ESP E-II Eclipse DB VB

ESP E-II Eclipse DB VB: First Impressions

The ESP E-II Eclipse DB VB sets out to deliver a luxury take on the classic single cutaway guitar, manufactured in Japan and designed to meet the demands of both studio and stage. With a substantial street price of $2,699, the expectation is for top-tier quality in construction, playability and tone. The Eclipse comes finished in a matte vintage black with gold hardware, an understated but striking combination that quickly draws attention. Out of the case, the guitar feels solid and immaculately built, and initial play confirms that ESP's reputation for precise fit and finish is intact.

Construction and Hardware

• Body: Solid mahogany, topped with maple for added brightness and tonal complexity.
• Neck: Set-in mahogany neck, which enhances sustain and access up the fretboard.
• Fretboard: Ebony, with a 305 mm (12-inch) radius, providing a smooth surface and excellent note definition.
• Frets: 22 extra jumbo stainless steel frets ensure durability and a consistent feel. Factory setup is reported as excellent, and fretwork is clean, with no sharp ends.
• Bridge and Tuners: A Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpiece from Gotoh combined with Gotoh locking machine heads provide rock-solid tuning stability and make string changes quick and easy.
• Controls: Two independent volume knobs, a master tone knob and a three-way pickup selector switch offer essential tonal control with a straightforward layout.
• Finish: Vintage black with a matte feel. The finish picks up a gentle sheen where touched, which some players find appealing as part of its vintage character.
• Case: A hard case is included for protection in transport.

Electronics and Tone

At the heart of the Eclipse's voice are a pair of active EMG humbuckers: an EMG 60 at the neck and an EMG 81 at the bridge. This combination is a staple in hard rock and metal guitars, and for good reason. The EMG 81 delivers a tight, aggressive attack ideal for high-gain settings, while the EMG 60 offers clarity and warmth in the neck position.

Plugged in, the first thing that stands out is the overall definition and bite. Chords remain articulate even under saturation, while high-gain riffs cut through with authority. The 628 mm (24.75-inch) scale maintains a soft feel, and the mahogany construction favors a rich, full-bodied low-mid response. Clean sounds impress, with the EMG 60 providing crystalline clarity suitable for genres well beyond metal. Feedback from players is near unanimous in reporting a dynamic and open character from these pickups, more so than the compressed, sterile reputation EMGs sometimes have. While not as nuanced as Fishman Fluence models according to a few users, the EMG set holds its own across a range of genres from pop to blues, jazz, and hard rock.

Playability and Feel

Players consistently praise the fretboard, describing it as a highlight of the instrument. The neck profile suits a wide range of hands, with enough depth for comfort during rhythm playing but still slim enough for faster lead work. While the 22-fret layout and 24.75-inch scale encourage classic phrasing and powerful rhythm chops, the design does set natural limits for extreme shredding; it's less natively suited for super-fast runs than some modern counterparts, but that's consistent with the target audience. Action adjustments at the bridge allow for proper customization, and the guitar's overall balance when strapped on is satisfying.

Set up from the factory is generally reported as excellent, just requiring minor tweaks for personal preference. A few players suggest changing to heavier strings for alternate tunings or a tighter feel out of the box, but otherwise, tuning stability and intonation are repeatedly called out as strong points thanks to the locking hardware.

Finish, Durability and Case

The matte vintage black finish draws both praise and minor criticism. Aesthetically, it pairs well with gold hardware and exudes a boutique look on stage. However, it does tend to wear where touched, gradually developing glossy spots from contact with hands and clothing. This trait is common to matte finishes and is largely a question of personal taste, some consider it part of the instrument's evolving character, others see it as a drawback, particularly since the gold plating on bridge and hardware is prone to wear over time as well.

The included molded hard case provides robust protection for transport and storage, a necessary add-on at this price.

Build Quality and Final Impressions

Construction quality is simply superb, matching or exceeding established US custom shop benchmarks. Consistency in build, from fretwork to finish and hardware alignment, is evident. Controls operate smoothly and electronics are neatly installed.

Players with experience in other top-tier brands like Gibson and Fender Custom Shop routinely mention the ESP E-II's comparable feel and reliability, even as they point out the lack of a prominent ESP logo, however, brand aesthetics aside, functionally there is universal satisfaction in terms of makeup and setup.

Conclusion: Is the ESP E-II Eclipse DB VB Worth It?

If you're in the market for a modern single cutaway guitar that blends classic sensibility with contemporary performance, the ESP E-II Eclipse DB VB stands out as a top contender. It delivers exceptional build quality, versatile active electronics and a reliable playing experience both live and in studio. The guitar's open tone, premium materials and impeccable hardware justify its premium positioning, and minor complaints, about finish wear or logo placements, are a footnote against its overall performance.

For players serious about hard rock or metal who expect clarity under gain but need flexibility for cleaner genres, the Eclipse DB VB is an investment-level instrument that fulfills its promise.