LTD EX-400 Review

Here is another one of ESP's unbelievable rockin' guitars. This ax will blow your mind with its mahogany body, EMG-81 active pickup set, and Tune-O-Matic bridge. Take your sound, style, and image to the next level with this amazing guitar.

Features:	9
Sound:	9.5
Action:	8
Reliability:	9.8
Impression:	10
Overall rating:	9.3
Users rating:	8.6
Comments:	65

overall: 9.2

Featured review by: spoonfulofshred, on may 11, 2006

Features: This is the Explorer-style body. I went with the plain black (not the faux-metal plating) because it has all the same features for $150 less. I couldn't justify spending that much extra for a cosmetic thing. The one drawback is the cutaway isn't big enough and it's tough to play up in the 22nd fret range for too long. But if you're like me and only go up there for the big finish then it's fine. I didn't get any accessories with it. They didn't even have a case for the shape but it fits (albeit awkwardly) in my acoustic guitar gig bag. // 9

Sound: I like me my metal and this guitar is perfect. The active EMG's pick up every thing. I just got a Randall RG100 G3 series and it howls through this thing. The clean tone is even pretty cool too. If you have the volume up high through the 81, it's got a great dirty sound and there's a nice warm sound through the neck 60. Even when it's not plugged in, it makes a decent acoustic, louder than most electrics anyway. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: I'm really just too picky in this department. The action is great on the three high strings but I had to raise the lower strings because they were buzzing too much. The pickups were a little too close to the strings for my liking. There's some cracks in the finish on the back of the guitar but they're on the back so I'm not too choked about it. One odd thing on mine is the tuning peg for the low E is too close to the neck. It rubs when I go from standard to drop-D and has taken a chunk of the finish off. // 7

Reliability & Durability: I've had this guitar for 5 months now and not a single problem. It's got a lot of jagged edges sticking out and I have banged it a few times and it's fine. I'm not the type to go to a gig without a backup but I'm confident that I'll never have to use it. // 10

Impression: I love this guitar. I can't stop playing it. It's a metal-head's dream guitar but it'll play those other genres just as well. I've been playing for about 5 years now. Up until I got this, I was playing an Ibanez RG170. I always thought it was a great guitar until I got my ESP. I tried other similar guitars when I was looking for this one (Jackson Kelly, LTD Viper, etc) but they just didn't stand out like this one has. I'd definately get this guitar again if it was stolen (maybe in a dark blue though). // 10

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: Johansensan, on april 07, 2008

Purchased from: Zoo Music

Features: When I went to go buy one of these at the shop they didn't have them instock so they had to order it directly from the factory. they had it made and shipped fairly quickly and came out of the box perfect. I bought a Standard black one because I think it just looks amazing. It's ESP's modified Explorer shape, which is more pointed than the Gibson version. It's a little hard to play the 22nd and occasionally the 21st fret for long but if it's just a short use then it's fine. It's got a TOM bridge which really helps keep it in-tune. it comes stock with Active EMGs, 60 on the bridge and 81 on the neck. 1 vol, 1 tone, 3-way pickup select and grover tuners. Didn't come with a case but the store had an extra ESP case custom fit for the EX or FX series that they were willing to sell for a small price. // 9

Sound: I play almost exclusivly metal and this guitar is perfect for it. Metallica is my favorite band, which is why I'm so obsessed with the shape, and this guitar is more than up to taking the heat of their work. I usually run it through my Marshall MGHDFX100 head and MG412 cab and occasionally through my Peavy (can't remember the model) with a Metal Muff pedal and it sounds brilliant. The pickups get everything and always sound great. As with all active pickups, if your batteries start running a little low you might get a little distortion on your clean channel but otherwise clean is pretty good. It is always in-tune. it works really well even when tuned down. I tune to Drop C sometimes and the guitar still stays perfectly tuned. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: For me, it's got the perfect action. it's not high, and it's not so low that there's fret buzzing. I don't think there are any frets that buzz. There was one itty-bitty spot where the fingerboard and the egde of the pickup slot meet that wasn't covered but that's not a problem or anything. You have to look really hard to find it. Other than that one ity bity thing there's nothing else wrong. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar has withstood everything I've thrown at it (not litteraly thrown). I accidentally was standing under a fan at home and I lifted the guitar over my head to get the strap off and the fan smashed into the headstock and there's one little scratch right below the tuning peg and that's it! The fan now has a dent and the guitar is fine! I had it sitting in my chair one night and it fell onto my hardwood floor and nothing hapened. No scratches, dings, nothin. This is an insanely durable guitar, everything's solid, I always use this as my main guitar and it never lets me down. // 10

Impression: I play metal and this guitar is perfect for anyone who plays metal or hard rock. I'm absolutely in love with this thing. I've owned it for about 8 months now and I still play it like I bought it this morning. I played a Dean Michael Schenker Standard until I got this, I still love the Dean but this is definatly my favorite. I recommend this to anyone who plays metal. Or just likes how it looks. Oh, be careful around it though. I punctured my wall with the headstock when I turned around standing too close to the wall. it's sharp and dangerous. // 10

overall: 9.2

Reviewed by: mysistermeac, on september 05, 2008

Price paid: $ 700

Purchased from: Used

Features: Think it's made 2007, very cool Explorer shape. Mahogny wood (wich sounds VERY good)and Tune-O-Matic bridge. 22 frets, don't wich it had 24 becuse this guitar can bend like a motherf--ker. 1 Volume control and one Tone control, 3 way Switch. EMG pickups on this are great! EMG 81/60, best combination if you ask me! The EMG 81 shreds riff like nothing and the 60 is very good for clean parts, very Metallica. Grover tuners, holds the tuning very well! No case included soo I had to buy one but it was worth it, this guitar is soo "underpriced" soo I could afford it. // 10

Sound: Suits my music style very well, play deathcore, metalcore, grove etc. I use a Marshall VS100 Head with a J&J cab and it sounds very good through this, got a good punch to it. Not using any effects. It's not that noisy, still I consider to buy a Boss NS-2 becuse you can some feedback (not much). The guitar has pretty much variety, I would maybe not play blues with it but its great for metal! Even metal with clean parts becuse of the EMG 60. Got mine in Olympic White // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: It was not set up right when I got it, but that was easy to fix. I am used to fix the guitars I buy becuse I use a little special stringgauge set up on my guitars becuse I play in drop C. Pickups adjusted well tho, didn't need to change them. The guitar had a little bump on the head, not big tho. But I bought it used soo that was pretty much excpected. Other than that the guitar was like new, feels like it's never been touched. // 7

Reliability & Durability: It will withstand Live playing! I know it will, this guitar is build like a tank and it should be named LTD EX 1000 or something instead, it's not like the other 400 models that LTD has. Hardware will last, very nice with the black color on them too. I changed the strap buttons (always do) becuse I want straplocks soo I don't know much about how solid they are. I can depend on it, this is my main guitar on the tour that I will be playing with my band. I would and will use it on a gig without a backup. The olympic white finish looks great. And as long as I am not throwing it at things the finish will last! // 10

Impression: Have already mentioned my musicstyle and it's a good match! Have been playing for about 7 years now and I have had Gibsons, Ibanez, Jacksons and many more! I traded them all becuse they didn't do it for me, this guitar does tho! If it were stolen I would have bought it again, and I am considering to buy another one in black at the moment too becuse I like them soo much. I hade smooth feeling the neck has, shape, pickups and everything. Don't hate anything about it actually. I compared it too LTD EC 1000, LTD ninja 600 and even ESP's! This guitar won becuse of it's quality and feel. // 10

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: spam-guitar, on january 14, 2008

Price paid: $ 915

Features: Explore body, I bought it in black, the metal plating was cool but I was happy with black plus it was cheaper. Mahogony body and tune o matic bridge. 22 Frets so not 24 but not a great problem. Volume and tone controls as well as 3-way pickup selector. EMG pickups to produce quality sound. Grover tuning pegs. I bought a gator case where you build up the padding to fit your guitar shape so I have a good case for it. // 8

Sound: I love metal so this guitar fits my style perfectly, the emg pickups work like a charm. I only own a Fender frontman amp so it's not getting the amp it should be but I have used it through a PA where it sounded miles better than the rest of the guitars using the PA. No tremelo so it can't do no crazy dive noises but it still is capable of doing amazing pinch and natural harmonics. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: I had to raise the lower strings because they buzzed, but now it's fine. The pickups were fine for me so I have not altered them. The paintwork is fine and the wood seems alright so far. There was a little scrape where the wood had been scratched at the end of the neck just before the head but it's so small and misable that I'm not that bothered. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I have had it a couple of months and no problems so far. I've not played a gig with it yet but I think it would survive so I wouldn't go with a backup. There are crazy spikes so I will probably chip the ends. The strap buttons seem attached firmly enough and most of the hardware is all working and should last a long time. // 9

Impression: I love this guitar, I have been playing about 8 years using a Squier and an Ibanez RG320 fm which is extremely good, but my ltd puts it to shame. Everytime I see it I have to play it. I wanted this guitar because of the crazy Explorer shape and because all my other guitars are quite Standard shapes, so this is my first crazy guitar. I think it would be cool with a flod rose but I'm glad it doesnt't have one because they are so annoying to re string and keep. // 10

Comments

[p2fyre]

I have the same guitar and mine was set up perfectly. I think you were just unlucky mate.

The action was perfect, pickups exactly the height I have them.. and the finish was flawless (no scratches or cracks at all)

[ibanez916]

that guitar is hotter than hell

[xxZeroxx]

Yeah i like it allot!

[555666]

i want the damn thing....

[raul_garza90]

i want it, weell, white haha

[KaiserX]

i had the same problem on my EC-2005 (the anniversary edition) with the action being too low, but it extends to the G.

[Kain_Doom01]

I have this guitar, it's great isn't it? I'm gonna put an order in for a custom with a floyd rose for the "fun" solos, but this one's my main, it plays so damn well for its price!

[alexilaihocob]

These would be so much cooler if they were round, it sucks for the lawsuit thing

[spoonfulofshred]

To add to my review:

The action is great. I've got it set up now the way I like it. I wish I could change the rating to a 9.

[Triviumfan54]

Man this guitar is hot! I tried this out onetime and it was amazing!

[cheames]

I want one but i'm too poor...

[silencesoloud]

I've got one of these in olympic white, and it played like a damn dream right out of the box. Perfect action, incredible sound, couldn't ask for more in a metal guitar.

[Spanky Dude]

i dream to have on of these. i played one in a shop and it blew me away..or was that the AMP?

[blakiss]

my friends getting one for christmas, there pretty sweet, i played one at Axe Music one time

[Cpt. FLue]

im sorry... but they DO have a hardcase to the explorer series... it just don't come with the guitar

[guitarpunk8]

im planing on buying it but not sure after i heard that the neck is heavy

[glowskulls]

sweeet, i'm only £600 short of it.

gayyyyy, can't decide wether it's better in black or white though, black = metal to the maxx, white = more contrast, less of a filthy goffer. fuucking confusingg.

[blinx4hotdogs]

ya they do have the case for it... i think its about 115 for the hard shell

[thenexthetfield]

ya im poor too but im savin for a jackson king v at th emoment

[Raithi]

alexilaihocob wrote:

These would be so much cooler if they were round, it sucks for the lawsuit thing

Amen

[Mustaines-bitch]

Ive got this in white and I couldnt be happier.

[markonavich]

Can a whammy bar be attached to this guitar?

[C.O.B ownage]

I have a white one. and have also had problem with the set up. Apart form that it is sexual. I am pleased wiht its ability to produce a decent clean sound as well.

[rockdan101]

i just brought one of these and the setup was fine
not incredible but still good

[Ali-b912]

markonavich wrote:

Can a whammy bar be attached to this guitar?

with alot of saw usage yes. or u could use one of those bigsby sort of ones that bolt on top. but that wouldnt look very metal. i wanna one in white. just like hetfields...except his is an ESP. balls if im gonna pay the 5000 or whatever it is for an EXP tho...

[spam-guitar]

I OWN ONE IN BLACK, CHRISTMAS ALRIGHT SO FAR

[Pilkey]

Wicked Axe, the weight is pretty heavy though, and the neck is a little chunky for a thin u. Or maybe I just have small hands none the less pretty killer sound and quality.

[axe_man]

looks nice i want to get one but the dilema is white or black, i've tried a white one and it looks awsome but is the black one better looking what do u guys think?

[chrisalbertson]

i really want one of these guitars they look great and sound really nice with a Marshall amp.

[ibikinz]

axe_man wrote:

looks nice i want to get one but the dilema is white or black, i've tried a white one and it looks awsome but is the black one better looking what do u guys think?

White, Lke the '89 James Hetfield.

[crazymusicdude]

man thats an awsum guitar!

[mr. ...]

^^agreed

[mrbungle50221]

alexilaihocob wrote:

These would be so much cooler if they were round, it sucks for the lawsuit thing

errr no its cooler because its sharper and pointyer so the lawsuit thing was actually a good thing

[cloud5975]

$915 dollars!?!?!? Whoa! You got ripped! It's $599 at my local music store, Kelley's music.

[fenderbender_1]

so? in australia the recommended retail price is 1700 dollars so ill just get (if i can) a jackson dinky pro series in snow white or black thats a pretty cool guitar too

[groose]

If it only had 24 frets that was easy to reach it would be my dream guitar, tho I'm still buying it in black! I hate the trem bar, it's a b**** to change strings and tune it, tho dive bombs rule!

[groose]

^I have it on my other guitar, one reason why I'm getting the ex-400

[J.J.G.]

markonavich wrote:

Can a whammy bar be attached to this guitar?

dont do that, you will lose sustain and the floyd will not work so well as it was suposed.
trust me i already saw that happening once to the lead guitarist of my band, lol the guy got pissed with the guitar center tech . Don't ruin this great guitar.

[AlexAvarice]

I played on this guitar for a good two hours and loved it. My only problem was soloing on the higher frets. it felt like razors when I tried to do slides. I hope it was just a dud guitar, because everything else was amazing.

[Bebbo]

i don't like the explorer -style/shaping...

[FREAK_08]

i like this one but i like the f-250 better

[BulletCrazy]

i just wish it had 24 frets. floyd rose is awesome and stuff but its a bitch wen u try to change tunings.

[Kazue00]

I got the EX-400 and the F-400
I love my EX, replaced the 60 with another 81.. Only complaint about it was that it was neck heavy but its nothing big.. i do have to say though my F-400 is quite better xD

[ripcord94]

Cpt. FLue wrote:

im sorry... but they DO have a hardcase to the explorer series... it just don't come with the guitar

Yeah, i got the 50, and it fits in a case that i got from mother's music, Saskatoon, fits just snugly, but the case is as long as my car is wide!

[ripcord94]

Bebbo wrote:

i don't like the explorer -style/shaping...

Well,,, your a dick

[Survivalism]

Why are people paying so much for a $600 guitar? You gets are getting raped.

[kmceric1004]

i want it pointier

[deathmagnetic01]

glowskulls wrote:

sweeet, i'm only £600 short of it.

gayyyyy, can't decide wether it's better in black or white though, black = metal to the maxx, white = more contrast, less of a filthy goffer. fuucking confusingg.

Actually, the white is also metal, i can't look at the wight one without thinking "eet fuk"

[deathmagnetic01]

"Oh, be careful around it though. I punctured my wall with the headstock when I turned around standing too close to the wall. it's sharp and dangerous" Goddamn, do i play it or hit vikings with it? U make it sound like we should use it to solve the american border problem!

[qotsa1998]

markonavich wrote:

Can a whammy bar be attached to this guitar?

Yea. You could get a top-mounting Kahler trem, which im pretty sure is a Floyd Rose-style trem that mounts into the Tune-o-Matic holes.

[klow]

Yeah, explorer just is a awsome guitar dude.

[the capta1n]

Ali-b912 wrote:

markonavich wrote:

Can a whammy bar be attached to this guitar?


with alot of saw usage yes. or u could use one of those bigsby sort of ones that bolt on top. but that wouldnt look very metal. i wanna one in white. just like hetfields...except his is an ESP. balls if im gonna pay the 5000 or whatever it is for an EXP tho...

[the capta1n]

did you bump your head Ali? This guitar is also an ESP. Get your head in the game son.

[HeavyMetalDevil]

I've bought this guitar (Olympic White) today and it's AWESOME. I would recommend it to anyone who's lucking for a guitar with a nice look and a sweet, long sustain.

[Shinozoku]

the capta1n wrote:

did you bump your head Ali? This guitar is also an ESP. Get your head in the game son.

Ltd =/= ESP. They're close, but ESPs play sooo much better than the LTD series. So do the Japanese Edwards models. I want one of these for my super drop-tuned melo-death stuff and I'm lookin for reviews, haven't found a bad one yet on here or HC.

[thrash-til-deth]

I CAN ONLY AFFORD THE EX-260 MODEL DO YOU THINK I SHOULD SAVE UP FOR THE EX-400? IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY?

[DamagedJustice1]

yeah save up for the ex-401(the new model) or save up for the ex-401dx that thing looks damn sexy dont get the 260 its made of shit wood and shit pick ups. u want emgs they are amazing

[MasterExploder0]

OMG EETFUK!

[Vitooch]

they HAAAAVE to come back with the rounded ones again, theyre perfect.. way better shape, emgs, white...simply hetfield. thats the only reason i dont really wana buy this cuz the new shape i no liky, i guess its the same right? just the shape, but i dont realy like it compared to the old one.

[Levi79]

i might be getting this guitar this weekend used, hope its in good shape

[Leonio-man]

i heard these guitars have fat necks.
is that true?

[ChrisJAMESS]

This guitar is on clearance right now at many stores and online if you're interested!!

[eetfuk01]

i heard these guitars have fat necks.
is that true?

i would also like to know this

[Levi79]

i love mine

[Patriot1zzy]

This is my next guitar. Maybe I'll buy it next year, after their updates.