LM400HTSCM vs LMH400HTQMSTBLKSB — Compare

ESP LTD M-400HT Electric Guitar in Scarlet Metallic vs ESP LTD MH-400HT QM Electric Guitar in See Thru Black Sunburst

The M-400HT uses bolt-on construction for a lighter, snappier feel, while the MH-400HT/QM uses set-thru construction for superior upper-fret access and sustain. Choose the M-400HT if you prioritize speed and playability in high-gain contexts; choose the MH-400HT/QM if you spend time in upper registers and want a more refined aesthetic with quilted maple top.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

ESP LTD M-400HT Electric Guitar in Scarlet Metallic

$899.00
View ESP LTD M-400HT Electric Guitar in Scarlet Metallic

ESP LTD MH-400HT QM Electric Guitar in See Thru Black Sunburst

$899.00
View ESP LTD MH-400HT QM Electric Guitar in See Thru Black Sunburst

Specs side by side

ESP LTD M-400HT Electric Guitar in Scarlet MetallicESP LTD MH-400HT QM Electric Guitar in See Thru Black Sunburst
Price$899.00$899.00
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
SeriesLTD MLTD MH
Scale25.5" Scale25.5" Scale
Strings66
Frets24 Frets24 Frets
FretboardRosewoodRosewood
NeckMapleMaple
Neck ConstructionBolt-OnNeck-Thru-Body
Pickup ConfigurationActive HHActive HH
BridgeString-Through BodyString-Through Body
YearUnknownUnknown
ConditionNewNew

Why choose ESP LTD M-400HT Electric Guitar in Scarlet Metallic

  • ✓ Bolt-on construction is lighter and offers quicker, more responsive articulation
  • ✓ Hardtail bridge with string-thru design maximizes bright, focused tonal transfer
  • ✓ Roasted maple neck resists moisture and provides excellent tonal clarity
  • ✓ Striking Scarlet Metallic finish with classic visual impact

Why choose ESP LTD MH-400HT QM Electric Guitar in See Thru Black Sunburst

  • ✓ Set-thru neck construction dramatically improves upper-fret access and comfort
  • ✓ Quilted maple top adds refined aesthetic appeal and contributes balanced warmth
  • ✓ Rosewood fingerboard offers traditional tactile feedback for precise intonation
  • ✓ Better sustained resonance from neck-body connection for lead work
Bottom line: Pick the M-400HT for aggressive rhythm playing and speed-focused metal work where a lighter instrument and snappy response matter most. Pick the MH-400HT/QM if you're a lead player who works high on the fretboard regularly or want superior sustain and a more visually refined guitar.

Frequently asked questions

What's the real difference between bolt-on and set-thru neck construction?

Bolt-on necks (M-400HT) are lighter, easier to service, and transfer vibrations more directly for punch and clarity. Set-thru necks (MH-400HT/QM) are glued deeper into the body, increasing sustain and making upper frets more accessible without awkward body bulk.

Do these guitars handle drop tunings and djent equally well?

Both guitars are rated for metal and progressive styles with identical pickup configurations (EMG 81/85), scale length, and fret count. The M-400HT's bolt-on design delivers tighter low-end articulation; the MH-400HT/QM's set-thru design sustains longer.

Which fingerboard is better for long practice sessions?

The MH-400HT/QM's set-thru neck with extra-thin U profile and rosewood fingerboard is specifically praised for minimizing fatigue during extended playing, especially in upper registers where the set-thru design shines.

Are the pickups and electronics identical?

Yes, both feature active EMG 81 bridge and EMG 85 neck pickups with identical control layouts, delivering high-output articulate tones. Tonal differences stem from body construction, bridge design, and neck coupling rather than electronics.

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