ESP LTD ARROW-400 SM

ESP LTD ARROW-400 SM review

The ESP LTD ARROW-400 SM pairs a sharply angled V-style body with a specification set aimed at players who want high-output pickups and a double-locking tremolo. Its mahogany body, maple neck-through construction, rosewood fingerboard, and active EMG humbuckers make it a purpose-built electric guitar rather than a stripped-back design. The listed price is $954, and the model has been available since May 2026.

One owner describes the guitar as exceptionally well made and says the price felt justified by the Floyd Rose Special tremolo and EMG pickup combination. That is a useful, if subjective, endorsement. The available specifications support the appeal: the ARROW-400 SM combines recognizable hardware and electronics with a distinctive body shape, while leaving out a case and gig bag.

Construction and feel

The body is mahogany, with no separate top listed. The neck is a three-piece maple design that runs through the body, a construction choice that places the neck assembly at the center of the instrument. ESP specifies an Extra Thin U neck profile, a 42 mm nut width, and a 350 mm fingerboard radius. Those measurements give buyers concrete points to compare against their current guitar, though comfort will still depend on personal preference and playing style.

The rosewood fingerboard carries 24 extra-jumbo frets. The 648 mm scale length is equivalent to 25.5 inches, a familiar measurement for many electric guitar players. Together, the long scale and 24-fret layout provide room for upper-register playing without departing from a common electric guitar format. The Scarlet Metallic finish gives the model its vivid red appearance, complemented by black hardware.

Active EMG humbuckers

ESP fits one black EMG 85 humbucker in the neck position and one black EMG 81 humbucker at the bridge. Both are active pickups. The pairing is a clear choice for players seeking a forceful output and a focused sound, especially in amplified settings where aggressive gain is part of the setup. The customer feedback specifically praises the high-output pickups, although it does not offer detailed comparisons across clean, crunch, or high-gain tones.

The control layout is deliberately simple: one master volume control and a toggle switch. There is no separate tone control listed. Players who like to shape their sound from the guitar itself may want to factor in that limited onboard adjustment. Those who set their sound at the amplifier or with effects may appreciate the straightforward layout.

Floyd Rose Special and setup considerations

A Floyd Rose Special tremolo is a central part of the ARROW-400 SM's appeal. A double-locking system can support stable tuning during expressive tremolo use when properly set up, but it also makes string changes and tuning adjustments less immediate than on a fixed bridge. Buyers who have not used this type of tremolo should allow time to learn its setup and maintenance. Grover tuning machines are also specified, along with the factory string set, D'Addario XL120 gauges from.009 to.042.

The guitar ships without a case or gig bag. That omission matters for a V-style instrument, since its body shape can make storage and transport less convenient than with a more conventional outline. Budgeting for suitable protection is sensible, especially for regular travel or gigging.

Who should consider it?

The ARROW-400 SM is best suited to a player who wants the visual impact of a V-style guitar and already values active humbuckers and a Floyd Rose-style tremolo. Its neck-through maple construction, mahogany body, 24-fret fingerboard, and high-output EMG set make a coherent package for that buyer. The simple controls keep the interface uncluttered, though they offer fewer onboard tone-shaping options.

At $954, it is not an entry-level purchase. The owner feedback supplied for this review says the build quality and hardware made the expense worthwhile, but that is one player's assessment rather than a guarantee of every instrument's setup or finish. Consider the extra cost of a case, and make sure a locking tremolo suits your habits before buying.

Verdict

The ESP LTD ARROW-400 SM makes its case through a specific combination: a mahogany V body, three-piece maple neck-through construction, active EMG 85 and EMG 81 humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose Special tremolo. It has a distinctive Scarlet Metallic finish and a direct control layout. For players seeking that combination, the reported build quality and included hardware help explain the positive owner response. Its price, lack of included protection, and more involved tremolo setup are the main practical considerations.