Head to head
ESP EC-1000 Pearl White vs PRS Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition
The verdict
The ESP EC-1000 Pearl White comes out ahead overall — 85 to 69 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP EC-1000 Pearl White wins on
- Better build (93 vs 71)
- Better playability (84 vs 67)
- Better sound (77 vs 68)
- Better value (82 vs 69)
PRS Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | EC-1000 Pearl White | Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 69 |
| Build | 93 | 71 |
| Playability | 84 | 67 |
| Sound | 77 | 68 |
| Value | 82 | 69 |
Full specifications
| Spec | EC-1000 Pearl White | Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | PRS |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | — |
| Body wood | Mahogany | — |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Mahogany | Hormigo |
| Fretboard | Macassar Ebony | African Blackwood |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 | 22 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 25" |
| Pickups | Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Alnico Brushed Stainless Direct-Mount *(Pull Neck Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) / Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Ceramic Brushed Stainless Direct-Mount *(Pull Neck Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) | TCI / TCI |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $1,499 | — |
| Bridge | TonePros Locking TOM & Tailpiece | PRS Patented Tremolo, Gen III |
| Bridge pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Ceramic Brushed Stainless Direct-Mount *(Pull Neck Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) | TCI |
| Case | EC GUITAR FORM FIT CASE | — |
| Case Included | N | — |
| Construction | Set-Thru | Set |
| Controls | Volume/Volume(Push/Pull)/Tone(Push/Pull)/Toggle Switch | Volume & Tone Controls with 3-Way Toggle Pickup Switch and Two Mini-Toggle EQ Switches |
| Finish | Pearl White | — |
| Fretboard radius | 350mm | 10" |
| Hardware | Chrome | Nickel |
| Neck pickup | Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Alnico Brushed Stainless Direct-Mount *(Pull Neck Volume for Voice 3 / Pull Tone for Voice 2) | TCI |
| Neck profile | Thin U | Pattern |
| Nut | Molded | Bone |
| Nut width | 42mm | 1 11/16" |
| Scale length | 24.75" | 25" |
| Strap Button | Standard | — |
| Tuners | LTD Locking | PRS Phase III Locking |
| Fretboard inlay | — | Celtic Knots, Abalone Knot w/ Holly Spikes and Bello Opal Oval |
| Headstock Veneer | — | Private Stock Eagle, Bello Opal w/ Holly Outlines |
| Neck Depth At The 1 2 Fret | — | 7/8" |
| Neck Width At The Body | — | 2 1/4" |
| Top wood | — | Carved Figured Maple |
| Truss rod | — | PRS Double-Acting |
| Truss Rod Cover | — | "John McLaughlin" |
| Tuning | — | Standard (6 String): E, A, D, G, B, E |