ESP E-II Horizon NT-II EMG STBCSB

ESP E-II Horizon NT-II EMG STBCSB review

The ESP E-II Horizon NT-II EMG STBCSB is a fixed-bridge electric guitar built around a mahogany body, a quilted maple top, and an ebony fingerboard. Its specifications point to a performance-focused instrument with active EMG humbuckers, locking tuners, and a 24-fret neck. ESP lists the model as available since January 2022, and the supplied price is $2,859.

There is also a brief owner report to consider. The player praised its appearance and workmanship, described it as easy to play, and was especially impressed by its sound. That is a positive but limited sample, so it should be treated as one player's experience rather than a substitute for a hands-on assessment or a broader set of reviews.

Construction and finish

The mahogany body is topped with quilted maple and finished in See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst. Black hardware gives the guitar a coordinated look, while the visible maple pattern supplies much of its visual character. The neck is made from three pieces of maple and joins the body without a tremolo system. ESP includes a case, but no bag.

These materials and fittings make for a specification set aimed at a higher-priced instrument. The supplied owner feedback supports the impression of careful workmanship, though it does not identify particular construction details or provide measurements. The guitar is made in Japan.

Neck and playing feel

The neck has a Thin U profile, a shape intended to keep the back of the neck relatively slim. Its ebony fingerboard has a 305 mm radius and carries 24 extra-jumbo frets. A 42 mm bone nut and 648 mm scale length complete the main dimensions. The scale is the familiar long scale used on many electric guitars.

The owner's description of the instrument as very easy to play is consistent with a slim neck profile and generous fret count, but comfort is personal. Hand size, preferred string height, and playing style all affect the experience. There is no setup information in the supplied data, so the guitar's factory action and fret condition cannot be judged here.

The listed strings are Elixir Nanoweb Light, gauged.010,.013,.017,.026,.036, and.046. Locking Gotoh tuning machines are fitted. They can make string changes more convenient and help secure the strings at the headstock, although they do not eliminate the need for careful winding, stretching, or tuning checks.

Pickups and controls

ESP equips the guitar with an EMG 66TW at the neck and an EMG 57TW at the bridge. Both are brushed black chrome humbuckers. The control layout includes a three-way pickup selector, a volume control with a push-pull function, and a tone control with a push-pull function. The specification confirms those switching functions but does not explain every available wiring combination, so buyers should check the instrument's documentation if a particular pickup mode matters to them.

The owner's report of a "sensational" sound is encouraging, but it gives no detail about amplifier, playing style, or preferred pickup position. The fitted EMG humbuckers make the pickup system a clear part of the guitar's identity. Rather than claiming a specific tonal character beyond the supplied evidence, prospective players should try both pickups and the push-pull controls with their own rig.

Bridge, hardware, and value

A Gotoh Tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece provide the fixed-bridge arrangement. There is no tremolo. For players who do not use a vibrato arm, this keeps the hardware layout straightforward and avoids a tremolo system's additional setup considerations. The black hardware, Gotoh locking tuners, and included case add practical detail to the package.

At $2,859, this is a substantial purchase. The price places particular importance on checking fit, finish, setup, and the included case before buying. The owner feedback is strongly favorable on appearance, workmanship, playability, and sound, but it is a single short account with no direct comparison to competing guitars.

Verdict

The ESP E-II Horizon NT-II EMG STBCSB combines a three-piece maple neck, ebony fingerboard, 24 extra-jumbo frets, dual EMG humbuckers, and a Gotoh fixed bridge. Its finish and Japanese manufacture give it a distinct premium specification, while the owner report offers a positive indication of playability and build quality. The main caveat is the limited firsthand evidence available here. Players considering the price should test the neck and pickup controls in person where possible, then compare the feel and sound against their own requirements.