Confused.... The NT-

Updated
Leo Vannucci

I was told by ESP's customer service (as well as people from ESP on the forum) that the E-II series was OFFICIALLY the exact same thing as the ESP Standard series that has been sadly discontinued. 

If you read at basically every description of E-II or even the 2014 NAMM videos, they don't say that at all; they say the E-II is "the affordable" option if you don't have enough cash for the ESP Originals or Custom... well this whole E-II reminds me of the LTD Elite series a lot more than it does to the ESP Standard series. I own an ESP Horizon FR-7 and now it's only avaialble on the E-II sub-brand, and it costs 300 bucks less than what mine did a couple of months past. Again, if this IS officially the new ESP Standard series, then fine, say it, but if its the new LTD Elite series, please let us know too. 

 

Let us not forget that no matter what, E-II will be like buying an LTD Elite or even an LTD - it's a sub-brand guys! I love ESP but I am seriously against rebranding and sub-branding. It's okay if you pay 300 bucks for a cheap starter guitar from LTD and it says ESP on the 12th fret, saying that basically you're hoping to get a real ESP in the future... BUT, it's very weird when they tell you E-II is the new ESP Standard, then they tell you is the affordable sub-brand, and again, you have a guitar that says ESP on the 12th fret and E-II on the headstock... reminds me of owning an LTD guitar, doesn't it? 

All of this would change if I could find my Horizon FR-7 in the ESP Originals series... I'd gladly pay the 3,800 bucks, but please, don't sub-brand the good models! What happened to the NT-7? Hell, now it's a baritone and it's onlly avaiable in satin black... the NT-7 was probably the best 7 string out there, with the FR-7 being the Floyd option. Please make them live to the ESP Originals? I must say, there's ony 6 string guitars in the ESP Originals line-up....

Trashgreen

The LTD Elite Series is now long gone and it´s NOT hidden in any other brands. It was a one year only lifetime for those...

The E-II´s are the exact same as the ESP standard series, there is absolutely NO difference in quality and playability at all. I have the E-II T-B7 and there is no difference in quality compared to my other ESP standard guitars. It looks, plays and sounds just as good...

Do not compare LTD Elite with E-II, they are NOT the same quality, the price is also slight different. I know it may seem a little confusing that the same models and colors from the LTD Elite series are now found as a part of the E-II standard series, but they are now offered in a higher quality. The M-II FM models now has an Original Floyd Rose, the Elite series had an Floyd Rose 1000 series. Better wood quality would be expected too. I remember seeing those LTD Elite guitars at last years Frankfurt Musikmesse 2013, they where very nice guitars indeed but the fingerboards found on those was not as nice looking as the fingerboards found on the ESP and E-II standard series. My guess is that ESP wanted to keep those models and color options available cause a lot of people showed interest in them, it would be a shame if they where a one year offer only. Now you can still get those models but in a slight better quality within the E-II standard series.

As for the lower priced E-II guitars, it´s simply a matter of business strategy. ESP lowered the price in order to make more people buy the E-II guitars and getting the E-II brand introduced to the marked. In a few years from now people will be used to the E-II guitars and who knows...maybe the price will go slightly up again.

When I hold my E-II T-B7 guitar I do not think of it as another LTD kind of sub brand, I think of it as an ESP E-II standard serie guitar cause that is what it is. I have no problem with the name cause I know what kind of quality it stands for!!

Keep an eye on Frankfurt Musikmesse 2014 12-15 marts, ESP usually comes with a lot of new guitars for the export marked. Maybe we will see an re-entry of the Horizon NT-7 model within the E-II guitars. Some american dealers offer export models like drumcityguitarland... The ESP Horizon FR-7 is available now as the E-II Horizon FR-7 as you already know. If you think the Horizons 7s are the best 7 string out there then guess what, it still is !! ....now as an E-II !!

TT

I'd like to address both you and Trashgreen.

I'll post this regarding mostly the Eclipse guitars, but it goes for other ESP and LTD's as well.

Prior to 2013 there was LTD and ESP Standard.

LTD EC-1000 guitars were the highest end of the LTD line and lower model numbers having less features etc...  ESP Eclipse II Standard was the Japanese built model, and the LTD built in lower labor cost Asian locations.

In 2013 ESP announced an additional line of guitars, the LTD Elite.  These were intended to bridge the price gap between the LTD and ESP Standard models.  The LTD Elite specs were/are LTD except the guitars are built in the same Japanese factory by the same Japanese luthiers.  Basically the idea is that those who feel the Japanese builders build better guitars can now have an LTD spec guitar that is made by those builders.  The price was/is between an LTD and ESP.

For example, and ESP Eclipse II is MSRP around $1950, and LTD EC-1000 about $800-$850. The LTD Elite Eclipse MSRP is $1399.  As you can see it's somewhere in between  Also, the LTD Elite Eclipse has one EMG pup model and 2 Duncan passive pup model, and the maple tops are not as figured as the highly quilted and pricier ESP Eclipse.  Another difference is the fret board radius of the necks.  ESP 305mm, LTD and LTD Elite 350mm.  The ESP fret board is slightly flatter.  The tailpiece and bridge are lockable on the ESP Eclipse and not lockable on the LTD/LTD Elite.  Those are the minor differences, as they are not big or major.

Now, the curious thing is that ESP has decided to change things completely just a year later.  LTD Elite no longer exists.  The ESP Standard no longer exists.  The ESP Standard and LTD Elite line have been merged.  For the Eclipse the model is now called the "E-II Eclipse". The E-II contains the ame ESP Standards as before and includes the LTD Elite models, which are the see through black EMG model and the 2 passive pup models.  Also, ESP is adding, or returning, a vintage honey burst with passive pups.

The former ESP Standard models have NOT changed.  They are still the same guitars with the same hardware, and same Japanese build.  Actual hardware changes are on the former LTD Elite models.  Those now get the 305mm fret board radius, which was 350mm before.  The passive Duncan pup's are now Dimarzio.  That's it. 

A significant difference for buyers is that they can now get an ESP E-II, formerly name "Standard", at LOWER PRICES!  Yes, LOWER prices.  

The former ESP Eclipse II Standard had an MSRP of $1950.  The new ESP E-II Eclipse is $1699 for the quilted top EMG models.  So, now you can get an Eclipse STANDARD for $250 LESS.  This is not a downgraded model.  It has the same wood, hardware, and build, nothing different other than a lower price.

The former 2013 LTD Elite Eclipse 1 was MSRP of $1399.  The new E-II version has gone up by $100 for a new MSRP of $1499.  For the extra $100 you now get a new flatter 305mm radius fretboard, and Dimarzio passive pups.  I've played the different radius fret boards and really there is almost no discernable difference.  Whether or not the Dimarzio's are better than the Duncan's I can't say for sure, but from former experience I prefer Duncan pups.  And, Dimarzio's tend to cost less than Duncan's.  This seems a cost cutting measure on ESP's part by lowering their pup costs yet charging more for it.

So, what happens to those who feel they should get a higher end ESP since the Standard no longer exists?  Well, you can now get the new "Original" series or new "USA" series, which are ESP's made in their new US plant.  Prices?  Ready for this?  $5000 for an "Original" series Eclipse.  $4000 for a US made Eclipse.   And if you feel the need to pay even more there is always the Custom Shop.

Basically, your fears are unfounded, and your conclusions about "sub brand" are wrong.   The "E-II" is simply a model designation, it's not a downgrade in the least. ESP now has the "Original" and "USA" series to help move their higher end price point up.  You can kind of looks at those series are semi-custom shop guitars at lower prices, except you can't make and decisions on what goes in it, similar to what Gibson does with it's "custom shop" where they decide what to make and then charge an arm, leg, and internal organ to buy one.

As for Trashgreen's assertion the that LTD Elite is not the same quality as the new E-II, well, that's just not true.  There is nothing to support that notion.  I've given the major differences and changes above.  LTD Elite is now part of the E-II series.  As far as Eclipse style goes, these are the lighter flame tops instead of highly quilted, and passive pups instead of active EMG's.  The added item is that the former LTD Elite now gets the former Standards 305mm fret board instead of the former 350mm.  Price difference between an EMG quilted and passive flame is $1699 vs $1499.  Price difference reflects costs in maple tops and pup's/electronics, with or course added profit coming from the added models of the former LTD Elite line.  :)

I just returned a new 2013 Gibson Les Paul Standard with AAA Plus top, and I bought an LTD Elite Eclipse 1.  I got a GREAT price on the Elite.  I compared it with 2 different colored ESP Eclipse Standards.   I was expecting an easily noticeable difference between the guitars and was very surprised, and pleasantly so, to discover that other than the tonal difference between EMG's and passive Eclipse's, the LTD Elite is everything ESP says it is.  It is a lower cost option to the Eclipse II Standard. The LTD Elites passive pups sound better to my ears than the EMG's and that's why I choose it.  Of the 3 guitars the LTD Elite played the best as it's set up was nicest.  The EMG Eclipses needed setups to get them to play like the Elite.  Once set up properly the ESP's would have been just as great as the LTD in this case. What my experience demonstrates is how great the LTD Elite's really are.  They are right on par with the ESP Standards and for 2013 they are a steal.  I'm sure that's one of the reasons why ESP dropped the LTD Elite and included them in the new E-II line along with the ESP Standards because bascially the LTD Elite are Standards with passive pups and less figured maple tops.  It would have been great if ESP made a vintage honey burst LTD Elite Ecipse 1 as that is my favorite finish for the passive models.  For 2014 the E-II w/passive pups will be available in vintage honey burst!!!

 

Steve g.

I don't know.. I do know I will not buy one! I have several esp m2s and that's the best Guitat I ever had. Putting another name on the head stock..... Well it's not an esp!!!!! Bad idea to do this. But ya I was told the same... I just don't get it.... I an never will. Sorry esp.... You had the best thing going and messed up!!!

Nicholas C.

The e11 logo looks stupid as hell. I have owned a esp m2 standard series for over 10 years and it is the greatest playing guitar ever. Was interested in the fr 7. But now it has the stupid m11 at the head stock, now I will not buy it. I love esp not e11 what ever the hell that stands for.

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guitargirlemg81

That's why I was calling the mods...

Jeff H.

Plenty of things have already been said, but I think one thing especially that you fail to realize is that, technically, the Standard Series was the sub brand. It was for export, and not really worried about or focused on at all in Japan. This was one of the issues, they wanted to return the name to being only available on and associated with their highest grade models. The original series has been around for years, available in Japan. 

 

That said, to beat the dead horse of the replies: the E-II brand IS the Standard Series. It is cheaper because the name is different. That's pretty obvious. You are no longer being up charged for the ESP namesake. The description you heard in the NAMM videos of bridging the gap, this is what the case has ALWAYS been. The Standard Series was an affordable alternative to the Original and Custom Shop. Which to reiterate on the Original series, like I said, has been around forever and is also built in the custom shop. It is not a factory model line. Hence the price.

Shawn S.

I just got an E2 Honey Burst With the Seymour Duncans. Ugghhh All I can say is Best damn guitar I have ever owned the Quality build is friggin amazing. I have looked it over and over and its flawless. I used to own a 2300 Gibson Les Paul and I gotta tell you I m blown away by this guitar it does everything. the sound through my Line 6 pod 500 HD is insane the sustain is second to none and the I actually cant believe I am not playing a 4000 dollar guitar. I am simply stunned. I have owned alot as I am 47 and this is it....Dang. Dont look at the name on the neck and just buy one.....

Dave R.

Nice to hear, you should post some photos!

Rikki Tikki Tavi

I'm fairly new to ESP in terms of buying a new guitar but have heard of the brand for ages.  I'm currently playing a PRS Custom 24 (the real deal, not re-branded or anything else) and tried an LTD EC-1000, I think,  the other week.  I was very impressed with build quality, playability and sound.  I play a 'pricey' guitar everyday and the LTD is not far behind at all. 

Thinking of buying an E-II Eclipse and must say for the money it looks like a better deal than a Gibson.

Please can we have some photos Shawn?

Afshin K.

I bought a E-II J5 bass. Construction-wise its flawless, Its beautiful. Sounds great also.  In comparing the E-II with the LTD-Elite that came out prior, everything seems to look identical. I never saw one LTD elite J5 bass in person, so I cannot say much on wood quality and construction. The only difference I was able to see was thet the E-II was a 35inch scale and the LTD Elite was a 35 inch scale neck. So, maybe the E-II is the old LTD Elites with some upgrades. regardless, Mine says made in Japan (not a sticker) and it is a very nice quality instrument

Afshin K.

Whoops error - what I meant to say was the E-II was 35 inch neck scale and the LTD-Elite was 34 inch.

Sorry

 

Winfield M.

At a certain level, it is virtually impossible and otherwise a waste of time to attempt to distinguish differences in quality between different instruments. To no end a few rant ignorantly about intangible and meaningless topics when it comes to instruments, finding cheap and insecure comfort in believing without credible evidence that American made is better than all else. Recall Honda and Toyota.  It took a long time for pride-blind folks to accept that Japan was making better cars, even defying evidence.  Too much pride blinds some from seeing and accepting that Japan may have done the same thing with basses.  Really, the player is more important than any of the other factors that are no more than preferential rubbish.  I like Japanese basses, own three, chosen over American Fender basses. 

The music buying audience will mostly never wonder where the instruments we play come from.  I am not a thoughtless "American or USA made" snob or minion.  Every bass I have owned and played have gone under the same scrutiny, ergonomic playability being my most important criteria.  My Lakland basses do more than satisfy my playing needs.  The continuous feedback I receive validate the point that people appreciate skill over make.  Again, the player makes the instrument worthy of a listen.  I won't trade my ESP E-II J-5 for any other bass. 

Thank you for the 35" scale and the incredible sounding B string.  I like much the flawless finish that covers the entire bass.  Even with just a 2 band EQ the bass sounds splendid.  My only modification will be to get a 3 band eq.  Congratulations Japan.  Thank you for bringing your manufacturing efficiency and unmatched quality to musical instruments too.

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