ESP E-II Eclipse FR Charcoal Burst

ESP E-II Eclipse FR Charcoal Burst review

The ESP E-II Eclipse FR Charcoal Burst is a single-cut electric guitar built around a mahogany body, a quilted maple top, and a Floyd Rose Original SE tremolo. Its hardware and electronics point to a guitar intended for players who want a locking vibrato system and high-output humbuckers, while the set-through neck and 629 mm scale length shape the feel. It has been available since July 2023, and the listed price is 3055.

The instrument reviewed here arrived with the expected core specifications, including stainless steel frets, an ebony fingerboard, a locking nut, and a push-pull tone control. The owner also reported a satin neck finish, a comfortable neck heel for reaching higher frets, and excellent workmanship on the finish and bindings. Those are firsthand observations rather than guarantees for every individual guitar, but they describe a strong initial impression of fit and finish.

Build and playing feel

The body is mahogany, topped with quilted maple in a Charcoal Burst finish. ESP lists the neck as mahogany and the construction as set-through, with a thin neck profile. The fingerboard is ebony, with a 305 mm (12-inch) radius and 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. A 42 mm locking nut and 629 mm scale length complete the main dimensions.

The owner found the neck heel comfortable when moving into the upper frets, a useful detail on a guitar with a set-through neck joint. The satin neck finish was also singled out as a positive. Together, these details make the guitar feel geared toward easy movement along the neck, although hand size and personal preference will determine whether the thin profile suits a particular player.

The stainless steel frets are a notable part of the specification. They resist wear differently from conventional nickel-silver frets, and the owner specifically expected them on this model. The reported high-quality wood, clean finish, and well-executed bindings support the impression of a carefully finished instrument. A hands-on inspection is still worthwhile, especially at this price, since individual examples can vary.

Pickups and controls

The stock pickup set consists of a Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbucker in the neck position and a Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic humbucker at the bridge. Controls include separate volume knobs, a tone control with push-pull switching, and a toggle switch. This gives the player separate level adjustment for each pickup, plus an additional tone-control option through the push-pull function.

The owner liked the guitar's sound overall but did not personally connect with the Fishman pickups. That is a matter of taste, not a reported fault. The owner later installed EMG 81TW-X and EMG 89XR pickups, purchased separately, and had a luthier set up the guitar for.009-gauge strings. The luthier noted that the bridge pickup's greater depth required a small amount of wood to be removed from the pickup cavity for installation.

That modification is specific to the aftermarket EMG bridge pickup. It should not be read as a requirement for the stock Fishman set, or as evidence that the guitar needs a cavity alteration in normal use. Buyers considering a pickup swap should check the replacement pickup's dimensions and consult a qualified technician before making changes.

Floyd Rose and setup considerations

The bridge is a Floyd Rose Original SE, paired with a locking nut and Gotoh locking tuners. The owner specifically valued having an Original Floyd Rose tremolo and described the guitar as enjoyable to play. A locking tremolo can be a good fit for players who use the arm actively and want tuning stability after setup, though changing strings or tuning requires more adjustment than on a fixed bridge.

There is one practical discrepancy in the supplied feedback: the guitar was described as arriving with.009 strings, but the owner received.010 strings. The listed string specification is Elixir Nanoweb Super Light, but the available information does not confirm the gauge in the delivered set. Players who have a preferred gauge should check the instrument on arrival and account for a setup if they change string tension. On a Floyd Rose-equipped guitar, changing gauges can affect the bridge balance as well as neck relief and intonation.

What to know before buying

• Construction: Mahogany body and neck, quilted maple top, ebony fingerboard, and set-through neck joint.
• Playing hardware: 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, locking nut, Gotoh locking tuners, and Floyd Rose Original SE bridge.
• Electronics: Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico neck humbucker, Modern Ceramic bridge humbucker, two volume controls, and push-pull tone control.
• Included case: An EC guitar form-fit case is included. No gig bag is included.
• Setup: Confirm the delivered string gauge and budget for adjustment if changing gauges or installing different pickups.

The ESP E-II Eclipse FR Charcoal Burst makes the most sense for a player seeking a carved-top-style single-cut guitar with a locking tremolo, a thin-profile neck, and modern active pickups. The reported playability and finish quality are strong points, while pickup preference and the extra setup demands of the Floyd Rose deserve consideration. Its case is included, and the owner's experience suggests that the guitar can provide a satisfying playing experience straight away, provided the stock setup matches the buyer's needs.