I hold the LTD brand in high regard and currently own several LTD guitars, some made in Korea and some Indonesia.
The EC-258, I'm sorry to report though, has been the worst experience with an LTD guitar I've ever had. It arrived safely packaged and everything and once unpacked I was awed by its killer looks. However, I soon realized that the neck had been glued in crooked. Also, the bridge was not aligned properly and the fretboard was marred by sanding damage in some places, one of which was pretty bad. The sanding blemishes I could have lived with, but the crooked neck and misaligned bridge was a deal breaker for me and I ended up returning it to Thomann for a refund.
I honestly believe that I was just very unlucky and received a dud. It happens. I realize that the EC-258 is not an expensive guitar but, then again, it's also not the cheapest and a crooked set-neck and a misaligned bridge should not happen at this price. The experience with the EC-258 has not really affected my overall love for LTD and ESP, though, and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up an LTD again - just maybe not one from the 2xx series.
I am happy to say that Thomann were very obliging and handled the complaint, return and refund expertly, so thank you very much, Thomann! I will happily buy from you again : )
