ESP E-II Eclipse FM BLK NAT B

Introduction: ESP E-II Eclipse FM BLK NAT B Overview

The ESP E-II Eclipse FM BLK NAT B stands out in ESP's Japanese-made lineup. At a price of $2777, it enters the bracket where build quality, performance, and feature set all demand scrutiny. This Eclipse claims a blend of old-school singlecut personality, complete with Full Thickness body, with the modern features needed for versatility and intense professional use. Here's an in-depth assessment of whether the build and sound justify its status and price.

Construction and Materials

• Body: Full Thickness Mahogany, yielding a weight of about 4.1, 4.4 kg.
• Top: Flamed Maple, with a Black Natural Burst finish for striking visuals.
• Neck: Three-piece Mahogany, neck-through body construction.
• Fingerboard: Ebony, 22 extra jumbo stainless steel frets, bone nut (width: 42mm/1.65") and a 305mm (12") radius.
• Scale length: 629mm (24.75"), standard for singlecut electric guitars.
• Hardware: Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpiece, Gotoh locking tuners, black nickel plating.
• Case: Custom-fit hardshell case included, no gig bag in the box.

ESP applies meticulous finish work. Most user feedback confirms flawless paint, precise binding, and clean fret ends. A few rare cases reported minor visual flaws on arrival (dust, scuffs, or neck joint glue), but these seem outliers. Replacement instruments consistently meet above-average Japanese standards, with perfectly cut nuts and a smooth, non-sticky neck finish. While most praise the gloss neck for comfortable play, some wish for a satin touch, as found on other ESP finishes.

Neck Profile and Playability

The Thin U-shaped profile sits in the sweet spot for those coming from modern guitars, it is less round than vintage singlecuts and avoids any club-like feel. The neck-through design allows for excellent upper fret access. The generous cutaway makes the 22^nd fret easily reachable, while the compound neck joint removes the awkward heel typical of traditional builds. Out of the box, the action is very low (factory setup: ~1.5mm at high E, 2mm at low E), with no detectable fret buzz. Adjustments can comfortably facilitate chording or fast lead work; players who prefer a slightly higher action for heavier strumming will find the stainless frets and neck setup forgiving and stable, no sharp fret ends, no dead spots.

Multiple users report that the fingerboard is as finely dressed as any boutique guitar, and even ultra-low neck relief or tight string spacing remain buzz-free. The gloss finish on the back of the neck may not appeal to all, but it offers no drag and compares favorably to similar instruments in this range.

Pickups and Electronics: The EMG Advantage

• Bridge Pickup: EMG 57TW active humbucker (coil split).
• Neck Pickup: EMG 66TW active humbucker (coil split).
• Controls: Two volume controls (each with push/pull for split), one tone, three-way toggle.

Here, the Eclipse FM BLK NAT B leaves ordinary singlecuts behind. The EMG 57/66TW set is designed as a modern riff on classic PAF-style pickups, combining the clarity and sustain of active circuitry with the dynamic response and warmth of passive humbuckers. The coil-splitting goes further than standard designs. Rather than just cutting to a single coil within the humbucker, these EMGs combine dual coils with a standalone active single coil, selected via push/pull on each volume knob. The result: a real palette of sounds, ground-shaking high-gain tones, full-bodied rock chunk, and surprisingly noise-free split sounds with genuine single-coil character.

The sound is as versatile as advertised. With high gain, these pickups produce articulate, punchy sounds without muddiness or harsh highs. Pulling gain back brings out a thick, singing sustain that feels distinctly vintage, with a midrange focus that stays musical. In single coil mode, both neck and bridge remain hum-free while providing a snap and brightness perfect for cleans or melody work, making the Eclipse genuinely adaptable to blues, hard rock, and even metal.

Tone, Sustain, and Resonance

The Full Thickness Mahogany body (matching classic singlecut proportions at about 6cm thick) makes a clear difference. The instrument resonates loud and rich unplugged, with substantial sustain right from the first strum, testers report the guitar is "loud acoustically" and "full-bodied in the lower mids." At just over 4 kilograms, it is not lightweight, but the payoff is tonal integrity: the low end is present without flabbiness and the top end stays controlled under distortion.

This thick body, paired with the set-through neck, makes for a noticeably more resonant instrument compared to ESP's thinner or affordable LTD counterparts. Factory Elixir Nanoweb Light strings (.010,.046) are a good choice for a blend of clarity and punch, with most upgrading to heavier gauges for even more depth.

Hardware Reliability

Gotoh hardware performs exactly as expected: tuning stability is rock solid even under aggressive bends. The Tune-O-Matic bridge sits flush, with perfect intonation right from the factory. Locking tuners make string swaps quick and keep everything in tune. The inclusion of Schaller S-Locks as standard is a thoughtful touch, adding reassurance if you perform standing up. The supplied hard case also fits the unique Eclipse shape securely.

Comparisons and Value

Compared to competing singlecuts or ESP's own LTD EC-1000 models, the E-II Eclipse FM offers distinct upgrades: premium Japanese build, flawless fretwork, real ebony fingerboard, and unique pickup flexibility. Users switching from Ibanez, Schecter, or Les Paul types consistently describe the E-II as having a more modern, comfortable neck with custom-shop grade finish. While some LTD models push $1500+, the extra cost for E-II brings markedly better quality, tighter QC, and Japanese consistency.

Critiques

• Weight may be an issue for players who prioritize a lighter guitar, this is full, vintage-inspired mass.
• A few encountered inconsistent cosmetic quality on first delivery, but replacements were flawless.
• Gloss neck finish may not suit fans of satin; it is smooth but not "matte" to the touch.
• Gig bag is not included, only a hard case.

Conclusion: Who Is the E-II Eclipse FM BLK NAT B For?

ESP's E-II Eclipse FM BLK NAT B is a professional instrument built for serious guitarists who want a powerful, full-bodied singlecut with modern refinement. The neck-through Mahogany build and Flamed Maple top deliver boutique-level resonance and sustain. The EMG 57/66TW pickups allow seamless switching between classic humbucker, crisp single coil, and hard-hitting active tones. With top-tier hardware and outstanding playability, it addresses studio and stage equally well. While heavy, and lacking a satin neck option, it sets a true standard for Japanese-crafted guitars in its price class. For advanced rock, metal, or even session players needing versatility and bulletproof reliability, the E-II Eclipse FM BLK NAT B is superb.