ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS review

The ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS is a single-cut electric guitar built around a mahogany body, a maple top, and active EMG humbuckers. Its specifications point toward rock and metal: an EMG 81 at the bridge, an EMG 60 at the neck, a fixed bridge, and two volume controls with a three-way toggle. The finish is matte black, and a case is included.

At a listed price of 2699, buyers are paying for a professional-grade instrument. Owner feedback describes a guitar that can feel exceptionally comfortable and sound forceful, while also showing why careful inspection and a proper setup matter at this price.

Construction and hardware

The body is mahogany with a maple top. ESP uses a three-piece maple neck and an ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. The scale length is 628 mm, the fingerboard radius is 305 mm, and the nut width is 42 mm. These measurements give a useful picture of the neck, though personal comfort depends on hand size and playing style.

One owner found the neck felt narrow at first compared with several familiar guitars, but that impression faded quickly. They described the neck as comfortable and easy to move around on, with a satin finish that helped the hand travel along the fingerboard. Another report praised the large frets, saying they did not require extra pressure and made notes ring clearly. These are personal impressions, but they suggest the neck may suit players who value fast, low-effort movement.

The body was described as slimmer than a Les Paul and well balanced when seated. The upper-fret access also received favorable comparisons with a Les Paul. That combination can matter during long practice sessions, especially for players who move frequently between rhythm and lead parts.

Hardware includes Gotoh locking tuners and a Gotoh TOM bridge and tailpiece. The locking tuners received positive feedback for keeping strings secure once tightened. However, one owner questioned the plastic components on the tuners, while another felt the hardware did not fully meet expectations for the price. These accounts do not establish a universal defect, but they make a close inspection worthwhile.

Sound and controls

The active EMG 81 and EMG 60 provide a direct, high-output voice. Players described the bridge pickup as tight and forceful for heavy rhythm parts, with enough definition for lower tunings. Lead sounds were reported to cut through clearly. The neck pickup was praised for round, smooth clean tones, although active pickups remain a matter of taste.

Clean sounds are possible, but this model's stock electronics are not aimed at maximum tonal variety. One owner found the cleans satisfying after adjusting the amplifier and using effects, while noting that the pickups still had a prominent character. Another described the guitar as focused on rock and metal. The two volume controls and three-way switch keep the control layout straightforward, but the listed stock specification does not include coil splitting.

One separate owner had the original pickups replaced with Seymour Duncan models and added coil splitting. Their positive comments about greater versatility apply to that modified guitar, not to the standard E-II Eclipse BB BLKS. Buyers should distinguish between those configurations when comparing impressions.

Setup and consistency

Several owners reported excellent finish quality and a good setup on arrival, including one who found the guitar ready to play with little adjustment. Others described fret issues, a faulty toggle switch, or a note that buzzed and needed a technician's attention. Those conflicting experiences make a careful arrival check sensible. Inspect the frets, test the switch, confirm tuning and intonation, and assess string clearance before settling on the instrument.

The matte black finish drew praise for its appearance, and owners who were satisfied with their examples often described the overall build as precise. Still, reports of setup problems show that a premium price does not remove the need for quality control at delivery.

Verdict

The ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS is a strong match for players who want a comfortable single-cut guitar with a focused, high-output sound. Its neck, upper-fret access, locking hardware, and included case strengthen the package. The stock EMGs deliver the tight rock and metal character many buyers will want, but players seeking broad clean-tone options may prefer a more flexible pickup setup.

Owner experiences range from immediate satisfaction to frustration with fretwork or setup. Check the specific instrument carefully, and allow for a professional adjustment if necessary. When the fit and setup are right, the Eclipse offers a solid, polished playing experience. At this price, that final inspection is part of making an informed purchase.