Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $479

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the uncompromising power and striking playability of the ESP LTD Viper 400, a solid body electric guitar built for musicians who demand precision and versatility. Renowned for its sleek design and robust sound, the Viper 400 is equipped with EMG-81/85 active humbuckers, delivering a potent mix of sustain and clarity that effortlessly slices through any mix. This guitar's set neck construction ensures seamless access across the fingerboard, allowing for expressive play that resonates with depth.

Crafted from mahogany, the Viper 400's body is not only visually captivating but also ergonomically designed for comfort during extended jam sessions. The bound rosewood fretboard with extra-jumbo frets and flag inlays provides a smooth, responsive playing surface for both intricate solos and aggressive power chords. Simple and intuitive controls include volume, tone, and a 3-way selector, giving you total command over your sound with ease.

Whether you're shredding on stage or laying down tracks in the studio, the Viper 400 offers a rugged, reliable performance that won't let you down. Let your creativity soar with this instrument's exceptional tonal range and dynamic response.

Key Features:

  • Set neck construction
  • EMG-81/85 active humbuckers for powerful, focused tone
  • Mahogany body with contoured upper side for comfort
  • Bound rosewood fretboard with extra-jumbo frets and flag inlays
  • Simple control layout: volume, tone, and 3-way selector

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Viper-400
Finish Black, Olympic White, See Thru Black Cherry, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2004 - 2008
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double 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
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the ESP LTD Viper 400 suitable for?

The ESP LTD Viper 400, with its EMG-81/85 active humbuckers, is well-suited for heavier music genres like metal and hard rock, offering high output and aggressive tones.

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

The Viper 400 features a thin U-shaped neck, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the ESP LTD Viper 400 a good choice for advanced players?

Yes, with its high-quality components like Grover tuners and EMG pickups, the Viper 400 offers the reliability and tonal versatility that advanced players seek.

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

The Viper 400 has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly looser string tension, making it easier to bend notes and providing a warmer tone.

Does the ESP LTD Viper 400 support alternate tunings well?

Yes, the set-neck construction and TOM bridge with a stop tailpiece provide excellent stability, making it suitable for various alternate tunings.

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 Korea experimental demo by Nebz 1973

ESP Ltd Viper 400 Korea experimental demo

Nebz 1973

Nebz 1973

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone with clarity and depth, great for metal genres

  • Comfortable and fast neck, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing

  • High-quality EMG pickups deliver robust sound

  • Heavy and substantial build, offering a solid feel

  • Beautiful high gain tones with impressive clarity

  • Comparable in performance to higher-end models like the Viper 1000

  • Versatile clean tone, surpasses expectations

CONS

  • Original pickups may be too "metal" for some genres

  • Heavier than cheaper models, which might affect comfort during long sessions

Owner Insights

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

Value and pricing

  • Olympic White is less common, often priced lower despite rarity compared to titanium and black finishes.

    Source
  • Mint condition Viper 400s sold for $1,333, while those in good condition typically range between $300 and $685.

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  • The market is flooded post-pandemic, causing a dip in average selling prices for used guitars.

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  • Some owners find the price of the Viper 400 favorable, especially when compared to newer LTD models which are priced similarly but offer less in terms of features and specs.

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  • A modified Viper 400, including purchase and upgrades, can total around $800, indicating significant value for customization at a reasonable total cost.

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Use cases and applications

  • It's suggested to list at $350 with room to negotiate to $300, aligning with the current market trends.

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Build quality

  • The Olympic White finish on the Viper 400 is noted for its durability, but some owners mention the thick poly finish can be prone to brittleness over time.

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Features and functionality

  • The ESP LTD Viper 400 is equipped with Seymour Duncan JB/'59 pickups, praised for providing a versatile tonal range suitable for metal and rock genres.

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Comparisons

  • The LTD Viper 400 is often compared to the Jackson Pro Plus Dinky, with users noting the Viper's neck-through construction as a standout feature.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully added Bigsby tremolos and roller bridges, with push/pull pots for coil splitting, enhancing versatility and playability.

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Other

  • Some Viper 400 models are noted as NAMM prototypes, suggesting limited production runs, adding to their collectability and uniqueness.

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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

With its superb sound and classic aesthetics, the ESP LTD Viper 400 shines for metal and classic rock enthusiasts alike. The active EMG-81 pickups deliver incredible tonal versatility, excelling in both heavy riffs and clean passages. While the overall construction is impressive, the guitar's neck can feel a bit heavy when standing, leading to some playability issues. Minor setup flaws, like loose pickups and slight fret buzz, are easily overlooked given the instrument's quality and price point. A solid choice for serious players, the Viper 400 blends modern features with vintage flair, making it a worthy addition to any guitarist's arsenal.

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Artist usage

Add artist
D

Denis Schmidt

Guitarist

Caliban

...
Verified via YouTube

Denis used this guitar in the music video for the song "Before Later Becomes Never"

Album Usage

The ESP LTD Viper 400 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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