E-II: SN 3

I'm not a fan of ESP's Snapper headstock but the reverse version here looks acceptable (to me). This is a pretty neat SN 3 (Available at Davis GMC: $2,900) with simple details that will spur you to play. I like everything about this guitar (HSS / fixed bridge / 22 frets) but I have stopped acquiring sunburst finishes (black is the other NO for me). Also, it's been a very long while since I acquire new guitars off the shelf. It's simply not feasible considering the intermittent employment status I am in. It would take me about half a year's time to recover & would interfere with my post-chemo expenses. Some difficulties in life would cascade into the various aspects of our well-being & prolonged till God knows when.

Pic: ESP

E-II SS

The ESP camp had decided to put stainless steel frets on all its E-II models like 4 months ago. That's how long I've been missing on the ESP stuff. I make no apologies in believing that ESP guitars are among the less affordable instruments out there especially for individuals like me with weakened purchasing power. The reason I make less effort these days to keep with the ESP stuff.

Pic: ESP

Snappers

These E-II Snappers are available at Davis GMC (List: $2,050). They are essentially Strats in another guise. If you are a Fender purist, then you might miss out on a decent Japanese craftsmanship with tone that holds its own. 

There's also the rosewood 'board version if maple (& gold hardware) is not your thing. 

Pics: ESP Japan

ESP 2023: E-II

I believe ESP had released its full 2023 offering in view of the recently concluded NAMM show. The EC FT ET FL you see here gets my vote for the best looking model but personally, the Evertune bridge there is a deal breaker for me. It kind of broke the visual pleasantries but remains discrete here owing to its colour scheme.

I'm still not a fan of the Snapper headstock but this reversed version is very acceptable indeed. (SN-3)

Would have loved this more if it has a maple 'board but ebony is more than worthy. (M-1 Thru).

This year, the E-II models have largely been contained to kinda regurgitate the ESP counterparts so nothing really new was featured. Many models are now featuring Fluence pickups which is of course keeping up with the times. The Fluence is a hit with many players because it caters to both the high gain & clean-ish camps.

Pics: ESP Japan

E-II @ DGMC

Ending September in the knowledge that enticing new E-II models are available at Davis GMC. Seen here is the M-II NT in black natural fade ($2.8K). 

And this equally enticing Eclipse with that alluring quilt top in reindeer blue finish ($2.5K). 

Goodbye, September...

Pics: ESP
 

Ripped

This is a post-humous release by ESP - Laiho's Ripped model. I have no idea what went on behind the inspiration of naming this one. Personally, the RIP there is rather distasteful for someone who went away after creating a significant impact in guitardom. It's like advocating for death & the celebrations thereafter.

Whatever the case, this model features an extra neck pickup which Laiho did not advocate while he was still alive. None of his signature models ever featured one till now. However, according to the manufacturer's webpage, this was one of the final designs before Laiho passed away.

Whatever the case might be, it's good that Laiho is still remembered today. If you are adding details to the instrument beyond the endorser's documented preference just because you can & nobody can stop you, respect what was established before a possible backlash. By the way, keeping the fretboard ebony for all three versions is a tasteful take.

Pics: ESP

ESP 2021 (4)

OK... so this is new for 2021 as well but only offered in the Japanese market - E-II M-II HST P. Exciting release because those are humbucker-sized P90s (Bare Knuckle HSP90 Supermassive Tyger) & the guitar features a Hipshot non-locking vibrato bridge. Dang! 

Pic: ESP Japan

ESP 2021 (3)

Rounding the 2021 ESP affairs, these three E-II models are worth mentioning. The Fluence-Evertune details are now offered in a 7-string, baritone (27" scale length) as seen in this M-II 7B.

Flying the bolt-on flag is this Snapper, all spec'd up for a contemporary feel; Floyd Rose Original bridge, Bare Knuckle Aftermath & an ebony fretboard. The thing with this S-type take is that, it's competing with Fender & Charvel in a similar performance domain but losing out on price appeal compounded by the fact that there's no ESP label at the headstock to propel buyer confidence. Yes, you can announce to the world that the E-IIs are indeed your former ESP Standard models in another incarnation but potential buyers do not wish for two brand names in a single instrument. It invites doubt more than assurance. 

My final mention goes to this M-I. It's easily a likeable guitar in my books for that single pickup feature. It's also whammy-free, has an ebony fretboard & a through-body neck construction. If this gets here, it's very difficult to look away but at the rate things are going for me, it's  just a wish list guitar.
 

Pics: ESP

ESP 2021 (2)

Good to see the aggressive outlines perpetuated this 2021. The EX here is easily one of the pointiest but surprisingly very playable. EMG 60/81 pairing in this one.

The Forest model also made the cut for 2021. It's basically a normal guitar given the prickly outline. EMG 60/81 in this one as well but with a coil split option. Seen above: E-II FRX. Besides BC Rich, ESP is certainly the other brand name to embrace pointy designs. There's a niche appeal for such guitars often overshadowing the fact that they play well & sound good.

Pics: ESP USA

Re-string: E-II HRF

OK, so this was last weekend's engagement. There was this strong urge to hear some menacing active pickups in action & I don't have too many around as I prefer passive pickups. The E-II HRF here is equipped with a pair of Seymour Duncan Blackout humbuckers & they just sound brutal in an appealing way. 

Here they are up close. I actually bought this guitar because the active pickups are not EMGs. I've nothing against the EMG, the 57/66 are my firm favourites from this brand name. 

A set of Acoustic Science strings which I still have lying around here. That name there is a little misleading; it's supposed to be a brand name, not the type of strings contained in the pack. 

Just to share - the ESPs were equipped with Cleartone strings at the factory & this is proof. I liked them since I bought my first ESP & I still like them now. These days, the Cleartone name faces stiff competition from Elixir & D'Addario in terms of string life technology & a little under-rated in terms of exposure. 

To end this entry, I just wanna say that this was my final ESP purchase, I stopped buying out of sheer disappointment. It had absolutely nothing to do with the quality on offer; these are still handled by the people who did their bit for the ESP Standard range & remain to be the pride of Japanese production. I'm just super let down by the fact that market segregation necessitated a label change & they chose to drop ESP from the headstock while still flagging this as an ESP product. I have more respect for the Edwards range as they are getting by in a stand-alone environment but still remain ESP to the core. If you have saved enough money to acquire an ESP, would you tell people, darn I'm finally gonna buy an E-II! Or would you rather go with, darn, I'm finally gonna buy an ESP! I have a spot spot for ESP as we have something personal in common but that had come to pass. We move on. 

OK folks, it's the holiday eve - party responsibly, promise?

Black Friday @ DGMC: Recommendations

If you are looking for a good grab this year end & wish to take advantage of some bargains, do consider the PRS S2 Singlecut (Sale: $1,690). 

Even the semi-hollow version is worth considering (Sale: $1.950). Two reasons 1) The S2 models are no-frills players, well made & absolutely worthy of the asking price 2) The Singlecuts will be discontinued in 2020, this is your final chance to consider a good one out of the Gibson offerings. Yes, Gibson is still the go-to name but there are worthy contenders out there surpassing what Gibson has to offer in many aspects. The final batch of Singlecuts are equipped with adjustable wrap over bridge so you need not worry about intonation issues. 

Moving away from tradition but still in singlecut territory, the E-II Eclipse is another worthy consideration (Sale: $1,700). Please be reminded that the pickups here are active models so being excessively vintage in terms of tone is not quite it. In my opinion, the Eclipse is the most popular non-Gibson take on the design, it's selling well everywhere, State-side included. Even the aggressive music proponents do not shy away from the more reserved Eclipse outlines; Gary Holt (Slayer), Ted Aguilar (Death Angel) & Teloch (Mayhen), among others. Now you know why PRS is not too keen in keeping up with the numbers & they have other more defining models to fall back on to.

Moving on to the acoustic side of the sale, this Takamine P3NY is one heck of a player (Sale: $1,450). Not many of us look East when it comes to acoustics but Takamine had been the quiet success story this side of Martin & Taylor. The P3NY is a parlor-sized instrument; the scale length remains as standard while the body width had been trimmed to accomodate two things: 1) Less overbearing body size for playing comfort, especially so for the smaller built players among us 2) Less boomy tone much appreciated by the finger pickers & those excelling in arpeggios & single notes as compared to chords. 

Where I'm coming from

I've personally played & tested the models mentioned above  (OK, I bought some...). They will never be an ultimate, end-all reference when it comes to choice. More importantly, you should be doing some reading up & testing prior to purchase. Use personal recommendations (like mine) as a final reference before buying. On my part, I'd be up front with what these instruments have in store for you in terms of objectivity & appeal. As far as price-to-satifaction ratio is concerned, this is the best time to buy as prices are slashed but not for long, of course.

EII 2019

Alright, it's the second instalment of what's new from the ESP camp (2019). The V-type Arrow model is gaining momentum in terms of popularity & they've included a through-body string model this time. I'm of the opinion that the inlays there could be more appealing. 

The buzz for 2019- ESP is propagating the fade finish. I've picked this one as a pleasant example. Also, the Eclipse is sporting a burl top for selected models as seen here as well.

The manufacturer claims there's an increasing demand for Bare Knuckle pickups for their instruments (wonder where that came from) so for 2019, even (selected) 7-string models would be BK-ed to appease the fans out there.

I have a soft spot for ESPs. I think they are one of those manufacturers who included a tasty twist of flair into their designs without looking desperate. Since they re-packaged their Standard models into E-II, I've stopped buying simply because it signals a compromise in label pride. I firmly believe that nobody looks forward to buy an E-II. They want an ESP. If ESP has an E-II in its range, then it should be reduced to a secondary label. They way I see it, it's not difficult to swap the E-II at the headstock for that ESP at the 12th fret inlay. But what do I know about marketing strategy, yes? Especially if you have a USA range to push through. 

ESP E-II- some newbies

It's approaching mid-year & ESP has released some new E-II models (heading to Summer NAMM, supposedly)- here are some interesting models. The gradation finished Horizon- about time.

Horizon 7-string in sparkle finish & Fishman Fluence pickups.

Maple fretboard version with Bare Knuckle pickups. All these very enticing models, keep in mind that prices are on the up side. 

Knuckled E-II

New for 2018, ESP's E-II offers selected models with Bare Knuckle pickups. Seen above is the M-II NT with a pair of Aftermath humbuckers.

The NT 7 has Warpigs in there. Also new for 2018, selected models are offered with Hipshot fixed bridges.

Ever hip

News from the ESP camp- the Hipshot bridge option is now available for the E-II Horizon 7.

There's the Evertune version as well.

Which is offered for the Eclipse 6.

Deep discount

In the mean time, the price for this E-II ST-2 is currently at a 40% discount, online. It was good enticement but I've decided to purchase something else. 

I'm keeping watch on prices. I'm not one who buy guitars readily from online sources but I'm gonna go the online way for a more worthy consideration. It doesn't make sense to be compelled by domestic prices when somewhere out there, better bargains could be had. The only risk here is that of playability pertaining to QC. Should you receive a lemon, it' rather cumbersome to return the product & mitigate damages. My take is this; if there is a custom option for online purchases, go for it. Chances are, the people handling your custom order offer a more personal QC than the standard production line. 

E-II: The 57/66 menace

One of the reasons I ignored the ESP/ E-II guitars with active pickups is due to the EMGs- not my kind of aggression. This year some of the models are equipped with EMG's 57/66 humbuckers as seen here (E-II Horizon NT-II). I have personal encounters with these EMGs & I prefer them over the other models. Hmm... *checks wallet*

ESP 2014: Horizon III

The LTD Elite series, as mentioned before, have been discontinued for 2014. Fans of the Horizon III (above) need not despair...

... ESP has included the Horizon III in their E-II range. Ah, yes... :-)

E-II: HRF

This was the last guitar I bought in 2013, rather emotional. Making room in my head to accept the 'E-II' label there but this was, to me, a necessary purchase. I wanted to check out the standard it has to offer but knowing it's from the same dweebs who have their prints all over the ESP label, nothing should be amiss. To some of us, not having ESP there is a loss of sorts, I'd agree to a certain extent but that's the emotions talking. What should get you going is not what's stamped on the headstock but your embrace of the instrument. The E-II is as ESP as it gets, nothing less.

By the way, WEF from 2014, the 'ESP' label will only be seen on the following Japanese models:

• Original series
• Signature models
• Custom Shop models

E-II: EC-I

Before the close of 2013, I managed to have a go at this E-II guitar you see above. It's nothing new, many would agree, a singlecut in the image of a certain Gibson model. This is not an appraisal in likeness but a taster of sorts from the E-II range, ESP's offshoot label, a necessary rearrangement, following the manufacturer's part shift to the USA.

But there's nothing unusual to document, the EC-I is an ESP by any other name. The ESP 12th fret inlay is a reminder of its pedigree lest we are too bothered by that other label at the headstock. The plus points of investing in an ESP or an E-II in this case is its impeccable QC. It's putting money into a standard production model with a very custom-like workmanship. The EC-I is rather lightweight & this would be the talking point for buyers who handle this guitar in the hope that they are cradling a Gibson due to that very familiar outline. Whatever subtle tones you hope for is thwarted by the EMG humbuckers in there. Please hear this guitar/ the EMGs in action through a 12" driver equipped amp to experience the power of distortion. The neck profile isn't a Gibson as well, it's nothing similar I should stress but you get a good playing neck, nothing too thin or too bulky, a very working class feel for all sorts of fretboard tricks (if you have any to manifest, he he...). Every E-II guitar is made in Japan & comes with a standard ESP hardcase.

E-II: EC-1

Availability: Davis GMC

Price: $2,200.00