Pricing and availability
Average Price: $875
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина
ESP LTD EC 400
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
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.
Source -
Owners mention the EC-400 holds up well against Gibson Les Paul Classics, often indistinguishable in blind tests.
Source -
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.
Source
User experience
-
Owners describe the neck as fast and enjoyable to play, making it a preferred choice over other electrics in their collection.
Source
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
Setup and maintenance
-
If the guitar sounds dead, the 9V battery for the EMG pickups might need replacing, a common issue with active pickups.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Users often consider swapping EMG pickups for Seymour Duncan models to better fit genres beyond metal.
Source -
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.
Source -
Fishman Fluence pickups are considered an active alternative to EMGs, offering a distinct sound profile that some users prefer after hearing online comparisons.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"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.
More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
kkolarGear IQ 120766
-