ESP LTD EC-401

[ytse_jam]

Does anyone here own that guitar? I was thinking about getting a good guitar for 400-600 euros and I'm interested in the EC-401VF, which is the one with passives (JB + '59). I think it should be almost the same model as the older EC-500 with some minor changes... I would appreciate any info/thought about that guitar. I was also considering an Epiphone Korina Explorer (should go for 320-360 euros here in Italy), I love explorers w/ natural finish and golden hardware, but I suppose the LTD EC-401 is quite a lot better quality-wise.

 

[MF]

I made a thread about this a few weeks ago. I ended up getting an EC-400AT, which is basically the same as the 401VF series, but in black. I love it. As far as i could tell the only difference between the 400's and 500's were the Duncans instead of the EMG's. The Duncans sound awesome. I'd go for it over an Epi. The stock pickups in those Epi's pale in comparison to the Duncans.

 

[ytse_jam]

thank you MF. I like the finish of the 401VF I posted and I like passives better than EMG so I think I'll end up buying that one. What about that problem with the frets? Is it something you can live with in the end?

 

[MF]

thank you MF. I like the finish of the 401VF I posted and I like passives better than EMG so I think I'll end up buying that one. What about that problem with the frets? Is it something you can live with in the end?

I don't play many leads so I'm fine with the fret levelling.

 

[prsman88]

I am looking at this guitar also. I have an EC-1000VB that has emgs and i am playing non-metal rock now so I want to try some passives with my dual rec. I also have looked at the EC-256 aged guitar.

EC-1000
-Emgs
-Ebony Fretboard
-Gold Hardware
-Locking Tuners/Bridge

EC-401
-Duncans
-Rosewood Fretboard
-Chrome Hardware
-ESP tuners (moddled after grovers)

Everything else virtually the same according to ESP. Just a pickup and finish difference.

Anyone compared both and have an opinion?

Thanks

 

[RawkerMan]

I have this guitar.

I bought it as a backup for my Custom 24.

Considering the price, features, and playability, I highly recommend them. It's weighty like a Les Paul, but with a more playable neck and fewer knobs to worry about. I've never cared for the Duncan JB's, and hearing them in this guitar did not change my opinion. I swapped the JB for a DiMarzio F-spaced Tone Zone. The F-spacing lines up perfectly with the strings , and I feel that the tone and output of this pickup match better with the '59 in the neck.

As a final upgrade, I'm considering installing some Sperzel tuners or a TonePros bridge to tighten up the tuning.

 

[ytse_jam]

To RawkerMan & MF:
How about that earvana compensating nut? I've read different opinions about it... is it a really different feature you must spend some time getting used to?

 

[RawkerMan]

Setting the intonation with an Earvana nut is a pain IMO. Plus, there's no room for even mildly sloppy fretting technique. You gotta be spot-on or you'll definitely hear it.

 

[mwalluk]

Thought the 400 series had Grover Tuners? I have the Ec1000 and was looking to get the same one that you're looking at for a backup. SOlid guitar.

 

[MF]

Thought the 400 series had Grover Tuners? I have the Ec1000 and was looking to get the same one that you're looking at for a backup. SOlid guitar.

the 400AT i have has grover tuners. And according to the ESP website all of the current 401's should have them.

 

[prsman88]

my b. grovers is right.


I just picked up a ec-400vf tobacco sunburst w/ a skb hardshell roadcase, shipped and tax for 505

 

[prsman88]

Well ec-400vf arrived (i bought it used from guitar center). Had a ground issue with the electronics so I traded it in. They lemme order a new 401vf at cost so it will ship out april 10th. Any one else played one? Got any thoughts?

 

[prsman88]

Purchased this guitar and it arrived about a week ago. Love it!
Cleans kill the the ec-1000's and the distortion is less compressed and gainy.
The big body gives a nice round thick sound.
So far so good.
Works much better for the pop punk style I am currently playing.
Only issue I have had is the plastic cap on the pickup selector has worn a little.