6SEUSHORSTBLK vs EIIMIIQMBLKNB-B — Compare
ESP USA Horizon See Thru Black Electric Guitar vs ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
The ESP USA Horizon is a USA-made premium instrument with active EMG pickups and set-thru construction aimed at studio and high-end players, while the E-II M-II B-Stock is a Japanese-made, more affordable alternative with passive Bare Knuckle pickups and a Floyd Rose bridge for players prioritizing aggressive tuning stability and modern aesthetics. Choose the Horizon if you want American craftsmanship and active electronics; choose the E-II M-II if you need a Floyd Rose, coil-splitting versatility, and cost savings while accepting B-stock cosmetic wear.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP USA Horizon See Thru Black Electric Guitar
ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP USA Horizon See Thru Black Electric Guitar | ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,299.00 | $3,359.20 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II Horizon | ESP E-II M |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | — | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tremolo |
| Year | 2014 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP USA Horizon See Thru Black Electric Guitar
- ✓ USA-made at North Hollywood facility with premium American craftsmanship
- ✓ Active EMG pickups (57/66) deliver controlled, minimal-noise high-output tone
- ✓ Set-thru mahogany body with quilted maple top maximizes sustain and clarity
- ✓ Sperzel TrimLock tuners and Tonepros bridge ensure rock-solid tuning stability
Why choose ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original locking bridge maintains tuning through extreme bend and drop tunings
- ✓ Passive Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups with coil-splitting enable tonal versatility
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers significant savings with identical hardware and electronics function
- ✓ Three-piece maple neck with satin finish and aggressive quilted maple top design
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference in bridge design and why does it matter?
The Horizon uses a Tonepros T.O.M. bridge with string-thru-body design for stable, traditional tuning retention ideal for standard and alternate tunings. The E-II M-II features a Floyd Rose Original double-locking bridge designed for aggressive vibrato, whammy bar dives, and drop tunings while maintaining pitch stability—essential for extreme metal techniques.
What does B-stock mean and how does it affect value?
B-stock on the E-II M-II indicates cosmetic imperfections only (finish, binding, or minor surface marks); all hardware, electronics, and structural integrity are identical to new stock. This results in lower pricing while delivering full functionality, making it excellent value for players unconcerned with minor visual wear.
How do the pickup systems differ in tone and flexibility?
The Horizon's active EMG pickups (57 bridge, 66 neck) deliver high-output, articulate, controlled tones with minimal noise—ideal for tight, clean studio recordings. The E-II M-II's passive Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups with coil-splitting offer aggressive tone and more tonal variety through the push-pull switch, suiting modern rock and metal with more character but less noise rejection.
Which guitar is better for extended-range or drop-tuning applications?
The E-II M-II is specifically designed for extended range and drop tunings, with the Floyd Rose locking bridge maintaining pitch stability under extreme bending and tuning stress. The Horizon, while capable, is optimized for standard tuning stability and studio precision rather than aggressive whammy-bar techniques.