EIIHORFRIITESBLH vs EIIMIIQMBLKNB-B — Compare
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar vs ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
The Horizon FR-II is a left-handed, neck-thru instrument with active EMG pickups designed for studio precision and technical tremolo work, while the M-II is a set-thru, right-handed workhorse with passive Bare Knuckle pickups built for stage reliability and cutting through live sound. Choose the Horizon FR-II if you're left-handed and need maximum sustain and coil-splitting versatility; pick the M-II if you play right-handed, gig regularly, and prefer passive electronics with straightforward tone.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar
ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar | ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,899.00 | $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 | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar
- ✓ Left-handed configuration—rare and essential for left-handed players
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and tonal clarity
- ✓ Active EMG pickups with coil-splitting offer wider tonal range from clean to high-gain
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original bridge with locking nut provides tuning stability for aggressive tremolo
Why choose ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers high-end quality at a discount
- ✓ Thin U-contoured neck reduces fret access time for faster playing under pressure
- ✓ Passive Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups deliver cutting clarity and punch for live mixes
- ✓ Set-thru construction and proven design optimized for touring and extended gigging
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for live performance?
The M-II is explicitly designed as a gigging workhorse with a thin U neck for fast access and passive electronics that need no batteries. The Horizon FR-II is equally capable live but prioritizes studio precision and complex tremolo work; both have Floyd Rose bridges for tuning stability.
What's the main difference in pickup character?
The Horizon FR-II uses active EMG pickups with coil-splitting for articulate cleans and high-gain versatility. The M-II uses passive Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups optimized for cutting through live mixes with clarity and punch, with simpler passive electronics.
Why does the Horizon FR-II cost more if the M-II is B-stock?
The Horizon FR-II is left-handed (a premium feature for left-handed players), features neck-thru construction for maximum sustain, includes active electronics, and is new condition. The M-II is B-stock (cosmetic or minor issues), which reduces its price despite being a professional right-handed instrument.
Which plays faster?
Both have 24 extra-jumbo frets, 305mm radius, and satin-finished necks for speed. The M-II's thin U contour may feel slightly faster for some players, while the Horizon FR-II's neck-thru design offers slightly better sustain and hand comfort across extended ranges.