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Description

Embrace the spirit of rock and metal with the ESP LTD Viper-400 M, a guitar designed for musicians who seek both performance and style. This solid body electric guitar boasts ESP's iconic Viper design, known for its offset waist that provides unmatched comfort during long jam sessions. The double-cutaway body ensures effortless access to the upper frets, making it perfect for those intricate solos and fast-paced riffs.

Equipped with a set of Seymour Duncan JB and '59 humbuckers, this guitar offers an incredible range of tones. The '59 neck pickup delivers a smooth PAF tone with a full voice, while the JB bridge pickup packs a punch with its high output, perfect for driving your sound through any amp or effects pedal. Built with a lightweight mahogany body and a sturdy 3-piece mahogany set neck in a Thin "U" profile, the Viper-400 M promises both durability and playability. The pau ferro fingerboard adds a touch of elegance and enhances articulation, making every note sing.

Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, the TOM bridge and Grover tuners ensure your sound remains stable and in tune. The ESP LTD Viper-400 M is not just a guitar; it's a statement, ready to rock any venue with its blend of classic design and modern performance.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight mahogany body for rich and full sound
  • 3-piece mahogany set neck with Thin "U" profile
  • Pau ferro fingerboard with 13.78" radius
  • Dual Seymour Duncan JB and '59 humbuckers for versatile tones
  • TOM bridge for stability and enhanced string response
  • Reliable Grover tuners for precise tuning adjustments

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Viper-400 M
Year 2019
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Satin
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 type of music is the ESP LTD Viper-400 M best suited for?

The ESP LTD Viper-400 M is ideal for rock and metal genres, thanks to its mahogany body and HH pickup configuration, which deliver a warm, powerful tone.

What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD Viper-400 M?

The ESP LTD Viper-400 M features a set-neck construction with a slim, comfortable profile, making it suitable for fast playing and easy access to the upper frets.

How does the ESP LTD Viper-400 M compare to higher-end ESP models?

The ESP LTD Viper-400 M offers excellent build quality and tone at a more affordable price point, though it uses more cost-effective materials compared to the premium ESP models.

Is the ESP LTD Viper-400 M suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD Viper-400 M is designed for players who appreciate quality and performance, its user-friendly neck and versatile sound make it accessible to intermediate players as well.

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

The ESP LTD Viper-400 M has a 24.75" scale length, which provides a slightly shorter reach and makes bending strings easier, enhancing playability for lead guitarists.

The Rock n Roll Guitar Lounge

The Rock n Roll Guitar Lounge

ESP LTD VIPER-400 Guitar Review

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 Used ESP LTD Viper-400 - Rimmers Music by Rimmers Music

Used ESP LTD Viper-400 - Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD VIPER-400 See Thru Black Cherry | EMG 81 by Victor Kovalchuk (Vic Audio)

ESP LTD VIPER-400 See Thru Black Cherry | EMG 81

Victor Kovalchuk (Vic Audio)

Victor Kovalchuk (Vic Audio)

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 M.

User experience

  • The Viper-400 is known to cause neck and back discomfort when played standing due to its weight.

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  • A long-term owner has consistently favored playing the Viper-400 over a Gibson Les Paul Classic, highlighting its enduring appeal and playability.

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  • Owners of the 2017 Viper-400 report it as extremely comfortable for playing doom metal, though they recommend swapping the JB bridge pickup for a mellower option.

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  • Owners initially skeptical about the Viper-400's appearance find that the guitar's look grows on them over time, especially appreciating its unique style compared to Dean or BC Rich models.

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Features and functionality

  • Some owners find the toggle switch location inconvenient and consider relocating it for better accessibility.

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  • The Viper-400 has been described as having a "slanty SG vibe" with a distinctive yet tasteful pointy design.

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Value and pricing

  • A Viper-400 was observed at Cash Converters Melbourne for $899 AUD, later reduced to $499 AUD, showcasing potential for significant price fluctuations.

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Build quality

  • Korean-made Viper-400s from the mid-2000s are praised for their excellent build quality and playability, featuring Grovers and EMG pickups.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest using Fender Weighless stretchy straps to resolve neck dive issues effectively.

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Comparisons

  • The Viper-400 is considered a better design than the Gibson SG by some owners, particularly in terms of playability and design flaws.

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  • Viper-400 users note their preference for its aesthetic over more exaggerated designs like those of Dean or BC Rich.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Viper bass variation is noted for its amazing sound, despite being heavy for extended play while standing.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend using 12-62 gauge strings and a Graphtec Tusq nut for optimal tuning stability when downtuning to B.

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