Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $625

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

Unleash your inner rock god with the ESP LTD Arrow-401, a formidable weapon in the world of solid body electric guitars. Designed for those who demand both aesthetic flair and uncompromising performance, the Arrow-401 takes center stage with its strikingly aggressive V-shaped body and a set-thru neck construction, ensuring effortless access to the upper frets for those blistering solos.

Equipped with a pair of ferocious EMG 81/85 active pickups, this guitar delivers crushing tones with pristine clarity, making it a staple for metal enthusiasts who crave powerful sound. The Floyd Rose Special bridge lets you dive-bomb and bend notes with precision while maintaining rock-solid tuning stability. Whether you're shredding on stage or laying down tracks in the studio, the Arrow-401 is your ticket to sonic excellence.

Crafted with a mahogany body and a three-piece maple neck, the Arrow-401 offers a perfect balance of warmth and brightness, while the 24 extra-jumbo frets on a pau ferro fingerboard provide an ideal platform for fast-paced fingerwork. With its killer looks and high-octane capabilities, the ESP LTD Arrow-401 is more than just an instrument; it's your partner in musical domination.

Key Features:

  • Set-thru neck construction for enhanced playability
  • EMG 81/85 active pickups for powerful sound
  • Floyd Rose Special bridge for precise tuning stability
  • Body material: Mahogany
  • Neck material: 3-piece maple
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets on a pau ferro fingerboard

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Arrow-401
Finish Black, Snow White
Year 2015 - 2020
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape V-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What type of music is the ESP LTD Arrow-401 best suited for?

The ESP LTD Arrow-401, with its EMG 81/85 pickups and V-style body, is ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres. Its aggressive design and high-output pickups deliver the powerful tones desired by metal guitarists.

Does the ESP LTD Arrow-401 come with a case?

No, the ESP LTD Arrow-401 does not come with a case; it is sold separately. It is recommended to purchase a compatible case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD Arrow-401?

The ESP LTD Arrow-401 features a Thin-U neck contour, which provides a comfortable grip for fast playing and easy access to all 24 frets, making it suitable for shredding and intricate solos.

How does the Floyd Rose Special bridge on the ESP LTD Arrow-401 affect playability?

The Floyd Rose Special bridge on the ESP LTD Arrow-401 allows for precise tuning stability and enables dramatic pitch changes, such as dive bombs and vibrato effects, which are essential for expressive metal playing.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD Arrow-401?

The ESP LTD Arrow-401 is constructed with a mahogany body, maple neck, and a choice of pau ferro or rosewood fingerboard. This combination offers a balanced tone with warmth, sustain, and clarity.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD Arrow-401 Demo with Jack Fliegler

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD Arrow-401 Demo with Jack Fliegler by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD Arrow-401 Demo with Jack Fliegler

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for Ltd arrow 401 by POP WORAVIT

Ltd arrow 401

POP WORAVIT

POP WORAVIT

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD ARROW-401 Black Electric Guitar Demo by 6-String

ESP LTD ARROW-401 Black Electric Guitar Demo

6-String

6-String

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Arrow-401 Demo by Masaki Murashita

ESP LTD Arrow-401 Demo

Masaki Murashita

Masaki Murashita

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Arrow 401 short demo by Amos Moses

ESP LTD Arrow 401 short demo

Amos Moses

Amos Moses

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD ARROW-401 | Guitar Center PL by TVGuitarCenter

ESP LTD ARROW-401 | Guitar Center PL

TVGuitarCenter

TVGuitarCenter

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Arrow-401.

Features and functionality

  • The mahogany body paired with EMG pickups delivers robust, chunky tones, ideal for heavier music styles like metal.

    Source
  • The Arrow-401's V shape includes a unique cutout, improving comfort when played sitting down, unlike traditional V shapes.

    Source
  • The arrowhead design of the Arrow-401 is particularly praised for its striking appearance within ESP's lineup.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the guitar's unique shape both visually striking and comfortable to play, enhancing long practice sessions.

    Source
  • The bridge is noted for maintaining tuning stability, even under aggressive playing conditions.

    Source
  • Some players find the Arrow-401 the most comfortable V-shaped guitar from major brands, noting it avoids neck dive due to its slightly larger, heavier body.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Tuned to C Standard, the guitar excels in producing deep, heavy sounds without losing clarity.

    Source
  • The Arrow-401's design allows for comfortable play during extended sitting sessions, which is often a challenge with V-shaped guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users report that ESP/LTD generally offers better quality control compared to Jackson, especially brands owned by Fender.

    Source
  • An owner prefers the LTD V-500 over USA shop Jacksons and high-end Dean VMNTs, noting its heavier build.

    Source
  • Compared to the Jackson King V, the Arrow is considered more aesthetically unique, though opinions vary on whether this is an improvement.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's recommended to install a Seymour Duncan JB pickup in the bridge for enhanced tonal quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD Arrow-401 Review: The ESP Arrow-401 not only looks better, and has more options... | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP LTD Arrow-401 hits all the right notes for metalheads on a budget, boasting impressive features like EMG 81 and 85 pickups for a powerful sound and a Floyd Rose Special bridge for stability. Its aggressive V-shaped design and lightweight build make it a show-stopper on stage. Despite being crafted in China, the quality control ensures a durable and reliable instrument that rivals pricier models. The only downside is the gloss black finish, which is prone to fingerprints and dings, and the polarizing debate over the Floyd Rose Special's reputation. Overall, it's a striking, value-packed choice.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fabian_we

Greatest of all time

My favorite guitare yet. Awesome shape, awesome quality

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Larry Barragán uses LTD Arrow-401

Larry Barragán

Guitarist, Composer

Helstar

...
Verified via Photo

played this guitar around 2018

See how Jeff Gruetzman uses LTD Arrow-401

Jeff Gruetzman

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

He is seen playing this guitar in the Youtube video.

More LTD Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    fabian_we
    fabian_we

    Gear IQ 116