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Alright so I ordered this guitar almost six months ago and I was not impressed with it. It sounded like mud. So after fiddling with it and adjusting the pick up some I got it to sound better. Low end doesn't have much definition to it and only on the low string. Still has a neck like a baseball bat so doesn't really allow for fast playing and takes some getting used to. Sounds good in B standard. My bandmates seem to like it so I'll be keeping it. It stays in tune pretty well. Need a set of these tuners for all my guitars.
I do feel constricted with the hardware but that's what I got myself into. But with that I don't believe that this is an $800 guitar for what you're getting from or out of it. It's $600 to $650 at best imo because you get one humbucker that can't handle the low end. A non string through bridge. A fat neck that limits shredding of any kind (at least in my case). And no tone knob. Options are limited but I get this guitar is purpose built.
Positives are the tuners, body shape, and the fact that it's a seven string guitar. This is a decent instrument but not at this price point. I do feel more positive about this particular model now than I did six months ago.
I'll give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Hi Grinder, Thanks for your comments. We appreciate your feedback.
I'm intrigued by this guitar but am confused by it having only a bridge pickup. What was the purpose of designing it this way? What do I gain/lose by having a guitar setup that way?
Hi Ross, Many players do not ever use the neck pickup. So over the years we have made a few models with a single pickup. It is less versatile , but many metal players don't need the neck pickup so this guitar is perfect for that type of player. If you want a guitar with more versatility and sounds then this model may not be for you. One way to look at it is why pay for that extra neck pickup if you never use it.
Just picked up this beast. This has to be the coolest 7 string I have picked up in a while. No real complaints, a couple minor imperfections but its damn close to being perfect. 74/64/49/28/18/14/11. Nice tension drop tuned. Action was great from factory barely needed a setup. Really clean build with this single Duncan, single volume wicked matte black finish. I was looking at the E2's. ESP PLEASE MAKE ME A E2 7 STING VIPER IN THAT PURPLE SPARKLE METALLIC. Seriously I would buy that and the horizon in a heartbeat.
Hi fattJ, Thanks for all your detailed comments. We're excited to hear how much you like your new guitar and thanks for your suggestions. An E-II Viper 7 in Purple Sparkle would indeed be amazing!
Quick Question, I was looking into the scale length of my guitar. I measure a 25.5 inch scale length on my LTD Viper 7 string. The information on this page says its a 27 inch scale length. I am a bit confused about this. the serial number is IW17092112. Thanks for the help.
Hi fattJ, Last year when we first released the Viper-7 Black Metal, it was with a 25.5" scale. This year we discontinued the previous version and created a new version which has a 27" scale. I know it's a little confusing but the current version we list on our website is the updated Baritone scale version which is a new product SKU as well. If you need any further help please contact our customer service team at customerservice@espguitars.com
this guitar is very cool i like it a lot but i cannot afford it can you guys send me a botched up one from the factory or something that would be incredible
Hi Jack, glad to hear you like it. Maybe you can find one used for a lower price or enter our giveaways that we do throughout the year and you have a chance to win a free guitar.
I received mine today and had some quality time with it. This guitar is very heavy. Like 9+ pounds Les Paul custom heavy. Despite the weight it neck dives ALL DAY and I find it really annoying. As previously mentioned, the neck is huge. I personally like fat necks, but if you have small hands you're probably not gonna like this. There was no gig bag included despite what I was told. I'm 90% sending it back because of the neck dive. That said, it was pretty well set up out of the box, it definitely feels like a quality $800 guitar, and it sounds sinister as hell. If the balance issue was fixed and a neck pickup was added (....sometimes I like Black Metal. Sometimes I like jazz) I wouldn't have a problem paying twice the price for an E-II model.
Hi Andrew, thanks for your feedback. There are some shapes that unfortunately don't offer the perfect balance of a standard double cutaway. The Viper shape with the size and shape of the upper horn does not allow for easy installation of the strap button at the tip of the horn, so the strap button is positioned on the back side of body in the center of the horn. Because of this, the balance is a little neck heavy. Adding the 7 string configuration also makes the neck & headstock heavier which adds to this balance issue.
Why Doesn't this model come in a 6 string?
Hi Ron, We wanted to offer 1 7 string in our Black Metal Series and chose this shape. I am hearing from a few customers who are asking the same question you are. Thanks for letting us know your feedback. At this time there is no 6 string version but we take all our customers' feedback seriously so we can try to offer a good selection of models every time we introduce new models.
100% would've gotten this if it was available in a 6 string, no-one makes decent sg jrs anymore
Hi Franois, thanks for your comments.
Bummer
Has anyone else played or purchased this guitar? Would like to hear more feedback.
I wanna play this guitar!
i got one recently.... and sadly i'm not impressed. for the price i paid its not even string through which heavily impacts the sound through at least my amp. i have an M17 that sounds better and is string through. Yes i understand that the M17 is not a baritone but what i got with that is superior to to Viper BM Baritone. Heartbreaking.
Hey Grinder, sorry to hear that. What is the difference in sound that you are hearing?
Also the neck is like a baseball bat.