The ESP EII Horizon III

[@NeuronicPlague]

I ordered a custom shop guitar from them in 2018. The plan was for it to be my "final" guitar - one that had everything I thought I wanted. Two full months' wages. Now, I want another one. It's just soooo good. Lesson learned though - there is no "one" guitar.

[@soc2902]

Motorcycles are like that too.

[@ToxicxEternity]

It's veneer top I believe! I've played that same model and I also have a E-II M-II model which I'm pretty sure is a veneer. My logic is that the guitars are SUPER light weight and of course the maple tops add a hefty chunk of weight to the body. A lot of people are critical of ESP for putting veneers on the hand-made models but I honestly think it's the best of both worlds cause you get light weight but it's still pretty to look at.

[@donaldwrissler9059]

I would personally prefer some sort of cap vs a veneer, even with a veneer on top of the plain cap for aesthetics; in the EII price range. I have a great LTD M series that I have loved since 2000, but it is a neck thru with a veneer top; Sadly it took a fall off a stage and landed flat on its face a number of years ago. No neck damage, but both body wings partially debonded from the neck and cracked through the veneer. It was repairable and plays fine, but the cracks are visible from the floyd cavity backwards. Since then I have preferred some sort of solid top to help join the wings in a neck through situation; or a solid repairable finish.

[@roborracle]

Completely agree with the branding - hate the "LTD" and the "E-2" designations, just like I hate what PRS does with theirs. At least with Ibanez, it's always an Ibanez. Everyone should understand the difference between Prestige and GIO. To me, it says "We don't think highly enough of this product to put our name on it." Same goes with Epiphone & Gibson.

[@joshuamichael4312]

Nicely said

[@bdamotta]

To my knowledge, the E-II range replaced the former ESP Standard range. It’s nothing more than ESP saying, “If you want “ESP” on your headstock you’re going to pay a premium for it.” They’re certainly not the only company to do this, but it’s pretty disappointing really.

[@roborracle]

@@bdamotta completely agree.

[@roborracle]

@@larsheuker lol

[@Michael_Dolences.]

Agree with everything except the Epiphone part. I think the company that has been around since 1870's deserves to keep its name. And the fact that they're viewed as "second rate Gibson" is a lot of times unfair.

[@billspruce8368]

I had an EII Horizon... one of the best made guitars I ever had my hands on... wonderful fit and finish. I have nothing but high praise for ESP's EII line.

[@aydenharry6646]

instablaster.

[@Vestu]

why did you sell it?

[@stringsattached67]

@@Vestu Same reason I've sold 100s of great guitars ' to buy a different one . Has nothing to do with anything . I have 2 E-II horizons and they are both awesome guitar's but I'd sell either of them for the right price 😁

[@Vestu]

@@stringsattached67 Fair enough. I'm the type of guy to stick with my favorite guitar :P

[@snakewhisperer1]

In the mid 90's, I came across a "real deal" ESP George Lynch signature Skulls and Snakes and the store had a $1200 price tag on it (about half what it listed for). I asked the guy at the store why they were selling it so cheap. He said someone had ordered it, then decided they didn't want it when it arrived. The store was able to keep the deposit, so they were just trying to get what they had in it (keep in mind, at that time, you couldn't give "super Strats" away). I played it, and it was one of the best feeling guitars I've played. But alas, I was at that stage in life where I had small children. Just simply couldn't afford it. It was one of those that "got away".

[@stringedassassin]

Some of my only regrets in life were guitars and albums that I passed on and were long gone when I came back.

[@jessefoster8981]

I feel that in my soul. Right fn NOW, Guitar Center in Baton Rouge has a Carvin Fatboy with a light brown flamed top for cheap as hell, but as you said, young kids, Bills, adulting, etc...played it yesterday and fell in love

[@christianlarsson2038]

"Ranking" when it comes to prestige, build quality and price with ESP: 1. ESP Custom Shop (MIJ) 2. ESP Original Series and Navigator (MIJ) 3. ESP USA (Made in USA) 4. E-II (MIJ) 5. Edwards (Assembled in Japan/MIC) 6. LTD 1000-series and some 600-series (MIK) 7. LTD everything else (Made in Indonesia) 8. Grassroots (MIC)

[@kritsharma2933]

Thanks man

[@NatUre-kd8rb]

Holy gain !!-----!!!©

[@nittyguitar]

This list is correct, although 2 and 3 quality ‘s are roughly the same. Slide edge to 2 indeed but depends on personal preference

[@christianlarsson2038]

@@nittyguitar Yes, true that 2 and 3 are almost interchangeable. The USA stuff are typically a bit cheaper (or less expensive!) than the Original Series. On the other hand the USA guitars have SS frets as standard for example. So yeah, tomato, tomahto. It's a fine line

[@Jka777]

LTD 1000 is made in Indonesia.

[@dazeindystopia]

This is my first expensive guitar. I absolutely love it.

[@WeAllFloatHere]

I blindly bought an EII horizon NTII after never having touched an ESP before. I had only played a couple of LTD's that were on the lower end that were decent, but nothing spectacular. I've been a Schecter guy for years. After getting my EII, within 3 months, I had bought the LTD NW44 and traded my Schecter Tempest for an EC1000 with no regrets. I have absolutely been converted to an ESP/LTD guy. I love my schecters, but these are just "different".

[@Thirteen31Music]

I own an E-ii Eclipse and I agree for the money its a beast and easily competes with the more expensive guitars I own. The build quality is excellent. ESP should just put ESP on the headstock and people would be all over them

[@k5elevencinc0]

Yup, I would lol

[@Rs-xw4bj]

One of my favorite things about your videos is not only watching your collection change and grow but watching your guitar playing constantly grow and progress! It reminds me to always keep practicing and always try to better my own playing!

[@neiltosolini2465]

Most versatile guitar I've ever owned from Metal to Jazz and for $1700 it was a no brainer.

[@rockcop222]

They're amazing guitars. I own the E-II Horizon FR and the E-II Horizon NT-II.

[@suzannecoholic1467]

I have an 80s-era ESP MIJ Horizon that is STILL my main guitar. I recall it cost a pretty penny, but going on 40 years later, it is still awesome and it was worth every cent.

[@dvdpz89]

Finally got my first e-ii eclipse (with Evertune) this past weekend and love it so much I’m debating selling my Gibson’s to get more. It’s THAT good. Just feels like a supercharged modern Les Paul.

[@bradsowden6735]

That E-II Horizon looks fantastic. I love that deep purple-black coloration, and the body shape is a slightly aggressive look to a more traditional body shape. I just love how it looks aggressive without making too outlandish. Its subtle and brilliant.

[@johnk6206]

Played one just like that in a local shop when they first came out, that color is fricking spectacular in person. Amazing guitars. I like the Horizons, but its the Eclipse series for me.

[@TheMirrorify]

I have an e-ii eclipse, it's so amazing I'll definitely consider another e-ii in the future, perhaps one of the horizons.

[@TobyKBTY]

Maybe they’re just a great fit for my hands and style, but E-II and the original ESP Standard series are some of my absolute favorite guitars ever. The one’s I’ve owner are absolutely incredible Personally I kinda hate the E-II name and kinda wish they stuck with ESP standard but I can’t argue with the actual instruments themselves. Quality is some of the best.

[@haveagoodone5830]

It's because E-ll is not the former ESP Standard. It's Edwards and LTD Elite.

[@ShredBird]

@@haveagoodone5830 LTD Elite was the first failed rebrand of ESP Standard. ESP opted for E-II to avoid confusion with its contract built guitars but reserve the ESP name for custom shop guitars only. "E-IIs are built at the same ESP factory under the same facilities in the same quality level with previous ESP Standard products," explains Makoto Suzuki from ESP Japan. Taken from a press releases on MusicRadar

[@haveagoodone5830]

@@ShredBird , it's a mistake to think standard was the only line to be made in that facility

[@haveagoodone5830]

@@ShredBird , you have the right to remain wrong and believe in elves. ESP make good product no arguing that, but have always been flaky about their business. I can speak, read and write Japanese, have been communicating with Japanese musicians since 2002, and buying JDM guitars from Japan for over 15 years, owned maybe over two dozen JDM and MIJ/CIJ, half of which belong to ESP brands ( no LTD ever, just because I could always get a MIJ instead). In this country we have lots of JDM guitars that 99% of Americans and most Europeans haven't ever heard of. I currently own - a MIJ Jackson Grover Jackson Professional which is a totally different line from MIJ Jackson Professional everyone has heard of. This was but a JDM only artist signature series; - a Jackson Grover Jackson Soloist Custom (which is not a custom-made guitar); - a lawsuit ESP Standard Eclipse Snow White I; - an oddball ESP Original M-III with a Cyber Joint and pickups screwed to the neck that ESP themselves replied was legit MIJ but they didn't know anything about; - a Schecter Japan spot model built at (judging by its proper papers): 171-0033 東京都豊島区高田2-10-11. Copypaste and google this and see for yourself if this isn't the ESP Takada address. Bet you've read official info that ESP doesn't build them; The last guitar that I sold a while ago was a MIJ (not CIJ) Edwards. I do my little research. But you are free to choose your sources.

[@ShredBird]

@@haveagoodone5830 Haha relax, I believe you! I don't think ESP's messaging has been very good in the phasing out of ESP Standard and LTD Elite, they've just confused everyone more. In some ways, I like that they operate mysteriously, in other ways, I just wanna know what I'm getting. I hope to travel to Japan one day and bring back an ESP on the way back.

[@GeoffNelson]

Got an E-II Eclipse this month. Absolutely amazing instrument. Very possibly the best I’ve ever played.

[@billvan1598]

Thank you for reviewing some ESP products ..I find them to be the best guitars bar none. I’ve been a guitarist for 53 years and I’ve played all types of music mostly jazz and I find that ESP and the LTD line is of the highest quality In their perspective price point

[@monstercadaver]

Okay man, got to set you straight on this. Repeat after me: ESP customshop is still in Tokyo Japan. Always will be. ESP originals, E-II (formerly standard series) , and Navigators are also mij. Edwards i am a little unsure of. Some report that bodies and necks are premade in china, and they're have final assembly in japan. ESP USA, isn't exactly a custom shop, as you can't go beyond certain pre set boundaries.

[@MrEric622]

LTD owner here- That thing is GORGEOUS.

[@SwirkH]

My LTD MH-1000FR Deluxe actually came in the exact same case as E-II in this video. I'm not able to spend that much on E-II yet but I love my LTD.

[@diobrando5896]

I love my ltd it's a esp ltd-1000 koa top with evertune bridge

[@MrEric622]

@@diobrando5896 lucky bastard.

[@diobrando5896]

@@MrEric622 I bought it for myself for my birthday

[@MrEric622]

@@diobrando5896 Happy birthday- keep shredding!

[@aldahirlopez3757]

the E-ll eclipse is probably the guitar of my dreams, excellent video phill

[@dvdpz89]

Just got one. Simply amazing.

[@Willl_b_]

@@dvdpz89 same here. love it.

[@davidflint12]

AMS is a great company. I have purchased many items and have, every time, a great experience.

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

I remember I saw an ESP guitar back around 1990.ome of the nicest guitars I ever picked up. A real george lynch signature model. Unreal! Was something like $1200 used. Probably about $2500-2750, today. I always regretted being poor when I was a teenager 😂

[@thearabianmage]

I remember seeing those back in the day as well. Local mom and pop guitar shop had a kamikaze and tiger stripe in stock. Seriously cool guitars.

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

@@thearabianmage the feel was absolutely perfect. Effortless playability

[@johnwest6083]

This is weirdly similar to the comment @Ron Foster made, just above yours

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

@@johnwest6083 considering I didn't read his...yeah, it's weird, but not as weird as yours

[@Excellerator420]

As a Schecter fan its natural youd like ESP. People try arguing they are different brands but they are made in the same factories and have the same owner. There are some slight differences here and there but for the most part if you sit them next to each other they are clones. Take the ESP LTD H-1001FR its a hellraiser down to the binding. But is thankfully available in colors not offered on the hellraiser.

[@naimf891]

I have a 1992 ESP Mirage Custom, and an ESP KHDC Sig Series. I got the most amazing performance out of a guitar than I could ask for. The only thing is, whether its a good or bad thing, the ESPs are synonym to Metal and I dont play those alot. When I take out my guitar and play some JM, SRV or Gary Moore, people go give me some weird look. If anyone would try the ESPs before making their purchase, play with the volume and tone knobs, with the right amp, the sound and tone you get out of this thing makes you fly... If only more people knew...

[@kenkaniff2071]

Never cared for this guitar until I tried it in a store. It feels really slick and smooth. Looks much better in person. Feels like a much more expensive guitar that it is.

[@skeetschuler1859]

Beautiful axe and sound. AMS is a great company. I left Sweetwater after 10 years for them. Nice playing Philip.

[@watcherzero000]

ESP is my most favorite brand and Solar now is a close second. The E-II line are some of the best guitars made love seeing more and more artist playing E-II's

[@edisoncapiz9380]

Immediately fell in love with the bridge clean sound!

[@shawnscott4724]

I've got the LTD version of this guitar and it's also of incredible quality. ESP has really stepped up their game when it comes to offering quality instruments over a wide range of price points.

[@bryanmchugh1307]

I have a trans black E II Horizon. It is LOADED with awesome features. The locking Gotoh tuners are icing on an incredible cake. The ebony fingerboard is so highly polished I can see my reflection in it. It has the best non custom shop fretwork I have ever seen.

[@jeffmartinaz]

I am fortunate enough to have an ESP USA M-1 custom, and an E-II Horizon. They play identically. Sound the same, and feel the same. only difference is the log on the headstock and the fact that I got to have them build my Lynch-burst top on it and wait for 9 months. Go for the E-II All day long. Killer value.

[@fk1028]

Looked at your video several times and then write to ESP inquiring about ESP and E2 series differences and finally ordered one. No stock, have to wait. Thanks Phil.

[@darrellm3410]

That Bridge pickup on clean and with dirt is amazing

[@kenimiller3896]

That's a beauty. Love the clean sound on the neck pick-up.

[@Valkanry]

really glad you got to check out an E-II! Good to have someone with a keen eye and knowledge of various levels of gear to give us the skinny on it.

[@littvay]

Phil. This was great. Definitely need more. And AMS I am always happy to do business with. I am happy to see they get you.

[@GenePlotkin]

I had this guitar and I agree with Phill, there wasn’t a single thing wrong that I could find. Fretwork was perfect. Anyone thinking about it should get it. Very underrated brand.

[@Terrysoddy]

Man that thing sounds amazing. Awesome video Phillip, thanks for bringing it to us

[@phreak1118]

I have an esp horizon fr-ii an esp kh-2 and an E-II Eclipse. I love them all.

[@tonepilot]

That’s a stunning looking guitar. I have the LTD EC-1000 and it’s also flawless. These guys make some great gear.

[@michaelwade9455]

Would have loved that guitar body 30 years ago, great styling and dig the color. Not my thing now but I would still want to pick up, plug in and play.

[@tosh-jakefinnigan1356]

I'm a massive ESP fan, and a few years ago I was given the opportunity to work for the Australian distributor. I get that some people are miffed by the E-II logo, but the logic behind renaming the ESP Standard Series the E-II was to reserve the ESP brand for only the highest-tier guitars produced by the company, which come out of the ESP Custom Shop in Japan (ESP Custom, ESP Original Series), and the ESP USA shop in California (ESP USA - essentially a "semi-custom" operation), which are all on another level to the old ESP Standard Series/current E-II line (which are still amazing guitars in their own right), and offers some simple product differentiation. Whilst I no longer work for the company, and nor do I stock the brand in the store I've just opened (small town, not the right market), my ESP Custom Shop Stephen Carpenter 6-String will be the guitar I hold on to until my dying breath.

[@seanmackay6739]

ESP still makes top of the line stuff in Japan, they just also make some high end stuff in the USA too now. And then E-II it just their slight step down from their highest tier of Japanese guitar.

[@sidmajumder5207]

Could you tell me what are the absolute highest end they make The originals idk?

[@seanmackay6739]

@@sidmajumder5207 their highest end is probably a Custom Shop models. But anything new production that says ESP on the headstock will be pretty high end whether made in USA or a Japan, and that includes their Original Series. E-II is similar to their former Standard Series.

[@JohnDoeWasntTaken]

@@sidmajumder5207 (referring to ESP Japan models) If it says "ESP" on the headstock then it is the absolute highest end, and I mean highest end. Their artist signature models are completely made by hand start to finish and if you order directly from them you need to wait around a year for them to actually build the guitar but you can still find them in Japanese music stores. They've done a good job at creating an air of "exclusivity" with their guitars, only putting their name on the absolute top of the line instruments, there's no question that when you see an ESP that actually says "ESP" on the headstock it is going to be a practically flawless instrument.

[@kudomaharizu]

Just to add to Christian Larsson’s comment from one week ago, the reason for the existence of the E-II (replacing the older ESP Standard range) is to maintain the ethos of ESP as a custom shop level brand, hence the retention of the ESP label to their hand made Custom Shop orders and Original Series range (source: the ESP Japan bigwigs themselves, Makoto Suzuki and Mune Nagahama). The best analogy I can think of is that Original Series is it is likely akin to a Gibson Custom Shop range - they make a few at a time (my ESP OS Horizon NT-III bought at Big Boss was the only one available in Tokyo at that time, talk about serendipity lol). Another thing to add from the aforementioned chat the Malaysian ESP Club had with Suzuki-san and Nagahama-san is that the E-II gets the same level of treatment and build quality as the OS, the only difference being the OS’ higher range range specs.

[@larskronke]

Do you work at ESP in Tokyo?

[@kudomaharizu]

Lars Krönke No. I am the co-admin for the Malaysian ESP Club on Facebook. The above info was provided based on the visit by the ESP people to the Malaysian distributor for ESP/EII/LTD/Edwards a few years ago.

[@jazzcat1056]

I had a horizon ii and sold it. The volume knob seems too close to where my hand would hit it in play and adjust the level. I do have the EII ST1 which is like a strat with a Floyd. Love it.

[@SigmaMale9901]

Thank you Sir. Been shopping for a new guitar. I Went Strait To American Music Supply Ordered my ESP before I finished your video. I came back and watched the rest😉

[@ThomasOnGuitar]

I have a ESP Horizon made in Japan. And i keep telling people to pick these up cause they are incredible instruments!!

[@RickLovesBacon]

I have several LTD's and one ESP from before they went to the EII I wish they would have kept the ESP but I still love them

[@IRISHguitarist777]

I have had several ESP Standard Series Guitars over the years,i'm on 5 ESPs +9 LTDs+1 E-II ( the Urban Camo is my favourite still) and last month l ordered my very first E-II,An Urban Camo Viper and to be honest l was a bit nervous ( it was $2600) was it going to be as good as my ESP Standards? As an ESP owner since 2007,l know every inch and quality of an ESP Standard series,they are simply unreal. It arrived,it said E-II but My God,what a Guitar! Sure,like Phillip says,there is that very brief momentary "Awww where's the ESP Logo!?" ( it's actually on the back of headstock like they do with LTDs but The Quality is out of this World! A stunning Guitar,incredible build and l grabbed my ESP SS Camo also and used both for hours,comparing them and l can definitively say that the Quality is EXACTLY the same,Professional Guitars of a Standard you will not find in that upper medium price range. That Reindeer Blue Horizon is stunning too! Try an E-II ,You will simply never go back.

[@karlfranz7434]

I have two les Paul’s, each about 6k, one Stratocaster around 5k . Never thought I’d play any other guitar brands for my entire life . Then one day I saw E-2 horizon 2 at my local guitar shop. I played it for 15 minutes and I was shocked how amazing everything about this guitar is. Believe it or not, it plays better than both Gibson and Fender Guitars I own. I can’t believe it! You have to go to your local guitar store and try one E-II, you’ll be blown away

[@SpaceEmperorGenos]

That's what happens when you pay for the Fender and Gibson logos instead of a superior instrument. Fender and Gibson are more like collectible brands these days, they're just not having a good time competing with the modern guitar manufacturers.

[@Tone-Quest]

You had me at purple. Awesome looking and sounding guitar!!! Thanks Phil and AMS.

[@mickwells9431]

Wow! I like the sound of her. That split bridge has some spank to it. Sweet guitar but outta my comfort zone price wise. Another excellent video Phil. Thanks!

[@KP-vr6ft]

Have always loved that look with the rectangle inlays at the top. preferably without the one at the 12th

[@MidnightMark12]

I have an M1 and it plays and feels just like my Hanneman Custom. They are flawless and the feeling is incredible, like they grew it on a tree or something like that.

[@pleaseleavemealone5234]

Got an E-ii ST-I the same month they launched the E-ii series. Agree with KZbin man, frets were flawless and parts are top notch. Solid guitar that feels very expensive 👌🏻

[@christianlarsson2038]

The E-II (like the old ESP Standard Series) have a plain solid maple top with a figured veneer on TOP of that. Any current guitar that says ESP on the headstock will be strictly no veneer, but solid figured wood all the way through. So that's a BIT of a compromise.

[@mrgiggles7840]

These are absolutely killer guitar - I played one just like this and it was amazing

[@Photojouralist123]

I own 11 guitars from Fender Custom shop , Suhr to Gibson LP and my ESP Eclipse I bought in 2012 is flawless! Its perfect I've never seen craftsmanship so perfect. Japanese just strive for perfection just like my Grand Seiko and the Lexus I just bought.

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

I have a LTD MH1000NT in purple, it’s almost flawless. The only problem I’ve had is a grounding issue but besides that I’ve had no other issues with it. The fit and finish were top notch. I prefer the color, shape and no model name on the 12th compared to this E2. I’m sure it probably feels better in the hand but I’d save the money and go with a 1000 range LTD.

[@vladaloshyn5433]

I own E-II FRX, EMG 89s are so cool pickups. This guitar can do it all. Clean, muddy jazz, bluesy sounds and metal from hell as well. Build quality is top notch.

[@error262]

if there's maple flame in those arches/cuts for "high fret access" next to the "horns" it's a maple cap, if it's just plain paint it's a veneer. It's almost impossible to bend veneer at those angles, my Ibanez RGA has veneer and it's obvious in those cuts since it's missing in there.

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

my favourite guitar. looks, feels and sounds awesome. thanks phil, have a fine weekend.

[@Tim.Meloche]

ESP E-II’s use maple caps and then a “prettier” Veneer on top of that.

[@blacktoothfox677]

(veneer)

[@Tim.Meloche]

Blacktooth Fox Aahh. I dang auto correct. Thanks mate.

[@blacktoothfox677]

@@Tim.Meloche You can always rely on an over-educated under-employed Englishman to be a pedantic sonovvabitch! Stay healthy brother

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

I agree. totally versatile. my favourite guitar. I like the construction, looks and sound (SD). if you don´t need a fr, and "ESP" on the headstock, it´s nearly perfect. and I am impressed by esp japan factory and their guitarbuilding academy.

[@robbaker7763]

Great review. Never would have even though of a EII as my next purchase but now you have me thinking. Looks and sounds fantastic. Thanks for all you do for the guitar community!

[@lukegsr95]

Ive tuned that guitar all the way down to drop a it is absolutely amazing i like it best in drop b with xl light baritone strings .

[@rik-keymusic160]

This one will be mine someday! What a beautiful guitar!!

[@CivilianStorage]

The LTD branding doesn't bother me, but for some reason I just can't get behind the whole "E II" re-branding.

[@camh4656]

Alot of the ESP community can't, its a major turn off for some, especially after the LTD elite merging with E-II, alot of people are still wary these are just LTD ELITES with a bigger price tag.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

@@camh4656 To be honest some of them are. The LTD Elite line included the horizon III, the Eclipse and the M-II, all of which were just rebranded to E-II. That's no bad thing though because the LTD Elite were built in Tokyo at the same factory as the old standard series. I own 3 old standards, 2 E-IIs and an LTD Elite and to my eye there is zero difference between them besides the name on the headstock. As for the price hike I believe the LTD Elite line were sold at a loss to promote the new brand. That and inflation is a real bitch! Lol

[@juzzie]

Just bought a Korean LTD.. can’t wait to get it! More reviews of LTD now!!

[@brettshawver2983]

ESP are really nice. I currently have an LTD MH1000FR & all the Deluxe 1000's are really nice for the price point. That one you have reminds me of the Hamer Phantom Glenn Tipton played in Priest. My first ESP was an Eclipse that pissed Gibson off. It was laid out with a full slab non-weight relief with 2 vol & 2 tone with ebony board & I still kick myself for selling it. It played better than most & this was way back before all the makers split into tier building. Really nice guitars worth a try if you've never played one for sure! Great video Phil!

[@lonspangrud5992]

Was able to acquire my dream guitar. ESP Kamikaze-1 (Japan) I’ve been playing/building/modding off & on since 1986. And ESP have been the ONLY guitar I don’t need to do anything to make it better. IMO

[@TheChicagoTodd]

I have an ESP USA and an EII Horizon and love them both! Fabulous guitars!

[@toddfearing1485]

I have an LTD with the same specks other than I have a floyd on mine it is awesome. The fret work was amazing

[@howUdoin66]

yes, please do more vids like this!! love these product reviews!!

[@SCALEBEASTS]

The more colorful LTD guitars are so freaking gorgeous

[@TTSWINC]

I have a 1997 (first year) Made in Japan ESP Viper. Best guitar I’ve ever owned. They do still make ESP standard guitars with the ESP logo in Japan, but you have to import them on your own. Or find a broker. E-II is basically ESP Standard made for export. ESP USA makes great guitars but the Japanese made customs and standard are still the best.

[@7DavesToDie]

TTSW I have the same viper in red and a black eclipse. Awesome guitars

[@haveagoodone5830]

E-ll is not the ESP Standard, it's a rebadged Edwards that was only sold in Japan. Closest to LTD Elite, manufactured in Japan

[@TTSWINC]

@@haveagoodone5830 It's not an Edwards. E-II specifically replaced the LTD Elite which was for a (very) short time, replacing the ESP Standard Series for the EXPORT market. ESP standard is still available in Japan and can be purchased there. Or imported out of Japan if you purchase from a Japanese store or, seller, or get a broker to do it. Not interested in debating it. You can go to the official ESP forums where actual ESP employees state this to be the case as well.

[@lecorsaire2283]

Both standard production and custom shop Japanese ESPs are some of the best guitars on the market at any price. Everything about them is nearly impeccable. It’s a shame that they no longer brand their standard production stuff as ESP, but this is because Japanese dealers were fed up with people importing export market only ESP standards to Japan which was hurting their business. In Japan only original series/custom shop ESPs have ESP branding. But you can find tons of pre-E-II standards out there for about the same as a new E-II or a small premium as long as we’re not talking about rare finishes. You’re right that the tops are veneers. Whenever you see consistently figured tops on guitars below $3000 they’re almost always veneers. However, ESP Original, USA and Custom Shop of course only use real flamed and quilted maple just as you would expect on Core and Private Stock PRS and similar guitars.

[@axesandelbows414]

Loved the review and thanks for the information about American Music Supply. Some of their exclusive run gear, like the SG Modern in Figured Trans Red Fade looks sick! I'd like to see some of these on the channel.

[@slimcastillo8786]

I bought an ESP Tele guitar by accident, during the time when jackson and ibanez guitars dominated the market. Now its worth a fortune, above all the playability is killer!

[@ianmichaels6475]

I just ordered the ESP Eclipse E-II 7 Evertune and I’m so excited for it to arrive.

[@biscuitranchproductions4946]

Sounds fantastic! Thanks AMS!

[@shadoecrossland5457]

I've got an eII eclipse. The one that won't stay in tune. I would love to send it in for sharpen my ax. :)

[@teerexness]

I own an ESP Eclipse and love it. This guitar is achingly beautiful and I want it!

[@DextersVloguhtory]

Ahh yes the HORIZON III. Love the HORIZON series. Period. I have their Grassroots Horizon II, with slanted single coil size humbucker on the neck, myself.

[@javiercruzgarcia-huidobro4615]

For me, this is how a guitar should aways be. I'm a LTD guy and personally, ESP / LTD is by far the most consistent and best value for money brand nowadays. This sounds incredible, looks gorgeous and every single one I've ever played feels amazing regardless of the price.

[@andrewbarker9773]

it looks beautiful , sounds great, what more could you ask for, I would love to own one, thanks for the review because I would have probably skipped over it if shopping for something high end but this is truly a high end ESP even if the headstock doesn't suggest so, has all the hardware and pups that I love, gonna have to go looking to see what they have with a trem system now

[@phreak1118]

I would say most horizons come with a Floyd rose.

[@277southtombob]

ESP and Schecter both make some really great guitars at very good prices for the quality. I was slow realizing this really since I usually like lower output, more vintage style pickups but it’s a easy thing to put a set of PAFs in one

[@zaldum386]

If i spend 2000 euros on a Fender i do not want F-II on the headstock, if i Spend 2000 euros on a Gibon i don´t want G-II on the headstock. It´s so obvious as a marketing strategy that it is just ridiculous.

[@DeadGlassEyes]

I have a 2007 ESP (not E-II) made in Japan Horizon FR II, and it's just outstanding. Even today, it looks brand new. My only gripe with it is that the neck is glossy. If it was satin it would be perfect.

[@Saber-2]

I bought an EII Horizon last year. Best guitar I own. I want to put this neck on everything!

[@b.s.7946]

The people who hate the branding and bash the name are the ones that buy Supreme shoes and Gucci bags. I grew up dreaming of having an ESP;.I've played a few and completely understand the heritage. I've got two E-II's... impeccable guitars, impeccable fretwork. I'm not interested in social status, just eat up my thrash metal. "I've played $4000 guitars that play like this." Let that sink in... playability. Edit: Phil, all of the shops should be asking you what you want to do.

[@PNWGuitar]

I just purchased this exact guitar, I love it. Only thing I may change is the pickups, not because they're not great but because I own a prs ce and that guitar is bright enough to cover all the bases I need it to. This guitar is my down tuned metal option, and I think something a little more warm would be better.

[@Jopeymessmusic]

This comment has nothing to do with the guitar. I just want to thank you for introducing me to stewmac tools. I've ordered a few things off his shop lately and they are fantastic. I'm currently customising an old Ibanez and they're great for those awkward guitar screws.

[@MaestroJericho]

Just got a 2021 E-II Horizon FR mint for $1299 at GC. It is amazing, I really wanna grab a hold of the full thickness Eclipse now, I originally went to trade stuff in for a Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V but saw the ESP which was just built better and would be a crime to skip over.

[@michaelnedoshytko6920]

These started out as LTD Elite. I talked my friend to get the eclipse 24 fret with EMG 57 66, over the LTD Hetfield signature. What a huge difference in quality, and not much in price.

[@JeffHesterDesigns]

I have 2 of ESPs NT7s. One is the ESP standard version, and I also have a 1 off custom shop version. The $1,700 one plays as nice as the $2,700 guitar. ESP rules and the frets are so nice. I am an ESP fan converted from Ibanez RGs.

[@jojohenderson8626]

I picked up an E11 (eclipse)from a semi famous local guitar guru, who changed hardware to chrome everything graphtec put Fishman fluence pickups. Better than my gibson. Better than my PRS, both costing double, fretwork beats everything I've played. Don't hesitate buy this guitar