ESP E-II EX NT BK

Overview: ESP E-II EX NT BK in Detail

The ESP E-II EX NT BK is ESP's flagship take on an explorer-style guitar, made in Japan and targeted squarely at professional players who need robust rock and metal tones. Priced at $2,535, it arrives with a case included, loaded with premium features like an all-mahogany body and neck, a fingerboard of ebony, EMG active humbuckers, and gotoh hardware. It combines aggressive looks with practical playability, aiming to satisfy discerning guitarists demanding both sound quality and durability.

Construction and Feel

The build starts with a strongly contoured EX-style mahogany body, topped with a classic black finish and no additional cap. The neck is also mahogany, attached with a set-in joint for robust sustain and greater upper fret access. A thin U-shaped profile and a satin finish make the neck extremely easy to grip and fast to navigate. The fretwork stands out: 22 X-Jumbo stainless steel frets set into a 12-inch radius ebony fretboard. This combo feels slick under the fingers, and the edges are carefully rounded for a seamless experience. The 24.75-inch scale length and 1.65-inch bone nut favor easy bends and a slightly slinkier string feel compared to longer-scale instruments.

Hardware and Appointments

• Bridge & Tailpiece: The Gotoh tune-o-matic style bridge and stop tailpiece sit rock-solid, providing sustain and solid tuning stability even under heavy playing. Gotoh locking tuners at the headstock drastically speed up string changes and help keep pitch rock-steady.
• Controls: A straightforward three-knob setup (single volume, single tone, three-way toggle switch) grants fast access to a broad palette of tones, without clutter or confusion. The control placement is logical and comfortably within reach.
• Hardware: All hardware is finished in black, matching the aesthetic and providing resistance to sweat and oxidation. User reports back up the claim, black chrome pickup covers and bridge pieces resist tarnish even after extended gigging.
• Strings: It ships with.010,.046 gauge Elixir Nanoweb strings, a practical all-rounder set for rock, metal, and heavy drop tunings.

Pickups and Electronics

This EX NT BK uses proven EMG pickups: the 81 in the bridge (brushed black chrome) and the 60 in the neck position. Both are active and deliver high output with remarkable clarity. The EMG 81 is popular for its aggressive attack, making rhythm riffs and palm-muted chugs leap out in a mix, while the EMG 60 offers a glassy, articulate neck tone, especially clean and distinct compared to many neck humbuckers in this genre.

• The middle position of the switch gives access to funkier, bluesier tones, unusual for such a metal-focused guitar, an advantage for players who need genre versatility.
• The presence of just one volume and one tone control keeps operation fuss-free, with the EMGs amplifying even subtle tweaks to the tone knob.

Playability and Ergonomics

Despite the body's size, user feedback stresses just how comfortable and surprisingly lightweight it feels compared to chunkier competitors. The thin U profile encourages ease in fast passages and ensures even medium-sized hands do not tire. The satiny neck back further smooths left-hand movement, players highlight the lack of stickiness under sweaty stage conditions.

The ebony fretboard is especially praised for its smooth finish and the meticulous edge rounding. Out of the box, it shows high-end fretwork quality with no sharp ends. Double-locking tuners work exactly as intended: restringing is quick, and tuning drift is virtually nonexistent once locked down.

One recurring user complaint is a tendency for the guitar to be a little neck-heavy; a simple remedy is to use a strap lock (included). Some reports mention minor cosmetic blemishes at the tip of the headstock, so careful inspection upon delivery is advised, especially at this price point.

Sound: Clean and Dirty

• Clean Tones: The EMG 60 in the neck shines with defined, articulate cleans that remain controlled even with heavy strumming. The bridge position is tighter and glassier, apt for pop or funk lines, unexpectedly versatile for a guitar so clearly voiced for heavier genres.
• Overdrive/Distortion: The EMG 81 pushes tube amps with ferocity. Chords remain distinct even under gain, and lead lines cut through without string muddiness. Players find the guitar excels not just in metal, but heavy rock, hard alternative, and even blues-rock with the right touch and settings.

Fit, Finish, and Value

The Japanese build quality is broadly appreciated; many find the finish and fretwork superior, with hardware and electronics that rival or surpass US-made guitars at a similar or higher price. However, a few users expect absolute perfection at this cost and noted minor paint flaws out of the box. ESP's reputation for consistency remains strong, most guitars arrive flawlessly built, and some players even prefer the brand over higher-priced US alternatives for value versus features.

Conclusion

The ESP E-II EX NT BK successfully blends modern ergonomic design, exemplary playability, and the aggressive tone profile demanded by hard rock and metal musicians. Its active electronics, locking hardware, and flawless neck construction make it a powerful gigging tool. Despite a few minor quality control issues and its premium price, it stands as a top-tier choice for players seeking a professional EX-style guitar made in Japan.