EIIARROWBLKSFD-B vs EIIVIPERBLK-B — Compare
ESP E-II Arrow Black Silver Fade Electric Guitar w/Case B-Stock vs ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
The Arrow is a neck-thru shredder built for speed and Floyd Rose tremolo work, while the Viper is a set-thru powerhouse with coil-tap versatility and a shorter scale for drop tunings. Choose the Arrow if you want maximum sustain and tremolo expression; pick the Viper if you prioritize tonal flexibility and prefer a thicker, warmer core tone.
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ESP E-II Arrow Black Silver Fade Electric Guitar w/Case B-Stock
ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II Arrow Black Silver Fade Electric Guitar w/Case B-Stock | ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,839.20 | $1,999.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II Arrow | ESP E-II Viper |
| Body | Other | Explorer |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | — |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2019 | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP E-II Arrow Black Silver Fade Electric Guitar w/Case B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and resonance for lead-heavy playing
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original bridge enables expressive tremolo techniques
- ✓ Lighter alder body reduces fatigue during extended sessions
- ✓ 25.5" scale provides familiar fret spacing and bright articulation
Why choose ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Coil-tap functionality via pull controls offers tonal range without menu switching
- ✓ Mahogany body and neck deliver naturally warm, thick resonance ideal for metal
- ✓ 24.75" scale better suited to drop tunings and lower registers
- ✓ Set-thru construction balances sustain with tonal warmth
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for drop tunings?
The Viper's 24.75" scale is optimized for lower tunings and provides better feel in drop-D and below. The Arrow's 25.5" scale works fine for drops but isn't specifically designed for them.
What's the main pickup difference?
The Arrow uses fixed EMG 85/81 (no switching), delivering straight high-output aggression. The Viper's EMG 66TW/57TW with coil-tap pull controls lets you split coils for versatility, trading some raw output for tonal range.
Which sustains longer?
The Arrow's neck-thru construction provides maximum sustain. The Viper's set-thru still offers excellent sustain but with slightly more warmth and less raw endless decay.
Are these B-stock units cosmetically flawed?
B-stock typically means minor cosmetic imperfections—small dings, scratches, or finish blemishes that don't affect playability or sound. Both are fully functional professional instruments at reduced prices.