ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

[frigginalex]

Alright, after careful consideration (and a quick glance at my checking account), I've decided to scratch the idea I had a while back about Yamaha vs. Dean vs. Washburn. Monetarily, I think it'd be easier for me to get a good import and supe it up.

I'm torn between these two at the moment. I've played the Dean and like it a lot. It's got a nice, light body with a playable neck that's similar to my SG. It comes with Grovers and a good bridge system, so all I'd have to do is swap the pickups for Duncans for another $100.

The ESP, on the other hand, comes with Duncans already installed and costs about $100 more than the Dean. It's ESP, so I'm confident in its quality and if the neck is anything like the flat-top EC400 then I know I'd be happy. It's also got the Les Paul silhouette, Grovers, and an Earvana nut.

Between the two I feel like I'm paying an extra $100 for Duncans which means that they're essentially of equal value. So which would be the better buy?

 

[texasguitarslinger]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

Is the one you're looking at like this? Looks cool and it comes with the same pickups I have in my LP, the JB/'59 combo. Only thing I don't like about the axe is the inlay on the fretboard.

 

[frigginalex]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

Bump

 

[metal]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

ill take the ltd!

 

[chrisa]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

I don't know about the Dean, but I've tried the ESP, and it's just perfect. For the price it's the best LP copy I've tried.

 

[metal]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

I don't know about the Dean, but I've tried the ESP, and it's just perfect. For the price it's the best LP copy I've tried.

its just the shadow of a lp its nothing like one, its not even an lp copy its totally different guitar

 

[Mr Wolf]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

I love my hardtail. I was originally going for the Les Paul 'look'. I tried jap tokais, LTDs. They were all good but were missing something for me. I went away from my plans for a lp copy and gave the hardtail a try. I was floored by the way it felt, and i loved the tone. I have an A2P in the neck and my god it is amazing. When i can afford it i think ill go for a Custom in the bridge to fully seymourise it.

Anyways bottom line, im sure you couldnt go far wrong with either. Personally the Hardtail just clicked with me and it was one of those guitars that i feel completely at home with. This could be different for you. Just mess about with both axes and see what one feels best to you.

Jeff

 

[slash857]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

id go with the dean, easier to paly with the double cutaway, and you can choose what duncans you want to put in it.

if the jb/59 combo is waht you want, then it doesnt matter i guess. you can still get that for the dean though.

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

You sure you won't consider a Dean Evo? Out of the two you selected, I'd pick the ESP just because I like way it looks better, I haven't played either one before though.

 

[FretFire]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

I'd go with the Dean personally.

 

[bigheadood]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

The LTDs feel kind of flimsy to me, like my PRS santana SE. Every Dean I've ever played has been solid.

Definately Dean, Hardtail or Evo.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

I used to own a Dean Chafin Del Sol and that thing really kicked some ass. Make no mistake about it, Dean's korean stuff is top notch and it looks, feels and most importantly, sounds, like a much more expensive instrument.

I've played some ESP's that I felt were pretty decent, but nothing that has floored me for the price that Dean delivers. Of course, it has been a few years since I've played or owned Deans, but I was very impressed with the quality (much like Hamer's stuff).

 

[ex-250]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

this may help you decide- all the deans ive ever played had really small frets. ESPs have nice extra jumbo's

 

[ex-250]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

ive played all the dimebag import models. thats the extent of it

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

I don't recall if I've ever played a Dean, but when I tried the LTD EC-400 awhile ago I was floored by how great it felt to me. The action and fretwork was superb and it played like a dream. Also, it's got good Grover tuners and that Earvana nut. I would say it's a steal especially since it comes with all that and some Duncans!

 

[Mr Wolf]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

My Dean has Jumbo frets

 

[frigginalex]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

Wow, thanks for the response a year and a half after the fact, guys.

 

[ex-250]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

:laugh2: i didnt even notice. seems "metal" resurrected it

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: ESP LTD EC400AT vs. Dean Hardtail Standard

:laugh2: i didnt even notice. seems "metal" resurrected it

....and they openly verbally wonder why noobs get the reputation they do.