LTD: 400 -vs- 1000 range

pariko

Hi there,

I've decided that I'm gonna pick up an LTD EC (the Les Paul shaped one) pretty soon, and know that I'm going to plump for a model that has the Duncan JB/59 set as opposed to EMGs, but beyond that I'm torn between two options. Let me explain:

I can import a slightly used but fairly mint EC-1000 from the states for only about €30 euro dearer than a new EC-400 from Thomann - shipping/customs/VAT inclusive (the EC-1000 would be about €300 more expensive new, and thus out of my budget). However, I'm sceptical as to the real difference in quality between the two models. On paper, the only differences are that the EC-1000 has two extra frets (means nothing to me really), a better bridge and tuners (Tone Pros locking bridge and Schaller locking tuners -vs- bog standard tune-o-matic and Grovers), and "fancier" finishes which don't exactly set my world alight, I actually prefer the finish and general look of the 400 I was considering.

So, what's the story? Overall higher build quality and better wood (edit: I mean better "quality" wood, given more stringent checks or whatever, they're both mahogany with a rosewood board) in the 1000? More chance of getting a "dud" in the 400 series? Would I be a mug to pass up the opportunity of getting my hands on the better model, or will it be total luck of the draw either way as to whether I get a nice guitar, given that they come off a Korean production line?

Would really appreciate the input of anyone who's had experience of both a 400 and 1000 series LTD, not necessarily the EC model, just any of them.

bombidol

I own an EC1000 and I love it

pariko

Cool, few questions for ya dude if you don't mind - does your one have one of those finishes with abalone all over the place, like all the inlays and binding etc.? I read in one or two places that on some of them this can start to flake off after a while, you had any problems with that? How long have you had it?

bombidol

I've had it a few months now and nothing has flaked yet. But for me the more wear and tear the better.

Jack Vegas

EC-1000 all the way, gorgeous guitars.

I'm sure the EC-400 isn't awful, but I don't think there's any chance it could compare to an EC-1000.

pariko

Decided to import a 1000 in the end, cheers lads! This is the one in particular that I'm getting:

Karl Hungus

Nice.

Voodu Child

Yep, those EC1000s are lovely guitars, congrats.

The boards.ie rule is that you gotta post a thread with pics when it arrives