ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

[JeffB]

Guy at work informed me of a brand-newish one of these ESP LTD EX 400s, a freind of his has and is looking to get rid of....guy wants a V or an SG....so he's interested in making a trade for my Gibson V if we both like the respective axes...

Anyone have any experience with this Explorer thing? I understand it neck dives alot...but from a little research I see it's got the friggin strap button in the wrong place (should be on the back near the neck joint)...easily fixed with a drill and a new button.

Are these LTD series good axes? I've only played the cheaper LTD stuff..vipers mostly...somehwat impressive for the $, but supposedly these 400 series are the "top of the line" Korean ESPs...I did see one of those funky F series LTDs at my local shop and while I did not play it, It looked just like Edwards type quality....very well put together....

also, I doubt seriously I'd keep the EMG 81s in it...no issue throwing duncans or something into it is there??

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

Don't know about the guitar, but there wouldn't be any problems swapping pups. You'll probably have to put new pots in it, too, though. I assume those are active pups or on an active circuit.

 

[JeffB]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

Don't know about the guitar, but there wouldn't be any problems swapping pups. You'll probably have to put new pots in it, too, though. I assume those are active pups or on an active circuit.

Thanks bro.....didnt think about the pots....they def are the active pups...not the HZ crap

 

[ErikH]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

I'm not at all familiar with those things. They're pretty much the ones Hetfield plays right? Or similar to? Switching to Duncans or other passives wouldn't be hard. New pots would be in order though because EMG uses 25k pots, new wiring too. Can you say RS kit? LOL.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

I never played an EX but the 400 series are basically the same as the 300s from a while back, except with a few upgrades (better pick-ups, earvana nut, etc...).

My ec-300 was a very solid axe for sure... nicely put together, resonnant, nice looking and pretty solid... I'm a big fan of the higher-end LTD stuff (owning 2 EC-1000).

If you like it better than your V I say go for it.

 

[Monty-Jay]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

The EX400 is a sweet guitar, sounds chunky and huge Yeah the neck is prone to diving but it's not that bad. The build quality is pretty good too...the only thing that stuck out in my mind was it was rather light for me when it comes to "Explorers"

mJ

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

My friend has an EX351, it's a SICK guitar, the neck is very fast and the body's comfortable too.

The 400 series from ESP is one of the best deals on the market imo.

 

[ex-250]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

i have an ex-351, which is the same as the 400 but without all the big-name hardware (tonepros, grover, etc.) and it kicks ass. if it wasnt for the neck diving, itd be perfect. and theres no way in hell im gonna drill a hole in my guitar. not to mention have an empty hole just sitting there afterwards.

 

[Mr Wolf]

Re: ESP LTD EX-400 & a EMG question

I've played some, as i see it the 400 series and up are on par with most top korean imports. Along with Schecter, Dean etc i get the feeling theyre all about the same qualitywise. Give it a play, but i think theyre good for the money.

Jeff