Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $737

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

For those seeking a robust and stylish electric guitar without breaking the bank, the ESP LTD EC-401 offers a compelling blend of performance and value. With its sleek design and active EMG 81/60 pickups, this guitar is engineered to deliver powerful and articulate tones that suit both the stage and the studio. The EC-401 is crafted to meet the needs of musicians at any level, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players who crave consistency and reliability.

The EC-401 boasts a mahogany body that not only provides a solid feel but also contributes to its rich tonal character. The set-neck construction ensures excellent sustain, while the thin U-shaped neck profile and 24 extra-jumbo frets offer a comfortable playing experience that enhances playability across genres. Available in various finishes, including striking olympic white and matte black, the EC-401 allows musicians to express their unique style visually as well as sonically.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with set-neck construction
  • Active EMG 81/60 pickups
  • Thin U-shaped neck profile
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets
  • Available in multiple finishes including olympic white and matte black
  • Ideal for both novice and professional musicians

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EC-401
Finish Black, Charcoal Satin, Military Green Satin, Olympic White, Sage Green Satin, Vintage Black
Year 2009 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Green, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD EC-401 have?

The ESP LTD EC-401 is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, specifically the EMG 81 in the bridge position and EMG 60 in the neck position, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the ESP LTD EC-401 suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The ESP LTD EC-401 is designed for intermediate to advanced players, offering high-quality components and a set-neck construction that enhances sustain and playability, making it ideal for those looking to upgrade from an entry-level guitar.

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

The ESP LTD EC-401 features a thin U-shaped neck profile, which is comfortable for fast playing and ideal for guitarists who prefer a slimmer neck for easier fret access.

Does the ESP LTD EC-401 come in different finishes?

Yes, the ESP LTD EC-401 is available in several finishes, including Black, Charcoal Satin, Military Green Satin, Olympic White, Sage Green Satin, and Vintage Black, allowing players to choose a style that suits their preference.

How many frets does the ESP LTD EC-401 have?

The ESP LTD EC-401 comes with 24 frets, providing a full two-octave range that is ideal for lead guitarists who require extensive fretboard access for solos and advanced playing techniques.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD EC-401?

The ESP LTD EC-401 has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which contributes to a slightly warmer tone and makes it easier to bend strings, a feature often appreciated by players who focus on rock and blues styles.

Swing CIty Music

Swing CIty Music

ESP LTD EC-401VF

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD EC-401VF by Swing CIty Music

ESP LTD EC-401VF

Swing CIty Music

Swing CIty Music

Video thumbnail for Alter Bridge - Open Your Eyes Solo Cover by Jack - ESP LTD EC 401VF by Jack

Alter Bridge - Open Your Eyes Solo Cover by Jack - ESP LTD EC 401VF

Jack

Jack

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent craftsmanship with flawless finish and fretwork

  • EMG pickups provide powerful tone suitable for metal genres

  • Lightweight body despite being solid material

  • Satin finish provides a smooth feel for fast playing

  • Versatile sound, handles clean and aggressive tones well

  • Well-contoured neck joint enhances playability

  • Comparable quality to higher-end models like the EC-1000

  • Attractive design options, including Military Green Satin and all-black with black hardware

  • Reliable out-of-the-box setup for immediate playability

  • Good value for the price with high-end features

CONS

  • Active pickups may sound slightly compressed to some players

  • Lacks locking tuners, which could improve tuning stability

  • The bridge could be of higher quality for the price range

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some owners have reported issues like chipped paint, poorly done binding, and rusted frets on certain EC-401s, especially those made during the pandemic in Indonesia.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Problems like fret sprout, high frets, and faulty wiring causing jack issues have been noted, requiring potential additional setup work by a tech.

    Source
  • A common issue noted is the input jack nut frequently unscrewing, with Locktite suggested as a fix.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Korean-made EC-401 models from 2008 are perceived to have a better reputation compared to those manufactured in Indonesia post-2019.

    Source

User experience

  • It's reported that lower-level ESP guitars can perform excellently if a well-made unit is found, comparable to higher-end models if quality is consistent.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the guitar's tuning stability, particularly when using Ernie Balls Beefy Slinky strings in D tuning.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EC-401 equipped with EMG pickups is praised for producing a powerful sound, comparable to other guitars with the same pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar handles drop D tuning well with lighter strings, while drop C is more stable with heavier gauge strings like 11s.

    Source
  • The guitar is favored for its versatility, able to play a wide range of music styles efficiently with EMG 81 and 60 pickups.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
harley_charlonne

Guitars

Nice guitar man looking cool nice white

Artist usage

Add artist
S

Steve Rennie

Guitarist

Today I Caught the Plague

...
Verified via MetalSucks

he states he uses EC-401 as a backup.

See how Elliot Sloan uses LTD EC-401 (Duplicate)

Elliot Sloan

Guitarist, Bassist

Night Fiends

...
Verified via Photo

in this post elliot can be seen using a ltd ec401

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use LTD EC-401 (Duplicate), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez Tone-Lok TS7 Tube Screamer
Ibanez Tone-Lok TS7 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
1
Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb
Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Reverb Effects Pedals
1

More LTD Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides