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Average Price: $875

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The ESP EC400 is a guitar that seamlessly fuses classic aesthetics with modern performance, designed for players who crave both style and substance. Carved from sturdy mahogany, this solid body electric guitar delivers a rich and resonant sound that’s perfect for any genre, especially hard rock and metal. The iconic single-cutaway design not only offers visual appeal but also allows for effortless access to the higher frets, thanks to its sharp cutaway.

At the heart of the EC400's sonic might are the EMG 81 and 60 active humbuckers, renowned for their powerful output and dynamic response. These pickups are versatile enough to deliver anything from crystal-clear cleans to crunchy, aggressive distortion without losing clarity. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down thick rhythm parts, the EC400 responds with precision and power.

The Thin "U" profile neck, crafted from 3-piece mahogany, ensures a smooth and fast playing experience across all 24 jumbo frets. Coupled with a pau ferro fingerboard and set-thru neck construction, the ESP EC400 maximizes resonance and sustain, making every note you play ring out with authority. Reliable Grover tuners and a TOM bridge with a stop tailpiece guarantee rock-solid tuning stability and intonation.

ESP LTD guitars are celebrated for delivering premium build quality and tonewoods at an accessible price point, and the EC400 is no exception. Its understated black hardware, flag inlays, and 3-ply binding add a touch of sophistication to its aggressive demeanor, creating a guitar that looks as fantastic as it sounds.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with single-cutaway design
  • Dual EMG 81 and 60 active humbucking pickups
  • Thin "U" profile 3-piece mahogany neck with pau ferro fingerboard
  • Set-thru neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Grover tuners and TOM bridge with stop tailpiece for stable tuning
  • Black hardware and flag inlays for sleek aesthetics

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EC-400
Finish Black, Olympic White, See Thru Black Cherry, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2004 - 2006
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP EC-400 feature, and how do they affect the sound?

The ESP EC-400 is equipped with EMG-81/60 active humbuckers, providing a powerful, high-output sound ideal for metal and rock genres. The sunburst model features Seymour Duncan Custom 5 (bridge) and Jazz (neck) pickups, offering a versatile tone with a balance of warmth and clarity.

Is the ESP EC-400 suitable for playing metal music?

Yes, the ESP EC-400 is well-suited for metal music, thanks to its active EMG pickups that deliver high output and aggressive tones, perfect for heavy distortion and palm-muted riffs.

How does the set-neck construction of the ESP EC-400 benefit playability?

The set-neck construction of the ESP EC-400 enhances sustain and provides smoother access to higher frets, making it ideal for lead playing and fast solos.

What is the scale length of the ESP EC-400, and how does it affect playability?

The ESP EC-400 features a 24.75" scale length, offering a slightly shorter reach, which can make string bending easier and provide a warmer tone, favored by many guitarists for its comfortable playability.

What type of bridge does the ESP EC-400 use, and what are its benefits?

The ESP EC-400 uses a Tune-o-matic-style bridge with a stop tailpiece, providing stable tuning, easy intonation adjustments, and enhanced sustain, making it reliable for various playing styles.

Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

ESP LTD EC 400

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC 400 by Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

ESP LTD EC 400

Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC 400AT & Mule High Gain  Amp by Rocks Monster Riffs

ESP LTD EC 400AT & Mule High Gain Amp

Rocks Monster Riffs

Rocks Monster Riffs

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP EC400.

Build quality

  • The EC-400 features a three-piece mahogany set neck with a rosewood fingerboard, offering a solid construction that enhances playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Equipped with EMG 81/60 pickups, the EC-400 provides a robust sound suitable for heavy genres, maintaining clarity and punch.

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  • Some EC-400 models come with Seymour Duncan JB and '59 pickups instead of EMGs, offering more versatility for clean tones.

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Comparisons

  • The EC-400 is similar to the EC-1000 but lacks the ornate body bindings and flamed maple tops, offering a more minimalist aesthetic.

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  • Owners mention the EC-400 holds up well against Gibson Les Paul Classics, often indistinguishable in blind tests.

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  • Swapping EMG 81/85 for Seymour Duncan Invaders on the EC-401 results in a massive tone similar to high-output SD Loomis Blackouts on an EC-1000.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the neck as fast and enjoyable to play, making it a preferred choice over other electrics in their collection.

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Value and pricing

  • Purchasers have found the EC-400 to be a hidden gem, particularly due to its limited production from 2004-2006 and quality construction.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its reputation for metal, the EC-400 is noted for producing full, warm clean tones suitable for soft rock.

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  • Multiple users find the EC-400 excels in low tunings like drop B, suitable for heavy music styles and bands like Lamb of God and Trivium.

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Setup and maintenance

  • If the guitar sounds dead, the 9V battery for the EMG pickups might need replacing, a common issue with active pickups.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users often consider swapping EMG pickups for Seymour Duncan models to better fit genres beyond metal.

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  • Seymour Duncan Invader SH-8 pickups are recommended for massive tone and low tuning, enhancing the EC-400’s sound for heavy genres like metal.

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  • Fishman Fluence pickups are considered an active alternative to EMGs, offering a distinct sound profile that some users prefer after hearing online comparisons.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users playing through a U-Phoria UMC22 interface with Amped-Roots software report tonal issues with current pickups, suggesting hardware changes for improved sound quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD EC-400 Review: I have been playing around 11 years and have had about... | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP LTD EC-400 is a mixed bag for metal enthusiasts. It shines with its robust EMG pickups and durability, making it a reliable choice for heavy rock and jazz. However, it falters with subpar Grover tuners and accessibility issues due to a bulky neck joint. While the guitar boasts a beautiful finish and smooth playability, it lacks versatility in sound. A dream guitar for some, but it demands careful consideration and potential modifications for optimal use.

LTD EC-400 Review: It has an awesome tone and fast fretboard. | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP LTD EC-400 is a hard rock and metal enthusiast's dream, offering superb tone and a fast fretboard at a budget-friendly price. Its mahogany body combined with EMG-81 pickups delivers a rich, heavy sound tailored for aggressive music styles. While the guitar's clean tones leave much to be desired, it excels in durability and reliability, with a well-executed factory setup that ensures smooth playability. A lighter alternative to the Les Paul, this guitar uses quality materials and includes features like Grover tuners and a double-action truss rod. Overall, the EC-400 is a standout choice for those prioritizing heavy music genres.

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Artist usage

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See how Neil Westfall uses ESP EC400

Neil Westfall

Guitarist

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via Ultimate-guitar

"I think my first guitar I got that was like a real guitar was an ESP EC-400 or something like that. It had EMGs in it and ESP was one of the only companies making the Les Paul body style with the EMG pickups just out the gate. So that's the kind of sound I was looking for and that's what I played a lot live. " - excerpt from Ultimate Guitar interview.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP EC400, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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