ESP LTD ARROW-400 SCARLET METALLIC guitar
Description
ESP LTD Arrow-400 Scarlet Metallic Electric Guitar
The Arrow-400 delivers a distinctly comfortable playing experience thanks to its extra thin U neck contour and set-neck construction, making it ideal for extended recording and overdub sessions without fatigue. This model combines aggressive aesthetics with genuine playability, housing versatile EMG pickups that capture both high-gain saturation and articulate tones for tracking and mixing. The Scarlet Metallic finish presents a refined, modern appearance suitable for studio work or stage performance.
Playability & Recording Response
The 3-piece maple neck with rosewood fingerboard provides excellent stability and a smooth playing surface across the 24 extra-jumbo frets. The 350mm radius fingerboard and extra thin U contour work together to reduce hand strain while maintaining precise intonation and quick position changes across the 25.5" scale, ensuring consistent takes and minimal re-recording.
Tone & Electronics
The dual EMG 81 bridge and EMG 85 neck pickups provide aggressive high-end clarity for cutting leads and warm mids for balanced rhythm textures, controlled via a straightforward master volume and toggle switch layout. The Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo ensures tuning stability during aggressive vibrato work while the 42mm locking nut locks strings at the headstock for minimal slippage, keeping your tracking sessions locked in pitch.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction at 25.5" scale length
- Mahogany body with Scarlet Metallic finish
- 3-piece maple neck with extra thin U contour
- Rosewood fingerboard with 350mm radius and 24 extra-jumbo frets
- EMG 81 bridge pickup and EMG 85 neck pickup (black)
- Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge
- 42mm locking nut with Grover tuners
- Black hardware and black binding on neck and headstock
- Master volume and toggle switch control layout
- Includes D'Addario XL120 strings (.009–.042)
This Arrow-400 represents a solid mid-tier option for producers seeking reliable hardware, responsive pickups with studio-ready character, and a neck profile that prioritizes comfort during extended play.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD Arrow-400 is a tonally aggressive recording machine that captures high-end clarity and defined mids ideal for heavy music production. Its dual EMG pickup configuration (81 bridge, 85 neck) translates into articulate tracking and separation in the mix, while the extra-thin U-neck and 350mm radius fingerboard make long tracking sessions comfortable and precise. The Floyd Rose Special tremolo offers studio-friendly tuning stability so you can focus on takes rather than retuning between passes.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar suited for?
The Arrow-400 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its extra-thin U-neck contour and 24 extra-jumbo frets reduce hand strain, but the fast-fret access and high-gain electronics assume familiarity with metal and progressive technique.
What genres does this guitar work best for?
This model excels in metal, hard rock, progressive, and djent styles thanks to its aggressive EMG pickup voicing and tight articulation. It is not well-suited for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
How comfortable is this guitar for extended playing sessions?
The extra-thin U-neck contour and set-neck construction are specifically designed to reduce hand fatigue during long sessions. The 350mm radius fingerboard and 25.5-inch scale provide stable intonation and quick position changes without straining.
What pickups are included and how do they affect tone?
The Arrow-400 features an EMG 81 bridge pickup for aggressive high-end clarity and an EMG 85 neck pickup for warm mids. Together they deliver articulate attack and tight sustain suitable for both clean articulation and high-gain lead work.
Does this guitar stay in tune during heavy vibrato use?
Yes. The Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge combined with the 42mm locking nut at the headstock ensures minimal string slippage and stable tuning even during aggressive whammy bar and vibrato techniques.
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