LEC201BLKSLH vs LEC256CARS — Compare

ESP LTD EC-201 Lefty Electric Guitar Black Satin vs ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin

The EC-201 Lefty is a left-handed single-pickup workhorse for lead-focused players, while the EC-256 is a right-handed dual-pickup instrument offering more tonal versatility for rhythm and lead work. Choose the EC-201 if you're left-handed and prioritize fast soloing; pick the EC-256 if you're right-handed and want flexible pickup switching.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

ESP LTD EC-201 Lefty Electric Guitar Black Satin

$599.00
View ESP LTD EC-201 Lefty Electric Guitar Black Satin

ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin

$599.00
View ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin

Specs side by side

ESP LTD EC-201 Lefty Electric Guitar Black SatinESP LTD EC-256 Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin
Price$599.00$599.00
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
SeriesLTD ECLTD EC
BodySingle CutawaySingle Cutaway
Body TypeSolidSolid
Scale24.75" Scale24.75" Scale
Strings66
Frets24 Frets22 Frets
FretboardJatobaJatoba
NeckMahoganyMahogany
Pickup ConfigurationHHHH
BridgeFixedFixed
Year20232023
ConditionNewNew

Why choose ESP LTD EC-201 Lefty Electric Guitar Black Satin

  • Specifically built for left-handed players
  • Single humbucking pickup with coil-split expands from thick to snappy tones
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets maximize lead access
  • Thin U-neck and set construction reward technique

Why choose ESP LTD EC-256 Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin

  • Dual ESP LH-150 pickups deliver warm neck and aggressive bridge voicings
  • Volume/volume/tone controls with push-pull coil-split offer greater sound shaping
  • TOM bridge and tailpiece provide superior intonation and sustain
  • 22 extra-jumbo frets with 42mm nut suit diverse playing styles
Bottom line: Left-handed players serious about rock, metal, or blues should choose the EC-201 Lefty. Right-handed intermediate to advanced players seeking tonal range across rock and blues should choose the EC-256.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the EC-201 have 24 frets while the EC-256 has 22?

The EC-201's extra 2 frets (24 total) emphasize lead playing access, while the EC-256's 22 frets are considered standard and adequate for rock and blues across the fretboard. Both use extra-jumbo fret sizes for comfortable bending.

What's the practical tonal difference between one pickup and two?

The EC-201's single humbucking pickup with coil-split covers thick and snappy tones from one switch. The EC-256's dual pickups provide dedicated warm neck and aggressive bridge voices, giving more preset tonal options without coil manipulation.

Is the EC-201 only for left-handed players?

Yes, the EC-201 Lefty is configured entirely for left-handed players. The EC-256 is a standard right-handed instrument, so left-handed players must choose the EC-201.

How do the bridge systems differ?

The EC-201 uses a standard setup not detailed in the description. The EC-256 uses a TOM bridge and tailpiece, known for superior intonation stability and sustain—a notable upgrade for players prioritizing tuning precision.

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