E-II Eclipse or LTD EC1000?

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Rock Bodom

Rock Bodom

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Hey guys, I'm going through a bit of a "rebuild" phase with my entire gear collection.

I need to pick up a new guitar ASAP for all of my "metal" needs, still have a few CS Charvels and Gibsons for more of the hard rock stuff. Metal for me is more old school thrash, not djent.

There's an EC1000 I'm looking at that's Korean with W serial, has a Custom 5 in the bridge which I like a lot. Concerned the nut will be cheap, tuning stability issues, overall quality compared to the Eclipse. E-II model has an EMG 81 in the bridge, which I don't mind as much as some people, but that would get me buy until I replaced with a Fishman Fluence set (love those). But I also hate paying for more guitar than I really need (I've got budget for either, just want the best value for what I get).

I just tried another brand that was Indo made and arrived yesterday...really bad. For me it's been such a toss-up with those, I've had some really good ones, but a number of terrible. Would prefer to stay Korean, Japanese, USA.

I'm also very open to alternatives...I'm just leaning away from another (generally alder) FR equipped Soloist or V style guitar like the bazillion I've owned before.

Appreciate the help!!
 
Hey, I scored an LTD Susi model. It has the fluence in it, as well as an evertune bridge- that thing is the real deal. A bit of a tedious process to setup, but once that is done it stays in tune forever, it's crazy. I can't recall where it's made. Worth a look
 
crankyrayhanky said:
Hey, I scored an LTD Susi model. It has the fluence in it, as well as an evertune bridge- that thing is the real deal. A bit of a tedious process to setup, but once that is done it stays in tune forever, it's crazy. I can't recall where it's made. Worth a look
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Wow, that's got a killer spec. I've been seriously considering Evertune as an option actually. Just looked at a couple with pictures online and they show Korea w/ W serial. I also have a large credit with a dealer who has one in stock. That was not on my radar, will definitely have to consider, thanks!
 
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To me, when you’re looking at the LTD 1000 series, that’s pretty good quality. I would rank by specs wanted and get that one.
 
stratjacket said:
To me, when you’re looking at the LTD 1000 series, that’s pretty good quality. I would rank by specs wanted and get that one.
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I agree, I think the 1000 level is pretty good. I've only had the Floyded models before so one concern is just the quality of the nut on a non-FR model. The spec says "molded" versus bone on the E-II. Not sure what I'm in for there. Could upgrade, but really just want something plug and play to get started with.
 
Korean EC-1000 are good guitars, no question but if You compare it side by side with Eclipse, You can hear, what You paying for. They are very similar hardware-wise but ESP uses better wood which translate in better resonance, clarity and low-end thump and ESP's are usually lighter and much prettier in maple-top finishes. I had early 00's 4-knob and there was noticable diffence in neck shape. EC-1000's are classic thin-U profile, Eclipse was more C-shaped like PRS wide thin neck.
 
For me ESP vs. LTD is about the neck carve/dimensions and ESP beats LTD all day long.

There is no contest even with the little difference that there is. Yes LTD uses cheaper parts (typically) however they're not bad guitars at all, especially a 1000 series.

I had a LTD V500 and it was one of the best sounding and playing guitars I've had.

If you can enjoy an LTD neck and are looking to save money I would go for it. Or maybe find a used E2 for the same price?

For an alternative? Can always get a Les Paul Studio lol.

Also check out the LTD EC Black Metal. Looks pretty slick and comes with a Black Winter Bridge pickup.
 
Yeah, you guys are bringing up good points. I've owned a number of ESP's over the years, but sold them a long time ago so trying to remember what I liked best. My favorite was a particularly good Edwards Alexi, definitely had the magic neck. I played it more than the Kiso Hanneman I had at the time lol.

So on both the LTD and the E-II I'm looking at, they both say "thin U" so I was assuming same neck profile, but maybe that's not right?

EC Black Metal looks cool, and I'm definitely a fan of the Black Winter, had that in a few guitars. But the satin finish! I just can't get on board with the satin thing. I'm old school, I need a bit of clear coat!
 
Rock Bodom said:
So on both the LTD and the E-II I'm looking at, they both say "thin U" so I was assuming same neck profile, but maybe that's not right?
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They're not the same Thin U I promise you.

13.7" radius on the LTD
12" on the ESP

Or 305mm vs 350mm.....in my hands that is a significant difference. So maybe the neck is the same and I misworded and should have said fretboard differences.

Also 22 fret vs 24
 
maddnotez said:
They're not the same Thin U I promise you.

13.7" radius on the LTD
12" on the ESP

Or 305mm vs 350mm.....in my hands that is a significant difference. So maybe the neck is the same and I misworded and should have said fretboard differences.

Also 22 fret vs 24
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That's helpful...I was missing those specs! That does make a difference to me.
 
I bought an EC1000 Evertune a couple years ago from 6-string.com (Tim is awesome BTW). The pickup selector switch died within a couple days of use, so I replaced it with a Switchcraft. The volume/tone knobs were literally crooked. The guitar had significant balance issues and the body kept diving on me. 24 frets do NOT work well on this model. The frets were super rough and immediately needed polishing. It came with a JB/Jazz set which was cool I guess...not a fan of the JB though. The MH-1000 I owned was WAY better, but maybe I just got a lemon. Anyways, I'd say go for the E-II if only for the 22 frets.
 
Rock Bodom said:
Wow, that's got a killer spec. I've been seriously considering Evertune as an option actually. Just looked at a couple with pictures online and they show Korea w/ W serial. I also have a large credit with a dealer who has one in stock. That was not on my radar, will definitely have to consider, thanks!
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I wanted to dump it immediately, but then realized I didn't have it setup correctly. When done right, you can still bend notes as a typical bridge would but the tuning stability goes for weeks without any tweaks. I now I love it.
Playability wise it can shred. I like Fluence so the pickups are great. This set has the -6db and modern/passive offering (not the split option).

It really is stunning to hear what perfect tuning can do, it's like a magical Bill & Ted vibe that sprinkles down from the speakers. It's wild. FWIW, I quad tracked this tune using all Susi. On my other recordings I can hear where it is just a smidge off here and there and just let it go....but on this Susi recording every stacked guitar track just lays so nicely.


Plus I think it looks perfect. I love the mirror, silver and no fret inlays.
I never even listened to Unearth but I am now since getting the guitar. They are awesome.
 
I picked up a EC400-AT gold top at the beginning of 2020 that is actually a pretty good guitar. The molded nut is fine. Replaced the tuners with locking Grovers though. The originals were not great but that could have been a result of the original owner f'ing them up. I have only had to tune it once in 3 months. Can't say that about my LP.
 
The two most recent LTD's I've owned were both made in Korea. The EC-1000 (non-evertune) I bought new was a lemon & I returned it due to it being in a similar state as Meeotch's LTD - switch was finnicky and worked barely half the time, frets were sharp and needed to be leveled, nut wasn't cut right, guitar sounded dead with brand new strings... Back it went. I got a Skolnick LTD from napalmdeath on here and he had a well cut bone nut installed to replace the factory one - the rest of the guitar was great

All that being said, for the price of a new LTD EC-1000 you can get into the ballpark used ESP / EII Eclipse territory if you're patient (and ignore the people trying to sell their used Eclipse for $100 off of the new price)
 
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