ESP LTD Viper 400 2007 - Gloss Black

Talk about RAD!!! We have here a LTD Model Viper 400! known for its rock/metal style, sleek asymmetrical double-cutaway body (like a modern SG), mahogany construction, and powerful active pickups (often EMG 81/85) for big, focused tones, and wit a custom set up that is sure to give off professional precision and a lead guitarist mojo!

Break down on the Vipers neck and why it’s done.

Stripping the heavy gloss paint from a guitar neck and smoothing it down offers several functional and aesthetic benefits, particularly for high-performance instruments.

Enhanced Playability and Speed

The most immediate benefit is the reduction of friction. Glossy finishes, especially on older imports, can become "tacky" or "sticky" as your hands get warm during a set, which can slow down transitions up and down the fretboard. By stripping the paint and smoothing the wood, you create a "satin" or "raw" feel that allows your hand to glide effortlessly, providing a much faster and more consistent playing experience.

Improved Physical Comfort

Heavy polyurethane gloss can feel thick and plastic-like in the palm of your hand. Smoothing the neck allows you to feel the natural grain of the mahogany, which many players find more ergonomic and less fatiguing over long periods of play. This "broken-in" feel is a hallmark of high-end vintage and custom shop instruments, often referred to as a "speed neck".

Aesthetic and "Vibe"

Stripping the neck fits a specific aesthetic. The prominent wood grain and the rugged, stripped-back look align with a vintage or "outlaw" style, moving away from a mass-produced factory appearance toward something that looks like a custom, player-worn tool. It gives the guitar a more unique, personalized character that stands out from a standard off-the-shelf model.

Resonance and Feel

While debated among players, some feel that removing a thick, suffocating layer of gloss allows the neck to vibrate more freely. Even if the acoustic difference is subtle, the tactile feedback through your fretting hand is often more pronounced when there is less material between your thumb and the wood.

Now onto the tuners….

Sperzel Locking Tuners vs. Stock Grovers

• Tuning Stability: The primary benefit of the Sperzel locking mechanism is that it clamps the string inside the post. This eliminates the need for multiple "wraps" around the tuning peg, which is the most common source of string slippage and tuning instability.

• Restringing Speed: With the Sperzels, you simply pull the string taut through the eyelet, tighten the rear thumb-screw to lock it, and tune up. You can change an entire set of strings in a fraction of the time it takes with the stock Grovers.

• Weight and Balance: Standard Grover tuners are solid and reliable but can be somewhat heavy. Sperzels are often slightly lighter, which can actually help with the "neck dive" sometimes found on asymmetrical, mahogany-bodied guitars like the Viper.

• Aesthetic and Value: USA Sperzels are high-end aftermarket parts used by professionals across the industry. While the stock Grovers are great, having "USA Sperzel" on the headstock generally adds a bit more "pro-level" appeal to the instrument's resale value and performance.

* Please Read This In Its Entirety Prior To Purchase *

In our 40 + years of business, customer service has always been the utmost Importance to us. If you have ANY questions, comments, or concerns, please contact us BEFORE purchasing this item!! We are happy to offer a short clip of the tone/sound of your preferred item as well. Just give us a call/email and we’ll get it to you asap.

We do have a Strict NO Return Policy. If you receive your item and it’s not as described, we will take that into consideration. We are very confident that our thorough, honest, detailed descriptions are backed by our knowledge of this industry. I can assure you that you’ll be getting exactly what you anticipated. If purchased on SALE/DISCOUNT, the item is considered SOLD AS IS and will NOT be considered for a return.

International Shipping: We charge an estimated flat rate fee. Our rates listed are just ESTIMATES. If it exceeds the flat rate price, the shipping amount is subject to change. Please call us for exact estimates. Thanks - GW Crew