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 prioritizes vintage 1980s character with a neck-thru design and passive Seymour Duncan pickups, while the Vulture focuses on modern metal aggression with active EMG pickups and set-neck construction. Choose the Eclipse '87 for classic hard rock tone and fast lead work; choose the Vulture for contemporary thrash metal and drop-tuned applications.
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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 TE | — |
| 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-body construction delivers superior sustain and resonance
- ✓ Passive Seymour Duncan '59/JB pickups with coil-split offer versatile vintage-to-modern tonal range
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo for dive-bomb effects and experimental playing
- ✓ Distinctive Rainbow Crackle finish stands out visually
Why choose ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Active EMG JH pickups provide tight, punchy attack ideal for modern metal
- ✓ Set-neck construction balances sustain with comfortable upper-fret access
- ✓ B-Stock pricing reduces cost while maintaining full factory build quality
- ✓ Dual independent volume controls enable real-time tonal shaping for rhythm and lead
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar suits drop tunings better?
The Vulture is specifically designed for drop tunings and modern heavy music, with its 22 extra-jumbo frets, tight active pickups, and locking bridge providing superior stability. The Eclipse '87 with its 24 frets and passive design is better suited to standard and half-step tunings.
What's the practical difference between neck-thru and set-neck construction?
The Eclipse '87's neck-thru design maximizes sustain and resonance by eliminating the body-to-neck joint. The Vulture's set-neck offers nearly comparable sustain while providing easier upper-fret access and slightly different tonal character focused on attack rather than bloom.
Are passive or active pickups better for metal?
The Vulture's active EMG pickups deliver the tight, controlled articulation and punchy attack preferred in modern thrash and extreme metal. The Eclipse '87's passive Seymour Duncans offer more organic, touch-responsive dynamics but require stronger amp drive to achieve metal aggression.
Why is the Vulture B-Stock cheaper if it's the same quality?
B-Stock means the Vulture has only minor cosmetic imperfections from the factory but identical electronics, construction, and playability. You get full performance and warranty at a discount if you don't mind small visual flaws.