EIIARROWBLK-B vs EIIHOR3FMFRSTBLKSB-B — Compare
ESP E-II Arrow Electric Guitar in Black Finish B-Stock vs ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock
The Arrow is a purpose-built metal machine with EMG active pickups optimized for high-gain clarity, while the Horizon-III FR offers greater tonal versatility through coil-splittable Seymour Duncan passives and a mahogany-with-flamed-maple body. Choose the Arrow for pure modern metal aggression; choose the Horizon-III for players who want metal capability plus wider sonic range.
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ESP E-II Arrow Electric Guitar in Black Finish B-Stock
ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II Arrow Electric Guitar in Black Finish B-Stock | ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.20 | $1,999.20 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II Arrow | ESP E-II Horizon III |
| Body | Flying V | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | — |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP E-II Arrow Electric Guitar in Black Finish B-Stock
- ✓ EMG 85/81 active pickup set delivers maximum output and precision in high-gain settings
- ✓ Light alder body maximizes sustain and attack definition for articulate metal work
- ✓ V-style design and aggressive aesthetic purpose-built for metal and djent
- ✓ Streamlined spec list focuses entirely on modern rock and metal performance
Why choose ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Seymour Duncan pickups with coil-split versatility enable jazz, blues, and cleaner tones alongside metal
- ✓ Mahogany body with flamed maple top delivers warmer, more balanced midrange character
- ✓ Horizon-III body shape offers superior ergonomics with extended upper horn and compact lower cutaway
- ✓ Satin-finish maple neck provides faster playability than gloss finishes
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
Both are excellent metal guitars. The Arrow edges out the Horizon-III in pure high-gain clarity and note separation due to its active EMG pickup configuration and light alder body. The Horizon-III remains a pro-level metal instrument but adds coil-split options for tonal variety outside metal contexts.
Can either of these play outside metal genres?
The Arrow is designed specifically for metal and hard rock and lacks the tonal flexibility for convincing jazz, blues, or folk applications. The Horizon-III's Seymour Duncan pickups with coil-split capability allow it to handle cleaner, more articulate tones, making it more versatile across multiple genres while still excelling in metal.
What's the difference in body construction?
The Arrow uses a light alder body for maximum brightness and attack, typical of modern metal designs. The Horizon-III features a mahogany body with a flamed maple top, yielding warmer, more balanced tone and superior aesthetics. Both use neck-thru-body construction for maximum sustain.
Are the electronics the main difference?
Electronics are a major difference. The Arrow's active EMG pickups prioritize output and clarity; the Horizon-III's passive Seymour Duncans with coil-split offer more tonal shaping control and wider genre applicability. Both feature Floyd Rose Original bridges and are equally stable for heavy tremolo use.