LPHOENIXBKMBLKS-B vs LTH400CHM — Compare
ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock vs ESP LTD TH-400 Electric Guitar Charcoal Mettalic
The Phoenix Black Metal is a neck-through instrument with a switchable active/passive pickup and premium build, while the TH-400 is a bolt-on with dual EMG active pickups and a more traditional control layout. The Phoenix suits players who want versatile tonal character and are willing to spend slightly more; the TH-400 is ideal for players seeking aggressive, high-output metal tone at a more accessible price point.
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ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
ESP LTD TH-400 Electric Guitar Charcoal Mettalic
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock | ESP LTD TH-400 Electric Guitar Charcoal Mettalic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $879.20 | $899.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Phoenix | LTD TE |
| Body | — | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | 2020 | 2025 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Phoenix Black Metal Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-through construction provides superior sustain and structural rigidity
- ✓ Switchable active/passive voicing via push-pull control offers tonal versatility
- ✓ Single Fishman Fluence pickup with Modern voicing delivers balanced, refined articulation
- ✓ All-black aesthetic with glow-in-the-dark side markers maintains visual cohesion
Why choose ESP LTD TH-400 Electric Guitar Charcoal Mettalic
- ✓ Dual EMG 81/85 pickup configuration provides high output and aggressive character across neck and bridge
- ✓ Bolt-on construction keeps price lower while maintaining playability and tone
- ✓ Roasted maple neck offers enhanced stability and sustain compared to standard maple
- ✓ Straightforward Volume/Tone/3-way switch layout provides intuitive operation
Frequently asked questions
What's the practical difference between the Phoenix's switchable active/passive and the TH-400's dual EMG setup?
The Phoenix uses a single Fishman Fluence pickup that switches between Modern Active and Modern Passive modes via push-pull, giving you tonal character options from one pickup. The TH-400 has two separate EMG pickups (81 bridge, 85 neck) that are always active, letting you blend or select different pickup outputs for variation. The Phoenix favors versatility within a single voicing; the TH-400 favors pickup selection.
Does the Phoenix's B-stock status affect playability or tone?
No. B-stock indicates minor cosmetic imperfections only—the description explicitly states there is no impact on playability or tone. The guitar's construction, electronics, and fretwork are identical to new stock.
Which guitar is better for pure metal aggression?
The TH-400's dual high-output EMG active pickups (81/85) are specifically designed for aggressive, articulate metal tones and deliver more raw output. The Phoenix's single Fishman is versatile and modern but prioritizes balanced articulation and the ability to dial in different characters rather than maximum aggression.
Are there meaningful playability differences between these two?
Both feature identical specifications: 25.5" scale, 42mm nut width, thin U neck contour, and 350mm fingerboard radius. The main difference is the Phoenix has neck-through construction (sustainsmore, more stable) while the TH-400 is bolt-on (slightly more resonant midrange, easier to service). For most players, this difference is subtle.