ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BK
The ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BK pairs a set-in neck and stainless steel frets with active EMG pickups and an original Floyd Rose. Its features suit players who want a performance-focused guitar and are comfortable with active electronics and a locking tremolo.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BK: Technical Review
The ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BK is a Japanese-made electric guitar built around a mahogany body, a maple top, a set-in maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. Its hardware and electronics point toward a configuration with two humbuckers and a double-locking Floyd Rose tremolo. The supplied specifications also list 24 stainless steel frets and Gotoh locking tuners. No customer reviews are available for this product, so this assessment is based only on the listed features and does not claim a playing feel or real-world performance.
Body, Neck, and Fingerboard
The body is mahogany with a maple top. The neck is maple and joins the body with a set-in construction. The fingerboard is ebony, with a 305 mm (12.01-inch) radius. The neck profile is described as a thin U, while the scale length is 648 mm (25.5 inches), a full-length scale specification. The nut measures 42 mm (1.65 inches) wide.
These measurements give a clear outline of the instrument's dimensions, but they do not establish how the neck will feel in a player's hands. The thin U profile is the maker's stated shape; comfort and access remain individual preferences. Likewise, the fingerboard radius and nut width are useful comparison points when evaluating the guitar against another instrument, but they cannot substitute for trying it in person.
The fingerboard carries 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Stainless steel is the specified fret material, and the extra-jumbo size is the listed fret format. The information does not state fret-end treatment, setup measurements, string gauge, or factory action, so those details should be checked with the retailer or confirmed on the individual instrument.
Pickups and Controls
The pickup layout is HH, with one EMG 81 BBC humbucker at the bridge and one EMG 89R BBC humbucker at the neck. A single volume control has a push-pull function, and the guitar also has one tone control and a three-way toggle switch. The specifications do not explain the push-pull switching options or provide a wiring diagram. Buyers who need a particular coil configuration should confirm exactly what the control changes before purchase.
The model uses active EMG pickups, but the supplied details do not state whether a battery is included, how it is accessed, or how long it lasts in use. They also do not provide output measurements or a tonal description. The pickup names identify the installed components, but they do not guarantee a particular sound through every amplifier, effects chain, or playing approach.
Tremolo and Hardware
A Floyd Rose Original tremolo is listed, alongside Gotoh locking machine heads. The guitar has black hardware and a Gun Metallic Black finish. A Floyd Rose system uses a locking setup, making string changes and adjustments a more involved task than on a fixed bridge. The listed locking tuners are part of the hardware specification, although their interaction with the locking nut is not described in the available information. Nut-lock details are not separately itemized.
The tremolo is an important practical consideration. Buyers who plan to use the bridge should account for setup and tuning adjustments, particularly when changing string gauges or tuning. The product information does not state whether setup tools or spare parts are included. It identifies the bridge as an Original Floyd Rose, but provides no additional information about its finish or setup at the factory.
Included Case, Price, and Buying Considerations
A case is included, while a gig bag is not. This distinction is useful when comparing the listed price of 3399 with other instruments, though the supplied data does not identify the currency or specify the case design. The item number is 634545, and the sales unit is one piece. The stated country of manufacture is Japan.
For a purchase decision, the strongest concrete points are the named construction materials, the full 25.5-inch scale, the 24 stainless steel frets, the specific EMG pickup models, and the Original Floyd Rose tremolo. The listing leaves several practical details unanswered, including the exact push-pull function, factory setup, included accessories beyond the case, and the price currency. Confirming those points with the seller would help avoid assumptions.
There are no customer reviews available for this product, and the specifications alone cannot establish its sound, reliability, comfort, or condition. The ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BK is specified as a Japanese-made guitar with a set-in maple neck, ebony fingerboard, dual humbuckers, and a locking tremolo system. That is a substantial technical profile, but hands-on evaluation and clear answers about setup and switching remain important before buying.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Mahogany body, maple top, and set-in maple neck with an ebony fingerboard.
- EMG 81 bridge and EMG 89R neck pickups offer active humbucker configurations with a push-pull control.
- Original Floyd Rose tremolo, Gotoh locking tuners, stainless steel frets, and an included case.
What bugged me
- The active pickup setup and Floyd Rose tremolo may not suit players seeking a simple, low-maintenance guitar.
- No bag is included, and the $3,399 price makes this a substantial purchase.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for players seeking active EMG humbuckers, an original Floyd Rose, and stainless steel frets. A strong match for guitarists who want a Japan-made instrument with locking hardware.Look elsewhere if
Not for players who prefer passive pickups or a fixed bridge. Also a poor fit for buyers looking for an inexpensive instrument or a bag included in the package.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Body
- Mahogany
- Top
- Maple
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Tremolo
- Floyd Rose
- Incl. bag
- No
- Including case
- Yes
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Does the guitar include a case?
Yes. A case is included, but a bag is not.
What pickups are installed?
It has an EMG 81 humbucker at the bridge and an EMG 89R humbucker at the neck, with one volume control featuring a push-pull function.
Which tremolo system does it use?
It uses an original Floyd Rose tremolo and Gotoh locking tuners.
What is the neck and fingerboard construction?
The guitar has a set-in maple neck with a thin U profile, an ebony fingerboard, a 12-inch fingerboard radius, and 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets.
Is this a good choice for a beginner?
It can be used by a beginner, but the active pickups and Floyd Rose system add setup and maintenance considerations. It is a more natural fit for players who already know they want those features.
The last word from the bench
This Japan-made model has a substantial hardware package, including an original Floyd Rose, Gotoh locking tuners, and 24 stainless steel frets. Its EMG 81 and EMG 89R pickups, together with a push-pull control, provide useful pickup options within an active setup. The 25.5-inch scale and thin U neck profile point to a fast-feeling instrument, though personal comfort depends on the player. At $3,399, it is best suited to buyers who specifically want these features and will use them.
Hanging next to it
ESP E-II Horizon FR GunMetallic BK
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
Guitar Gear Reviews