ESP LTD EC-400 QM SEE THRU BLACK SUNBURST guitar
Description
ESP LTD EC-400 QM See Thru Black Sunburst
The EC-400 QM captures thick, articulate tones through its set-thru mahogany construction and active EMG pickup pairing—a solid tracking platform for hard rock, metal, and alternative sessions. The thin U neck profile and 24.75" scale length support both aggressive lead work and controlled rhythm playing, while the figured quilted maple top in See Thru Black Sunburst delivers visual character in video content or onstage use. Set-thru design ensures the sustain and note separation needed for punch-heavy mixes, backed by straightforward controls that let the pickups and recording chain do the work.
Recording & Performance
Set-thru construction anchors the neck deep into the body, yielding extended sustain and clear note articulation—critical for layered tracking and long-tail amp captures. The thin U profile three-piece mahogany neck sits naturally under the hand across extended sessions, while the 350mm radius rosewood fingerboard and 22 extra-jumbo frets support clean articulation from open voicings through high-register lead passes without finger fatigue.
Pickup & Tone Control
The EMG 81 bridge and EMG 85 neck configuration delivers separate tonal palettes: the 81 drives punch and clarity on palm-muted riffs and solos, while the 85 rounds out rhythm tones with warm, articulate midrange. Dual volume controls, master tone, and a three-way toggle allow quick switching between pickup blends without reaching for outboard gear, streamlining session workflow and maintaining consistent output levels across tracking takes.
Key Features
- Mahogany body with figured quilted maple top in See Thru Black Sunburst finish
- White binding on body, neck, and headstock
- Set-thru neck construction
- Three-piece mahogany neck with thin U profile
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
- 350mm fingerboard radius
- 24.75" scale length
- EMG 81 active pickup at bridge
- EMG 85 active pickup at neck
- TOM-style bridge and tailpiece
- Black hardware with LTD locking tuners
- Dual volume controls, master tone, three-way toggle switch
The EC-400 QM combines tonal clarity and structural stability with proven pickup electronics, making it a dependable choice for studio tracking and project work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD EC-400 QM is a versatile set-thru guitar built for hard rock, metal, and studio recording, featuring active EMG 81/85 pickups that deliver articulate highs and warm mids with excellent note definition and sustain across different gain structures. The thin U neck profile and 24.75" scale make it comfortable for extended tracking sessions, while dual volume controls and a master tone knob offer straightforward shaping of output character in the mix. A solid choice for producers and engineers recording gain-heavy material who want a reliable, tonally flexible workhorse that captures both punch and warmth.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Jazz
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar suited for?
The EC-400 QM is designed for intermediate to professional players. The thin U neck profile and 350mm fingerboard radius with 22 extra-jumbo frets support fast playing and lead work, while the responsive set-thru construction rewards refined technique.
What genres and playing styles work best with this guitar?
This guitar excels in hard rock, metal, studio sessions, and live performance. The active EMG pickups and warm midrange with articulate high-end clarity suit modern and classic rock tones, but it is not optimized for folk, jazz, or country styles.
What pickups are in this guitar and can they be adjusted?
The EC-400 QM features an EMG 81 active pickup at the bridge and an EMG 85 at the neck. These are high-output active pickups that deliver consistent articulate tone; the dual volume controls, master tone, and three-way toggle switch allow straightforward tonal shaping without requiring pickup adjustments.
How does the set-thru construction affect tone and playability?
Set-thru construction anchors the three-piece mahogany neck deep into the mahogany body, resulting in responsive sustain and clear note definition across the full range. This design maintains comfort during extended playing sessions while enhancing the resonance and warmth characteristic of the mahogany and quilted maple combination.
What finish and hardware does this model come with?
The EC-400 QM features a figured quilted maple top with a See Thru Black Sunburst finish, white binding on the body, neck, and headstock, and black hardware including a TOM-style bridge, tailpiece, and LTD locking tuners for reliable tuning stability on the road.
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