ESP E-II Eclipse

first play
E-II ECLIPSE AND ECLIPSE DB
16
Guitarist December 2017
1 . This Eclipse comes
spec’d with the iconic
Seymour Duncan JB
and ‘59 humbucking
partnership making it
more of an all-rounder
than the DB
2. The Eclipse design may
take its inspiration from
the Les Paul but its body
is thinner and lighter
than its muse
some body weight, re-profiling the cutaway,
and dumping stuff like the pickguard and
one of the tone controls. That hot-rod
vibe is enhanced by the cool racing flag
fingerboard inlays, matching truss rod
cover and headstock profile.
The Eclipse and Eclipse DB feature the
same thin one-piece mahogany neck with
a 305mm (12") fingerboard radius and 22
beautifully seated and crowned extra jumbo
frets. Both necks come with locking Gotoh
tuners with metal tulip buttons, a perfectly
cut bone nut, and a volute at the point
where the headstock begins to add some
strength. Additional security is provided
by a set of Schaller strap-locks and a tough
oblong case with a fitted interior and
accessories pocket.
Aside from the Eclipse’s Vintage Honey
Burst finish flame maple top, rosewood
fingerboard and chrome hardware, and the
Eclipse DB’s Vintage Black finish, ebony
’board and gold metal parts, there are other
major differences. The Eclipse has a single-
bound body with a sculpted thru-neck
construction. This means there’s no neck
heel to get in the way when you venture up
to fat fret number 22. There’s more creative
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GIT427.rev_esp.indd 16 11/2/17 11:08 AM