LECLIPSE87RBCRK vs LEXLBKMBLKREDBS — Compare
ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish vs ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin
The Eclipse '87 is a versatile, sustain-focused workhorse with dual pickups and coil-split flexibility suited to classic hard rock and studio work, while the EXL Black Metal is a single-pickup, high-output aggression machine optimized for modern metal and drop tunings. Choose the Eclipse for tonal range and classic character; choose the EXL for focused metal tone and simplicity.
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ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish
ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish | ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,249.00 | $1,199.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD TE | LTD Black Metal |
| Body Type | Solid | — |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | — | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2021 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish
- ✓ Dual Seymour Duncan pickups with coil-split control for wider tonal palette
- ✓ Neck-thru-body construction maximizes sustain and resonance
- ✓ Floyd Rose tremolo adds expressive capability
- ✓ Thinner, more articulate mids suit classic hard rock and studio versatility
Why choose ESP LTD EXL Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Red Burst Satin
- ✓ EMG 81 delivers high-output aggression and tight low-end focus ideal for metal
- ✓ Set-thru construction with Tonepros locking bridge ensures rock-solid tuning stability
- ✓ Single-pickup simplicity keeps signal path focused and eliminates switching complexity
- ✓ Stainless steel frets require less maintenance in heavy playing scenarios
Frequently asked questions
Which has more pickup options?
The Eclipse '87 features a dual-pickup setup (Seymour Duncan '59 neck and JB bridge) with a push-pull coil-split, allowing single-coil emulation. The EXL Black Metal uses a single EMG 81 bridge pickup with no switching options, keeping the signal path purely focused.
What's the practical difference between neck-thru and set-thru construction?
The Eclipse '87's neck-thru design routes the neck through the body for maximum sustain and resonance, ideal for ringing tones. The EXL's set-thru construction (neck-to-body joint) is slightly more focused and solid, favoring articulation and precision over bloom.
Which is better for drop tunings and modern metal?
The EXL Black Metal is purpose-built for metal: its EMG 81 is high-output and handles downtuning aggression, stainless steel frets resist wear, and the locking bridge maintains tuning stability under extreme abuse. The Eclipse '87 can handle metal but prioritizes versatility over metal-specific features.
Are the neck profiles and fretboard specifications similar?
Both share the same 24.75-inch scale, 42mm nut width, 350mm fingerboard radius, and thin U neck contour for speed and comfort. The Eclipse has 24 frets on Macassar Ebony; the EXL has 22 stainless steel frets on Macassar Ebony. The stainless steel frets on the EXL are more durable for aggressive playing.