ESP LTD EX-401DX Guitar Review

The five hundred to one thousand dollar price range offers a ton of different, interesting choices for guitar players nowadays. In the metal genres, Jackson and ESP are generally agreed to offer the best value and quality at that level. Jackson tends to focus on Gibson V style instruments, while ESP focuses more on the Explorer style. In this article, I'll take a closer look at a model that reflects the latter, the ESP LTD EX-401DX to see what additions and specifications make it unique.

Features: The body of the ESP LTD EX-401DX, not surprisingly, is made of mahogany wood and is shaped almost exactly like a Gibson Explorer. This make is an extremely popular choice for hard rock and metal guitar makers because it provides a solid, deep tone and sustain. The body also has a flamed maple top with a see through style glossed ebony finish. It is darker than you will see in pictures, and very rich looking. The neck is set into the body, and is made of maple wood. It has a rosewood fretboard with twenty two extra jumbo frets and very cool looking arrow inlays as position markers. As you'd expect from a relatively expensive instrument, the ESP LTD EX-401DX has high quality hardware. The tuning heads are Grover brand, which are well known for their ability to keep strings precisely in tune, also, the nut locks. The bridge, meanwhile, is a Floyd Rose Special tremolo. Electronically, the ESP LTD EX-401DX has two EMG active humbucker pickups, a three way selector switch, and a volume and tone control knob.

Playability: Body shape, for the most part, is a matter of personal taste. There's no question that the Explorer style looks cool, but to me the top arm is very distracting while trying to play sitting down. I'd recommend you try it yourself to decide. Everything else, on the other hand, is great. The neck is smooth and extremely thin for speed, the body is only moderately heavy, and high fret access and action are unparalleled.

Sound: As mean as the ESP LTD EX-401DX looks, it can actually decently do just about anything. It takes the right combination of amp settings, tone, and volume, but the EMG's can be hushed effectively. There is no doubt, though, that it shines brightest when playing deep, snarling rhythm or screaming leads.

Overall: Intermediate and above guitarists with the cash will not be disappointed with the ESP LTD EX-401DX. It has diabolical looks, a great and even somewhat versatile sound, and the ESP brand's trademark playability. You can find this guitar in music stores for about $740.