LJMIIQMBLKSHB-B vs LVULTUREOW-B — Compare
ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock vs ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White B-Stock
The JM-II prioritizes speed and extended-range versatility with its thinner neck, longer scale (25.5"), and roasted maple construction ideal for progressive metal; the Vulture emphasizes traditional metal rhythm character with a shorter 24.75" scale, set-neck sustain, and James Hetfield's signature tone for classic thrash and hard rock. Choose the JM-II if you play fast, modern progressive styles; choose the Vulture if you want authoritative rhythm-focused metal tone.
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ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock | ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,279.20 | $1,279.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | — | Flying V |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock
- ✓ Extra-thin u-shaped neck with 25.5" scale enables rapid melodic passages and extended-range playing
- ✓ Roasted maple neck resists warping under aggressive touring and climate changes
- ✓ Fishman Fluence pickups with push-pull switching cover both clean articulation and distorted aggression
- ✓ 350mm fingerboard radius and 24 extra-jumbo frets support fast alternate picking
Why choose ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White B-Stock
- ✓ Set-neck construction maximizes sustain and upper-fret access for lead work
- ✓ Shorter 24.75" scale and thicker tone suit traditional metal rhythm playing and riffing
- ✓ EMG JH Het Set delivers punchy, compressed aggression tuned for James Hetfield's signature tone
- ✓ Dual volume controls allow quick volume swells and pickup blending without tap-dancing
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for thrash metal and classic metal riffs?
The Vulture is purpose-built for thrash and hard rock with its set-neck platform, shorter 24.75" scale, and EMG JH Het pickups tuned for heavy rhythm tone. The JM-II suits progressive and modern metalcore where speed and versatile tonal shaping matter more.
What's the practical difference in playing feel between these two?
The JM-II has an extra-thin u-shaped neck and longer 25.5" scale designed for rapid melodic work and minimal fatigue during long sessions. The Vulture has a more traditional Thin U neck on a 24.75" scale that feels slightly stockier and emphasizes comfortable riffing over extended-range speed.
How do the pickups and controls differ?
The JM-II uses Fishman Fluence active pickups with a push-pull tone control for versatile voicing from cleans to aggression. The Vulture uses EMG JH Het signature pickups with dual volume controls, offering intuitive pickup blending but a more focused, high-output metal tone with less tonal range.
Are these B-Stock guitars new or used?
Both are B-Stock, meaning they are brand new but have minor cosmetic imperfections that do not affect playability, electronics, or tone. You receive a full pro-level instrument at a reduced price.