Well, today I did something that just a while back I thought would never be possible… I bought a Korean made guitar! Believe me, it surprised me too, but you just can’t argue with quality, and quality is a feature that ESP’s got in spades.
So exactly what is this instrument that made me slip on over to the dark side?
It’s ESP’s slick new LTD EC-400AT Archtop, a guitar with the classic good looks of a Les Paul Goldtop, a solid mahogany body & three-piece mahogany neck, and a pair of real Seymour Duncan humbuckers (a JB & a ‘59) – not those cheaper Designed By Duncans you see on a lot of guitars in this price range.
I’m a long time Gibson fan, and I even owned an ES-335 for many years, but lately I’m finding myself more and more frustrated with the exorbitant prices that Gibson charges for some of their instruments. The price tag for real LPs has me really turned-off, and that got me looking at alternatives… which led me to ESP.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I have no illusions that a $600 guitar made in Korea is going to match a $2,000 American made Les Paul Standard, but the reality is that a lot of guitar players are raving about ESP, and hey, I’m more interested in tone & playability than I am with a “brand” name. So, what the heck?!
The ESP LTD EC-400AT Archtop Features–
- Solid Mahogany Body
- Three-Piece “Set” Mahogany Neck
- 24.75“ Scale Length
- Rosewood Fretboard With 22 Frets
- Flag Inlays
- Dual Seymour Duncan Humbuckers (JB @ Bridge, ‘59 @ Neck)
- Dual Volume Controls & Single Tone Control
- 3-Way Pickup Switching
- Grover Tuning Machines
- Earvana Compensated Nut
As you can imagine I’ve done my homework, and for this price range I don’t think you can find a better outfitted guitar out of the box – in fact, many are saying that the EC-400AT beats out a Gibson Les Paul Studio, which will cost you easily twice as much.
You can expect a full hands-on review in the next few weeks.
- Price Drop! ESP’s LTD James Hetfield Signature Truckster
- REVIEW: ESP’s LTD EC-400AT Archtop
- Schecter Unleashes Diamond Series 30th Anniversary S-1
- Reverend Volcano Takes Guitar World Magazine’s Gold Award
- ESP Unveils Ten New LTD Model Guitars For Fall 2007
- Guitar Player Reviews The Washburn Idol WI66PROG
- REVIEW: The J3 Pro 6
- Another Fine Archtop From Epiphone: The Joe Pass Emperor ii
- Come On… Show Us Your Gear!
- Epiphone Giving Away A Broadway Archtop
- Monster Of Metal: ESP Unveils James Hetfield Signature Truckster
- Rare Beauty: Gibson’s Gorgeous L-5 CES
July 5th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
It really looks very cool, it reminds me of that Slash Les Paul. I totally agree with you, the high prices sometimes doesn’t gives you what you expect.
I’m planning to get a Sheraton II after summer. I hope is worth its price.
July 7th, 2006 at 5:59 am
Cooooolness Cary!
September 19th, 2006 at 12:21 pm
I treated myself to this beauty about four months ago. It is a stunning guitar to look at, easy to play and the SD pickups produce great rock sounds.
I had been on the lookout for about six months until I decided upon the ESP and I have to agree with Cary, it has a fantastic spec for the price, better than anything else that was in my price range. I should add that I paid GBP 569.00 (I live in the UK) and for me it was worth every penny.
Good decision Cary, enjoy!
October 16th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Hey Kev, I’m really enjoying this guitar. I find it hard to believe that they can sell these at this price range, and the fact that it was built in Korea seems to make no difference in its incredible playability and tone.
It’s a bit of a beast when it comes to weight––I guess that’s solid mahogany for ya’––but the tone is truly amazing. The Seymour Duncan’s really kick, too!
Five out of five stars!
December 7th, 2006 at 10:54 am
i bought this guitar about a month ago. so far it has been the best guitar i have ever owned. i love playing it. you made an awesome choice. in my opinion better then gibson quality for half the price
December 7th, 2006 at 11:19 am
Thanks Taylor,
I’ve had my EC-400AT for about five months now, and it’s easily one of the nicest guitars I’ve ever owned… the price is incredible for what you get, and if I ever make any adjustments to it it will probably just be to add locking tuners.
Really lovely instrument. Warm pickups, beautiful, thick finish, and heavier than hell : )
December 8th, 2006 at 6:57 am
I´ve had mine since last August, and I just adore it. I was making the decision mainly between Tokai, Epiphone, Hagström and Hamer LP-type offerings, and LTD EC-400AT was easily the nicest of the lot. The pups are great, they can go from crystal clear to mean growl and the workmanship is flawless. Only a nice flametop could have made it even more appreciable.
Hey Cary, when will we see your full review, as promised?
December 8th, 2006 at 8:59 am
Aha! Excellent question… I’ve taken December off from doing reviews because I’m just too busy for the Holidays, but I will probably be writing up the EC-400 AT review at the beginning of January.
: )