LEC401OW.B vs LGHSV200BLK — Compare
ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK guitar
The EC-401 is a versatile set-neck workhorse for rock and modern metal with EMG actives and classic Gibson-scale feel, while the GH-SV-200 is a shredder's tool built for thrash and extreme metal with a Floyd Rose trem, bolt-on snap, and coil-split options. Choose the EC-401 for balanced all-rounder tone and sustain; choose the GH-SV-200 if you need whammy bar expressiveness and fast fret access.
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 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock | ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.20 | $799.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD EC | — |
| Body | — | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | — | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | — | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Fixed | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Year | Unknown | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Set-neck mahogany construction delivers warm sustain ideal for chunky rock and metal riffs
- ✓ B-stock pricing with identical sound quality to full-price models—real value
- ✓ TOM bridge offers tuning stability and classic rock tone without tremolo complexity
- ✓ 24.75" scale balances reachability with string tension for intermediate-to-pro players
Why choose ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK guitar
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking trem enables pitch-stable whammy effects and dive bombs
- ✓ Bolt-on neck snaps back to pitch faster and feels more responsive than set-neck designs
- ✓ 22 extra-jumbo stainless frets and 350mm radius make wide intervals and fast runs effortless
- ✓ Coil-split function on neck pickup expands palette from heavy crunch to single-coil shimmer
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for classic rock versus thrash metal?
The EC-401 suits blues-based and classic rock riffing with its warmer set-neck resonance and TOM bridge stability. The GH-SV-200 is purpose-built for thrash and extreme metal with its snappy bolt-on neck, Floyd Rose trem, and extra-jumbo frets that encourage fast picking and wide intervals.
What's the practical difference between the EMG actives in the EC-401 and the passive LH-301s in the GH-SV-200?
EMG actives in the EC-401 deliver consistent output, low noise, and punchy clarity without battery concerns. The GH-SV-200's passive LH-301s have natural dynamics and coil-split versatility, making them quieter in studio but requiring more careful gain staging on high-gain amp rigs.
Does the B-stock EC-401 really sound as good as new?
Yes. B-stock here means only cosmetic grading; ESP's quality control ensures the unplayed guitar has identical sound and hardware to A-stock units. You save money on appearance only, not tone or playability.
Is the Floyd Rose trem worth the extra maintenance on the GH-SV-200?
Only if you use it regularly. The Floyd Rose 1000 locks in pitch brilliantly for aggressive whammy effects and stays stable during extreme playing. If you rarely use tremolo, the EC-401's TOM bridge is simpler and equally reliable.