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Average Price: $872

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Description

Channel the spirit of rock 'n roll with the ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio, a guitar that bridges the gap between vintage allure and modern playability. This solid body electric guitar is crafted for musicians who crave the iconic warmth of a mahogany body topped with maple, delivering an exquisite tonal blend of resonance and attack. DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary humbucking pickups are at the heart of this instrument, meticulously engineered to replicate the classic tones of the 1959 Les Paul, offering bell-like highs, robust mids, and buttery lows.

The EC-401 VF is not just about sound; it's designed for speed. Its Thin U neck profile ensures effortless playability, allowing for swift transitions and intricate fingerwork. The 22 extra-jumbo frets provide ample space for expressive bends and fast-paced solos. A classic Tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece setup ensures optimal string stability and precise intonation, while the deep cutaway design offers unhindered access to the upper frets, perfect for those high-octane solos.

Whether you’re laying down soulful jazz riffs or unleashing a torrent of high-gain leads, this guitar adapts seamlessly to your stylistic needs. With its stunning craftsmanship and unparalleled tonal versatility, the ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio is more than just a guitar; it's your ticket to sonic exploration and musical innovation.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a maple top for a balanced tonal mix
  • 2 DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary humbucking pickups for vintage-inspired sound
  • Thin U neck profile with a 24.75" scale length
  • 22 extra-jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece for superior string stability
  • Grover tuners for reliable tuning maintenance
  • Deep cutaway for easy access to higher frets

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EC-401 VF DiMarzio
Year 2014 - 2016
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio best suited for?

The ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio, with its DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pickups, excels in rock and blues genres, offering a vintage tone with clarity and warmth. Its mahogany body and set-neck construction provide sustain and depth, making it versatile for various styles.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio affect playability?

The guitar features a thin U neck contour, which provides a comfortable grip and faster playability, ideal for players who prefer speed and precision. This makes it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Are the DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pickups suitable for high-gain settings?

Yes, the DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pickups offer a balanced output that handles high-gain settings well, providing clarity and articulation without excessive noise, making them suitable for heavier rock and metal genres.

Does the ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio have a good sustain?

Yes, the set-neck construction combined with the mahogany body and rosewood fingerboard ensures excellent sustain, allowing notes to ring out longer and providing a richer tonal character.

Is the ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio is designed with features that appeal to experienced players, its comfortable neck profile and quality construction can also benefit dedicated beginners looking for a long-term investment in their playing journey.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD EC-401VF Demo

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: LTD EC-401VF Demo by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: LTD EC-401VF Demo

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for Обзор гитары ESP LTD EC-401-VF (видео 2009-го года) by Рокин Факин

Обзор гитары ESP LTD EC-401-VF (видео 2009-го года)

Рокин Факин

Рокин Факин

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC 401VF by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

ESP LTD EC 401VF

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC 401VF by Robin Smith

ESP LTD EC 401VF

Robin Smith

Robin Smith

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The VF model is older (2009-2013) compared to the newer EC-401 Black, with limited availability affecting price perception.

    Source
  • The DiMarzio 36th Anniversary pickups in the EC-401VF are noted for their nice tone but are considered underpowered for effective coil-splitting compared to a standard single-coil output.

    Source
  • An owner who compared multiple LTD models noted a preference for the feel and aesthetics of the EC-401VF, despite preferring the sound of another model.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • One user acquired a VF for 400€ with Seymour Duncan Black Winter and Sentient pickups, indicating custom mods are common for tailored sound.

    Source
  • For those interested in coil-splitting, it can be manually added by rewiring the existing 4-wire pickups to include a push/pull knob.

    Source
  • Some users consider replacing the stock DiMarzio 36th Anniversary PAFs with active EMG pickups like the 81TW and 89R for enhanced tonal versatility and coil-splitting capability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used EC-401VF models are found around the same price as new EC-401 Black models, suggesting comparable market value despite age differences.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EC-401VF does not have coil-splitting, despite using DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pickups, which are capable of being wired for this feature.

    Source
  • The choice between EMG 81TW and 89R pickups can affect treble response in single-coil mode, with the 89R being optimized for neck position.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners mention that the EC-401VF has a simpler electronic setup without the push/pull coil-splitting feature, which could be added by the user if desired.

    Source
  • Long-term users report that the EC-401VF maintains playability even after significant wear, indicating strong durability and resilience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users who value coil-splitting should consider modifying the EC-401VF, as it isn't factory-equipped for this, affecting its versatility for certain styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD EC-401VF

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio is a budget-friendly guitar that doesn't skimp on quality. Its standout feature is the DiMarzio PAF style 36th Anniversary pickups, which deliver classic humbucker tones with impressive clarity and definition. The mahogany body and maple cap ensure a solid build, while the 'Thin U' neck offers modern comfort for faster play. Though initial tuning stability might require a bit of string stretching, once settled, this guitar handles bends with ease. With its robust sound and build, it stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a Les Paul vibe without the hefty price tag.

positive

LTD EC-401VF review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The ESP LTD EC-401 VF DiMarzio is a standout in a sea of mid-range LP clones, offering more tonal satisfaction than most. With real US Seymour Duncan pickups, it ups the quality factor, delivering impressive versatility from mellow vintage tones to aggressive overdrive. The playability is flawless, thanks to a thin U-profile neck. However, its standard-depth body might feel too familiar to Les Paul enthusiasts. While facing stiff competition from other single-cut models, the EC-401VF's edge lies in the timeless charm of its pickups, making this guitar a solid choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

positive

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