6SEECL40TE_28 vs EVULTUREBLKS — Compare
ESP ECLIPSE 40TH TE 2015 Tiger Eye Electric Guitar #28/40 vs ESP James Hetfield Vulture Signature Guitar Black Satin
The Eclipse 40th is a limited-edition collector's instrument emphasizing visual rarity and balanced versatility across hard rock and progressive styles, while the Vulture is a signature workhorse optimized for metal's heaviest demands with maximum output and low-end authority. Choose the Eclipse for refined tone and collectibility; choose the Vulture for pure metal aggression and stage reliability.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP ECLIPSE 40TH TE 2015 Tiger Eye Electric Guitar #28/40
ESP James Hetfield Vulture Signature Guitar Black Satin
Specs side by side
| ESP ECLIPSE 40TH TE 2015 Tiger Eye Electric Guitar #28/40 | ESP James Hetfield Vulture Signature Guitar Black Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,775.00 | $6,149.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II Eclipse | — |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | — | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | — | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | Active HH |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2015 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP ECLIPSE 40TH TE 2015 Tiger Eye Electric Guitar #28/40
- ✓ Limited Tiger Eye finish (20 units worldwide) with visual and collectible appeal
- ✓ Seymour Duncan APH pickups offer warm harmonic complexity and articulate bridge response across multiple genres
- ✓ Flamed maple binding and glow-in-the-dark fretboard dots add refinement and aesthetic distinction
- ✓ Balanced 24.75" scale suits both sustained leads and rhythmic work without specialization
Why choose ESP James Hetfield Vulture Signature Guitar Black Satin
- ✓ EMG JH active pickups deliver maximum output and crushing rhythm tone engineered for metal
- ✓ Signature design reflects James Hetfield's proven stage and studio metal authority
- ✓ Extra-jumbo frets and 350mm radius fingerboard optimized for palm-muted riffs and percussive attack
- ✓ Set-neck 3-piece mahogany construction yields thick low end and exceptional sustain for tuning extremes
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar handles drop tunings better?
The Vulture excels in extreme tunings due to its active EMG JH pickups, tighter low-end response, and extra-jumbo frets designed for percussive riffing. The Eclipse with passive Seymours can handle drop tunings but is more naturally balanced for standard-to-half-step drops.
Are these guitars suitable for players beyond metal?
The Eclipse is more versatile, with warm neck pickups and articulate bridge response suited to hard rock, progressive, and studio work. The Vulture is purposefully engineered for metal and thrash; its crushing output and tight tone are less ideal for jazz, blues, or folk applications.
What's the practical difference in fingerboard feel?
Both feature thin U-neck contours for speed, but the Vulture's 350mm radius and extra-jumbo frets are optimized for downtuned riffing and percussive attack, while the Eclipse's 12-inch radius and standard frets support smoother lateral movement across a broader tonal palette.
Is the Eclipse's rarity worth the premium?
If collectibility and visual distinction matter alongside tone, the Tiger Eye finish and serial-numbered limited run add tangible resale appeal. If pure performance and metal specialization are your priority, the Vulture offers better value for its engineering and iconic status.