LEC401OW-B vs LMH400SW — Compare

ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-Stock vs ESP LTD MH-400 Electric Guitar in Snow White

The EC-401 is a classic single-cutaway with traditional mahogany construction and Earvana-compensated nut for intonation refinement, while the MH-400 is a modern shred machine with a thinner neck, Floyd Rose tremolo, and extra-jumbo frets optimized for aggressive lead work. Choose the EC-401 for balanced playability and tone across rhythm and lead; choose the MH-400 if you prioritize extreme speed, tremolo effects, and maximum harmonic clarity in high-gain contexts.

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-400 Electric Guitar in Snow White

$899.00
View ESP LTD MH-400 Electric Guitar in Snow White

Specs side by side

ESP LTD EC-401 Olympic White Guitar B-StockESP LTD MH-400 Electric Guitar in Snow White
Price$799.20$899.00
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
SeriesLTD ECLTD MH
Body TypeSolid—
Scale—25.5" Scale
Strings66
Frets—24 Frets
FretboardRosewoodRosewood
Neck—Maple
Neck Construction—Neck-Thru-Body
Pickup Configuration—Active HH
BridgeFixedFloyd Rose Licensed
YearUnknownUnknown
ConditionRefurbishedNew

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

  • ✓ Earvana compensated nut improves intonation across the fretboard, especially on lower strings
  • ✓ Classic single-cutaway body shape with familiar, comfortable ergonomics
  • ✓ B-stock pricing offers significant savings with only minor cosmetic finish imperfections
  • ✓ Balanced 24.75-inch scale provides reach without sacrificing string tension

Why choose ESP LTD MH-400 Electric Guitar in Snow White

  • ✓ Extra-thin three-piece maple neck with 24 extra-jumbo frets enables fastest position work
  • ✓ Floyd Rose Special tremolo allows stable pitch manipulation and whammy effects
  • ✓ Arch-topped body and set-thru construction maximize sustain and harmonic transfer
  • ✓ EMG 85 neck pickup delivers more aggressive output than the EC-401's EMG 60 for darker tones
Bottom line: Pick the EC-401 if you want a versatile workhorse with excellent intonation and balanced tone for metal, hard rock, and modern rock across rhythm and lead styles. Pick the MH-400 if you demand maximum playability speed, Floyd Rose tremolo functionality, and the most aggressive harmonic clarity for djent and progressive metal lead work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference in neck design between these two guitars?

The EC-401 features a mahogany set-thru neck with a U-shaped contour and standard nut configuration, while the MH-400 uses a three-piece extra-thin maple set-thru neck with a locking nut for Floyd Rose compatibility. The MH-400's thinner neck is engineered specifically for maximum speed and lead work precision.

Which guitar is better suited for tremolo effects and whammy use?

Only the MH-400 includes a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system with a locking nut, making it the clear choice if you plan to use pitch manipulation and whammy effects. The EC-401 has no tremolo system.

How do the pickup configurations differ and what does that mean for tone?

The EC-401 pairs EMG-81 (bridge) with EMG-60 (neck) for articulate highs and clarity, while the MH-400 pairs EMG-81 (bridge) with EMG-85 (neck) for more aggressive, darker neck pickup response. The MH-400 setup is more aggressive overall; the EC-401 offers more tonal versatility between pickups.

Is the EC-401 B-stock version a good value compared to the MH-400?

Yes—the EC-401 B-stock has only minor cosmetic finish imperfections while maintaining identical playability and tone to A-stock, making it excellent value if you can accept cosmetic blemishes. The MH-400 is a new instrument without B-stock limitations, so compare them based on features, playability preferences, and whether you need Floyd Rose tremolo.

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