Head to head
ESP EC-256 Candy Apple Red Satin vs ESP EXL-200 Black
The verdict
The ESP EC-256 Candy Apple Red Satin and ESP EXL-200 Black are closely matched overall — 80 to 82 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP EC-256 Candy Apple Red Satin wins on
- Lower price ($599 vs $699)
ESP EXL-200 Black wins on
- Better sound (74 vs 68)
Scorecard
| Metric | EC-256 Candy Apple Red Satin | EXL-200 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80 | 82 |
| Build | 87 | 87 |
| Playability | 81 | 81 |
| Sound | 68 | 74 |
| Value | 83 | 85 |
Full specifications
| Spec | EC-256 Candy Apple Red Satin | EXL-200 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Electric | Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | JP |
| Body wood | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Mahogany | 3Pc Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Scale | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Pickups | ESP LH-150N *(Pull Tone for Split) / ESP LH-150B *(Pull Tone for Split) | ESP LH-301N / ESP LH-301B |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $599 | $699 |
| Bridge | TOM & Tailpiece | TOM & Tailpiece |
| Bridge pickup | ESP LH-150B *(Pull Tone for Split) | ESP LH-301B |
| Case | EC Guitar Form Fit Case | EXL GUITAR FORM FIT CASE |
| Case Included | N | N |
| Construction | Set-Neck | Set-Neck |
| Controls | Passive | Volume/Tone(Push/Pull)/Toggle Switch |
| Finish | Candy Apple Red Satin | Black |
| Fretboard radius | 350mm | 350mm |
| Hardware | Black | Black |
| Neck pickup | ESP LH-150N *(Pull Tone for Split) | ESP LH-301N |
| Neck profile | Thin U | Thin U |
| Nut | Molded | Molded |
| Nut width | 42mm | 42mm |
| Scale length | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Strap Button | Standard | Standard |
| Tuners | LTD | LTD |