ESP LTD M-155 Ebony 2000s

A seriously cool example of the Korean-made ESP LTD M-155, dating from the early ’00s and finished in classic Ebony. The M-155 is a great example of the early LTD M-Series, combining the familiar super-Strat styling with a lightweight basswood body, bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, giving it the fast, comfortable feel these guitars are known for.

This particular example has been upgraded with a pair of EMG active humbuckers, giving it a significantly more powerful and aggressive voice than the original specification. The EMGs work particularly well with the M-155's naturally fast and responsive character, making this a very capable rock and metal guitar with plenty of output, clarity and attack. The controls remain nice and straightforward with a single volume, tone control and three-way pickup selector.

The 25.5" scale maple neck features a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard with classic dot inlays, providing plenty of range and making the guitar equally comfortable for rhythm work and lead playing. Completing the package is the original-style Floyd Rose licensed locking tremolo, giving the M-155 the dive-bombing and pitch-bending capabilities you'd expect from a guitar of this era.

Being a Korean-made early-2000s LTD, this is a particularly appealing example of the M-155, with the construction and specification associated with the earlier generation of LTD guitars. The EMG upgrade adds another dimension to what is already a very versatile platform and gives this particular example its own character.

Condition is very good overall, with some staining/discolouration to the neck and a number of minor chips, dings and marks to the body, all consistent with the age of the instrument and its previous use. Nothing excessive, and it presents very well for a guitar of this age.

A great-looking early Korean LTD with classic M-Series styling, a fast 24-fret neck, Floyd Rose-style tremolo and a serious EMG active pickup upgrade. A very cool player's guitar with plenty of early-2000s ESP/LTD character.