ESP, E-II, and Ltd have consistently in quality, reliability, and customer service met or exceeded not just my expectations, many people's expectations and understanding of what successful product support is and how to maintain the public's trust. I see it and hear it all the time. No company or product line can produce 100% perfection or zero defects. This is one of the few musical instrument companies though I would unconditionally agree to an endorsement partnership without any hesitation if I ever had a successful hard rock/metal band. Thank you so much for sharing with us your new acquisition and good luck sir.
Grats (belatedly) on the new axe! I used to have an ESP standard that I absolutely loved. It was the reindeer blue finish - beautiful axe. It was probably the most well-made guitar I've owned, with my Jackson KV2 as a close 2nd (for reference I also have a high-end Gibo LP, custom shop Gibo explorer, and the aforementioned pre-Fender Jackson USA KV2). Sadly I ended up selling it (along with some others) when some hard times hit, but have always wanted that guitar back. After the re-branding to EII I swore I'd never waste the money for that ridiculous name on the headstock...and yet I have one of the 2021 reindeer blue re-issues arriving this afternoon 🤣 I couldn't help myself; everything I have heard or read in the years since suggests the quality is every bit as good as it was when they were still branded ESP standards and they have made design improvements (imo) that may make this one even better than my last. I can't wait 😎
@@GeoffNelson So my initial reaction to my new EII was...slightly disappointed? I honestly need to spend some more time with it, but my initial thoughts were this is not like my old ESP Standard at all. To be fair, they have changed several things about the design so that me expecting it to be the same is somewhat illogical. I will say the fret work is still top-notch and the fretboard feels good. The finish has the same name, but it is actually slightly different. The original reindeer blue finish had a very obvious violet hue where the new finish is actually a more-or-less blue, with a faint tinge of purple in some of the veneer's quilting; for reference here is the old Reverb listing from when I sold mine - images of the new version of the finish can be found on any of the major retailer sites; reverb.com/item/26735520-esp-eclipse-ii-standard-2014-reindeer-blue-w-hard-shell-case-free-shipping (this is not advertising/marketing, this guitar was sold 2 years ago). In all truth though, I think I might like the new finish just as well if not even a bit better, but the difference was initially off-putting when combined with all the other differences noted here. The neck...apparently, somewhere around 2013/2014 ESP redesigned their thin-U neck profile. The version on my old standard was REALLY thin. If I had a lot of chording to do, it would actually make my hand hurt after a while unless I was regularly playing that guitar. The "new" version of the thin-U is much thicker - it feels more like the neck on my Epi EX84 (though that could also be the satin finish on the neck). Again, I might end up actually liking this difference more once I spend some time with it, but I had placed expectations for A and received B so I just have to get over that and tackle this one for what it is - a similar-but-different axe 😎 My main dislike, and it's not something that is necessarily based in nostalgia/expectation, is the way the guitar feels. For some reason the wood the guitar is made out of just seems lighter, almost cheap...less dense maybe? There is a "less solid" feel to the guitar as a whole when compared to my old standard. It still sounds pretty good, with good sustain and resonance. Honestly though, it doesn't feel much/any different than the EC1000 VB that I recently played at Guitar Center - it's possible that it is just a Korean-factory gem that makes it comparable, but neither would be comparable to my old standard. For clarity, at the time I owned my standard I also had an amber sunburst EC1000 - it was a really nice guitar for what I paid for it, but it was noticeably different from my standard. I say this to point out that I've compared the EC1000 series and the standard before, and had a much different opinion. The quality and feel of the EC1000 was well beyond the $800 I paid for it, but not truly comparable to the ESP standard. Further, I had both my Jackson and Gibo explorer mentioned above at the time I owned the standard as well, and had plenty of direct comparison time. I A-B-C-D'd the EII, Gibo explorer, KV2, and then my LP standard HP. The KV2 and explorer are both superior instruments in all but MAYBE the fret work (they were not when compared to my old ESP). The EII is comparable feel and playing-wise to the LP, but the LP has better tone, sustain, and resonance than the EII even with the stock burstbuckers (which I don't care for, but can't replace easily due to 2018's p'up design). To be fair though...the LP HP and the EII are at drastically different price points, with an ESP USA being a better comparison to the LP (I'd like to think the ESP USA would blow it away though). To sum up that mess above, it's not a bad guitar at all and in fact is a good guitar. It's just that my ESP standard was a GREAT guitar and I think I placed too many expectations on the EII for that reason. I want a few more days with it, but I am seriously considering sending it back and ordering a 2021 EC1000. The fit/finish might be just as good if the one at GC was any indication, and then I will at least have stainless steel frets (why on EARTH did they not add these to the EIIs when they added them to the 1000-series guitars?!). Sorry for the wall-o-text, but I figured if you were curious what I thought then I would be as thorough as possible 😎 Have a good one, and I hope you had a very different experience with yours! EDIT: I had forgotten how you described the feel of the guitar at the end of this video as "plastic." That perfectly sums up how the guitar feels to me...light and plastic-y. The EC1000 VB at GC that I mentioned above felt this way too, but I attributed it to being from the Korean factory and understandably having a cheaper fit-and-finish. My old standard definitely did NOT feel like that at all. It felt like a solid/dense chunk of good tone wood to go with playing and sounding great.
@@GeoffNelson That's a good question - possibly? I'm not sure if they weight relieve the eclipse or not tbh. I did spend some more time with it and it plays well, at least well enough with the oddly poor set up from the factory. I think the shock to my expectations hit hard the first night, though I am still seriously considering sending it back. I just would like to see it's potential first, so I checked it in at the place I get most of my guitar work done at and asked for a rushed set up. I have to have it post marked by 8/6 if I decide not to keep it. The action was REALLY high on it, making it tough to press down for more advanced chording or quick scaling/solos. I feel like I can't make a decision until I get at least a glimpse of it's potential. Every other ESP product I have purchased in the past came already decently set up.That could just be a change in philosophy at the factory though - leave it at a standardized height and let the customers get them set up to taste. That EC1000 at GC that I mentioned before was the same way, with both feeling just shy of having acoustic guitar action. My old standard in particular came out of the packaging perfect, like it had been plek'd or something but I can see how just as many people might have thought it was too 'shredder-ry' if they didn't care for lower action. Hopefully they get it set up in time for me to get a day or two with it - I'd hate to give up on it just because I didn't take the time to make sure it could be dialed in, because if I had to base the decision on it as-is then I wouldn't be keeping it. ☹️
@@GeoffNelson So I ended up sending that Eclipse back/swapping it for one of the full thickness black natural burst Eclipses and all I can say is WOW. It feels the way it should imo. It plays every bit as well as my old standard, and has that "solid" quality I remember in spades. It's noticeably heavier than my old standard (it's heavier than my Les Paul for that matter) but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It sounds beefy as hell and is an amazing axe 😁 It was my 2nd-choice of finishes (reindeer blue was #1), but everything else about it is what I had hoped I'd get from the other one. It all worked out in the end!
Incredible instrument. I have it and love it but don't play it nearly enough. My only ax with active pickups. I think they sound sublime. Fit and finish are perfect.
All the excitement of unboxing and the first thing to see it a cracked truss rod cover. I’d be pissed. I couldn’t overlook that. With that kind of money spent id be pissed. Someone put that thing on and cracked it, an knew it was cracked and sent it out anyway. It seems like there’s always something in these inboxings of these guitars that gets overlooked because the person unboxing it wants it so much they overlook things because of the excitement of finally getting the guitar. If I spend the money I want mine coming in perfect. Nothing less.
Howdy! I love my ESP II. I got the guitar in Red/Volcano finish (sort of swirlish of the colors). Has the EMG 81/60's and the feel and playing is just off the chain. I got mine from Sweetwater, and had it PLEK'd and setup to my needs. However, those Gotoh (mine had them) tuners are just horrible. Too tight, and I felt like I turned and turned to get any variation when tuning my guitar. So, I ordered a set of D'Addario Auto-Trim Locking Tuners. Those things are sweet! 18 to 1 gear ratio. Just curious if you had similar thoughts on yours once you got into playing it.
It's not an exciting answer, but I really haven't noticed them being bad or good. The overall fit and finish is wonderful though. TBH I haven't logged much time with this guitar (I'm embarrassed to say!)
I guess Im randomly asking but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost my account password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
@Casey Zayne i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
That was a challenge eh .. Sounds like a nap is needed after, or a workout, maybe cardio of a sort. Wondering if you got many gifts on Xmas, unwrapping is a challenge
I've had a number of guitars come that way. New and used. I think there's a risk of damage in shipping if you don't take it off. Or at least that's why the practice exists.
@@GeoffNelson hehe it looks so nice... :) and everyone has dark / black guitars... Dude, if I ever make up my mind and get one, I will reply back :p Love the look of yours
@@GeoffNelson I was about to say, you may wanna contact ESP about that I would of been really mad especially because those are not exactly cheap guitars.
@@Into_the_riffs Yeah at the time I opened it, I had the idea it might have been a thin plastic cover over the truss rod cover. The way you see on a new pickguard, but nope. It's cracked.
ESP, E-II, and Ltd have consistently in quality, reliability, and customer service met or exceeded not just my expectations, many people's expectations and understanding of what successful product support is and how to maintain the public's trust. I see it and hear it all the time. No company or product line can produce 100% perfection or zero defects. This is one of the few musical instrument companies though I would unconditionally agree to an endorsement partnership without any hesitation if I ever had a successful hard rock/metal band. Thank you so much for sharing with us your new acquisition and good luck sir.
Well said. Thank you!
Grats (belatedly) on the new axe! I used to have an ESP standard that I absolutely loved. It was the reindeer blue finish - beautiful axe. It was probably the most well-made guitar I've owned, with my Jackson KV2 as a close 2nd (for reference I also have a high-end Gibo LP, custom shop Gibo explorer, and the aforementioned pre-Fender Jackson USA KV2). Sadly I ended up selling it (along with some others) when some hard times hit, but have always wanted that guitar back.
After the re-branding to EII I swore I'd never waste the money for that ridiculous name on the headstock...and yet I have one of the 2021 reindeer blue re-issues arriving this afternoon 🤣 I couldn't help myself; everything I have heard or read in the years since suggests the quality is every bit as good as it was when they were still branded ESP standards and they have made design improvements (imo) that may make this one even better than my last. I can't wait 😎
I've be very curious to hear what you think. I compare this with my Custom Shop LP here:
ua-cam.com/video/bL4Xd0M4Bt4/v-deo.html
@@GeoffNelson So my initial reaction to my new EII was...slightly disappointed? I honestly need to spend some more time with it, but my initial thoughts were this is not like my old ESP Standard at all. To be fair, they have changed several things about the design so that me expecting it to be the same is somewhat illogical. I will say the fret work is still top-notch and the fretboard feels good. The finish has the same name, but it is actually slightly different. The original reindeer blue finish had a very obvious violet hue where the new finish is actually a more-or-less blue, with a faint tinge of purple in some of the veneer's quilting; for reference here is the old Reverb listing from when I sold mine - images of the new version of the finish can be found on any of the major retailer sites;
reverb.com/item/26735520-esp-eclipse-ii-standard-2014-reindeer-blue-w-hard-shell-case-free-shipping
(this is not advertising/marketing, this guitar was sold 2 years ago). In all truth though, I think I might like the new finish just as well if not even a bit better, but the difference was initially off-putting when combined with all the other differences noted here.
The neck...apparently, somewhere around 2013/2014 ESP redesigned their thin-U neck profile. The version on my old standard was REALLY thin. If I had a lot of chording to do, it would actually make my hand hurt after a while unless I was regularly playing that guitar. The "new" version of the thin-U is much thicker - it feels more like the neck on my Epi EX84 (though that could also be the satin finish on the neck). Again, I might end up actually liking this difference more once I spend some time with it, but I had placed expectations for A and received B so I just have to get over that and tackle this one for what it is - a similar-but-different axe 😎
My main dislike, and it's not something that is necessarily based in nostalgia/expectation, is the way the guitar feels. For some reason the wood the guitar is made out of just seems lighter, almost cheap...less dense maybe? There is a "less solid" feel to the guitar as a whole when compared to my old standard. It still sounds pretty good, with good sustain and resonance. Honestly though, it doesn't feel much/any different than the EC1000 VB that I recently played at Guitar Center - it's possible that it is just a Korean-factory gem that makes it comparable, but neither would be comparable to my old standard.
For clarity, at the time I owned my standard I also had an amber sunburst EC1000 - it was a really nice guitar for what I paid for it, but it was noticeably different from my standard. I say this to point out that I've compared the EC1000 series and the standard before, and had a much different opinion. The quality and feel of the EC1000 was well beyond the $800 I paid for it, but not truly comparable to the ESP standard. Further, I had both my Jackson and Gibo explorer mentioned above at the time I owned the standard as well, and had plenty of direct comparison time.
I A-B-C-D'd the EII, Gibo explorer, KV2, and then my LP standard HP. The KV2 and explorer are both superior instruments in all but MAYBE the fret work (they were not when compared to my old ESP). The EII is comparable feel and playing-wise to the LP, but the LP has better tone, sustain, and resonance than the EII even with the stock burstbuckers (which I don't care for, but can't replace easily due to 2018's p'up design). To be fair though...the LP HP and the EII are at drastically different price points, with an ESP USA being a better comparison to the LP (I'd like to think the ESP USA would blow it away though).
To sum up that mess above, it's not a bad guitar at all and in fact is a good guitar. It's just that my ESP standard was a GREAT guitar and I think I placed too many expectations on the EII for that reason. I want a few more days with it, but I am seriously considering sending it back and ordering a 2021 EC1000. The fit/finish might be just as good if the one at GC was any indication, and then I will at least have stainless steel frets (why on EARTH did they not add these to the EIIs when they added them to the 1000-series guitars?!). Sorry for the wall-o-text, but I figured if you were curious what I thought then I would be as thorough as possible 😎 Have a good one, and I hope you had a very different experience with yours!
EDIT: I had forgotten how you described the feel of the guitar at the end of this video as "plastic." That perfectly sums up how the guitar feels to me...light and plastic-y. The EC1000 VB at GC that I mentioned above felt this way too, but I attributed it to being from the Korean factory and understandably having a cheaper fit-and-finish. My old standard definitely did NOT feel like that at all. It felt like a solid/dense chunk of good tone wood to go with playing and sounding great.
@@Sammael757 do you think it could be a matter of weigh relief?
@@GeoffNelson That's a good question - possibly? I'm not sure if they weight relieve the eclipse or not tbh. I did spend some more time with it and it plays well, at least well enough with the oddly poor set up from the factory. I think the shock to my expectations hit hard the first night, though I am still seriously considering sending it back. I just would like to see it's potential first, so I checked it in at the place I get most of my guitar work done at and asked for a rushed set up. I have to have it post marked by 8/6 if I decide not to keep it.
The action was REALLY high on it, making it tough to press down for more advanced chording or quick scaling/solos. I feel like I can't make a decision until I get at least a glimpse of it's potential. Every other ESP product I have purchased in the past came already decently set up.That could just be a change in philosophy at the factory though - leave it at a standardized height and let the customers get them set up to taste. That EC1000 at GC that I mentioned before was the same way, with both feeling just shy of having acoustic guitar action.
My old standard in particular came out of the packaging perfect, like it had been plek'd or something but I can see how just as many people might have thought it was too 'shredder-ry' if they didn't care for lower action. Hopefully they get it set up in time for me to get a day or two with it - I'd hate to give up on it just because I didn't take the time to make sure it could be dialed in, because if I had to base the decision on it as-is then I wouldn't be keeping it. ☹️
@@GeoffNelson So I ended up sending that Eclipse back/swapping it for one of the full thickness black natural burst Eclipses and all I can say is WOW. It feels the way it should imo. It plays every bit as well as my old standard, and has that "solid" quality I remember in spades. It's noticeably heavier than my old standard (it's heavier than my Les Paul for that matter) but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It sounds beefy as hell and is an amazing axe 😁 It was my 2nd-choice of finishes (reindeer blue was #1), but everything else about it is what I had hoped I'd get from the other one. It all worked out in the end!
Paper makes sense to me too. You can recycle it, or use it in the fire pit later on.
Totally
Looks great 👍.
It's such a great guitar
Nice ,E-II ARE AWSOME
Congrats! Beautiful guitar!!!
Thanks very much. I really love it.
“Gosh it feels like plastic” Do you still have it? Do you play it a lot? Just got an E-II myself and adore it
Incredible instrument. I have it and love it but don't play it nearly enough. My only ax with active pickups. I think they sound sublime. Fit and finish are perfect.
Damn bro... it sounds like you're dying throughout the entire video😂💯
Really pretty Guitar Man. Congratulations
Thanks! It's fantastic
All the excitement of unboxing and the first thing to see it a cracked truss rod cover. I’d be pissed. I couldn’t overlook that. With that kind of money spent id be pissed. Someone put that thing on and cracked it, an knew it was cracked and sent it out anyway. It seems like there’s always something in these inboxings of these guitars that gets overlooked because the person unboxing it wants it so much they overlook things because of the excitement of finally getting the guitar. If I spend the money I want mine coming in perfect. Nothing less.
That's a really good point
Howdy! I love my ESP II. I got the guitar in Red/Volcano finish (sort of swirlish of the colors). Has the EMG 81/60's and the feel and playing is just off the chain. I got mine from Sweetwater, and had it PLEK'd and setup to my needs. However, those Gotoh (mine had them) tuners are just horrible. Too tight, and I felt like I turned and turned to get any variation when tuning my guitar. So, I ordered a set of D'Addario Auto-Trim Locking Tuners. Those things are sweet! 18 to 1 gear ratio. Just curious if you had similar thoughts on yours once you got into playing it.
It's not an exciting answer, but I really haven't noticed them being bad or good. The overall fit and finish is wonderful though. TBH I haven't logged much time with this guitar (I'm embarrassed to say!)
I like it so much! Hope to save enough money to get it ASAP.
ua-cam.com/video/bL4Xd0M4Bt4/v-deo.html
They're not cheap, but exquisite instruments. I'm so impressed. Thanks for watching!
It was frustrating watching him at first being gentle and careful with opening the box, to tearing up the box. What was the point of that?
Unbelievable, waste of time
you can notice the high Japanese quality controls, beautiful guitar men, I hope to have my first japanese guitar soon too
it's seriously pretty stunning. See my tone comparison between this and my Custom Shop LP.
I guess Im randomly asking but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account??
I was dumb lost my account password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
@Kaiser Blaine instablaster :)
@Casey Zayne i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Casey Zayne It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my ass!
That was a challenge eh .. Sounds like a nap is needed after, or a workout, maybe cardio of a sort. Wondering if you got many gifts on Xmas, unwrapping is a challenge
It's tough
@@GeoffNelson Lol. Cheers!
where you ordered? most of the dealers are not shipping with hard case ??
bought from ProAudioStar in NY. They currently MSRP for $2499. That's shocking that they're not shipping with a case.
Then the dealer is ripping you off. EII models come with cases
That's a beautiful guitar, man. Did it come with a strap for the locking strap buttons or anything else?
No strap (which is fine). I don't think it came with anything in particular. Fabulous instrument. I don't play it nearly enough!
Thanks for watching!
Where is the toggle switch knob? They forgot to assemble it?
I've had a number of guitars come that way. New and used. I think there's a risk of damage in shipping if you don't take it off. Or at least that's why the practice exists.
I just purchased this on Reverb should have next week. Did yours come with strap locks? How do you like it?
It did, and I love it. You won’t be disappointed.
Cool guitar
It's amazing
🤘
I want this guitar with gold hardware and pickup covers.
That would be pretty sick. Like Elvis’s ESP.
I want it with Diamond
Congrats. Just ordered mine ;)
What color you go with?
@@GeoffNelson black aqua. 3 knob "new old stock" they called it.
@@GeoffNelson only other option was vintage black. Which is a no from me dawg.
@@cdnpunk2270 Is it an E-II?
@@GeoffNelson no Esp standard. Should have it by Monday
What about the plasticy feeling? You geht Alonso or think ist kinda cheap?
Oh it feels great. I got used to it. It’s the powder coated feel and I completely dig it.
@@GeoffNelson great... cause Im waiting on my ESP dealers to get stock again... undecided between vintage black and the white one :p
@@xriz8409 I had the same debate in my mind. Had to go with the white. So clean looking.
@@GeoffNelson hehe it looks so nice... :) and everyone has dark / black guitars... Dude, if I ever make up my mind and get one, I will reply back :p Love the look of yours
@@xriz8409 I love white guitars. This and my LP Custom in white. Classic.
I just found one at a pawnshop and scooped it up
Well done! An E-II? What color?
Flame maple in dark blue ....I wish I knew how to send you a photo
@@ronniesand3594 I'm in the FB group ESP & LTD Guitars. Go there and show it off.
Inspected in the USA and has a cracked trussrod cover SMH.
This just recently started bothering me. I'm going to reach out to ESP.
@@GeoffNelson I was about to say, you may wanna contact ESP about that I would of been really mad especially because those are not exactly cheap guitars.
@@Into_the_riffs Yeah at the time I opened it, I had the idea it might have been a thin plastic cover over the truss rod cover. The way you see on a new pickguard, but nope. It's cracked.
I love mine , until it got drowned in flood .
Ouch!