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Description

The ESP LTD Viper 400 is a sonic powerhouse designed to captivate both the audience and the player. With its sleek double-cutaway design, this solid body electric guitar not only provides easy access to the upper frets but also ensures you can play in comfort for hours on end. Crafted from lightweight mahogany, the Viper 400 delivers a rich, resonant sound that forms the backbone of its tonal versatility.

The guitar is equipped with a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers, including the '59 neck pickup for creamy, articulate tones and the JB bridge pickup for hotter outputs that can drive any amp into overdrive. This versatile setup allows you to navigate seamlessly from smooth, clean sounds to high-gain rock and metal tones. The Viper 400 also features a TOM bridge and Grover tuners, providing rock-solid tuning stability and precise intonation.

The 3-piece mahogany neck, shaped in a Thin "U" profile, ensures fast playability, while the pau ferro fingerboard offers a touch of luxury with its smooth feel and added articulation. Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in the studio, the ESP LTD Viper 400 is engineered to deliver an exceptional playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight mahogany body for rich sound
  • Thin "U" profile neck with a 3-piece mahogany set
  • Pau ferro fingerboard with a 13.78" radius
  • Dual Seymour Duncan humbuckers for versatile tones
  • TOM bridge and Grover tuners for stability and precision

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Viper-400
Finish Pinkberry Fade Metallic
Year 2019 - 2020
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Pink
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Fade
Finish Style Metallic
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the ESP LTD Viper 400 have and what tones can I expect?

The ESP LTD Viper 400 is equipped with EMG-81/85 active humbuckers, providing high output and clarity ideal for heavy genres like metal and rock, delivering aggressive and articulate tones.

Is the ESP LTD Viper 400 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the ESP LTD Viper 400 is well-suited for advanced players, featuring a set-neck construction for enhanced sustain and 24 extra-jumbo frets for ease of playability across the neck.

What material is the body of the ESP LTD Viper 400 made from?

The body of the ESP LTD Viper 400 is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm tone and solid sustain.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD Viper 400 affect playability?

The ESP LTD Viper 400 features a set mahogany neck with a comfortable contour, making it easy to navigate the fretboard for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the ESP LTD Viper 400 come with a matching headstock?

Yes, the ESP LTD Viper 400 features a matching headstock with its Pinkberry Fade Metallic finish, adding to its visual appeal.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD Viper 400, and how does it impact playing?

The ESP LTD Viper 400 has a 24.75" scale length, which provides a slightly looser string tension, making bends easier and offering a warmer tone.

World Music Supply

World Music Supply

ESP Ltd Viper 400 Electric Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for ESP Ltd Viper 400 Electric Guitar Demo by World Music Supply

ESP Ltd Viper 400 Electric Guitar Demo

World Music Supply

World Music Supply

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD VIPER-400 Guitar Review by The Rock n Roll Guitar Lounge

ESP LTD VIPER-400 Guitar Review

The Rock n Roll Guitar Lounge

The Rock n Roll Guitar Lounge

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Stephanie Bradley Shreds the LTD Viper-400 by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Stephanie Bradley Shreds the LTD Viper-400

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for LTD Viper-400 red by Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

LTD Viper-400 red

Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

Гитарная мастерская Андрея Смолина

Video thumbnail for Used ESP LTD Viper-400 - Rimmers Music by Rimmers Music

Used ESP LTD Viper-400 - Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Viper 400.

User experience

  • The Viper 400 can be heavy on the neck and back when using a strap for extended periods.

    Source
  • An owner traded the Viper 400 for another guitar, resulting in increased playtime and interest in modding.

    Source
  • A 2017 Viper 400 owner resolved neck dive issues with a Fender Weighless stretchy strap, enhancing comfort during play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner bought their Viper 400 for $350 in 2006, and it still outshines their Gibson Les Paul Classic in terms of playtime.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the toggle switch location on the Viper 400 can be inconvenient, prompting some to consider relocating it.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Attempting to mod a lamp into the body did not enhance playability or interest.

    Source
  • One owner suggests replacing the stock JB bridge pickup for a mellower tone, particularly for playing doom metal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Direct comparison with ESP LTD EC-1000 found the Viper 400 visually appealing but lacking in playability satisfaction.

    Source
  • A user found the Korean-made mid-2000s LTD Viper 400 to offer superior playability and quality compared to their Gibson SG, citing Grovers and EMGs as standout features.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Viper 400 is praised for its comfort in seated positions and suitability for heavier musical styles like doom metal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD Viper-400 Review: They are built to last a lifetime. I am very happy... | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP LTD Viper-400 is a formidable choice for metal and classic rock enthusiasts, thanks to its robust EMG-81 active pickups that deliver impressive sound quality across genres. This guitar is built to last, boasting a solid mahogany body and neck, alongside Grover tuners and a Tune-O-Matic bridge. However, it does have a neck-heavy balance, which might be a concern for some players when standing. The setup could be improved, as loose pickups and minor fret buzz were noted, but these issues are relatively easy to manage. Overall, with its attractive vintage sunburst finish and modern features, the Viper-400 offers great value, making it a superb option for those seeking durability and excellent tone in one package.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

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1 star
joerocket

Heavy Metal Power Jam Sledge Hammer Axe.

This thing is a ferocious man eating viking instrument. If every headbanger was issued an electric lightning bolt machine gun, it would look and sound like ESP's LTD Viper-400. String this up with a set of slinky to heavy strings and your well on your way to sounding horribly terrible. Those EMG pickups sound like a stuck bleeding wild bore coming at you.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas Erak uses ESP LTD Viper 400

Thomas Erak

Singer, Guitarist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via YouTube

LTD Viper-400 Vintage Sunburst Thomas used this guitar from 2005 - 2006. He stated that he didn't like this guitar and stopped using it after 2006 since he was already sponsored by Gibson at that point.

T

Tony Reed

Singer, Guitarist

Pentagram

...
Verified via Riff Relevant

He uses an old and rusty ESP LTD Viper 400 with Guild HB-1 pickups with Mos Generator and Pentagram , plugged into Rola Lead 100HW amplifier . No pedals .

Genre Usage

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

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