ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black: Review & Specs

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ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black: A Timeless Classic

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black, a guitar that has captured the hearts of many players with its sleek design, powerful sound, and exceptional playability. If you're in the market for a high-performance instrument that blends classic aesthetics with modern features, then this guitar might just be your perfect match. Let's explore what makes the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black so special.

Overview of the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black

The ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black is more than just a pretty face; it's a meticulously crafted instrument designed for serious musicians. This guitar is part of ESP's E-II series, which is made in Japan and known for its high quality and attention to detail. The Eclipse model, in particular, is renowned for its Les Paul-esque body shape, but with a more streamlined and modern feel. The Vintage Black finish gives it a timeless and sophisticated look that's equally at home on stage and in the studio.

Key Features That Set It Apart

One of the first things you'll notice about the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black is its solid mahogany body. This tonewood is known for its warm, rich sound with plenty of sustain, making it ideal for rock, blues, and metal. The body is complemented by a maple top, which adds brightness and clarity to the overall tone. The combination of mahogany and maple provides a balanced sonic foundation that's versatile enough for a wide range of musical styles.

The neck is another standout feature. It's made of mahogany and has a thin U-shaped profile, which is designed for speed and comfort. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and responsive, allowing for effortless playing across the entire neck. The 22 extra-jumbo frets make bending notes a breeze, and the bone nut ensures optimal string vibration and sustain.

When it comes to electronics, the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black is equipped with a pair of Seymour Duncan JB (bridge) and '59 (neck) pickups. These are some of the most popular and versatile pickups on the market, known for their balanced tone and high output. The JB in the bridge position delivers a powerful, articulate sound that's perfect for rhythm playing and searing leads, while the '59 in the neck position offers a warm, smooth tone that's ideal for bluesy solos and clean arpeggios. With these pickups, you can easily dial in a wide range of tones to suit any musical situation.

Craftsmanship and Build Quality

The ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the guitar, from the perfectly smooth finish to the precisely cut frets. The guitar feels solid and well-built, and the components are all top-notch. The Gotoh tuners are smooth and precise, ensuring stable tuning even during aggressive playing. The Gotoh bridge and tailpiece also contribute to the guitar's excellent sustain and resonance.

Diving Deeper: Sound and Playability

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what it's like to actually play the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black. As we mentioned earlier, the combination of mahogany and maple tonewoods gives this guitar a balanced and versatile sound. But how does that translate into real-world playing situations?

Tonal Versatility

Whether you're playing chunky rhythm parts or soaring lead lines, the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black delivers the goods. The Seymour Duncan pickups offer a wide range of tones that can be tailored to suit your specific needs. The JB in the bridge position is perfect for hard rock and metal, providing plenty of bite and aggression. It's also great for cutting through the mix in a live band setting. The '59 in the neck position is smoother and more mellow, making it ideal for blues, jazz, and clean tones. You can also blend the two pickups together for a balanced and articulate sound that's perfect for a variety of musical styles.

Playability and Comfort

The thin U-shaped neck profile is designed for speed and comfort, allowing you to play for hours without fatigue. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and responsive, making it easy to move around the neck. The 22 extra-jumbo frets provide plenty of room for bending notes, and the low action makes the guitar feel effortless to play. Whether you have small hands or large hands, you'll find the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black to be a comfortable and enjoyable instrument to play.

Sustain and Resonance

One of the hallmarks of a great guitar is its sustain and resonance, and the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black excels in this area. The solid mahogany body and maple top provide a solid foundation for the guitar's tone, and the bone nut and Gotoh hardware ensure optimal string vibration. When you play a note on this guitar, it rings out clearly and powerfully, with plenty of sustain. This is especially important for lead playing, where you want your notes to hang in the air and sustain for as long as possible.

Comparing the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black to Other Guitars

So, how does the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black stack up against other guitars in its price range? Let's take a look at some of the competition.

ESP E-II Eclipse vs. Gibson Les Paul

The most obvious comparison is to the Gibson Les Paul, as the Eclipse shares a similar body shape and design. However, there are some key differences between the two guitars. The ESP E-II Eclipse has a thinner neck profile, which many players find more comfortable and easier to play. It also has a more modern feel, with a smoother finish and more aggressive pickups. The Gibson Les Paul, on the other hand, has a more traditional feel and a thicker neck profile. It also has a warmer, more vintage-sounding tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two guitars comes down to personal preference.

ESP E-II Eclipse vs. PRS Custom 24

Another popular option in this price range is the PRS Custom 24. The PRS Custom 24 is known for its versatile sound and exceptional playability. It has a thinner body and a longer scale length than the ESP E-II Eclipse, which gives it a brighter, more articulate tone. The PRS Custom 24 also has a more complex switching system, with a 5-way blade switch that allows for a wide range of pickup combinations. The ESP E-II Eclipse, on the other hand, has a simpler control layout and a more focused sound.

Who Is This Guitar For?

The ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black is a versatile instrument that's suitable for a wide range of players. However, it's particularly well-suited for:

  • Rock and metal guitarists: The high-output pickups and aggressive tone make it ideal for hard rock and metal.
  • Blues players: The warm, smooth neck pickup is perfect for bluesy solos and clean tones.
  • Players who value playability: The thin neck profile and smooth fingerboard make it a joy to play.
  • Musicians who appreciate quality craftsmanship: The ESP E-II Eclipse is made in Japan to the highest standards.

Final Thoughts: Is the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black Worth It?

In conclusion, the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black is a fantastic guitar that offers a lot of value for the money. It's well-built, sounds great, and is a pleasure to play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a serious amateur, this guitar is sure to impress. If you're looking for a high-performance instrument that can handle a wide range of musical styles, then the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black is definitely worth considering.

So, guys, what are your thoughts on the ESP E-II Eclipse Vintage Black? Have you had a chance to play one? Let us know in the comments below!