I posted regularly on the ESP forums back in 05'-11' and you were always informative and answered many of my questions. Glad to see that hasn't changed. Enjoyed the video and subscribed. 👍
The design of the eclipse resembles to those of a Gibson Les Paul, but ESP wanted to create sort of a doppelganger that would sound more distorted to heavy metal.
I'm a very happy singlecut player, and a very happy ESP owner...but I realized I've never owned an Eclipse. Time to change that soon, don't you think? Thanks for making such an awesome guide!
@@xjunkxyrdxdog89 I still play both. The one thing I’ve noticed is Gibson has more resonance and so the sound is a bit fuller. They have pros and cons to each and can be used for different applications. Like one would be best for rhythm (Gibson) and the other for leads (esp).
I have a 2010 Vintage Honeyburst Eclipse II, four knobs so i guess made for the non US export market. It's one of the finest guitars ive ever played and ill never let it to. That was really a golden era for ESP Standards. I have a 2007 Horizon NT-II that is also a beauty. They're getting harder to find at good prices on Reverb now, I guess people finally realised
Thank you for the fun and very informative video on these killer guitars! I just today, bought a used ESP E-II Eclipse FT in the very pretty Vintage Honey Burst, from Guitar Center used on their website. And for $1600, this high-quality guitar blows the doors off most Gibson Les Pauls, and definitely is better in all aspects to the most overrated guitar brand on the Planet - PRS !! The thing I love about this particular model/generation is that it is full thickness, has the belly cut, AND the sculpted neck heel for better fret access that many EII Eclipses do not have. So in my humble opinion, ESP took all the best ideas from their Eclipse guitars, and put it all together for this particular generation. ( I think about 2009 ) Take good care fellow Eclipse lovers !! ♫
Stumbled on this video as I recently acquired in a trade a EII Eclipse (sparkle granite) was trying to figure out what I had and specifically what the DB and BB meant in the diff models. I saw your name and avatar, put 2 and 2 together, and realized you were the guy on the ESP forum that help me authenticate another guitar a few years ago. Just wanted to say thanks and subbed!
Good job man! I have been following your comments and knowledge on the ESP forums, good read every time! I currently own a Standard Series M-II from 2009, a M-II from 1992 in Candy Apple Red with 22 frets and an Eclipse E2 Model in the Black Cherry Sunburst. I'd be highly interested in a video highlighting some of the differences between the E2 models and the Standard Series as I know some of the E2 models had some issues (my Eclipse is no exception although it does play fantastic). My black 2009 SS M-II is one of the best guitars I ever held in hands. Cheers and keep uploading! :)
Dude! I've been reading your posts on the ESP forums for years. Glad you're here as well. I'm also an Eclipse nut. In fact I was just reading your posts regarding white ESPs yellowing and how your Eclipse from 2005 (I think) is still white, so I just pulled the trigger on an Original Series CTM in snow white with the double binding (ebony board, although that maple one looks cool, and just like the snow white / maple SS Eclipse from 2012'ish). Your collection is awesome!
@@Pusheadcic Excellent!! Yep I think you're correct on the case theory that the gasses are what's doing it. I'll be doing the same thing and leaving it in a dark room, but outside of the case.
i have always wondered about the Eclipse I & II and i wouldn't have known of the nuances and more had I not stumbled on your video. still hunting for my Snow White Eclipse II. cheers!
Starting in 2020 I believe, they've reintroduced the '87 Eclipse( t-1000 series)as an anniversary edition initially. Sales have been good enough apparently to continue building them and keep them in the market. The NT in pearl white was my choice. It needed a few upgrades to get it dialed in, and it's a much more useful guitar now. The electronics were really low quality and it sounded pretty rough at any setting below 10. Now its very articulate at any volume and the pickups can be utilized together in split coil mode much better.
Super nice collection I thought I was bad for having 6…. Foolish me!!! But I’m also addicted to the M II’s (5) and Custom shop V’s (5) but that Green one!!!! Man superb brother in guitars!!!!!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
The dark purple satin is one of the most beautiful/unique finishes I’ve ever seen on an ESP especially with multi-ply binding. I don’t know if there is a connection between the two things in terms of creative influence but I first saw a finish like this on James Hetfield’s Custom Gibson Les Paul around 2003.
Yeah, that was my inspiration when I bought it. I suspect ESP made that finish for exactly that reason. I kind of wish it was a little less "dark" and a bit more "purple." It usually gets confused for black, though I have a really good photo of it looking purple on my Instagram.
I had an E-II for a year or two. There really isn't much of a difference between the E-II guitars and the old ESP Standard guitars, though now they've changed the back of the neck joint a bit.
My ESP is from around the early 2000. It is black with a flat top without a binding. Only the neck is binded. It has 2 knobs and the toggle switch is at the bottom and not on the top. I could never find the model and the serial suggests that it is a custom shop yet it has the standard series stamp.
Sweet collection man! My first ESP Guitar was a see through Bolt on Green ESP Eclipse from 1998 with a floyd rose. Im looking for my next ESP Eclipse in a honey burst or orange burst but not with the full body thickness.
You're probably the single best authority on all things ESP and LTD. How much difference is there between the FT and regular thickness Eclipses? I like my LPs thicc. There's a growing wave of opinions seeing the regular thickness Eclipses as more like SGs than LPs, would you agree?
With the same pickups in them, I find the FT guitars to have a little more lower mids. To some ears it's more full, to others it's muddier. I have a Pegasus/Sentient set that felt too thin in a regular thickness Eclipse, but they really shine in the gloss black FT.
Thank you for sharing what you have learned regarding the ESP Eclipse guitars and the differences they have. I am really interested in all aspects of the ESP/LTD guitars including production changes and materials as well as tone and rarity. You have a beautiful collection of ESP Eclipse guitars. What is your personal favorite and why? Do you research any other ESP/LTD models?
Is there a difference in neck size in the FT models? I think its good to have people like you around with thorough knowledge and experience, so we know what we want to get. Cheers!
On my FT models, yes, the necks are bigger. In the specs, they're listed as the "U" neck shape as opposed to the "thin U" shape of the traditional Eclipses. I think the modern E-II and LTD versions have the same "thin U" as the traditional Eclipses.
The current ESP Eclipse model mainly happened because of James Hetfield and his desire for his JH-3 Signature, run of 100 back around 1998, to look more like a Gibson Les Paul. James loves his Gibson LP's but before that the ESP Eclipse was a much differently shaped guitar. More KH-3 shaped. Once ESP did that run for Hetfield with the JH-3 was when you started seeing the ESP Eclipse models looking more like Gibson Les Pauls. The longer horns were not used in the USA or on the JH-3 due to copyright issues. The longer horn stayed around for a while overseas but now I think it is completely done worldwide as far as the ESP Eclipse models are concerned.
I like the 4-knob. It's just personal preference. Were I to buy another Eclipse, I'd be looking for a 4-knob. Realistically, I could get by with a single volume knob.
The 80s version you can see in Izzy hands in Sweet Child O Mine video,it belongs to Slash and now in hard rock cafe or smth(it was a time when Slash searchin his sound and play B.C.Rich Warlock,Bich/Jackson Soloist in black and white color and Jaсkson Firebird all black with Red Logo). In the 90s players like Willey Arnett from Sacred Reich(he using USA custom shop version,neck thru body and usa eclipse logo on the head) and George Lynch start using Eclipses,than C.C Deville use one in gold color and floyd rose in Poison Reunion tour(1999). Around that time Esp made a limited series JH-3 guitar (50 pieces),James Hetfield play one in S&M concert and start using it. And if you see this limited guitar you find that is a exact body and neck like on Eclipses that you can buy starting from 2004 to nowadays,i mean looks very similar.
The JH3 is sort of an odd duck. Hetfield's guitar is shaped like the 4 knob Eclipses with the rounder horn, but the models sold to the public have the flatter horn. The JH3 is full thickness. Het's Truckster models are similar. Het's original Truckster also has the rounder horn, but the models sold to the public also have the flatter horn. Those models are the thinner, traditional Eclipse thickness.
Hey man, great detailed video. I'm thinking about getting an E-II eclipse but i'm worried about the tuning stability, since i've had a guitar with similar headstock (gibson) that went out of tune all the time, hope that's not the case with these guitars.
Hi Mark, and thanks. The 3+3 head stock design has always had some tuning issues with the G string, some guitars more than others. I don't find that I have drastic stability issues with any of mine (ESP or Gibson). I think a lot of it comes down to the nut (material and how the slot is prepared). I'm sure the tuners and string brand play into it as well. I'm not sure what all you tried to help bring your Gibson into shape, but it's probably the same things I'd try if I had that problem with an Eclipse.
Hey man where was the 1995 " The Eclipse" guitars made. ?? I played one at GC 799$ and it was incredible ..i was trying to see if its worth the 799. Pkayed and sounded like it was a 2k guitar
I had an E-II for a while before I made this video. It was marine blue and it was replaced by the see-through blue that appears in the video. The E-II was nice, I enjoyed it. Since this video, I've only added a candy apple red full-thickness Eclipse. You can see that guitar in another video I made about basic guitar setups.
I posted regularly on the ESP forums back in 05'-11' and you were always informative and answered many of my questions. Glad to see that hasn't changed. Enjoyed the video and subscribed. 👍
Thanks man. With all this info and $15 you could buy a drink from one of those fancy coffee places.
The design of the eclipse resembles to those of a Gibson Les Paul, but ESP wanted to create sort of a doppelganger that would sound more distorted to heavy metal.
Wow! What a collection, thanks for sharing man! Really cool.
Would love to see more videos of close up videos of each model.
That may be coming in the next few weeks. I have a basic setup video coming in a week or so.
I'm a very happy singlecut player, and a very happy ESP owner...but I realized I've never owned an Eclipse. Time to change that soon, don't you think? Thanks for making such an awesome guide!
Thanks man. Just remember, for every Eclipse you don't buy that means there's one more that I have to.
Thank you for this! Just got my first e-ii with evertune couple weeks ago. I’m a Gibson player but these are on another level.
You *were* a gibson player... 1 year later have you converted?
@@xjunkxyrdxdog89 I still play both. The one thing I’ve noticed is Gibson has more resonance and so the sound is a bit fuller. They have pros and cons to each and can be used for different applications. Like one would be best for rhythm (Gibson) and the other for leads (esp).
Fascinating history that I had no idea about. Great video style and stunning collection of ESPs! Keep making videos
Gosh! I've been accused everything from a ESP Fanboy, to fanatic. You take it to a whole new level.
Yeah, I have issues.
I have a 2010 Vintage Honeyburst Eclipse II, four knobs so i guess made for the non US export market. It's one of the finest guitars ive ever played and ill never let it to. That was really a golden era for ESP Standards. I have a 2007 Horizon NT-II that is also a beauty. They're getting harder to find at good prices on Reverb now, I guess people finally realised
I just got my first Eclipse thanks so much for the forum post, which led to this video. Legend.
Fell in love with ESP's long ago, thanks to your old videos
Your silverburst is absolutely gorgeous, im so jealous.
Omg the Krypton and the Fire Rust nearly made me shed a tear! Stunning!
Your collection is sick. Love ESP's
That oxidized iron one is a beauty
Thank you for the fun and very informative video on these killer guitars! I just today, bought a used ESP E-II Eclipse FT in the very pretty Vintage Honey Burst, from Guitar Center used on their website. And for $1600, this high-quality guitar blows the doors off most Gibson Les Pauls, and definitely is better in all aspects to the most overrated guitar brand on the Planet - PRS !! The thing I love about this particular model/generation is that it is full thickness, has the belly cut, AND the sculpted neck heel for better fret access that many EII Eclipses do not have. So in my humble opinion, ESP took all the best ideas from their Eclipse guitars, and put it all together for this particular generation. ( I think about 2009 ) Take good care fellow Eclipse lovers !! ♫
That Dark Purple Satin is amazing. It's based off of a Custom Shop Gibson that was made for James Hetfield back in 2003 or so.
I'll be so happy the day ESP brings back the 4 knob Eclipse 1 body style!
They just look so mean yet not so far from the real thing :)
Dude, that is an absolutely sick collection of single cut ESPs, very very nice. I like the aqua and the koa top the best ...!
the purple satin one is so cool! love your sense of humour
Thank you for spreading this knowledge. Awesome video.
I jist ordered a 2013 'SS' Made in Japan Eclipse lefty..... On a whim. It's a single ply binding one with 3 knobs. Looking forward to rocking it out.
Found another recently. A full thickness prelawsuit in vintage black. Was hesitant but the flat black looks way cooler in person! Glad I got it!
I was looking into 2023’s ESP/LTD models and this fine gentlemen pops up. Small world. 😊 Plus, I even learned something!
Hi Mike! Hope all is well.
Stumbled on this video as I recently acquired in a trade a EII Eclipse (sparkle granite) was trying to figure out what I had and specifically what the DB and BB meant in the diff models. I saw your name and avatar, put 2 and 2 together, and realized you were the guy on the ESP forum that help me authenticate another guitar a few years ago. Just wanted to say thanks and subbed!
Good job man! I have been following your comments and knowledge on the ESP forums, good read every time! I currently own a Standard Series M-II from 2009, a M-II from 1992 in Candy Apple Red with 22 frets and an Eclipse E2 Model in the Black Cherry Sunburst. I'd be highly interested in a video highlighting some of the differences between the E2 models and the Standard Series as I know some of the E2 models had some issues (my Eclipse is no exception although it does play fantastic). My black 2009 SS M-II is one of the best guitars I ever held in hands.
Cheers and keep uploading! :)
Dude! I've been reading your posts on the ESP forums for years. Glad you're here as well.
I'm also an Eclipse nut. In fact I was just reading your posts regarding white ESPs yellowing and how your Eclipse from 2005 (I think) is still white, so I just pulled the trigger on an Original Series CTM in snow white with the double binding (ebony board, although that maple one looks cool, and just like the snow white / maple SS Eclipse from 2012'ish).
Your collection is awesome!
Thanks man and congrats! My whitey is still white! It's probably yellowed a shade or two, but I think far less than if I had kept it in a case.
@@Pusheadcic Excellent!! Yep I think you're correct on the case theory that the gasses are what's doing it. I'll be doing the same thing and leaving it in a dark room, but outside of the case.
Outstanding video…
Man, you answered all the questions that I had.
You have an amazing collection of those guitars…
i have always wondered about the Eclipse I & II and i wouldn't have known of the nuances and more had I not stumbled on your video. still hunting for my Snow White Eclipse II. cheers!
Starting in 2020 I believe, they've reintroduced the '87 Eclipse( t-1000 series)as an anniversary edition initially. Sales have been good enough apparently to continue building them and keep them in the market. The NT in pearl white was my choice. It needed a few upgrades to get it dialed in, and it's a much more useful guitar now. The electronics were really low quality and it sounded pretty rough at any setting below 10. Now its very articulate at any volume and the pickups can be utilized together in split coil mode much better.
This is so freaking cool.
Super nice collection I thought I was bad for having 6…. Foolish me!!! But I’m also addicted to the M II’s (5) and Custom shop V’s (5) but that Green one!!!! Man superb brother in guitars!!!!!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Nice. I fell in love with the EC guitar in 2019 when I got one with the Evertune bridge. Now I’m all in with EC as I have three 1000 series guitars.
That was extremely useful in my research of these guitars and your comment at 4:39 was priceless. Awesome mancave too. Nicely done. 👍
Way cool man! Great video!
Please don't use any of this information to mischaracterize instruments in any of your ridiculous Reverb listings or videos. Thanks.
@@Pusheadcic wow man how lame are you 🙄
@@Pusheadcic and even lamer that you actually went back and edited your comment. You stay up all night writing that one 🤣
@@EssexRecordingStudios Almost as lame as the double post.
Great video!
Thanks some guy hgh interested in this matter. You deserve it, 😊
I have 3 Standard Series Eclipse I, you sir made me feel normal. Thank you for the video and information. Much Obliged
Great!! And yes, nice JH1 you have there!
Thank you for this awesome video.
Excellent video as I was researching about these ... Now I am both more informed and more confused! thanks !
Absolutely neccesary and helpful video, congrats!
Your guitar collection is amazing. Congrats.
I finally found a full thickness prelawsuit in snow white. Bought it up quick!
The dark purple satin is one of the most beautiful/unique finishes I’ve ever seen on an ESP especially with multi-ply binding. I don’t know if there is a connection between the two things in terms of creative influence but I first saw a finish like this on James Hetfield’s Custom Gibson Les Paul around 2003.
Yeah, that was my inspiration when I bought it. I suspect ESP made that finish for exactly that reason. I kind of wish it was a little less "dark" and a bit more "purple." It usually gets confused for black, though I have a really good photo of it looking purple on my Instagram.
Fantastic video! I have a 2011 Snow White 3 knob Eclipse that is my number 1 go-to that I adore. Really enjoyed the information. Thanks.
Thanks man, I really like your strats.
What a great collection! I used to have an Eclipse I CTM BKs
Love that oxidised iron one. I would rock that.
Would love to see a video on your Koa eclipse and your incredible refinished M-III
That satin purple eclipse 😍
Awesome collection bro - I’m waiting for my first Eclipse II to arrive this week!
I love everything about this video!
This video was more useful than I thought. THANKS!
Took me way too long to get an Eclipse.. it's too good! Can you do a pre vs post E II?
I had an E-II for a year or two. There really isn't much of a difference between the E-II guitars and the old ESP Standard guitars, though now they've changed the back of the neck joint a bit.
Thanks I had an a Japanese Eclipse I Ctm Ft Vb
I learned a lot, thanks for studying all of this and sharing with everyone!
Awesome collection, would love to hear a new usa select eclipse semi-hollow.
Wow, you must *really* like that Black Beauty look.
...I do too. Mine arrives tomorrow.
My ESP is from around the early 2000. It is black with a flat top without a binding. Only the neck is binded. It has 2 knobs and the toggle switch is at the bottom and not on the top. I could never find the model and the serial suggests that it is a custom shop yet it has the standard series stamp.
Sweet collection man! My first ESP Guitar was a see through Bolt on Green ESP Eclipse from 1998 with a floyd rose. Im looking for my next ESP Eclipse in a honey burst or orange burst but not with the full body thickness.
You're probably the single best authority on all things ESP and LTD. How much difference is there between the FT and regular thickness Eclipses? I like my LPs thicc. There's a growing wave of opinions seeing the regular thickness Eclipses as more like SGs than LPs, would you agree?
With the same pickups in them, I find the FT guitars to have a little more lower mids. To some ears it's more full, to others it's muddier. I have a Pegasus/Sentient set that felt too thin in a regular thickness Eclipse, but they really shine in the gloss black FT.
I love ESP eclipse guitars I wish I had one
Dude awesome collection! Cheers!
After watching all those variations, I've forgotten what a les paul looks like!
I have an Eclipse II that was at time frame 2:12
I’d like to own one! They are around the $3000 mark here in Australia
Thank you for sharing what you have learned regarding the ESP Eclipse guitars and the differences they have. I am really interested in all aspects of the ESP/LTD guitars including production changes and materials as well as tone and rarity. You have a beautiful collection of ESP Eclipse guitars. What is your personal favorite and why? Do you research any other ESP/LTD models?
Just....WOW.
That silver burst...damn...
Thank you so much, you saved me a lot of hours.
Very informative! Thanks for sharing
I love this video
Great job
Is there a difference in neck size in the FT models? I think its good to have people like you around with thorough knowledge and experience, so we know what we want to get. Cheers!
On my FT models, yes, the necks are bigger. In the specs, they're listed as the "U" neck shape as opposed to the "thin U" shape of the traditional Eclipses. I think the modern E-II and LTD versions have the same "thin U" as the traditional Eclipses.
The current ESP Eclipse model mainly happened because of James Hetfield and his desire for his JH-3 Signature, run of 100 back around 1998, to look more like a Gibson Les Paul.
James loves his Gibson LP's but before that the ESP Eclipse was a much differently shaped guitar. More KH-3 shaped.
Once ESP did that run for Hetfield with the JH-3 was when you started seeing the ESP Eclipse models looking more like Gibson Les Pauls.
The longer horns were not used in the USA or on the JH-3 due to copyright issues.
The longer horn stayed around for a while overseas but now I think it is completely done worldwide as far as the ESP Eclipse models are concerned.
I prefer the standard 90s MA/Eclipse/Egoist shape, generally prefer those guitars to the current line up
2003 was last year for 2nd gen eclipse.. 1st gen lp shape non tele
awesome!
High interest my ass; That is what I call PASSION my guy!!
Good job thanks
Thanks some guy!
So which one should I get, the traditional eclipse 1 or the E-II?
What about the sparkle ones?
Came for information, stayed for the dry humuor. Will buy an E II DB Vintage Black
Thanks man. The E-II guitars are just a nice. Hope you enjoy it!
In 2024, are all ESP E-II (around $2200 USD) and eclipse?
Very nice
Love it
Hi, i´m just a Guy...... subscribed directly
I just came from your Instagram, dude what do you do for a living 😂
I make CZcams videos for other people. Seems ridiculous, but it's true.
No 24 frets? Awesome guitars 🔥
This video is the bible!
Good stuff 👍
So what do you think between two series? 4-knob or 3-knob ones are better? If you were to buy one right now, which one would you prefer?
I like the 4-knob. It's just personal preference. Were I to buy another Eclipse, I'd be looking for a 4-knob. Realistically, I could get by with a single volume knob.
Silverburst for me please...
thanks!!!!
This video is down right awesome..
Way cool!
So cool!
The 80s version you can see in Izzy hands in Sweet Child O Mine video,it belongs to Slash and now in hard rock cafe or smth(it was a time when Slash searchin his sound and play B.C.Rich Warlock,Bich/Jackson Soloist in black and white color and Jaсkson Firebird all black with Red Logo). In the 90s players like Willey Arnett from Sacred Reich(he using USA custom shop version,neck thru body and usa eclipse logo on the head) and George Lynch start using Eclipses,than C.C Deville use one in gold color and floyd rose in Poison Reunion tour(1999). Around that time Esp made a limited series JH-3 guitar (50 pieces),James Hetfield play one in S&M concert and start using it. And if you see this limited guitar you find that is a exact body and neck like on Eclipses that you can buy starting from 2004 to nowadays,i mean looks very similar.
The JH3 is sort of an odd duck. Hetfield's guitar is shaped like the 4 knob Eclipses with the rounder horn, but the models sold to the public have the flatter horn. The JH3 is full thickness.
Het's Truckster models are similar. Het's original Truckster also has the rounder horn, but the models sold to the public also have the flatter horn. Those models are the thinner, traditional Eclipse thickness.
this is ace!i fuckin love esp!
Great video!
Hey man, great detailed video. I'm thinking about getting an E-II eclipse but i'm worried about the tuning stability, since i've had a guitar with similar headstock (gibson) that went out of tune all the time, hope that's not the case with these guitars.
Hi Mark, and thanks. The 3+3 head stock design has always had some tuning issues with the G string, some guitars more than others. I don't find that I have drastic stability issues with any of mine (ESP or Gibson). I think a lot of it comes down to the nut (material and how the slot is prepared). I'm sure the tuners and string brand play into it as well. I'm not sure what all you tried to help bring your Gibson into shape, but it's probably the same things I'd try if I had that problem with an Eclipse.
Thanks a lot. I'm looking for an Eclipse and this video helped me to understand many things.
Thanks man, happy shopping!
Hey man where was the 1995 " The Eclipse" guitars made. ?? I played one at GC 799$ and it was incredible ..i was trying to see if its worth the 799. Pkayed and sounded like it was a 2k guitar
They're Japanese made.
Hello, has your collection evolve? Do you have some E-II now?
I had an E-II for a while before I made this video. It was marine blue and it was replaced by the see-through blue that appears in the video. The E-II was nice, I enjoyed it. Since this video, I've only added a candy apple red full-thickness Eclipse. You can see that guitar in another video I made about basic guitar setups.