LEC401BLK-B vs LEC401OW.B — Compare
ESP LTD EC-401 Black Guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock
Both are identical EC-401 models with the same electronics, construction, and playability—the only meaningful difference is finish color and nut type. Choose Black if you prefer a classic look that hides wear; choose Olympic White if you want a clean, photogenic aesthetic and prefer the Earvana compensated nut for improved intonation.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD EC-401 Black Guitar B-Stock | ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.20 | $799.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD EC-401 Black Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Black finish is traditional and hides fingerprints and cosmetic wear
- ✓ Same professional-grade EMG 60/81 active pickup set as the white model
- ✓ Set-thru mahogany construction ensures solid sustain and resonance
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers savings on unplayed, quality-controlled instrument
Why choose ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Olympic White finish photographs well and maintains a clean, professional appearance
- ✓ Earvana compensated nut improves intonation across the fretboard, especially on lower strings
- ✓ Identical EMG 60/81 electronics and set-thru construction to the black model
- ✓ B-stock pricing provides significant value with no compromise on tone or build quality
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual difference in tone between these two models?
There is no tonal difference—both feature identical EMG 60 neck and EMG 81 bridge pickups, mahogany construction, and active electronics. The Olympic White's Earvana compensated nut improves intonation accuracy but does not change the character of the amplified tone.
Are these both truly B-stock, and does that affect playability or sound?
Yes, both are B-stock with cosmetic grading only. ESP's quality control ensures these unplayed guitars have identical sound and playability to new A-stock models—the B-stock designation reflects only appearance, offering genuine value without sonic compromise.
Which finish is better for gigging and stage use?
Olympic White photographs better under stage lighting and maintains a professional appearance, while Black is more forgiving of fingerprints and minor cosmetic marks during transport and setup.
Does the Earvana compensated nut on the Olympic White justify choosing it over the Black model?
The Earvana nut noticeably improves intonation on lower strings where standard nuts struggle. If precise intonation across all frets matters to your playing style, the Olympic White's compensated nut is a meaningful upgrade; otherwise, both deliver identical playability and tone.