EIIMIIQMBLKNB-B vs EIIRZKIIF-B — Compare
ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock vs ESP E-II RZK-IIF Richard ZK Burnt Fluence Guitar B-Stock
The M-II emphasizes tuning stability and mechanical reliability through a Floyd Rose bridge and passive signal path, while the RZK-II prioritizes sustain and tonal versatility via neck-thru construction and active voice-switching pickups. Choose the M-II if you need bulletproof tuning for aggressive gigging; choose the RZK-II if you want extended sustain and quick tone-switching for studio or djent-focused playing.
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ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
ESP E-II RZK-IIF Richard ZK Burnt Fluence Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock | ESP E-II RZK-IIF Richard ZK Burnt Fluence Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,359.20 | $3,223.20 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | 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 | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | — | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Floyd Rose Original |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP E-II M-II Black Natural Burst Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original bridge with locking nut ensures rock-solid tuning stability during hard bending and dive-bombing
- ✓ Passive electronics with coil-splitting keep signal path simple and require no batteries
- ✓ Set-thru construction lighter and faster playing feel for stage performance
- ✓ Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups cut through dense live mixes with articulate punch
Why choose ESP E-II RZK-IIF Richard ZK Burnt Fluence Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-thru-body construction delivers superior sustain and tonal clarity for extended notes
- ✓ Fishman Fluence voice-switching toggles between two distinct voicings on the fly without changing pickups
- ✓ Active pickups with hybrid magnet configuration (alnico neck, ceramic bridge) offer versatile modern tones
- ✓ 24 extra-jumbo frets on 305mm radius provide comfortable access for extreme downtuning
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar handles extreme drop tunings better?
Both feature a 25.5" scale and 42mm locking nut, so both handle drop tunings well. The RZK-II's neck-thru construction and extra-jumbo frets give it a slight edge in sustain and fret clearance under extreme downtuning, while the M-II's Floyd Rose provides faster tuning changes during a set if you alternate tunings.
Do I need to replace batteries on either guitar?
The M-II uses passive electronics with no batteries required. The RZK-II features active Fluence pickups, which require a 9V battery (typical lifespan 2-3 years with heavy use); however, Fluence pickups are known for long battery life and simple battery access.
Which is better for live touring?
The M-II is purpose-built for touring with its locking nut, Floyd Rose Original, Gotoh locking tuners, and passive signal path—all reducing tuning slip and complexity on the road. The RZK-II is also tour-capable but requires battery monitoring and lacks the Floyd Rose's depth-of-tuning-stability guarantee.
What is the main tone difference between the pickups?
The M-II's Bare Knuckle Aftermaths are passive and deliver a direct, punchy high-output tone designed to cut through live mixes. The RZK-II's Fluence pickups are active with voice-switching, giving you two distinct voicings per pickup (modern alnico neck for warmth, modern ceramic bridge for aggression) without swapping hardware.