LEC401OW-B vs LMH400HTQMSTBLKSB-B — Compare

ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD MH-400HT/QM SEE THRU BLACK SUNBURST guitar B-Stock

The EC-401 is a classic single-cutaway rock machine with a shorter 24.75" scale and traditional TOM bridge, while the MH-400HT/QM is a modern metal platform with a longer 25.5" scale, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and string-thru design for maximum sustain. Choose the EC-401 for versatile rock and hard rock; pick the MH-400HT/QM if you play metal, drop tunings, and need aggressive fret access.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock

$799.20
View ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock

ESP LTD MH-400HT/QM SEE THRU BLACK SUNBURST guitar B-Stock

$719.20
View ESP LTD MH-400HT/QM SEE THRU BLACK SUNBURST guitar B-Stock

Specs side by side

ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-StockESP LTD MH-400HT/QM SEE THRU BLACK SUNBURST guitar B-Stock
Price$799.20$719.20
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
SeriesLTD ECLTD MH
Body TypeSolid
Scale25.5" Scale
Strings66
Frets24 Frets
FretboardRosewoodRosewood
NeckMaple
Neck ConstructionNeck-Thru-Body
Pickup ConfigurationActive HH
BridgeFixedString-Through Body
YearUnknownUnknown
ConditionRefurbishedRefurbished

Why choose ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock

  • Shorter 24.75" scale reduces finger stretch and suits standard tunings
  • Olympic White finish resists fingerprints and looks professional on stage
  • Earvana compensated nut improves intonation on lower strings
  • TOM bridge and tailpiece offer classic feel and proven stability

Why choose ESP LTD MH-400HT/QM SEE THRU BLACK SUNBURST guitar B-Stock

  • Longer 25.5" scale and 24 extra-jumbo frets enable aggressive bending and modern play styles
  • String-thru body design maximizes sustain and resonance
  • Extra-thin neck profile reduces fatigue on extended sessions
  • Quilted maple top with see-thru sunburst finish adds visual distinction
Bottom line: Buy the EC-401 if you play rock and hard rock in standard tunings and want a familiar, ergonomic platform. Choose the MH-400HT/QM if you're a metal player using drop tunings who values extended upper-fret access and maximum sustain.

Frequently asked questions

What's the key difference in scale length, and does it matter?

The EC-401 uses a 24.75" scale while the MH-400HT/QM uses 25.5". The longer scale on the MH-400HT/QM increases string tension and sustain, making it better for drop tunings and metal; the shorter EC-401 scale feels more compact and reduces finger stretch, suiting standard tuning rock players.

Which guitar is better for drop-D and lower tunings?

The MH-400HT/QM excels here due to its longer 25.5" scale, string-thru body design, and EMG 85 neck pickup, all of which maintain clarity and sustain in lower tunings. The EC-401's shorter scale and TOM bridge are optimized for standard and half-step-down tunings.

How do the pickup configurations differ?

The EC-401 pairs an EMG 81 bridge with EMG 60 neck for articulate highs and manageable output. The MH-400HT/QM uses EMG 81 bridge and EMG 85 neck, delivering higher overall output and thicker tone suited to metal and heavier genres.

Are B-stock models sonically different from A-stock?

No. Both are B-stock, and ESP's quality control ensures identical sound quality to A-stock; the B designation reflects only cosmetic grading, so you get full tone performance at a value price.

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