ESP E-II Eclipse Electric Guitar Reindeer Blue

This was backordered, but I've wanted this guitar for a long time so I buckled in and prepared to wait. Luckily GC sweetened the deal by throwing in some freebies. Even luckier, the backorder shipped in less than two weeks. Once the guitar arrived, I did an unboxing video to be safe, but it was quickly apparent that the guitar was boxed to withstand transit. After removing the packaging, I saw the wood burl on the top and it blew me away. After checking all the aesthetics, I adjusted the tuning and took it for a test drive. Frets were the most perfect out of box frets I've experienced. Intonation was spot on and it even comes with strap locks ready. ESP did an excellent QC on my model and after checking the serial number, I noticed that the backorder was literally made the same year right before being shipped. Which is great because ESP switched to stainless steel frets this year. The EMG 66TW/57TW combo is a little less hot in exchange for a wider range and I'm not mad about it. They do have quick connects if you want to try something different. All in all, it's a beautiful guitar with a lighter weight than typical LP style guitars. It's ready to use out of the box with minimal work. Great for metal, good for everything else. You won't regret making this a workhorse.

I've always wanted a guitar with EMGs and I love Les Paul's. Since Gibson rarely does Les Pauls with EMGs, this is the most logical choice. I usually just buy Fenders and Gibsons, so this is my first guitar that is not one of those families of brands. So far I am very happy with it. The quality and feel of this guitar is first-class. The guitar was set up perfectly out of the box. The upper fret access is far superior to the Les Paul. It's a bit thinner than a Gibson, so be prepared for that, but it also makes it lighter and more comfortable. I like the active pickups but they are definitely different than passive ones. For high-gain tones they are excellent.

The guitar is well built and constructed, no complaints there at all. Right out of the box it plays phenomenally well. I had it shipped to my local GC, took out of the box and walked it over to the tech on duty so he could set it up for me. He only charged me for half the setup fee, when I asked why, he stated that ESP already had the guitar pretty well dialed in from the factory. Which was pretty inpressive I thought. The E2 Eclipse has a fast neck, super tight action, and the EMG's in it scream. I play a lot of metal and this guitar is the perfect tool for the job! The guitar came from the factory with some strap locks, highly recommend they be used. Depending on your playing style and the strap you use, you might find your strap slipping off on occasion. Super happy with how well ESP packaged the guitar and case as well. Far better than some of the other manufacturers out there. Super happy with the purchase through GC and the quality of craftsmanship by ESP in their product. Been a Gibson guy for years, thinking that may have just changed.