ESP E-II Horizon NT II TE AM Fade

ESP E-II Horizon NT II TE AM Fade review

The ESP E-II Horizon NT II TE AM Fade makes a strong first impression. Its Tiger Eye Amber Fade finish, quilted maple top, and black nickel-plated hardware give the guitar a distinctive look, while the mahogany body and maple neck-through construction point to a serious performance instrument. It feels carefully put together and has the polished finish expected of a guitar at this price.

At $2,859, this is a premium electric guitar aimed at players who want dependable performance for demanding parts. Its active EMG pickups, fixed bridge, and 24 extra-jumbo frets make the intended territory clear: precise rhythm work, sustained lead lines, and high-gain playing. ESP introduced this model in June 2019. The guitar is made in Japan and comes with a case.

Construction and feel

The mahogany body is paired with a quilted maple top and a three-piece maple neck that runs through the body. That construction gives the instrument a cohesive feel, and the neck-through design suits the strong sustain noted during playing. The ebony fingerboard adds a smooth playing surface, while the Thin-U neck profile feels slim and quick without making the guitar difficult to control.

Its 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale is a familiar length for players who prefer a firm string feel, particularly in lower, heavier passages. The fingerboard radius is 305 mm (12.01 inches), the nut measures 42 mm (1.65 inches), and the nut is made from bone. The 24 extra-jumbo frets provide room for high-register work, with a broad, comfortable surface under the fingers.

In hand, the Horizon feels comfortable both seated and standing. The neck supports fast runs and intricate riffs without demanding an adjustment in technique, and its profile makes extended playing feel relaxed. These are useful qualities for players moving between tight rhythm parts and lead passages in the same set.

Pickups and controls

The pickup set consists of an active EMG 57 TW at the bridge and an active EMG 66 TW at the neck. A three-way toggle selects the pickup positions. The guitar has one volume control and one tone control, and both use push-pull functions. That gives players additional switching options from the controls without adding a row of knobs to the body.

In use, the pickups deliver a focused, controlled sound suited to high-gain tones. Palm-muted riffs feel tight and forceful, while chords retain definition rather than collapsing into a wash of distortion. Lead notes sustain clearly and cut through, a practical combination for fast lines and expressive bends. The overall character favors clarity and authority over a loose or overly soft response.

Bridge and hardware

The Gotoh TOM bridge and string-through-body design form a fixed bridge setup. There is no tremolo, so players looking for a vibrato system will need to consider that limitation. Gotoh locking machine heads make string changes more convenient, and the black nickel-plated hardware complements the finish. The guitar ships with Elixir Nanoweb Light strings in.010 to.046 gauge.

That fixed setup suits the instrument's focus on stable tuning and precise attack. It also keeps the bridge configuration straightforward for players who prefer not to manage a tremolo during heavy rhythm playing. The supplied case is a welcome inclusion at this price; a separate bag is not included.

Playing impressions and verdict

The strongest impression is how naturally the guitar handles demanding metal parts. Fast alternate picking, aggressive palm mutes, and quick shifts into lead work all feel at home on the Horizon. Notes remain clear under gain, and the sustain helps longer lines hold their shape. Players in melodic death metal, thrash, power metal, and related styles should find its response particularly well matched to their needs.

Its appeal is more specific than a general-purpose guitar. The active pickups, fixed bridge, and assertive sound make it a focused choice for players who value precision and impact. Those seeking a tremolo system, a softer vintage voice, or a simpler instrument for broad styles may prefer a different configuration.

For the right player, the ESP E-II Horizon NT II TE AM Fade combines striking presentation with comfortable playability and a controlled, high-output sound. The neck-through build, locking tuners, and included case round out a well-equipped package. At $2,859, it is a considered purchase, but its construction and clear strength in high-gain playing give it a convincing place among premium metal guitars.