The ESP Guitar Company

They are both pretty much the same considering the tone, but the looks, and the comfort, the M1000 is better.

No way dude. Having played both in stores, the M-II was miles ahead in terms of playability and comfort. The bolt-on heel is not a large obstacle, for it is much smaller than the typical Fender style heels. I found no problem in reaching all of the frets. The abalone on the M-1000 sucks big-time as well is terms of looks, and the M-1000 has a painted neck, while the M-II's has a satin finish.

Tone knobs are overrated.

For $500 more (new), I would definitely get the M-II.

The only BIG difference, is where they were made. Korean made guitars are cheaper than Japanese crafted guitars because the japanese are great craftsman.

you romanian?

Go for the M-II, a better made bolt on will be better than an ok made neck through, and the angled neck plate on the M-II means the upper fret access isnt so bad...

I had an M-202, which was ok for upper fret access.

the ESP will likely be a much more resonant and sound better, you could have a tone knob/pot added, or just wire one into the cavity...

yea...if your debating on a deluxe LTD and a ESP model...go get the ESP you'll be happier!

nice so am i :]

And I'm not sure whether it'd be worth routing a space for a 5 way selector switch (which I prefer).

A 5-way switch is useless on a guitar loaded with EMG 81/81

If you really need a tone knob, you can try using a concentric pot, but I'm not sure if you can get one that's the same diameter as the normal one. Try looking around.

Go for the M-II dude. Trust us, you'll love it more. The LTD may seem like a better guitar at the moment, but I've played both, and the M-II's are far superior.

i'm not knocking ltd but ive always seemed to have a neck issue with them 5-10 years down the road...they start to buzz....ESP NEVER....they truely are superior to the LTD brand