Eclipse-II Review

Now, custom shop quality comes to the production line, with these new Standard Series model Eclipse-II, a single cutaway, arched top solidbody with premium quilted maple top, set neck construction, and mahogany neck.

Features:	9.3
Sound:	9.7
Action:	10
Reliability:	9.7
Impression:	9.7
Overall rating:	9.7
Users rating:	8.3
Comments:	47

overall: 9.8

Featured review by: SMK626, on april 16, 2007

Features: I got this from my uncle. He got a lot of the new models from the 2007 ESP line and gave me/let me try a few. I've had this for a few months now. It's 2007 and made in Japan. It comes with a mahogany set-neck with a ebony fretboard and 22 XJ frets with a 24.75" scale and a bone nut. the neck itself is slightly thin and is pretty damn fast. It has a Mahogany body with a maple top and is a arch top with the Les Paul body style, yet with a sharp horn on the single cut-away with a absolutely stunning white finish. It features a 2 part Gotoh Tune-o-matic bridge and tail, EMG active 81(B)/60(N) pickups with toggle, volume, volume, and tone control, and Gotoh Magnum locking tuners. It included a very nice ESP case and the simple tools along with a owner's guide. Everything on it, for my personal taste, was perfect. 24 frets would have been nicer yet horrid on a set neck as this one is. // 10

Sound: I play metal mainly, yet also classical, blues, and rock, and this baby is just amazing when it comes to suiting it. I played this on my Peavey Triple XXX and the tone I got was amazing! It wasn't noisy at all! It produced one of the most amazing metal tones any guitar has given me. I prefer a warmer sound after brighter, so I found it kind of awkward that it had a maple top. Yet the mix of woods was very pleasing and gave out a beautiful warm tone with lots of sustain. The EMG-81 worked great for the fast and heavy lead and rhythm riffs while the EMG-60 worked soothingly and warm and a bit bulky for the slower melodies and melodic leads. It has lots of variety and I believe will work for most all players except die-hard Strat and tele fans. Only problem is sometimes you might miss the 2 tone knobs the Les Paul feature if you do tend to mess with the tone a lot. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar was set up perfect, and I do seriously mean perfect from factory. It has no problems whatsoever! No flaws, no finish problems, no action adjustments, nothing. It was a rare moment for me to pull this out of the case, Switch it to my strings and be able to play drop tunned a bit without needing adjustments. Perfect out of the case. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is made by ESP so over-course this thing can stand Live playing. Even the Mid-Higher LTD Models can stand Live playing. I would personally know that because my first gig ever was with a ESP LTD EC-1000, and that thing hasn't given out on me yet. I can't wait until I have the honor of being able to go on stage with this snow white beauty and shred on it. Everything is solid on it. The strap buttons, the hardware. The finish seems amazingly durable. I tend to be a klutz so I tend to have accidents. Even with that (including a guitar hitting metal scare) it hasn't took one chip of paint off. This will most likely be one of my main guitars (I use 3 main guitars due to different tunings). This guitar is def. worthy of that. // 10

Impression: For being a metal-head, this suits my music well. I own a few others guitars including the Ibanez RGTHRG1, Dean Dime Razorback, ESP LTD EC-1000, ESP LTD V-500 and so on. This product topped almost all of my guitars. I only wish it was more like the Eclipse Customs and featured a Neck-Thru instead of the Set-Neck. The access on the 22nd is actually decently good. I love everything about this guitar. It is great for rhythm and not too complex leads. I believe, even if my uncle didn't give this to me, I would have bought it anyway. It's truly amazing. I will never even think about getting a Gibson as long as ESP is around with the Eclipse models. If you are gonna play rhythm, get it! If you are gonna play lead that isn't too complex. Get it! Yet, if your gonna be doing all that technical fast crazy lead licks, I would say get the ESP M-II. ESP models, though expensive, can be worth every single penny. // 10

overall: 9.2

Reviewed by: Cole419, on december 19, 2007

Price paid: $ 2

Purchased from: ESP custom shop

Features: My ESP was handmade in Japan about a year ago, 2007. The features on this guitar are simply outstanding. I am a Gibson player originally, I've only tried a few LTD models before. This guitar replaced all my others in the studio and Live because of the light weight and comfortable feel to it. If you know something about guitars, you would know that the shape of an Eclipse is almost identical to that of a Gibson Les Paul. So if you are a Les Paul fan or even if not, the Eclipse-II is very easy to appreciate. The EC originally came with EMG pickups but I replaced them with Seymour Duncans. An amazing feature that has not been known to me before were the Sperzel locking tuners, which is extremely convenient for changing strings. 2 volume, 1 tone and a 3 -way toggle switch. 22 XJ frets (although not that jumbo). Gotoh Tune-O-Matic & Tail bridge. An excellent quilted maple finish. Something to top it off its neck-through. I was pretty happy with it. // 8

Sound: Only one word to define the sound and the word is amazing. As I said before, the guitar originally came with two EMG pickups which sounded great. However I was looking for a large variety of sound and tone, so I chose to get Seymour Duncans, models Custom-5 and SH-2. My musical genres consist of metal, alternative, and post-hardcore. For these types of genres I needed something that had a rich and clean sound but when distorted, could cradle distortion and other effects very easily to make the sound that came out the best thing you've ever heard. Although the pickups made most of this possible, the guitars' craft played a huge role in this. Probably the best sounding guitar I've ever heard! Also the don't hesitate to keep the EMGs, I personally needed Duncans for my playing style. The EMG's are also great for any style along with SD's. I would love to be critical about the sound but it's impossible with how great it sounds. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: All my years of playing, I've made the stupid choice of buying guitars that are unnecessarily heavy, trust me this is a horrible choice to make. Heavy guitars can lead to back pain and a lot of weight for no reason. Luckily, the Eclipse will not do this to you. This guitar is light weight and yet has a wonderful sustain. When I bought this guitar, everything was ready to go, not one flaw. For the first time in my life, the guitar felt like an extension of my body and not some huge weight dragging me down. The neck is so smooth, Live playing just got better. Getting your hand down from one part of the neck to another is a task anyone could gracefully accomplish. Best action and feel I've ever had, btw this tops Fender and Gibson easily in this category. For some reason the body had some sort of a bowl inlay going on I wasn't sure about, but it's not that bad. // 10

Reliability & Durability: To tell you the truth, I haven't had this guitar long enough to tell you how durable it is, but I've already noticed that the guitar will with out a doubt withstand Live playing. The black nickel hardware I'm sure has a life long promise of lasting. I would honestly depend on this guitar and use it Live without a backup. The finish even when aged will last as long as I am playing the guitar so I have no worry on this. The top may chip on occasion, be careful! // 9

Impression: This has been my dream for 2 years and I finally got it. I don't think I'll ever regret it either. I've been a solid player for about 4 years considering I'm still in my teens. I also own a Gibson Firebird V, some Marshall amps and other equipment. One thing that I wish it came with would be a whammy bar and an EMG afterburner, but then again that's more for V shaped guitars and such. I would buy this product again if I lost it until I ran out of money. I bought this guitar because ESP is the best out there, if you don't think so, try one out. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on january 16, 2008

Price paid: $ 1400

Purchased from: digotalplayroom.com

Features: My ESP Eclipse-II was made in Japan in 2007. It has 22XJ (Not quite as jumbo as other guitars but a good size) frets and a 24.75" scale set-neck construction with a thin-U neck and 3-pc. mahogany/ebony frets. The neck on this beast is absolutely amazing. Even my guitar teacher was amazed and he knows guitars. It's a Mahogany w/ maple top body and I have my finish in the stuning Vintage Black (VTB). Now the picture just doesn't do justice. The gold binding with black body is amazing and the black finish on the neck is a dream to brush your hands over. It is a Les Paul Takeoff but the ESP just has more edge and flair than a Les Paul. Mostly part to the cut-away with a horn tip. It has a 2 piece Gotoh Tune-O-Matic & Tail and has Gotoh locking tuners that lock automatically and lock down, awesome for drop tunings (such as Arch Enemy or Children Of Bodom). The electronics are Active EMG's with an 81 in bridge and a 60 in neck. Man those pickups roar with everything metal and death metal! It has vol. vol. tone pots wich may be dissapointing to some but not to me. I hardly ever use the tone pot so I don't care. I did get a free ESP case (square case) and tuner Tool, tuner intructions, fret board plastic gaurd, user manuals and about 20 picks. Very good deal for 1400 US. Case is upto everything, I bought this in the US and got it Shipped all the way to New Zealand so the case is very good. // 10

Sound: This guitar suits my music style ibn every possible way. I'm into death metal and black metal and all I can say about this guitar is wow! I play it through a Randall RG75G3 (not the effects one) and man this guitar cleans up! Haven't had a chance to play it live but practicing with my band it just goes over everything. It suits more of a rhythm player but you can do shredding and sweeping on it after you get used to it. I had moved from a Strat style to this and it took a couple of days to adjust (albiet I played it constantly) but this just takes and takes everything. The pickups battery lasts about 2000 hours if you spend the money on the battery. I haven't tried it with my Zoom pedal yet because it sounds soooo good already just with my Randalls distortion. It is a bit noisy on full Gain and level but that's easly adjustid with the level. Very good for pinch Harm. wich I use a lot of in my band. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: My guitar came from the factory ready for everything! The action is unbelievable and low and fast and everything! The pickups where adjustic perfectly so that they where the same volume on either pickup and the guitar had no flaws in paint work or parts. The bridge was perfect neck was exelently straight everything was ready for drop tunings and everything. This thing doesn't go outa tune! It's amazing! And the black on gold was amazing! looked better in real life than the crappy picture on ESP. Man this guitar is stunning! // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is a rock! I would happaly gig with it with no backup and the hardware is solid and won't loose the gold finish after lots of rubbing. The paint is on there well. Neck hasn't had any rubbed paint etc ever after lots ans lots on playing! Still on first battery from the factory for the EMG's and they still sound great! // 10

Impression: This guitar is magic! If it was stolen I would go hunting for the guy that stole it and I would buy it again and again. Would have been nice if it had one of Alexi Laihos boosters in it. I love the whole guitar over and over. I take it everywhere! Don't let it outa my sight! I was thinking of getting this guitar or a 8000 dollar PRS. But I got this because I think it's very close to the PRS at less cost. And because I would have to save up for longer. // 10

Comments

[Weybl Himself]

I do love the build quality of the ESPs, great materials (ESPs, not LTDs), extremely solidly put together and built to be played, and played hard. But I never really liked the EMGs, don't get me wrong, great for metal, but if ESP offered say a JB/59 combo on their guitars they'd ofer a whole new range of versatility and probably win over some more customers

[DeathByStereo23]

I've got an ESP Eclipse I CTM PL and it's totally astonishing.It's quite similar to the eclipse II,but it has got 4 pots,like original LPs

[sambargun]

Even i agree with Webyl, EMGs are great for pinch harmonics and nothing else. SDJBs will be much more versatile and sweet sounding especially when played clean. Dont get me wrong, I'm not saying that EMGs are bad on the above guitar, but just that there would be more converts for ESPs with SDJBs

[guitarist41]

I don't like the head stock on these guitars.
The rest of the guitar looks the shit but...

Sorry, I'm big on looks.

[ironman316]

dude, tell your uncle to hook me up

[ohmerrymayhem]

Weybl Himself wrote:

I do love the build quality of the ESPs, great materials (ESPs, not LTDs), extremely solidly put together and built to be played, and played hard. But I never really liked the EMGs, don't get me wrong, great for metal, but if ESP offered say a JB/59 combo on their guitars they'd ofer a whole new range of versatility and probably win over some more customers

My LTD MH1000 has jb/59 set stock. HOnestly, after playin the custom models, I'm even more satisfied with my LTD version. The only things that were drastsically different were cosmetic, aside from the ebony fretboard option. Eh. I love my ESP, and I love ESP, but if I'm payin 2000 for a guitar, it'd better be a helluva lot better than a stock model. THis wasn't that to me.

[Dutch ESP dude]

Actually guys ESP does make several different guitars with JB's. I actually own an ESP Eclipse II that had JB's in it but I changed it to Seymour Duncan Alnico II pro's. But both LTD and ESP guitars have really cool models with seymour duncans.

[Anarion614]

guitarist41 wrote:

I don't like the head stock on these guitars.
The rest of the guitar looks the shit but...

Sorry, I'm big on looks.

...damn, now that I noticed that I don't like it anymore. Curse you!

[KissingShadows]

Such a same that it has EMGs, could have been a great guitar with Duncans or DiMarzios.

[proguitarist11]

i hate humbucker pick-ups. im more of a fan of the open coils and if you're going to have 3 pickups, the middle one should be a P-90. and yes, Duncans and DiMarzios are my personal favorites too : )

[SOUPerman432321]

I like EMG's But the guitar i have now has them I want a guitar with Duncan invaders

[kfong03]

beautiful les paul rip.

[SMK626]

KissingShadows wrote:

Such a same that it has EMGs, could have been a great guitar with Duncans or DiMarzios.

DiMarzios on this would seriously make it suck. As I said, this is a rhythm guitar, not too much of a lead, and DiMarzio and more of lead pickups. Not great on there rhythm sound. not to mention in my personally taste a lead guitar works better with woods that have a brighter tone.

Yet ducans wouldn't be a bad choice, but I would have to say, I do prefer EMG's on this baby, Yet now that everyone keeps bringing up ducans, I'm wondering how the mix would be on this guitar.

[freakonaleash92]

i duno if i should get the JB 59 combo HELP

[DeathByStereo23]

ohmerrymayhem wrote:

Weybl Himself wrote:

I do love the build quality of the ESPs, great materials (ESPs, not LTDs), extremely solidly put together and built to be played, and played hard. But I never really liked the EMGs, don't get me wrong, great for metal, but if ESP offered say a JB/59 combo on their guitars they'd ofer a whole new range of versatility and probably win over some more customers

My LTD MH1000 has jb/59 set stock. HOnestly, after playin the custom models, I'm even more satisfied with my LTD version. The only things that were drastsically different were cosmetic, aside from the ebony fretboard option. Eh. I love my ESP, and I love ESP, but if I'm payin 2000 for a guitar, it'd better be a helluva lot better than a stock model. THis wasn't that to me.

Are you sure?

[Moesbrotha]

Isnt the Eclipse II and the Ec 1000 the same guitar, just a different binding? Im pretty sure i already know the answer, but im just making sure.

[metalfreak12]

why are some guitar good for lead and other for rhythm?

[Moesbrotha]

metalfreak12 wrote:

why are some guitar good for lead and other for rhythm?

because i say so. haha. No.

But some guitars have faster necks that are good for lead, and also have a better reach towards the higher frets.

But les paul shaped guitars have a length that makes them comfortable to play on the lower frets,or rhythm. And they also have awesome sustain, which is a good thing for chording, or whatever floats your boat.

[Brendan.Clace]

Ordered mine today. 4 months now to wait.....
/cry

I will review when I get it!

[Pavura]

does anybody know the price?.. im looking around at ESPs, ive heard great things.

[synyster93]

i just got mine and it is amazing. the gibson les paul classic is similar to it abd i have to admit it is a little better with the classic gibsonbuckers but it costs 2500 as the esp costs 1399 so i rather spend 1000 dollars less on an esp that is almost as good.

[MrChris]

that guitar looks fkn hawt!

[JFY]

DeathByStereo23 wrote:

I've got an ESP Eclipse I CTM PL and it's totally astonishing.It's quite similar to the eclipse II,but it has got 4 pots,like original LPs

Thats the Paul Landers (rammstein) Signiture ESP thats probably different to the normal ECs

[rancidryan]

that guitars ugly

[senorpepe]

rancidryan wrote:

that guitars ugly

you should get shot

[roarinflames]

SOUPerman432321 wrote:

I like EMG's But the guitar i have now has them I want a guitar with Duncan invaders

i just put an invader in the neck and a dimebucker in the bridge.
oh god, what a holy combination!

[BillyBarrow]

guitarist41 wrote:

I don't like the head stock on these guitars.
The rest of the guitar looks the shit but...

Sorry, I'm big on looks.

It's not about how a guitar looks, it's all about how it feels, and plays. People who buy a guitar simply for aesthetic reasons always end up disappointed with the guitar they have bought.

I encourage anyone who has the means to purchase this guitar, to do so. It is truly incredible, with great tone, and playability. You won't regret it.

[rhcpfan118]

the guitar isn't ugly but come on... les paul rip offs. it does have a beautiful finish though. i might consider one if i got a chance to play it.

[Brad_Bassist]

This guitars finish (the picture shown on the page) would look pretty impresive on stage but it is a LP rip off but a good one.

[TheFreeBird]

haha id like to see that finish on a real les paul, or one of those crazy reverse flying v's

[Flying Afros]

Brendan.Clace wrote:

Ordered mine today. 4 months now to wait.....
/cry

I will review when I get it!

where the hell do you live? Mongolia?

[evil_in_you]

i got one of these for 1000 off teh Ebay. pics on my profile

[SchitzoJoe]

Absolutely a beautiful guitar. Going to have to buy this one sometime.

[DeathByStereo23]

JFY wrote:

DeathByStereo23 wrote:

I've got an ESP Eclipse I CTM PL and it's totally astonishing.It's quite similar to the eclipse II,but it has got 4 pots,like original LPs

Thats the Paul Landers (rammstein) Signiture ESP thats probably different to the normal ECs

yes it's that guitar.....the only difference between mine and the eclipse II is the pots layout....4 pots instead of 3

[mhweaver]

I just played one of these in a store and I am thinking of buying one. I was playing on a very tall stool but it felt off balance like it was bottom heavy and wanting to rotate off my lap. Is this typical of this guitar or can I chalk it up to the tall stool I was playing from?

[Thread_of_Light]

mhweaver wrote:

I just played one of these in a store and I am thinking of buying one. I was playing on a very tall stool but it felt off balance like it was bottom heavy and wanting to rotate off my lap. Is this typical of this guitar or can I chalk it up to the tall stool I was playing from?

I just played one of these in a store and I am thinking of buying one. I was playing on a very tall stool but it felt off balance like it was bottom heavy and wanting to rotate off my lap. Is this typical of this guitar or can I chalk it up to the tall stool I was playing from?[/quote]

Before yous seal the deal, check out the esp/ltd ec1000 . I've played on both, the eclipse II and ec1000. I own an ec1000. I was blown away by the tone the ec1000 could pull off. Harmonics could not be easier, sustain is amazing, the low-end and leads are just what the doctor ordered, and the cleans are gorgeous. I love metal, but am also very picky on my cleans. I could not justify paying an extra $700 to have the esp logo be put on the head over the ltd ec1000... I prefer the look of the ec1000 a lot more as well.

[Thread_of_Light]

sorry for the double quote :-/

[livewire76]

This guitar is just so f-ing good. So good infact that i ditched my Les Paul for it and i never thought id do that. If youre looking for a single-cut you MUST try this guitar. You get more for your money (i think) than on a Gibson and the tone/sustain/playability of this killer electric sound product got me hooked from the first time i played it in my local shop. BUY THIS GUITAR! You wont regret it.

[Bringroftorture]

ironman316 wrote:

dude, tell your uncle to hook me up

I want your uncle.

[mosherhamish]

mhweaver wrote:

I just played one of these in a store and I am thinking of buying one. I was playing on a very tall stool but it felt off balance like it was bottom heavy and wanting to rotate off my lap. Is this typical of this guitar or can I chalk it up to the tall stool I was playing from?

les pauls always do this
dont be alarmed
they are best when standing in my oppinion

[Mikey p]

Personally, I'd rather have earvana nut and 24 frets(EC 1000) than normal nut and 22 frets(Eclipse II). If this ones too expensive for anyone, or for people who just want better on-page spec, check out the LTD EC-1000. not handmade, but then really who cares?

[germX]

rhcpfan118 wrote:

the guitar isn't ugly but come on... les paul rip offs. it does have a beautiful finish though. i might consider one if i got a chance to play it.

All of you who are going off on any make other than Gibson which has a Les Paul shape are a bunch of wankers. Do you do the same for every make other than Fender when it's a Strat shape??? Come on... pull your head out. If you playing anything resembling a Strat body that isn't a Fender, you're a hypocrite.

[EldonsName24]

I got my fretting hand on one of these baby's, and man let me tell you

the neck is so nice and small, too snug for those big ones and man awesome for clean sweeps in which case big necks can cause your hand to strain, pickups are a bit off place for pinch harmonics but not bad for open harmonics, i love this guitar anyways..my favy too haha

[R0B0_Ninja]

Weybl Himself wrote:

I do love the build quality of the ESPs, great materials (ESPs, not LTDs), extremely solidly put together and built to be played, and played hard. But I never really liked the EMGs, don't get me wrong, great for metal, but if ESP offered say a JB/59 combo on their guitars they'd ofer a whole new range of versatility and probably win over some more customers

You need a Eclipse II AHB
http://www.discountmusic.com/eclipseiiahb.aspx

[JohnMerrick]

I want this one only lefty and with EMG's (61/81 or 81/89) and with the Floyd Rose ...
I bet that by the time I'll find it I'll be able to pay for it with my change jar...

[galacticat]

R0B0_Ninja wrote:

Weybl Himself wrote:

I do love the build quality of the ESPs, great materials (ESPs, not LTDs), extremely solidly put together and built to be played, and played hard. But I never really liked the EMGs, don't get me wrong, great for metal, but if ESP offered say a JB/59 combo on their guitars they'd ofer a whole new range of versatility and probably win over some more customers

You need a Eclipse II AHB
http://www.discountmusic.com/eclipseiiahb.aspx

I have the Eclipse II AHB with the SD's, and it is FANTABULOUS. The JB/59 combo is super versatile. Obviously not quite as metal as her EMG sister, this SD version is just ideally suited for classic rock/hard rock. Sweet cleans from the '59 and the JB has a classic organic tone...I'd go so far as to call it iconic. Had mine for 2 years now and I love it more than ever.

[seanandahalf]

Anarion614 wrote:

guitarist41 wrote:

I don't like the head stock on these guitars.
The rest of the guitar looks the shit but...

Sorry, I'm big on looks.

...damn, now that I noticed that I don't like it anymore. Curse you!

You have to realize that looks aren't everything. You might find a guitar thats really nice looking but a piece of shit. Would you buy that?