ESP LTD EC-401 Guitar Review

The ESP brand is known for taking classic looks and models of guitars as inspiration, and integrating user friendly, modern features to make an overall great instrument. Using this production plan over and over, they have built a solid reputation among guitarists. One example of this process of manufacture is the ESP LTD EC-401. Its made with the Les Paul as an archetype. Let's take a closer look at it to see what exactly sets it apart.

Features: The body of the LTD EC-401 is made of two separate woods. The back is made of mahogany for tone and sustain, and the top is made of maple for a high quality look. There are three finishes available with the ESP LTD EC-401, including white, ebony, and see-thru black. All have a glossed polyurethane finish, and stick out with attractiveness. The neck is made of mahogany as well, and is set into the body. It has a rosewood fingerboard with twenty two extra jumbo frets, and flag shaped pearloid inlays. All of the hardware, including the ESP brand tuning heads, control knobs, and Tune-O-Matic style bridge, is black nickel to match the finish. Electronically, the ESP LTD EC-401 has an EMG-81 active humbucker pickup in the bridge position and an ESP-60 active humbucker in the neck position. It also has one volume and two tone control knobs, and a three way selector switch.

Playability: ESP's added features were designed heavily to make the LTD EC-401 very playable. Its neck has a thin profiled U shape, which makes it very easy for complicated chord shapes, long reaches, and scale runs. The body itself is lightweight despite its look, and can be played for long amounts of time comfortably. And, finally, ESP is known for setting up the action of the strings nearly perfectly straight out of the factory. The LTD EC-401 is no exception.

Sound: The EMG active humbuckers are best at metal. They can absolutely scream, no matter what part of the fretboard you're on. But, when you hit the right combination of settings they can hold their own with clean and light distortion tones. The LTD EC-401 shines best when playing metal, but it can do about anything.

Overall: The ESP LTD EC-401 is a relatively popular instrument for experienced musicians up to date on current models of guitars. This, of course, is for good reason. It has great looks, excellent playability, and a sound that is hard to match in its price range. You can find the ESP LTD EC-401 in music stores for about $650.