ESP LTD VIPER 330

Daniel O | Nov 11, 2011 | Comments 1

ESP LTD VIPER 330

Just look at this thing! The pictures almost speak for themselves. ESP is just really good at definitively laying down the law on metal-oriented guitars. This is their niche and they arguably do it as well or better than anyone else. But that certainly isn’t to downplay the potential for versatility with a classic design just because the ESP LTD Viper 330 is hopped up on steroids and looks noticeably more menacing than a conventional SG design.

If you’re tired of sub-par hardware and components that can sink a guitar’s resale value, one of the things that makes ESP exceptional is that ESP makes and brands its own components, which few manufacturers do today. Today, you’ll find most companies buying the cheapest parts and simply assembling them, but not ESP. From the branded cases that protect ESP guitars to their branded ESP tuners and branded ESP pickups and premium upgrades like active electronics —even on many of their most affordable guitars—like on this Viper 330, you won’t have any regrets buying and owning a guitar this affordable.　So hats off to ESP for not only making a guitar that rocks but one that will hold its value today, tomorrow and long after.

The number of price options works to the buyer’s advantage quite nicely as well with how ESP have arranged their product line. The Viper 330 can be had for as little as $499 with an LTD bolt-on neck model (or even lower if you want a Viper-10 $149 option—yes, $149 from ESP!) or the Viper Standard, decked out with all the bells and whistles for upwards of $1499 for one with locking Sperzels, two EMG-81 humbuckers, and a set neck—case included on these models. Moreover, they sport Gotoh tuners and those luxurious ebony fingerboards.

In regards to quality and craftsmanship—upon inspecting the Viper 330 (which is being used during The Tone King’s 30 Pedals in 30 Days event) the fit and finish is fantastic: frets that are leveled, hugged by neck binding that is as good, if not better, than fret/binding jobs found on guitars in the quadruple digits!　 The inlay materials are so deep & rich you’ll want to swim in them, and smoked chrome hardware that has nothing less than metal-class written all over it!　 This guitar is a bolt-on, which is actually a fave of TTK’s, and ESP really knows how to do these right.　It’s an all-access bolt-on AND the neck plate is ESP embossed!

If you thought that was it, think again. On the back, the cavity cover is in the shape of a coffin and has a separate compartment for the battery!　 Even more so, ESP goes the extra mile to provide a case that is form fitted for the body of each guitar they sell!　 So whether you are spending $300 or $3000 on an ESP guitar, ESP has you covered. And in the case of the Viper 330, it’s a guitar that anyone can rock on.

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