ESP E-II Eclipse – Master Class With a Temper

Body And Neck:
Electronics:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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ESP might not have the same glamorous beginnings as Fender or Gibson. They started out as a musical instrument parts dealer, only to climb through the mud and reach the levels of elite brands. Over the years they've become popular with those who are looking for an affordable, feature packed guitar that packs a mean punch. In other words, mid range and entry level users. However, this doesn't mean they don't have anything to offer in the top tier range. On the contrary, models such as the ESP E-II Eclipse are the proof. This is by far one of the best expensive guitars you can grab at the moment and here's why.

Body And Neck

Even though Les Paul shape has been used by just about every brand out there by now, ESP took it to another level. They've made it their business to bring the LP style into the new age and it's fair to say that they've succeeded. E-II Eclipse features a slightly modified Les Paul shape made of mahogany with a flamed maple top. The neck is also a mahogany piece, sporting a comfortable U profile and a rosewood fretboard. The entire top of the guitar features white binding, and so does the neck.

Hardware

When you drop this type of money on a guitar, it is only natural to expect the hardware to be on par as well. ESP's experience as parts dealer came in handy here, and they've turned to Gotoh. You get a well made Tune-o-Matic bridge with a stop piece, as well as a set of Gotoh locking tuners on the other end of the business. While there is nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to the design of the hardware, you will quickly notice the quality once you put it to use. Needless to say, everything works like a fine-tuned machine.

Electronics

ESP's selection of pickups for their higher end stuff usually comes down to EMG. That's the case this time around as well. They've chosen the EMG 57 for the bridge position and EMG 66 at the neck. These are wired to the standard control layout. In other words, you have your individual volume knobs, a master tone knob, and the pickup select switch.

Sound

Here's where things get pretty interesting. ESP managed to deliver a type of tone that combines all the best aspects of vintage PAFs with modern hot-rodded humbuckers. It's not only about the pickups, it has a lot to do with the tonewood and how the whole thing is put together. You can squeeze out a nice bluesy tone with little to no effort, while a heavier metal vibe is equally as easy to achieve. Versatility is one thing E-II does rather well.

Conclusion

Many are hesitant to pay this type of money for a guitar that doesn't bring some sort of heritage with it. If you can get past this pretty ridiculous limitation, ESP E-II Eclipse will reward you with a tone and playing experience that is hard to match.

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