LECLIPSE87RBCRK vs LVULTUREBLKS-B — Compare
ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish vs ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
The Eclipse '87 is a neck-thru vintage-inspired platform with passive Seymour Duncan pickups and Floyd Rose tremolo, suited for players who want classic 1980s tone and floating bridge versatility. The Vulture is a set-neck signature model with active EMG pickups and a fixed bridge, built specifically for aggressive modern metal and drop tunings with maximum sustain and stability.
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ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish | ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,249.00 | $1,279.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD EC | LTD James Hetfield |
| Body | — | Flying V |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish
- ✓ Neck-thru construction delivers superior sustain and resonance
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo enables dive-bomb effects and floating bridge techniques
- ✓ Passive Seymour Duncan '59/JB pickups provide warm, articulate 1980s character
- ✓ Coil-split control expands tonal range from articulate to full-bodied voicings
Why choose ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Active EMG JH pickups deliver tight, aggressive low-end clarity ideal for drop tunings
- ✓ Set-neck with fixed TOM bridge offers maximum stability and rock-solid tuning under pressure
- ✓ Dual independent volume controls enable real-time tonal shaping during performance
- ✓ B-Stock pricing offers factory-fresh quality at a reduced price point
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar handles drop tunings better?
The Vulture is optimized for drop tunings with its active EMG pickups that maintain articulation at lower frequencies, fixed TOM bridge for maximum stability, and aggressive voice. The Eclipse '87 can handle drop tunings but is voiced for standard tunings with its passive pickups and floating Floyd Rose.
What's the key construction difference?
The Eclipse '87 uses neck-thru-body construction where the neck extends through the mahogany body for maximum sustain. The Vulture uses set-neck construction where the neck is glued into a body pocket, still providing excellent sustain while offering a slightly different tonal character and easier neck replacement if needed.
Which has more upper-fret access?
Both guitars offer excellent upper-fret access with thin U neck profiles. The Eclipse '87 has 24 XJ frets on a 350mm radius, while the Vulture has 22 XJ frets on a 305mm radius—the Vulture's tighter radius may feel slightly more comfortable for aggressive bends, while the Eclipse's extra 2 frets extend highest-note range.
What's the electronics difference?
The Eclipse '87 uses passive Seymour Duncan pickups with a push-pull coil-split and single volume/tone control for a transparent signal path. The Vulture uses active EMG pickups with dual independent volume controls and a 3-way toggle, providing more aggressive tone-shaping capability and lower output impedance for consistent signal strength.