ESP LTD EC-401VF Guitar Review

There is no question that the ESP guitar brand's specialty lies in the hard rock and metal genres. For the most part, their guitars look mean and play hard. Unfortunately, this is a turn-off to the huge market out there looking for something a little smoother and more versatile. Obviously, ESP realizes this, and have made a few exceptions to their general style of instrument making. One of these exceptions is the ESP LTD EC-401VF electric guitar. Let's take a closer look at it to see what makes it more appealing to the musician less focused on metal.

Features: The body of the ESP LTD EC-401VF is made of a couple of different woods. The back is mahogany, which assists in a thick tone and sustain, and the top is flamed maple - used to make the instrument aesthetically more appealing. Its shape is exactly like a Les Paul, as is its make. There are two finishes available with the guitar, which include cherry sunburst and tobacco sunburst. Both give the ESP LTD EC-401VF a classic vintage look. The neck is set into the body, and is made of mahogany as well. It has a rosewood fretboard with twenty two extra jumbo frets and flag shaped pearloid inlays. The hardware, including the ESP brand tuners and Tune-O-Matic style bridge, is chrome for durability and to complete the classic visual appeal. Electronically, the ESP LTD EC-401VF has two Seymour Duncan brand humbuckers, two volume and one tone control knobs, and a three way selector switch.

Playability: Considering the effort made in aesthetics and authentic Les Paul style hardware, playability on this guitar is a little different than the average ESP. It still has a very thin neck and extra jumbo frets to make it easier for shredders, but the shallower cutaway and thicker body make it less amicable for high fret access. Also, the thicker body means it's heavier than most ESP's, so you'll have to get used to the weight.

Sound: What the ESP LTD EC-401VF lacks in playability, it certainly makes up for in sound. Seymour Duncan humbuckers are well known in the guitar community for being among the most versatile and smooth sounding available. The ESP LTD EC-401VF, equipped with these and a good build, has a very rich and pure tone on the clean end and can growl nicely with distortion.

Overall: The ESP LTD EC-401VF is the perfect main axe for the intermediate musician looking to go across much of the spectrum of musical genres. It isn't the single best instrument for any one specific style, but it can handle any style well - and it looks and sounds great doing it. You can find the ESP LTD EC-401VF in music stores for about $630.