ESP LTD EC-401 Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
Description
ESP LTD EC-401 Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
The EC-401 captures warm, sustained tones with its Thin U neck contour and 24.75" scale—a responsive platform for tracking leads, rhythm work, and layered overdubs. This B-stock unit arrives in mint, unplayed condition—ESP's quality standards ensure these guitars pass rigorous sonic inspection before leaving the facility, making them virtually indistinguishable from new stock at a significant savings. The mahogany body and set-neck construction produce the resonance and harmonic depth that translate beautifully across rock, metal, and blues sessions in any home studio setting.
Recording & Playability
Built with a 3-piece mahogany neck and set-thru construction, the EC-401 delivers excellent upper-fret access and full-body resonance that captures articulate notes and sustain during tracking sessions. The Thin U neck contour, 350mm fingerboard radius, and 42mm nut width provide a fluid feel for bending and lead work, while the 24 XJ frets on Pau Ferro fingerboard yield clarity and definition across the entire tonal range—crucial for sits-well-in-mix tone capture.
Studio Tone & Signal Chain
The active EMG 81 bridge and EMG 60 neck pickups deliver punchy, articulate output with minimal noise—essential for high-gain tracking and sits cleanly in dense mixes without muddiness. The Volume/Volume/Tone/Toggle Switch layout grants independent pickup control for blending tones during session work, and the TOM bridge and tailpiece paired with Grover tuners ensure stable intonation and reliable tuning retention across long recording days.
Key Features
- Set-Thru Construction for enhanced sustain and upper-fret access
- Mahogany Body and 3-Piece Mahogany Neck
- Pau Ferro Fingerboard with 24 XJ Frets
- 24.75" Scale with Thin U Neck Contour
- 350mm Fingerboard Radius and 42mm Molded Nut
- EMG 81 Bridge Pickup and EMG 60 Neck Pickup (Active Electronics)
- TOM Bridge and Tailpiece with Grover Tuners
- Black Hardware and Black Finish
- Volume/Volume/Tone/Toggle Switch Electronics Layout
- B-Stock (Mint, Unplayed Condition)
- D'Addario XL110 Strings Included (.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046)
The EC-401 combines time-tested set-neck construction with modern active electronics and premium hardware—delivering professional recording-grade performance at B-stock pricing.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with B-Stock inventory status. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. The ESP LTD EC-401 Black delivers premium instrument quality at a significant B-Stock discount, backed by full manufacturer warranty.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
At a Glance
The EC-401 captures warm, sustained high-output tones ideal for recording metal, hard rock, and blues without the noise floor issues that plague passive pickups in dense mixes. Its active EMG 81 bridge and EMG 60 neck pickups deliver independent pickup control through a dedicated electronics layout, making it versatile for layering rhythm and lead tracks, while set-thru construction and premium hardware keep intonation rock-solid across long sessions. This B-stock unit saves you money on a professionally voiced instrument that records like a much pricier guitar.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean, and will minor cosmetic imperfections affect playability or sound?
B-Stock means the guitar is fully functional and arrives in mint, unplayed condition, but has minor cosmetic imperfections on the finish or hardware. These marks are purely superficial and have zero impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity.
Is the EC-401 suitable for metal and high-gain applications?
Yes. The active EMG 81 bridge and EMG 60 neck pickups are designed specifically for high-gain applications, delivering punchy, articulate output with minimal noise ideal for metal and hard rock.
How does the neck feel, and is upper-fret access good for lead work?
The Thin U neck contour with 24.75" scale and 350mm fingerboard radius creates a responsive platform for bending and lead work. Set-thru construction and the 3-piece mahogany neck design provide excellent upper-fret access and clarity across all 24 XJ frets.
What's included, and what are the key hardware specifications?
The guitar ships with D'Addario XL110 strings (.010-.046) and features a TOM bridge, tailpiece, and Grover tuners for stable intonation and reliable tuning retention. The 42mm molded nut and Pau Ferro fingerboard ensure durability and responsiveness.
How does the EC-401 compare to similarly priced alternatives like the Schecter C-1 Hellraiser or Ibanez ARZ?
The EC-401 matches those competitors in playability and active electronics, but its set-thru mahogany construction delivers warmer sustain and tighter resonance, making it a versatile choice across rock, metal, and blues—while the B-stock pricing undercuts new equivalent models.
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