

• Heavy power chords

• Punk and alternative rhythm parts

• Singing lead tones

• Modern rock and metal

• Drop-tuned playing with an appropriate setup

Using the coil-split introduces a leaner and more cutting response that can work well for clean arpeggios, lighter rhythm sections and layered guitar parts.

Design and Style

The EC-201 FT takes the recognisable ESP Eclipse-inspired outline and reduces it to the essentials.

Its flat mahogany body, black hardware, block fingerboard inlays, black pickguard and matching Black finish create a purposeful appearance that works naturally in rock and metal settings without becoming overly elaborate.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	LTD 200 Series
Model	EC-201 FT
Orientation	Right-handed
Finish	Black
Body Shape	EC flat-top single cutaway
Body Material	Mahogany
Construction	Set neck
Neck Material	Three-piece mahogany
Neck Profile	Thin U
Scale Length	24.75 inches / approximately 628mm
Fingerboard Material	Roasted jatoba
Fingerboard Radius	350mm
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Extra jumbo
Fingerboard Inlays	Pearloid blocks
Nut Width	43mm
Nut Type	Moulded
Bridge Pickup	ESP Designed LH-150B humbucker
Neck Pickup	None
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Master volume with push-pull coil-split
Pickup Selector	None
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic style with string-through-body design
Tuning Machines	LTD
Hardware Colour	Black
Factory String Gauge	D’Addario XL110, .010–.046
Case or Gig Bag	Not included

Power Requirements

The ESP LTD EC-201 FT uses passive electronics and does not require a battery or external power supply.

ESP LTD EC-201 FT Compared with Other EC Models

Compared with the ESP LTD EC-256

The EC-256 offers a more traditional dual-pickup layout with additional controls, making it better suited to players who regularly switch between bridge and neck tones.

The EC-201 FT is the more focused option, with a single pickup, one push-pull control and a flat-top body.

Compared with the ESP LTD EC-01 FT

The EC-01 FT takes the stripped-back flat-top concept into LTD’s higher ranges with upgraded construction and hardware.

The EC-201 FT provides the same straightforward design philosophy at a more accessible price point.

Compared with a Traditional Dual-Humbucker Single-Cut

A conventional dual-humbucker guitar provides broader pickup selection and individual controls. The EC-201 FT instead prioritises speed, simplicity and the aggressive bridge-pickup sound many rock and metal guitarists use most often.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD EC-201 FT works particularly well with:

• High-gain valve or modelling amplifiers

• Distortion, overdrive and boost pedals

• Noise gates for tightly controlled rhythm tones

• Drop-tuning or pitch-shifting effects

• Medium to heavy guitar picks

• Heavier string sets for substantially lowered tunings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the ESP LTD EC-201 FT produce clean sounds?

Yes. Rolling back the amplifier gain or using the coil-split produces cleaner and brighter tones. Its main strength remains powerful bridge-pickup rock and metal sounds.

What does the push-pull control do?

Pulling the volume knob activates the coil-split. This changes the full humbucker sound into a brighter, lower-output tone with a more single-coil-like response.

Is the EC-201 FT suitable for lower tunings?

It can be used for lower tunings. A heavier string gauge and professional setup may be beneficial when tuning significantly below standard pitch.

Is the fixed bridge suitable for beginners?

Yes. A fixed bridge is generally straightforward to tune, restring and maintain because it does not use a floating tremolo system.

Can it be used for lead guitar?

Yes. The Thin U neck, extra-jumbo frets and high-output bridge pickup make it suitable for bends, vibrato, fast passages and sustained lead tones.

Does the pickup require a battery?

No. The LH-150B is a passive humbucker and does not require a battery.

Is this guitar only suitable for metal?

No. Although its design and pickup are particularly effective for metal and hard rock, it can also cover punk, alternative, grunge, classic rock and heavier blues sounds.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD EC-201 FT is a focused, no-nonsense electric guitar that puts powerful tone and comfortable playability ahead of complicated controls. The single LH-150B humbucker delivers the aggression required for heavier music, while the coil-split adds useful flexibility for cleaner or more cutting sounds.

Its set-neck mahogany construction, short scale and stable string-through bridge make it a strong choice for players seeking an affordable single-cut guitar with unmistakable ESP attitude. This open-box example represents especially strong value.

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.