EFRXCTMSTBLKSB-2 vs EVULTUREOW — Compare
ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst vs ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
The FRX Kiso is a versatile workhorse excelling across hard rock, progressive, and studio work with classic passive pickups and Floyd Rose bridge, while the Vulture is a metal-specific signature instrument built for drop tunings and aggressive rhythm with active EMG pickups and fixed bridge. Choose the FRX for tonal range and floating-bridge flexibility; choose the Vulture if metal and tuning stability in extreme conditions are your priority.
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ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
Specs side by side
| ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst | ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,499.00 | $6,149.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II FRX | — |
| 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 | Tremolo | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2013 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original bridge enables precise tremolo effects and wider tonal experimentation
- ✓ Seymour Duncan passive pickups offer classic voicing with wider genre versatility
- ✓ 25.5" scale length familiar to most players; 305mm radius balances open chords and lead work
- ✓ Quilted maple top with see-thru black sunburst delivers striking visual appeal
Why choose ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
- ✓ EMG Het Set active pickups deliver aggressive attack and full low-end punch tailored for metal
- ✓ V-shaped body with forearm comfort contour designed for sustained rhythm playing
- ✓ 350mm fingerboard radius optimized for smooth bending in drop tunings
- ✓ TonePros locking TOM bridge provides rock-solid intonation in extreme playing conditions
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for drop tunings?
The Vulture is purpose-built for drop tunings with its 24.75" scale, 350mm radius fingerboard, and rock-solid TonePros bridge. The FRX Kiso at 25.5" scale can handle drops but is more neutral across tuning styles.
What's the main tone difference between these two?
The FRX Kiso's passive Seymour Duncan pickups offer warm, versatile tones across rock and progressive genres, while the Vulture's active EMG Het Set delivers aggressive attack and deeper lows specifically voiced for metal and thrash rhythm work.
Can I use both guitars for studio recording?
Yes. The FRX Kiso is noted as studio-capable with tonal range for multiple genres. The Vulture is also studio-worthy but narrower in scope, excelling specifically for metal rhythm and high-output applications.
Which has easier upper-fret access?
Both use set-neck construction for seamless upper-fret access. The FRX Kiso has 24 jumbo frets on a 25.5" scale; the Vulture has 22 XJ frets on a 24.75" scale, so the Vulture's shorter scale may feel slightly more compact for soloing.