I have owned two Ltd EC guitars and I absolutely love the shape and feel. Would take a high end EC over a Gibson personally based on the belly cut. Feels so much more 'with' the player.
I bought the same one and color with the inlay in 2017 when it first came out... this was my official first electric guitar the last one I bought was a cheap Hamer guitar which was used so I could learn how to play but once I bought this thing everything changed ..it has the most comfortable feel even people I let play it said the same thing.
Hell yea that’s awesome! And I totally agree with you, it is super comfortable to play. It has become my go to guitar even over more expensive guitars I own.
@@Wimya Yeah and the funny thing is I actually wanted the EC-1000 in white with the gold hardware, but they didn't have it in stock and this one was about $300 less expensive but certainly worth the money.
Man I’ve got one of these and I love it. Bought it second hand and it came so well set up. Bust a string and ended up putting something different on and not digging them. Any idea what strings it ships with?
I have an older model of this exact guitar. It has the ebony fretboard and it has the model engraved in the 12th fret. I'm surprised they switched to rosewood, I've heard rosewood is getting phased out for ebony due to shortages.
I don't mind the model number not being on the 12th fret but I really do wish I would have gotten one with an ebony board. It makes the guitar just look a little more premium in my opinion. Regardless still a killer playing guitar though.
I’m really eyeing this guitar, still haven’t made my decision but I’ve narrowed it down between this particular model and an Epiphone. I might just buy them both and return the one I don’t like. 🤔
If you’re crossing shopping it with a prophecy series (only epi I can think of with similar specs) it’s a hard choice but I think I’d take the LTD. I love the EC neck shape.
@@Wimya After a few days of thinking it through, I decided on getting the LTD EC-1000 SD’s. Very similar in style to your beauty, however I wanted passive pickups. Both are really beautiful guitars and can’t wait to order mine! Thanks for your input! 🤘🏻🔥🎸
@@Wimya the ec401qm is on sale for 599 at GC right now. They must be discontinuing them. I bought one cause that's quite a difference in price to the ec1000.
@@Wimya good to hear. I read that the lighter color fret board and no model number on the fret board are 2018 and later models. they might have moved production to a different country or something. idk, either way they look like nice guitars. still excited for mine.
So am I able to call Musiciansfriend Nd ask them to get me one with a darker fretboard cause I've seen videos where other people got one with much darker fretboard
You’re asking the wrong person my friend but I doubt it as they changed the fretboard material back in 2018 along with the 12th fret inlay. They also don’t make this guitar anymore so idk if there is any stock left. Good luck!
Is ec401qm still in production?..I though esp has stopped making these some time ago...it is not even in their catalogs nowadays...its a beauty anyway, I wish icould find one...Korean made?
I believe they stopped production at the end of 2019. You can still find them for sale on sweet water (last time I checked anyway) It really is an awesome guitar I still play it every night.
@@Wimya unfortunately I am in Europe and the shipping and customs charges would be almost twice its price...however, I currently have a black ec401fm which at my surprise was made in China , but the ec401qm looks way better..
I bought one of these and I am super new to the while guitar thing but I dont understand the whole adjusting with the tone knob because can't you just do all the tones thru the amp?
@@Wimya thanks. I was really confused and honestly couldn't find direct to the point info like you gave me. so seriously thanks. i kno it's tedious to reply to comments. but i honestly didn't know
Yea I think at one point they must have switch boards bc the earlier models of the EC401 it almost looks ebony and has the model on the 12 fret (like the stock photos) but my 2019 guitar doesn’t have the model on the 12th and is much lighter in color. But I don’t mind Pau Ferro so I’ll take it
Early model guitars (ones with the model on the 12th fret) had ebony. Later models removed the model name off the 12th and changed the fretboard material.
Same here, I just bought it for $300 and the fretboard looks black but when I put the guitar to a light or a daylight looks like a green color... it is the 401
@@Wimya I love this guitar. It's the hidden gem in the ltd line up I think. Most people have a 256 or a 1000 series. I feel like this one is like a better value 1000 series.
Been looking to upgrade from my EC-256 To one of these. Man your guitar looks beautiful but it looks so different from the photos I've seen on the GC website. Really thought these had a darker fretboard and and darker gunmetal finish on the hardware. The pictures sold me but now watching this vid, im not so sure now. Been wanting to check one out but I'm guessing GC isn't carrying these in stores rn bummer /:
Yea I feel you man. That’s why I really wanted to make this video so it showed people the real product and not the stock photos. I was also expecting a darker fretboard.
@@Wimya man thanks so much for posting this vid! This is Definitely going to help people out there who are looking into purchasing this exact guitar!🤘🏻 saw some old vids on this guitar and they look more like the stock photos! Im guessing this is how they are producing the 401QM's now. Not too disappointed tho, these guitar still look extremely gorgeous!
Well guys, three weeks later of patience and I got my very own 401qm! My Guitar center actually had both 401qm's on display and was able to compare both(: so my assumption is the 2019 models come with the brighter fret board because BOTH 401's i played were the 2020 models and had the darker tint on the fretboard! beyond stoked! Ended up choosing the black cherry finish AND 100 off regular price since guitar center is having HUGE sale on their guitars! Glad I waited and composed myself for awhile cuz damn, it truly paid off!
@@Wimya I'm not sure how I feel about that just yet... I can take it or leave it right now, but that little feature seemed to be an ESP trademark that customers looked forward to seeing. I own this guitar, but it's from a few years back, so mine actually has the model number on the inlay. However, I would have to imagine that many years from now, when this guitar becomes a sought after collector guitar, and it will because guitars of this caliber tend to become collectibles, there might be a huge difference in value between the ones that have the model inscription on the inlay, versus the guitars that do not have it. Collectors are sort of funny that way with little details like that.
I just got one and it is amazing it plays like a dream
That’s awesome!!! It’s still my favorite guitar 🤘🏼
I just played one of these at GC...sweet guitar!
Own one. Fucking love it
Awesome guitar! 🎸🔥🖤. I got that guitar last fall. Great playability, sustain and tone. Looks awesome too, I really like mine.
Jonathan Lutz hell yea! It has become my go-to guitar for now 🤘🏼🤘🏼
I have owned two Ltd EC guitars and I absolutely love the shape and feel. Would take a high end EC over a Gibson personally based on the belly cut. Feels so much more 'with' the player.
I 100% agree!! I’ve falling in love with the EC and have my eyes on a e-2 eclipse now instead of another LP
How does the neck feel compared to ibanez/schecter necks? Is it satin/ gloss? Shred worthy? Nice video!
The neck is satin so not “sticky” like a gloss neck also not as thin as an Ibanez neck but it’s deff shred worthy.
I bought the same one and color with the inlay in 2017 when it first came out... this was my official first electric guitar the last one I bought was a cheap Hamer guitar which was used so I could learn how to play but once I bought this thing everything changed ..it has the most comfortable feel even people I let play it said the same thing.
Hell yea that’s awesome! And I totally agree with you, it is super comfortable to play. It has become my go to guitar even over more expensive guitars I own.
@@Wimya Yeah and the funny thing is I actually wanted the EC-1000 in white with the gold hardware, but they didn't have it in stock and this one was about $300 less expensive but certainly worth the money.
Nice review, nice guitar! ❤
@@andrasvargas thanks!! Still. A fav of mine!
Man I’ve got one of these and I love it. Bought it second hand and it came so well set up. Bust a string and ended up putting something different on and not digging them. Any idea what strings it ships with?
Never mind dude, just heard you say lol. Nice one
Haha nice!! The Dadarrio 10 gauge stings are the shit!
I have an older model of this exact guitar. It has the ebony fretboard and it has the model engraved in the 12th fret. I'm surprised they switched to rosewood, I've heard rosewood is getting phased out for ebony due to shortages.
I don't mind the model number not being on the 12th fret but I really do wish I would have gotten one with an ebony board. It makes the guitar just look a little more premium in my opinion. Regardless still a killer playing guitar though.
I’m really eyeing this guitar, still haven’t made my decision but I’ve narrowed it down between this particular model and an Epiphone. I might just buy them both and return the one I don’t like. 🤔
If you’re crossing shopping it with a prophecy series (only epi I can think of with similar specs) it’s a hard choice but I think I’d take the LTD. I love the EC neck shape.
@@Wimya After a few days of thinking it through, I decided on getting the LTD EC-1000 SD’s. Very similar in style to your beauty, however I wanted passive pickups. Both are really beautiful guitars and can’t wait to order mine! Thanks for your input! 🤘🏻🔥🎸
I’m getting my shipped Wednesday
Kinda bummed out to see the fretboard not as the picture
Hopefully it come like the picture
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you brother!
You were messaging cartman 😂
Nice Vid! Is the “Thin U Shape” thin ? It looks chunky. Thanks!
It’s not thin compared to say an Ibanez neck but by far the thinnest LP shaped guitar neck I’ve played.
Love the hks shirt🤘
Haha thanks dude! 🤘🏼
Hmmm I believe thats a PAO FERRO fretboard...
Mine came with a nice dark Macassar Ebony Fretboard 😊
I believe you are correct. I’m jealous you were able to get one with the ebony board.
@@Wimya😊 still a great guitar bro! I was wondering why the pots are small, meanwhile they're fantastic... any ideas?
Just curious, why did you choose EC-401 QM over EC-1000? The price difference is small. Please let me know.
The price difference was a lot bigger before Covid. I paid $550 for this guitar new in 2019 now it’s $899.
@@Wimya which one would you recommend to buy today?
I would go with a 2021 model ec1000. Stainless steel frets are 100% worth the extra $$
@@Wimya the ec401qm is on sale for 599 at GC right now. They must be discontinuing them. I bought one cause that's quite a difference in price to the ec1000.
@@dirktucker77 at $599 it’s a hell of a guitar. It’s still my go-to guitar
It's not rosewood, its pau ferro which is similar in color to rosewood, but has a tighter wood grain
i just ordered this exact model. hows it holding up?
It’s my favorite guitar, my go to that I play every day. You’re gonna love it
@@Wimya good to hear. I read that the lighter color fret board and no model number on the fret board are 2018 and later models. they might have moved production to a different country or something. idk, either way they look like nice guitars. still excited for mine.
Awesome video man keep it up🤘
Thanks! I appreciate that!
I’m really thinking about getting the Black Cherry version of this guitar, how’s this thing holding up for you?
Do it!!! This guitar is my favor guitar I’ve ever owned. For playability and comfort it blows my les Paul custom out of the water!
@@Wimya I got this guitar coming in the mail today I can’t wait I’ve owned a few guitars but never got a brand new one before
@@claytonolden84 that’s awesome bro congrats!!! You’re gonna love it!!
@@Wimya yeah I got a bunch of pedals for it a line 6 spider 4 120 w can’t wait too play
@@claytonolden84 how are you liking it dude?
So am I able to call Musiciansfriend Nd ask them to get me one with a darker fretboard cause I've seen videos where other people got one with much darker fretboard
You’re asking the wrong person my friend but I doubt it as they changed the fretboard material back in 2018 along with the 12th fret inlay. They also don’t make this guitar anymore so idk if there is any stock left. Good luck!
Nice video, Saludos from Mèxico
Gracias amigo!
Is ec401qm still in production?..I though esp has stopped making these some time ago...it is not even in their catalogs nowadays...its a beauty anyway, I wish icould find one...Korean made?
I believe they stopped production at the end of 2019. You can still find them for sale on sweet water (last time I checked anyway) It really is an awesome guitar I still play it every night.
@@Wimya unfortunately I am in Europe and the shipping and customs charges would be almost twice its price...however, I currently have a black ec401fm which at my surprise was made in China , but the ec401qm looks way better..
I just bought a 2021 EC401 QM yesterday at guitar center. Love it.
@@paulchoate1 how much was it? They are on sale right now for 599$ I bought one last night to upgrade from my ec256.
@@dirktucker77 I got it on sale for either $599 or $699. I have to check the receipt
I bought one of these and I am super new to the while guitar thing but I dont understand the whole adjusting with the tone knob because can't you just do all the tones thru the amp?
Think of the tone knob on the guitar as a fine way of removing harsh or grainy noise from the guitar.
@@Wimya thanks. I was really confused and honestly couldn't find direct to the point info like you gave me. so seriously thanks. i kno it's tedious to reply to comments. but i honestly didn't know
No problem man! I’m glad to help when I can!
Though it says rosewood, it is actually Pau Ferro..
Yea I think at one point they must have switch boards bc the earlier models of the EC401 it almost looks ebony and has the model on the 12 fret (like the stock photos) but my 2019 guitar doesn’t have the model on the 12th and is much lighter in color. But I don’t mind Pau Ferro so I’ll take it
What a sexy guitar
And it sounds just as good as it looks! 🤘🏼
I've got the ebiney fret board idk how yall get rose wood? I'm lucky to have it looks like u got ripped off😂
Early model guitars (ones with the model on the 12th fret) had ebony. Later models removed the model name off the 12th and changed the fretboard material.
Have same guitar and my fretboard is close to that ebony color.
That’s lucky!
Same here, I just bought it for $300 and the fretboard looks black but when I put the guitar to a light or a daylight looks like a green color... it is the 401
i just got a 2022 in the black cherry and the fret board is dark.
Lucky! I like the black cherry finish as well.
@@Wimya I love this guitar. It's the hidden gem in the ltd line up I think. Most people have a 256 or a 1000 series. I feel like this one is like a better value 1000 series.
@@ultimatesteve I 100% agree! It’s been my go to guitar for years now. It is deff the unsung hero in the LTD line up
nice review
Thanks!
It’s written made in Korea, no?
I bought this beauty on Monday in guitar center but as today I don't know when I will get it
Frank Rodas oh man that’s a bummer! I’m kinda in the same situation with an amp head I ordered. You’ll love the guitar though when you get it.
Been looking to upgrade from my EC-256 To one of these. Man your guitar looks beautiful but it looks so different from the photos I've seen on the GC website. Really thought these had a darker fretboard and and darker gunmetal finish on the hardware. The pictures sold me but now watching this vid, im not so sure now. Been wanting to check one out but I'm guessing GC isn't carrying these in stores rn bummer /:
Yea I feel you man. That’s why I really wanted to make this video so it showed people the real product and not the stock photos. I was also expecting a darker fretboard.
@@Wimya man thanks so much for posting this vid! This is Definitely going to help people out there who are looking into purchasing this exact guitar!🤘🏻 saw some old vids on this guitar and they look more like the stock photos! Im guessing this is how they are producing the 401QM's now. Not too disappointed tho, these guitar still look extremely gorgeous!
@@Wimya This is a Pau Ferro fretboard, sadly they don't use Rosewood anymore. www.guitarcenter.com/ESP/LTD-EC-401QM-Electric-Guitar.gc
Well guys, three weeks later of patience and I got my very own 401qm! My Guitar center actually had both 401qm's on display and was able to compare both(: so my assumption is the 2019 models come with the brighter fret board because BOTH 401's i played were the 2020 models and had the darker tint on the fretboard! beyond stoked! Ended up choosing the black cherry finish AND 100 off regular price since guitar center is having HUGE sale on their guitars! Glad I waited and composed myself for awhile cuz damn, it truly paid off!
@@9MAYHEM6 I know I’m late on replying but that’s awesome! How have you enjoyed it? I still play mine everyday lol
I’d send it back and say the one advertised had ebony board
Ehh doesn’t bother me all that much. Still plays great
Beautiful guitar but what a shame i hate rose wood fretboards ebony all the way
I 100% agree. I wish they offered this exact looking guitar in a ec1000 with ebony and stainless frets
my fretboard is ebony but it has the 401qm 12th fret inlay
Prices for these things are going up! I bet the ones with ebony boards even more so!
11:53 what song is that ?
bullet for my valentine: no way out
@@Wimya thanks bro!
No problem dude
Wtf the dont have the name on the inlay
Apparently models after 2017 no longer have the model inlay
@@Wimya I'm not sure how I feel about that just yet... I can take it or leave it right now, but that little feature seemed to be an ESP trademark that customers looked forward to seeing. I own this guitar, but it's from a few years back, so mine actually has the model number on the inlay. However, I would have to imagine that many years from now, when this guitar becomes a sought after collector guitar, and it will because guitars of this caliber tend to become collectibles, there might be a huge difference in value between the ones that have the model inscription on the inlay, versus the guitars that do not have it. Collectors are sort of funny that way with little details like that.