Review: ESP Eclipse-II Flamed Maple Vintage Honey Burst Electric Guitar |
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March 12th, 2008 | Electric Guitars |
Well, well well. I am a huge fan of Gibson Les Paul, and typically tear to shreds any knock off Les Paul that comes my way.
ESP's Eclipse-II Flamed Maple Vintage Honey Burst Electric Guitar is no exception. The dimensions and overall look of this guitar are so closely resembling the Gibson Les Paul body that you may confuse people (which is ok if that is your goal).
My problem is that this guitar isn't all that cheap. Retailing for around $999.00, the ESP Eclipse II is not cheap and my suggestion would be to plunk a bit more down and buy yourself an authentic Gibson guitar. Of course, I understand that not everyone can afford the more expensive priced Gibson's. However, Gibson knows this fact, and has created a bunch of mid range guitars which will give you the real Gibson moniker (look into the Gibson Studio models).
My next problem is this... Do you really want the headstock of your guitar to say "ESP" on it? The number of psychic jokes you will face may be reason enough to avoid this axe. Not to say that this guitar is not constructed well. My problem is that they have done nothing to distinguish themselves from the Gibson look and sound.
My guess is that they are going for a PRS marketing position. The thing PRS does right however is provide a truly distinctive instrument that's sound is truly recognizable and a good balance between Fender and Gibson tonality and playability.
Set mahogany neck, 24-3/4" scale, 22 extra-jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard with flag inlays, and a pair of hot Seymour Duncan or EMG humbuckers.
My opinion is to look elsewhere and for this price, save a little more and get a real Gibson Les Paul.
Live Results:
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ESP Eclipse II Electric Guitar VINTAGE BLACK |  |
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US $1,399.00 | 1d 19h 22m |
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ESP Standard ECLIPSE II Electric Guitar | |
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US $1,319.00 | 1d 21h 5m |
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MINT 2005 ESP Eclipse II 2 Standard Series w EMG 81 60 | |
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US $1,410.00 | 21d 17h 17m |
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NEW 2007 Esp Eclipse II Distressed | |
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US $1,350.00 | 27d 13h 13m |
ESP Eclipse-II Flamed Maple Vintage Honey Burst Electric Guitar Features:
- Mahogany body with flamed maple top
- 3-piece mahogany neck
- Thin U-shaped
- Rosewood fretboard
- 22 extra jumbo frets
- Pearl flag inlays
- Seymour Duncan JB bridge and 59 neck reverse zebra humbuckers OR
EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) humbuckers - Gotoh tune-o-matic-style bridge/tailpiece
- Gotoh Magnum locking tuners
- Aged white binding
