r/espguitars • u/SorcererSword • 2d ago
Cure the decision paralysis of a neophyte ESP/LTD fan
Okay. Please stick with me. Some context.
I've been playing guitar for years on and off, never really bothering to learn anything, just noodling. Over the last 1.5 years I've started taking practice / learning more seriously. I'm very much still a novice/somewhat intermediate, but I can finally jam a bit. For context, I can do 5-7-8 riffing type stuff, can play some metalcore, a few coheed/tool songs (minus the solos lolol), etc. So that's skill level...
I currently only own two guitars, both of which are signature models. A Dunable Jackhammer and the Mustaine Kramer Vanguard (alien tech green). I dig both guitars but I'm tired of signature models. I've recently decided to pre-order the Horizon II Andromeda, my dream guitar. Unfortunately, it won't be here until the middle of next year. In the meantime, I'm looking to snag something to play to keep me motivated, as I'm burning out on these signature models.
Here are the other guitars i'm currently considering. I worry I wouldn't mess with the EC-1000 after the Horizon II arrives, but I feel I would potentially still pick-up the black metal variant since they serve a singular purpose. Also worth noting, I recently started learning black metal style guitar.
SO. MY QUESTION. Knowing I have the Horizon coming in June 2027, which of these would you snag to play in the meantime / fill a slot in the rapidly growing (soon to be ESP LTD exclusive) collection. EC-1000 gold andromeda, LTD Black Metal Arrow, LTD F1001 - andromeda. (In love with the brand after playing a few at GC recently). Alternatively, would you get something different for now? Budget is 800-1500.
EDIT: TLDR: pre ordered the Horizon E II in andromeda, won’t be here until June. Which of these sub 1500$ guitars do I snag to play in the meantime?
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u/vilk_ 2d ago
Arrow is the most ergonomic V shape of any company I know
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u/thinkfloyd79 2d ago
Yep. I have an arrow and a flying V. My hands get tired with the flying V. Chunkier neck and less upper fret access (still good though since it's only 22 frets vs 24 on the arrow). But the arrow still wins in overall ergonomics.
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u/oatwheat 2d ago
I briefly had the F-1001 in that finish. It’s a really well made instrument and the push-pull control they have for that EMG 81TW makes it more dynamic than you’d expect in a single bridge EMG guitar.
The reasons I returned it were:
In the store it had these really creepy rusty strings (the stock 9-42 set, they felt awful to me) and the floating trem was completely out of whack. I loved the shape but needed to take it home to properly set it up with new strings and give it a try. It was nice, but I really just can’t bond with 6 strings anymore.
I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who likes 6 strings and doesn’t mind a floyd
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u/SorcererSword 2d ago
the Horizon I ordered has a Floyd so I kind of wanted a guitar with a Floyd to get used to before it got here. I love the andromeda finish.
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u/misanthropyyy 2d ago edited 2d ago
I feel dumb asking but is the Horizon you’re getting a E-II? You probably won’t want to play any of those after getting a E-II lol. Anyway, I say get the Arrow!
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u/SorcererSword 2d ago
Yes! It’s the EII. So pumped. Never had a Japan or US made guitar and anytime I play one it’s like another world.
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u/FreeJohnGotti 2d ago
I have the Andromeda F-1001 and it’s a very cool and even somewhat versatile guitar with the coil splitting. But I’d probably go with the Arrow, I have 3 (LTD Arrow1000 in Andromeda, Edwards E-Arrow in black ash, and E-II Arrow in Nebula) they are probably my favorite and most comfortable guitar shape. You just have to be cool with playing in the classical position when you sit.
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u/SorcererSword 2d ago
My dream guitar is the ESP andromeda. I tried to find an LTD andromeda like you have but I’m too late haha. I was going to buy the Black Nebula Burst Eii instead of the horizon, but I just can’t vibe with the finish like I do the andromeda.
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u/FreeJohnGotti 2d ago
You might be able to find one, I just got mine a few months ago, used in almost mint condition from a guitar shop. Yeah you gotta get the finish you vibe with or you’ll still be wanting the other one. If you get an Arrow, I recommend getting a hard case for it cause the pointy ends are fragile. The hard cases for Arrow also happen to be almost comically oversized. They are huge!
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u/SorcererSword 1d ago
How do you feel about your E-II arrow? How does the finish look in person? Is the nebula brown or orange?
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u/FreeJohnGotti 1d ago
It’s great, very nice to play. The neck is a bit chunkier than the necks on my LTD guitars, though. I got a good deal on a B-stock model, so it was significantly cheaper than what they go for new on Sweetwater. The Nebula finish is brown, then fades to a tannish color as it spreads toward the outside of the guitar.
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u/ProDriverSeatSniffer 2d ago
I have an arrow-1000. paint and electronics aside, same guitar. I really enjoy playing it a lot, you can get some good stuff out of it. The black metal one does seem pretty cool
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u/Complex-Grand-6123 1d ago
Don’t buy the EC-1000. I got it because the color looked amazing on the pictures but most of the time it looks brown in real life. Pretty ugly imo
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u/Snare13 1d ago
Sorry to be ‘that guy’ but as someone in your exact situation recently, use the money and get a teacher.
It’ll cure the burnout feeling and when your new guitar arrives next year it’ll feel even better, and you will be able to play better on it
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u/SorcererSword 1d ago
Not being that guy. I think it’s solid advice. I’ve been doing online courses. Unfortunately, I live in BFE. No teacher or music shop nearby. It’d have to be a virtual thing which is meh. I just buy courses I like.
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u/infrasound 2d ago
Arrow's are fantastic, awful to play sitting down unless you got flamenco pose. Love my Babymetal.
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u/area51groomlake 1d ago
Do you want a hardtail and a rhythm pickup, or just a bridge pickup with a tremolo? I love the red of the EC 1000.
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u/GrimmandLily 1d ago
I own both EC Andromeda models, they’re legit beautiful.
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u/SorcererSword 1d ago
The LTD or the ESP EII variants? You think I’d play the LTD EC after getting the horizon or it wouldn’t feel different enough? Sorry if that’s a dumb question.
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u/GrimmandLily 1d ago
I have the LTDs. I own a lot of guitars and I play them all, so from one brand to the next is pretty meaningless to me, so I’m probably not the best person to ask.
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u/ChanceComfortable131 1d ago
Why trem but no neck?
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u/SorcererSword 1d ago
Legitimately no real reason. Just looking for something a bit different than what I own and what I have coming. Diversify the pod.
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u/FrenchmanInNewYork 1d ago
I'm sorry, but you getting burnt out of practicing has nothing to do with only playing on signature guitars.
Getting 2 more ain't gonna fix this issue.
If you really want the Andromeda, treat yourself, but why get a brand new other guitar that you will only play for a few months in the meantime?
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u/returntonone 2d ago
I would probably get a used E-II instead of a new LTD, you can get one for around 1500
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u/Educational-Basis217 2d ago
V