Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $896

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$400

$1001+

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Description

When it comes to unleashing the power of down-tuned sounds, the ESP LTD EC-401B is a formidable companion for any modern rocker. Designed as a baritone with a 27" scale length, this solid body electric guitar allows you to dive into the depths of B to B tuning with precision and aggression. The iconic Eclipse body style merges classic aesthetics with a contemporary twist, providing not only epic sustain but also exceptional playability thanks to its comfortably arched top and sharp cutaway for seamless access to upper frets.

At the heart of the EC-401B's sonic prowess is the pair of EMG active humbucking pickups, a favorite among heavy rockers for their high output and articulate tone. The EMG 81 at the bridge and EMG 60 at the neck deliver a fiery tone that slices through any mix, ensuring your riffs and solos are always front and center. Complementing this is the ESP Thin "U" neck profile, known for its fast and smooth playability, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead duties.

Crafted to offer ESP's renowned quality at a more accessible price, the EC-401B doesn't compromise on premium tonewoods, robust hardware, or meticulous craftsmanship. This baritone guitar is a testament to ESP LTD's commitment to providing musicians with instruments ready to rock straight out of the box.

Key Features:

  • Solid body baritone electric guitar
  • 27" scale length, tuned B to B
  • EMG 81/60 humbucking pickups for high output and clarity
  • Thin "U" neck profile for fast and smooth playability
  • Eclipse body style with set-neck construction for enhanced sustain and access to upper frets
Илья MJTV Соколов

Илья MJTV Соколов

ЧОРНЫЙ БАРИТОН ОТ LTD EC 401B!

Video thumbnail for ЧОРНЫЙ БАРИТОН ОТ LTD EC 401B! by Илья MJTV Соколов

ЧОРНЫЙ БАРИТОН ОТ LTD EC 401B!

Илья MJTV Соколов

Илья MJTV Соколов

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Seymour Duncan Custom (SH-5) bridge and Jazz (SH-2N) neck pickups enhance warmth and clarity for alternative rock and metal.

    Source
  • For improved tone, swapping factory pickups for Seymour Duncan '59 in the neck and JB in the bridge is recommended.

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Features and functionality

  • The three-piece maple neck with 24 frets provides a bright, snappy tone despite the mahogany body and rosewood fingerboard.

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  • The EC-401's "Thin U" neck profile differs from other ESP models, requiring potential buyers to test for personal comfort.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to PRS SE 277's warmer, midrangey tone due to its 22 frets and longer scale length.

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User experience

  • After a year, the guitar's top-end "sparkle" may be fatiguing; warmer, compressed pickups could mitigate this.

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  • Owners appreciate the EC-401B's character and history, valuing the 'road worn' look and previous player wear as enhancing its personality.

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  • Some users find that the EC-401B plays comparably to higher-end models like the EC-1000, particularly enjoying the feel of the Seymour Duncan pickups over EMGs.

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  • Owners transitioning from cheaper guitars report a significant upgrade in feel and playability with the EC-401, often finding it comparable to much more expensive models.

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Value and pricing

  • Resale potential is promising, with one owner noting a profitable sale.

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  • A purchase at $300 is considered a great deal, especially when compared to the EC-256 models often priced higher.

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  • In specific markets like Argentina, the EC-401's used pricing can be significantly lower than the EC-1000, making it a cost-effective alternative.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The action height on the EC-401B can reach 2.5mm at the 12th fret, which might require professional adjustment to optimize playability.

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Build quality

  • The EC-401 features a unique "scalloped" top around the volume and tone knobs, potentially affecting compatibility with certain aftermarket knobs.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners frequently choose the EC-401 for D standard tuning, highlighting its suitability for heavier music styles.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cooper

A perfect guitar for playing any low tunings.

I bought this guitar secondhand from a friend close to a year ago and besides the fact I could have bought a 1000 Model LTD at the time too, I do not regret it one bit. I almost sold this a few months back, and I am certainly glad I didn't.

I've got this guitar set up in Drop G#/Drop Ab with a set of Ernie Ball .13-.72's, and it plays impeccably well. The string tension holds perfectly (for me) while still getting that nice, ideal bit of slack on the strings. The neck is amazingly comfortable to play and I'm able to riff on it all day with not a single second thought. The Satin black finish looks absolutely killer for photo's whether it's a candid onstage photo with sick lighting or just a nice photo you chuck on IG. The binding also looks gorgeous too.

While I am not a huge fan of active pickups, the EMG set in this guitar, fit perfectly. The sound I want out of it couldn't be any better suited to what I play. (Unless I got BKP's but not at this stage)

I also really dig the contouring on the rear of the body where it rests against your stomach. Feels really comfortable and natural to hold, sitting or standing.

Overall, just a standout guitar, and incredible bang for buck. Would highly recommend if you're looking at playing them lower tunings.

Artist usage

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See how Ryan Sitkowski uses LTD EC-401B

Ryan Sitkowski

Guitarist

Motionless In White

...
Verified via YouTube

27" Scale baritone with Seymour Duncan Mick Thomson Blackouts

See how Neil Westfall uses LTD EC-401B

Neil Westfall

Guitarist

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via YouTube

Neil plays a heavily reliced ESP LTD EC-401B. Neil claims it was not quite what he needed. Thus he's removed the neck pickup and most of the electronics. He fitting the bridge with a Bare Knuckle Juggernaut humbucker. The guitar was heavily relliced by his guitar tech as well as Travis Barker's son Landon while on tour with Blink. This guitar even has staples that where shot into the body, along with heavy ware to the finish

See how Keith Wallen uses LTD EC-401B

Keith Wallen

Guitarist

Breaking Benjamin

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Verified via Photo

Scroll down to the conversation between @joshlaroe and @kjwallen (Keith Wallen Official), where Keith mentions he uses the 401B Baritone tuned to drop A#.

See how drug bug uses LTD EC-401B

drug bug

Singer, Guitarist

WillyRodriguezWasTaken

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Verified via Photo

In a video posted on Instagram by star_starer0, Alex from drug bug is seen playing an ESP LTD EC-401B guitar in E standard tuning.

See how Andrew Welch uses LTD EC-401B

Andrew Welch

Guitarist

Thousand Foot Krutch

...
Verified via YouTube

Andrew uses a black ESP, He has Seymour Duncan and Dimarzio pickups, a Quarter Pound telecaster single coil in the bridge and a PAF style humbucker in the neck. to finish off, his strings are 10 gauge.

See how George Lenox uses LTD EC-401B

George Lenox

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this video and countless live photos. This was George's main guitar from 2015–2017 and was usually tuned to an open A tuning: AEADGA. It was upgraded with Seymour Duncan Blackouts, specifically the Mick Thomson model.

Album Usage

The LTD EC-401B 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.

Used With

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

Community setups

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manicmitchie

manicmitchie

Gear IQ 138

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