SpiderWars
Well-known member
Are there particular models I should avoid? I've just not kept up with these. Would really love a Les Paulian Floydy thing but the Axcess are really expensive.
C
creep66
Well-known member
The old eclipse that are flat top are excellent and very cheap for what they are.
napalmdeath
Well-known member
The AS-1 Skolnick with the Floyd is a killer guitar!
https://reverb.com/item/5431846-esp-ltd-alex-skolnick-as-1fr-fm-electric-guitar-black-aqua-sunburst
https://reverb.com/item/5431846-esp-ltd-alex-skolnick-as-1fr-fm-electric-guitar-black-aqua-sunburst
SpiderWars
Well-known member
Those look nice, just wish there was another color with a Floyd. Not a dealbreaker tho.
What is the difference between ESP USA, ESP Japan, and LTD? There are lots of LTDs around but I found a ESP Japan for about the same money.
There is also a Dustin A Floyd model but I only see it on their site.
DanTravis62
Moderator
That dustin a model looks killer.
GJgo
Well-known member
LTD 1000 series that are MIK with a W serial number are totally great mid-level guitars- you wouldn't be wanting owning one, unless you just have the cash to burn for a MIJ. IME these are on par fit & finish-wise with a $2-3K Gibson. Tone is a different story of course since MOST of the ESP Eclipses are not "full thickness" and of course aren't built with the same process.
The older ESP SS serial MIJ guitars are also very good and the lowest MIJ price point. Personally I've seen too many "E-II" with neck issues so I'd steer towards an older one with ESP on the headstock.
The grails are the MIJ ESPs with K (set neck & neck thru) or T (custom shop, artists guitars) serials. (Also S, but S are bolt-ons) If you can afford it, they are the best. Gibson has no chance of making a guitar to this level of fit & finish.
ESP USA is a totally different shop (obviously) and I've actually got my first one incoming to try. From what I hear they are top quality, and not quite as good as MIJ S/T/K. They are usually stunning to look at. One interesting thing I've noticed over the years is the preponderance of mint condition ESP USA guitars being sold used. Is it because the target demographic is collectors, or because they aren't as good? IDK. Is it because the ESP USA Eclipses often have a chambered body & that's weird? Not sure. The one I just picked up does not which is why I grabbed it.
P.S. if you want the most bad ass thing ever, grab a Hanneman Eclipse with the Kahler and extra thin neck. Rare AF.