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ESP E-II Viper Baritone Electric Guitar in Charcoal Metallic Satin B-Stock vs ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar
The Viper Baritone is a 27-inch scale instrument purpose-built for drop tunings and extended-range metal, while the standard Viper is a 25.5-inch scale all-rounder optimized for versatility across metal and hard rock. Choose the Baritone if you exclusively play extreme tunings; choose the standard Viper if you want flexibility between clean and high-gain without the longer scale commitment.
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ESP E-II Viper Baritone Electric Guitar in Charcoal Metallic Satin B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II Viper Baritone Electric Guitar in Charcoal Metallic Satin B-Stock | ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,759.20 | $2,399.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II | ESP E-II |
| Body | Explorer | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | Active HH |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2016 | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP E-II Viper Baritone Electric Guitar in Charcoal Metallic Satin B-Stock
- ✓ 27-inch baritone scale delivers genuine tension and articulation in drop tunings
- ✓ Neck-through construction maximizes sustain for extended-range riffs
- ✓ EMG 60/81 pairing is industry-standard for aggressive modern metal clarity
Why choose ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar
- ✓ Coil-split pickups (EMG 66TW/57TW) enable humbucker-to-single-coil switching for tonal range
- ✓ Standard 25.5-inch scale suits both heavy and standard tunings without specialized commitment
- ✓ Set-thru construction balances sustain with slightly easier upper-fret access than neck-through
Frequently asked questions
Which scale length should I choose?
The Baritone's 27-inch scale is designed for tunings below drop-D and maintains string tension in extreme tunings. The standard Viper's 25.5-inch scale works well from standard tuning down to drop-D, making it the better choice for players who switch tunings frequently or play traditional heavy music.
What is the practical difference between the pickups?
The Baritone uses fixed EMG 60/81 pickups focused on raw aggression and clarity. The standard Viper's EMG 66TW/57TW pickups include coil-split controls, allowing you to dial between humbucker punch and single-coil snap without changing guitars, giving greater sonic range.
How do neck construction types affect playability?
The Baritone's neck-through design locks the neck rigidly to the body for maximum sustain and consistency. The standard Viper's set-thru construction offers slightly easier access to the highest frets while maintaining strong sustain, a practical advantage if upper-fret work is frequent.
Which is better for beginners or intermediate players?
The standard Viper is more forgiving for intermediate players because its 25.5-inch scale is familiar and easier to bend, and the tuning flexibility means you aren't locked into extreme tunings. The Baritone demands confidence with extended-range technique and is suited to advanced and professional players committed to lower tunings.