ESP LTD EC-400 QM, See Thru Black Sunburst

The ESP LTD EC-400 QM See Thru Black Sunburst is a performance-focused single-cut electric guitar that combines professional-quality hardware, active EMG pickups and striking quilted maple figuring.

Its mahogany body delivers warmth, depth and sustain, while the quilted maple top adds definition and gives the transparent Black Sunburst finish its dramatic visual character. Set-thru construction creates a smooth transition between the three-piece mahogany neck and body, providing comfortable access across the full fingerboard.

An EMG 81 bridge pickup supplies the tight attack, powerful output and clarity required for hard rock and metal, while the EMG 85 neck pickup provides warmer rhythm sounds, smooth lead tones and full-bodied cleans.

With 22 extra-jumbo frets, LTD locking tuners and a dependable fixed bridge, the EC-400 QM is an excellent choice for serious players seeking modern ESP performance at an accessible price.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	EC-400 QM
Series	LTD 400 Series
Finish	See Thru Black Sunburst
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Condition	Brand New
Body Shape	EC single cutaway
Construction	Set-thru
Body Material	Mahogany
Top Material	Quilted maple
Scale Length	24.75 inches
Pickups	EMG 81 and EMG 85 active humbuckers
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and tailpiece
Main Appeal	Professional components with powerful active tones
Best For	Metal, hard rock, alternative, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Brand New Condition

This ESP LTD EC-400 QM See Thru Black Sunburst is offered in brand new condition and has not been previously owned.

Every new instrument is inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before dispatch to ensure that its electronics, hardware and general playability meet our standards.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD EC-400 QM See Thru Black Sunburst electric guitar

• No case or gig bag is included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before dispatch, our team checks the guitar’s EMG pickups, volume and tone controls, pickup selector, output socket, locking tuners, bridge, neck, frets and general playability.

The electronics are tested in every pickup position, and the guitar is checked for stable tuning and consistent performance across the fingerboard.

Service and Setup Work Performed

The guitar receives a general inspection, tuning check and playability assessment before leaving Fair Deal Music.

Setup preferences vary between players, particularly when changing string gauge, using alternative tunings or adjusting the action to suit a specific playing technique.

Why Choose the ESP LTD EC-400 QM?

Professional LTD 400 Series Performance

The LTD 400 Series is designed for musicians who need dependable construction and stage-ready components without moving into the price range of ESP’s higher-end instruments.

The EC-400 QM offers the features required for regular rehearsal, recording and live performance, including active EMG pickups, locking tuners and set-thru construction.

Classic EC Single-Cut Design

The EC body shape takes the familiar single-cut electric guitar concept and gives it a sharper, more modern ESP identity.

Its carved outline, pointed headstock and black hardware create an aggressive appearance, while the body remains comfortable for seated practice and standing performance.

Quilted Maple Top

The figured quilted maple top gives the See Thru Black Sunburst finish its impressive depth.

Natural waves and patterns remain visible through the transparent central area, while the darker outer burst frames the body and highlights its single-cut shape.

As quilted maple is naturally figured, each guitar has its own individual grain pattern.

Mahogany Body

Mahogany provides a warm and substantial tonal foundation with strong midrange presence and natural sustain.

This body wood complements the clarity and output of the active EMG pickups, helping distorted rhythm tones sound full without losing definition.

Set-Thru Construction

Set-thru construction extends the neck joint further into the body than a conventional set-neck design.

This creates a smooth transition into the upper register and gives the guitar a connected, responsive feel. It also improves access to the highest frets compared with many traditional single-cut guitars.

Three-Piece Mahogany Neck

The neck is constructed from three pieces of mahogany for strength and stability.

Its tonal warmth complements the body, while the multi-piece design provides a dependable foundation for regular playing, rehearsal and live work.

Comfortable Thin U Profile

ESP’s Thin U neck profile provides a streamlined feel while retaining enough substance for controlled rhythm playing.

It is comfortable for:

• Power chords

• Palm-muted riffs

• Fast position changes

• Lead guitar techniques

• Wide string bends

• Controlled vibrato

• Extended practice and performance sessions

24.75-Inch Scale Length

The EC-400 QM uses a 24.75-inch scale, providing a slightly softer string feel than a longer 25.5-inch-scale guitar.

This can make bends, vibrato and heavier string gauges feel more manageable while retaining enough tension for accurate rhythm playing.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, familiar playing surface with a naturally warm response.

It complements the mahogany construction while offering a comfortable feel for chords, fast runs and expressive lead playing.

22 Extra-Jumbo Frets

The guitar is fitted with 22 extra-jumbo frets.

Their larger dimensions support a relatively light fretting touch and make bends and vibrato feel smooth. The 350mm fingerboard radius provides a modern playing surface suited to both rhythm and lead techniques.

EMG 81 Bridge Pickup

The EMG 81 is one of the most recognised active bridge humbuckers in rock and metal.

Its tight bass response, strong upper-midrange presence and immediate attack help riffs remain controlled through high-gain amplifiers and distortion effects.

The EMG 81 is particularly effective for:

• Palm-muted rhythm playing

• Heavy power chords

• Hard rock

• Thrash and modern metal

• Fast alternate picking

• Artificial harmonics

• Focused lead tones

• Layered rhythm recording

Its active design provides a powerful, consistent signal with low unwanted noise.

EMG 85 Neck Pickup

The EMG 85 uses an alnico magnet to produce a warmer and fuller response than the ceramic EMG 81.

In the neck position, it provides smooth sustain and a rounded tonal character while retaining the clarity needed for faster playing.

It works particularly well for:

• Fluid lead guitar

• Warm clean chords

• Melodic solos

• Legato passages

• Full-bodied rhythm sounds

• Singing overdriven tones

• Atmospheric clean parts

The pairing of the EMG 81 and EMG 85 gives the EC-400 QM a clear distinction between its aggressive bridge sound and smoother neck voice.

Flexible Dual-Volume Control Layout

The EC-400 QM provides an individual volume control for each pickup alongside a shared master tone control.

This allows the neck and bridge pickup levels to be balanced independently. Players can also prepare two different volume settings and move between them using the pickup selector.

The three-way toggle provides quick access to:

• EMG 85 neck pickup

• Both pickups together

• EMG 81 bridge pickup

LTD Locking Tuners

The LTD locking tuning machines secure each string directly at the tuning post.

This reduces the number of winds required during restringing, makes string changes faster and helps minimise string slippage once the strings have settled.

Locking tuners are particularly useful for working players who need to replace strings quickly before a rehearsal, recording session or performance.

Fixed Tune-O-Matic-Style Bridge

The Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and separate tailpiece provide a stable and familiar platform for the strings.

Individual saddles allow accurate intonation adjustment, while the fixed design offers several practical benefits:

• Straightforward restringing

• Consistent palm-muting position

• Reliable tuning stability

• Easy action and intonation adjustment

• Simpler alternative-tuning changes

• Lower maintenance than a floating tremolo

Why Choose Active EMG Pickups?

Active pickups use an onboard powered preamp to produce a strong and controlled output.

They are particularly popular with rock and metal musicians because they offer:

• High output

• Low unwanted noise

• Consistent attack

• Tight low-frequency response

• Clear note separation

• Dependable performance through heavy distortion

• Strong signals through long cables and complex pedalboards

The EMG 81 and 85 combination gives the EC-400 QM the power required for high-gain playing while still providing useful clean and lower-gain tones.

Who Is It For?

Rock and Metal Guitarists

The active EMG pickups, mahogany construction and fixed bridge create a powerful platform for distorted rhythm and lead playing.

Intermediate Players

Developing musicians looking to upgrade from an entry-level guitar will appreciate the improved pickups, locking tuners and set-thru construction.

Advanced Players

Experienced guitarists can use the EC-400 QM as a dependable main instrument, recording guitar or professional-quality backup.

Recording Musicians

The EMG pickups provide a strong, controlled signal that works particularly well for layered rhythm parts and precise high-gain recording.

Live Performers

Locking tuners, a stable fixed bridge and reliable active electronics make the guitar well suited to regular gigging.

Lead Guitarists

The Thin U neck, large frets and smooth upper-fret access support fast playing, sustained notes and expressive bending.

Sound and Playing Character

The EC-400 QM combines the warmth and sustain of mahogany with the immediate response of active EMG pickups.

Bridge Pickup Sound

The EMG 81 provides:

• Tight palm-muted attack

• Clear distorted chords

• Strong upper-midrange presence

• Controlled low frequencies

• Responsive harmonics

• Focused lead tones

• Excellent note separation

Neck Pickup Sound

The EMG 85 provides:

• Warm clean chords

• Smooth sustained leads

• Full rhythm sounds

• Fluid legato response

• Rounded overdrive

• Controlled low-frequency depth

Combined Pickup Position

Using both pickups produces a broad and balanced sound that combines the body of the neck pickup with the sharper attack of the bridge position.

This setting works well for clean rhythm parts, wide chord voicings and medium-gain sounds.

See Thru Black Sunburst Finish

The See Thru Black Sunburst finish allows the quilted maple grain to remain visible beneath the surface.

Its darker edges transition into a transparent central area, giving the figured top a three-dimensional appearance under showroom, studio and stage lighting.

White binding around the body, neck and headstock creates clear contrast, while the black bridge, tuners, pickups and controls complete the guitar’s modern appearance.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	LTD 400 Series
Model	EC-400 QM
Orientation	Right-handed
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Finish	See Thru Black Sunburst
Body Shape	EC single cutaway
Construction	Set-thru
Scale Length	24.75 inches / approximately 629mm
Body Material	Mahogany
Top Material	Quilted maple
Neck Material	Three-piece mahogany
Neck Profile	Thin U
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	350mm
Number of Frets	22
Fret Type	Extra jumbo
Nut Width	42mm
Nut Type	Moulded
Neck Pickup	EMG 85 active humbucker
Bridge Pickup	EMG 81 active humbucker
Pickup Colour	Black
Electronics	Active
Controls	Neck volume, bridge volume and master tone
Pickup Selector	Three-way toggle switch
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic style with tailpiece
Tuning Machines	LTD locking
Hardware Colour	Black
Binding	White body, neck and headstock binding
Strap Buttons	Standard
Factory Strings	D’Addario XL110
Factory String Gauges	.010, .013, .017, .026, .036 and .046

Power Requirements

The active EMG 81 and EMG 85 pickups require an internal 9V battery.

The guitar connects to a conventional amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard instrument cable.

Disconnect the cable when the guitar is not being played, as leaving it connected keeps the active electronics switched on and reduces battery life.

ESP LTD EC-400 QM Compared with Other EC Models

Compared with the ESP LTD EC-256

The EC-256 provides the essential LTD single-cut experience at a more accessible price point, with passive ESP Designed pickups and traditional set-neck construction.

The EC-400 QM upgrades to active EMG pickups, set-thru construction and locking tuners, making it better suited to regular recording and professional live use.

Compared with the ESP LTD EC-1000

The EC-1000 Series adds higher-level finishing and can include features such as stainless-steel frets, premium bridges or more advanced pickup configurations.

The EC-400 QM delivers the core professional features many players need while remaining more affordable.

Compared with a Passive-Pickup EC Guitar

Passive pickups generally provide greater sensitivity to picking strength and adjustments made with the guitar’s volume controls.

The active EMG pickups in the EC-400 QM produce a stronger, more controlled signal with low noise and consistent definition through high levels of gain.

Compared with a Floyd Rose-Equipped Guitar

A Floyd Rose tremolo allows dramatic pitch effects but requires more involved restringing and setup work.

The EC-400 QM’s fixed bridge is easier to maintain and makes changing tunings or string gauges more straightforward.

Compared with a Traditional Single-Cut Guitar

The EC-400 QM retains the familiar warmth, sustain and 24.75-inch scale associated with classic single-cut instruments.

Its Thin U neck, active electronics, locking tuners and set-thru heel give it a distinctly modern and performance-focused feel.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD EC-400 QM works particularly well with:

• High-gain valve amplifiers

• Modern modelling amplifiers

• Profiling systems

• Overdrive and boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Delay and reverb effects

• Audio interfaces

• Digital recording systems

• Professional live pedalboards

• Medium or heavy guitar picks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ESP LTD EC-400 QM suitable for metal?

Yes. Its EMG 81 bridge pickup delivers the tight response and strong output required for high-gain rock and metal playing.

Are the pickups active?

Yes. The EMG 81 and EMG 85 are active humbuckers powered by an internal 9V battery.

Can the EC-400 QM produce clean sounds?

Yes. The EMG 85 neck pickup produces warm and full clean tones, while the combined pickup setting offers a broader, more balanced response.

Does the guitar have a coil-split?

No. The EC-400 QM uses conventional full-humbucker EMG 81 and EMG 85 pickups without a factory coil-split control.

Is the guitar suitable for lower tunings?

Yes. Its fixed bridge and powerful bridge pickup make it suitable for reduced tunings.

A heavier string gauge and suitable setup may be required when tuning substantially below standard pitch.

What is the advantage of set-thru construction?

Set-thru construction creates a smoother neck-to-body transition than many traditional set-neck guitars, improving access to the upper frets.

What is the benefit of locking tuners?

Locking tuners make string changes faster and reduce the amount of string wrapped around each tuning post.

Does the guitar have a tremolo?

No. It uses a fixed Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and tailpiece.

Is the quilted maple pattern identical on every guitar?

No. Quilted maple is naturally figured, so the exact grain pattern differs between individual instruments.

Is the EC-400 QM suitable for recording?

Yes. Its low-noise active pickups and strong note separation make it particularly effective for layered rhythm tracks and high-gain studio work.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD EC-400 QM See Thru Black Sunburst delivers the essential qualities serious rock and metal guitarists need: powerful active tones, smooth playability and dependable fixed-bridge performance.

The EMG 81 bridge pickup provides a tight and aggressive rhythm sound, while the EMG 85 adds warmer cleans and fluid lead tones. Set-thru construction, a comfortable Thin U neck and LTD locking tuners give the guitar a refined, performance-ready feel.

Its dramatic quilted maple top and transparent Black Sunburst finish also give it the visual presence expected from a far more expensive instrument. For players seeking professional ESP features without moving into the 1000 Series, the EC-400 QM represents excellent value.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available. It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.