LEC1000VBLKLH-B vs LEC401BLK-B — Compare
ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD EC-401 Black Guitar B-Stock
The EC-1000 VB is a left-handed, premium Deluxe model with an ebony fingerboard and Tonepros bridge, while the EC-401 is a right-handed standard model with a Pau Ferro fingerboard and set-thru construction. Choose the EC-1000 VB if you're left-handed and want the most refined playability; choose the EC-401 if you're right-handed and prioritize sustain and resonance at a lower price point.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar B-Stock | ESP LTD EC-401 Black Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $879.20 | $799.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD EC | LTD EC |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Rosewood |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 VB Vintage Black Lefty Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Purpose-built left-handed design with perfect ergonomic balance
- ✓ Premium ebony fingerboard and Tonepros Locking TOM bridge for enhanced tuning stability
- ✓ Deluxe-tier craftsmanship and hardware finish
Why choose ESP LTD EC-401 Black Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Set-thru neck construction delivers maximum sustain and body resonance
- ✓ Pau Ferro fingerboard is durable and stable across humidity changes
- ✓ More affordable entry into the EC platform for right-handed players
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference in neck construction?
The EC-1000 VB uses set-neck construction, while the EC-401 uses set-thru construction. Set-thru extends the neck deeper into the body, typically enhancing sustain and resonance, whereas set-neck offers a slight tonal difference with excellent playability. Both designs support the fast playing style these guitars are built for.
Are the pickups the same?
Both guitars use identical EMG active pickups—EMG 81 at the bridge and EMG 60 at the neck. The tonal difference between them comes from body construction and hardware, not the pickups themselves.
Which fingerboard material is better?
Ebony on the EC-1000 VB is denser and more stable, offering a slightly smoother feel, while Pau Ferro on the EC-401 is equally durable and more affordable. Both are excellent choices; the preference is largely tactile and subjective.
Why does the EC-401 cost less if the specs are similar?
The EC-401 is not left-handed exclusive, uses a standard nut (molded rather than precision-cut), has Grover tuners instead of LTD Locking Tuners, and uses a standard TOM bridge rather than Tonepros. These details and the set-thru construction account for the price and availability differences.