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Average Price: $630

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Description

The Ltd M-403HT electric guitar is a testament to ESP's commitment to crafting instruments that cater to the demands of technical players. Its design blends comfort with high-performance features, ensuring it stands out in both sound and playability. The guitar boasts a flame maple top on a robust mahogany body, a combination that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a warm, rich tonal profile with exceptional sustain.

At the heart of the M-403HT's versatility is a trio of Seymour Duncan pickups. The dual Classic Stack Plus Strat STK-S4N single-coils provide the clean, bell-like tones that single-coil enthusiasts love, but without the pesky 60-cycle hum. For those moments when more power is needed, the Custom 5 humbucker in the bridge position delivers PAF-style warmth with double the output, making it perfect for high-gain scenarios.

The neck of the M-403HT is crafted from three pieces of maple, designed with an extra-thin flat profile that allows for lightning-fast fretwork. This bolt-on neck construction ensures stability and offers a quick attack, making it ideal for intricate solos and complex chord progressions. The rosewood fretboard, adorned with understated binding and inlays, offers a smooth playing experience while maintaining a sleek and aggressive look.

Whether you're playing in the studio or performing on stage, the Ltd M-403HT is engineered to deliver a seamless and exhilarating musical experience.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a flame maple top
  • Seymour Duncan pickup configuration: 2 single-coils (neck and middle) and 1 humbucker (bridge)
  • Hardtail bridge for enhanced sustain
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets on a rosewood fretboard
  • Extra-thin flat 3-piece maple neck for speed
  • Bolt-on neck design for quick attack and stability

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model M-403 HT
Finish Natural Satin
Year 2017 - 2019
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What type of music is the ESP LTD M-403HT best suited for?

The ESP LTD M-403HT, with its HSS pickup configuration and mahogany body, is versatile and well-suited for rock, metal, and blues genres, offering a rich, warm tone with plenty of sustain.

How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the playability of the LTD M-403HT?

The bolt-on neck construction of the LTD M-403HT provides a snappy response and bright tone, making it ideal for fast playing styles and offering easy access to higher frets.

What are the tonal characteristics of the ESP LTD M-403HT's pickups?

The HSS pickup configuration provides a wide tonal range, with the humbucker offering powerful, high-output sounds for heavy music, while the single-coils deliver clarity and brightness suitable for clean tones and solos.

Is the ESP LTD M-403HT suitable for beginners?

The ESP LTD M-403HT is more suited to intermediate and advanced players due to its 24 frets and versatile pickup configuration, which offer a wide range of tones and playability options.

What is the neck profile like on the LTD M-403HT?

The neck of the LTD M-403HT is designed for speed and comfort, featuring a thin U-shaped profile that facilitates fast playing and easy access across the fretboard.

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

ESP/LTD M-403HT FM Video Test Gear in Action

Video thumbnail for ESP/LTD M-403HT FM Video Test Gear in Action by Musicoff - Where Music Matters

ESP/LTD M-403HT FM Video Test Gear in Action

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD M-403HT NATURAL SATIN - QUICK REVIEW by Haworth Guitars

ESP LTD M-403HT NATURAL SATIN - QUICK REVIEW

Haworth Guitars

Haworth Guitars

Video thumbnail for TEST : guitare LTD M-403 HT by Le Hangar Des Guitares

TEST : guitare LTD M-403 HT

Le Hangar Des Guitares

Le Hangar Des Guitares

Reviews

PROS

  • Almost perfect setup right out of the box

  • Seymour Duncan pickups deliver spectacular sound

  • Exceptional craftsmanship with attention to detail

  • Bridge pickup offers impressive sound quality

  • Single coil tone receives high praise

  • Considered a work of art by users

CONS

  • Some fret markers are nearly invisible

  • Issues with volume on the first string noted

  • Potential need for setup adjustments if bought used

  • Volume potentiometer might require replacement if damaged

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ltd M-403HT.

Comparisons

  • The LTD M-403HT is suggested for power metal, with the M-1000HT as a potential upgrade slightly above $1,000.

    Source
  • An owner stated they would choose a 400 series LTD over any Made in Mexico (MiM) or Made in China (MiC) Fender, highlighting LTD's superior quality control and value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The LTD M-403HT is recommended for metal genres, particularly power and symphonic metal, as it aligns well with the sound and style requirements of these genres.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner noted that the LTD guitars they played, other than those with a Floyd Rose bridge, were well-received and enjoyable to use.

    Source
  • It's noted that LTD guitars in the 400 series and up are well-regarded for their quality, often compared favorably to more expensive American-made guitars.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate that LTD guitars, especially models like the M-403HT, are manufactured in the same factory as Korean PRS guitars, ensuring high quality standards.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users modifying their guitars for metal often consider adding Seymour Duncan Omega pickups for enhanced performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The LTD M-403HT is praised for its aesthetic appeal, particularly for those who prefer a non-bolt on neck and fixed bridge in a guitar.

    Source

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