EIIHOR3FMFRSTBLKSB-B vs EIIVIPERBLK-B — Compare
ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock vs ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
The Horizon-III FR is a neck-thru shredder with Floyd Rose tremolo and coil-split Seymour Duncan pickups, ideal for players who want expressive dive bombs and versatile tones. The Viper is a set-thru design with fixed bridge, EMG active pickups, and a shorter 24.75" scale, better suited to aggressive metal and drop-tuning players who prioritize stability and high-output aggression.
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ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock
ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock | ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.20 | $1,999.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II Horizon III | ESP E-II Viper |
| Body | Single Cutaway | 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 |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP E-II Horizon-III FR See-Thru Black Sunburst Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original tremolo enables expressive dive bombs and pitch manipulation
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and fret access
- ✓ Seymour Duncan pickups with coil-split versatility offer smooth-to-punchy tonal range
- ✓ Longer 25.5" scale provides brighter tone and wider bend range
Why choose ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Set-thru construction balances sustain with solid, centered resonance
- ✓ EMG active pickups deliver high-output clarity and aggressive attack
- ✓ Shorter 24.75" scale suits drop tunings and tighter string response
- ✓ Fixed Gotoh TOM bridge eliminates tuning fluctuations during aggressive play
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for drop tunings?
The Viper's 24.75" scale and fixed bridge make it more suited to drop tunings, as the shorter scale maintains string tension and the TOM bridge won't shift tuning during aggressive bending. The Horizon-III's 25.5" scale and Floyd Rose require more careful setup and maintenance in very low tunings.
What's the pickup difference in terms of tone?
The Seymour Duncan pickups in the Horizon-III are passive and offer a balanced, warm articulation with coil-split versatility. The EMG active pickups in the Viper deliver higher output, faster attack, and more aggressive cut—better for metal clarity but less suited to smooth blues or jazz voicing.
Which plays faster?
Both have thin-U necks and 24 extra-jumbo frets, so playability is very similar. The Horizon-III's neck-thru design may feel slightly faster due to seamless heel access, while the Viper's set-thru is nearly as fast but with marginally more body contact at the heel.
Do I need the tremolo on the Horizon-III?
The Floyd Rose tremolo is excellent for expressive effects, divebombs, and pitch manipulation, but adds complexity and tuning maintenance. If you play straight rock or metal without tremolo effects, the Viper's fixed bridge is simpler and more stable.