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Average Price: $750

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner metalhead with the ESP LTD EX-401FR, an electric guitar that marries aggressive aesthetics with formidable sound. Crafted with a robust mahogany body and a 3-piece maple neck, this guitar is built for players who demand both power and precision. The EMG 81/60 active humbuckers are pivotal, delivering a scorching tone that captures the essence of hard rock and metal. Whether you're shredding electrifying solos or laying down thunderous riffs, the thin "U" profile neck and pau ferro fingerboard offer a sleek, fast-playing experience.

The EX-401FR is more than just a feast for the ears; its ergonomic EX body style ensures comfortable access to all 22 frets, allowing you to traverse the fretboard with ease. The Special Floyd Rose with a locking nut ensures that you can execute dive-bombs and other whammy bar antics without sacrificing tuning stability. Add in the stylish beveled edges and black nickel hardware, and you have a guitar that not only sounds the part but looks it too.

With its perfect blend of form and function, the ESP LTD EX-401FR is tailored for musicians who thrive on intensity and precision. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate hobbyist, this guitar is designed to elevate your playing to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with flamed maple top for rich, resonant tone
  • Fast-playing pau ferro fingerboard with 22 frets
  • Thin "U" neck profile for comfortable, speedy play
  • EMG 81/60 active humbuckers for high-output, focused tone
  • Special Floyd Rose with locking nut for superior tuning stability
  • Master volume, tone controls, and 3-way toggle switch for versatile sound control

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model EX-401 FR
Finish Black
Year 2016 - 2017
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
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 EX-401FR have?

The ESP LTD EX-401FR is equipped with EMG-81 and EMG-60 active humbucker pickups, which are known for their high output and clarity, making them ideal for heavy music genres like metal and hard rock.

Is the ESP LTD EX-401FR suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the ESP LTD EX-401FR is suitable for advanced players, featuring a set-neck construction, Floyd Rose Special Bridge for stable tuning, and high-quality EMG pickups, which provide excellent playability and sound for professional performances.

How does the Floyd Rose Special Bridge on the ESP LTD EX-401FR benefit guitarists?

The Floyd Rose Special Bridge allows for precise tuning stability and offers the capability to perform dive bombs and other tremolo effects without losing pitch, which is particularly beneficial for players in rock and metal genres.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD EX-401FR?

The ESP LTD EX-401FR features a Thin U neck contour, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, especially suited for guitarists who prefer quick, technical playing styles.

Is the ESP LTD EX-401FR a good choice for metal music?

Yes, the ESP LTD EX-401FR is an excellent choice for metal music due to its active EMG pickups, mahogany body, and Floyd Rose Special Bridge, all of which contribute to its powerful sound and versatility in heavy music styles.

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sazforoosh

Sazforoosh LTD EX 401FR

Video thumbnail for Sazforoosh  LTD EX 401FR by sazforoosh

Sazforoosh LTD EX 401FR

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Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The volume knob may become loose over time, as noted by multiple owners experiencing this issue, potentially requiring replacement.

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Setup and maintenance

  • When switching tuning from C to E standard, a professional setup is recommended due to potential neck adjustments and floating bridge alignment.

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  • Stainless steel frets on the Black Metal series offer longer life and smoother bends, reducing maintenance compared to nickel frets.

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Features and functionality

  • Despite its glossy neck, the guitar is noted for having a smooth, Stratocaster-like feel, which is uncommon for painted necks.

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  • The EX-401FR comes with active EMG pickups, unlike the EX Black Metal, which features a single EMG 81 bridge pickup.

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  • The guitar’s EMG pickups, specifically the EMG 60 and EMG 81, provide a distinct clean sound, which may not appeal to fans of twangy single coils.

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Comparisons

  • The LTD EX-401FR is the only model in the EX series that comes with a Floyd Rose bridge from the factory.

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  • The EX Black Metal is designed for metal rhythm playing, with a hard tail bridge and a 24.75" scale, unlike its more versatile EX-401 sibling.

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User experience

  • The guitar is lightweight and comfortable to play while sitting, which is appreciated by owners who frequently switch between tuning adjustments and bridge tension settings.

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  • Owners appreciate the reverse headstock on the EX Black Metal for better tuning stability in drop tunings.

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  • Some owners preferred the single pickup and minimalist look of the EX Black Metal, finding it more stylistically appealing than the EX-401.

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  • Some owners mention needing to add weights in the electronics cavity to counter neck dive, significantly improving balance and playability.

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  • Despite its "shark fin" design, the EX-401 is praised for being very lightweight, enhancing comfort during extended play sessions.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock EMG pickups with high-quality passive pickups like Seymour Duncan or Dimarzio can cost between $150-$250, plus approximately $80 for professional installation.

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Value and pricing

  • While the EX-401FR offers great features for metal players, some users consider the 1000 series a worthwhile upgrade for only a couple hundred dollars more.

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Critic Reviews

Go Hard! The Ultimate ESP LTD EX-401 FR Guitar Review - Guitar Space

guitarspace.org

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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J

A kick-ass axe

The ESP LTD EX-401FR is a straight-up kick-ass guitar. Its pickups are amazing. It plays some good cleans for being more of a shreddy guitar. Its tone is amazing and functions as a great axe for metal. Feels light enough to play an entire set with, but is still intimidating and glorious as Hel. Definitely recommended.

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