LARROW200BLK vs LEC256QMSTBCSB — Compare
ESP LTD Arrow-200 Electric Guitar Black vs ESP LTD EC-256 QM Guitar See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst
The Arrow-200 is a shredder's metal machine with a Floyd Rose tremolo and aggressive pickup voicing, while the EC-256 QM is a versatile blues-rock workhorse with classic single-cutaway ergonomics and balanced tone. Choose the Arrow-200 if you play metal and need dive-bomb effects; choose the EC-256 QM if you want a guitar equally at home in blues, rock, and gigging situations.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD EC-256 QM Guitar See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Arrow-200 Electric Guitar Black | ESP LTD EC-256 QM Guitar See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $649.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Arrow | LTD EC |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Jatoba | Jatoba |
| Neck | — | Mahogany |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2018 | 2023 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Arrow-200 Electric Guitar Black
- ✓ Floyd Rose LTD tremolo for expressive pitch bends and tuning stability
- ✓ Longer 25.5-inch scale and extra-jumbo frets optimized for fast lead work
- ✓ Aggressive pickup voicing with punchy, cut-through presence in high-gain contexts
- ✓ Set-in neck joint adds structural rigidity for metal and hard rock demands
Why choose ESP LTD EC-256 QM Guitar See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst
- ✓ Shorter 24.75-inch scale and traditional single-cutaway shape familiar to most players
- ✓ Quilted maple top with See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst finish is visually striking
- ✓ Balanced tone with tight lows and singing mids suits blues and rock equally well
- ✓ TOM bridge and tailpiece provide simple, reliable tuning stability without tremolo complexity
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
The Arrow-200 is purpose-built for metal with its aggressive pickup configuration, longer scale length for precision, and Floyd Rose tremolo for dive-bombs and pitch effects. The EC-256 QM is not ideal for metal due to its balanced, blues-rock voicing.
Which is easier to maintain and keep in tune?
The EC-256 QM with its fixed TOM bridge requires no tremolo maintenance or setup and stays in tune reliably during standard playing. The Arrow-200's Floyd Rose is powerful but demands more technical knowledge and adjustment.
Can a beginner play either of these?
The EC-256 QM lists beginner as a suitable skill level and has a more forgiving, traditional layout. The Arrow-200 is designed for intermediate-to-professional players and its aggressive character and thin neck suit faster, more technical playing.
What's the real tonal difference?
The Arrow-200 has punchy, articulate highs with a focused midrange for cutting through heavy mixes. The EC-256 QM has a more balanced, singing midrange with tight lows—better for blues phrasing and traditional rock contexts.