ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar
Description
ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar
The ESP E-II Viper tracks with surgical precision in the studio—the thin U neck contour and asymmetrical double-cut design grant unobstructed access across all 24 extra-jumbo frets for seamless recording takes. Built in Japan to professional standards, this guitar channels the thick, resonant character of mahogany through modern active electronics and high-end hardware that captures aggressive articulation and sustained gain tones with consistency across multiple passes.
Recording Architecture & Build
Set-thru construction anchors the mahogany neck through the body, maximizing sustain and upper-register clarity for layered tracking and high-fret solo work. The ebony fingerboard with 305mm radius and 24 extra-jumbo frets supports fast position shifts and clean intonation across extended takes, while a bone nut and Gotoh locking tuners lock in tuning stability through long sessions and punch-in overdubs.
Tone, Mix Presence & Active Circuitry
The EMG 66TW neck and EMG 57TW bridge pickups deliver tight low-end definition on rhythm passes and defined midrange punch that sits clearly in dense mixes—independent push-pull coil-split controls on both volume and tone switches enable quick tonal switching between humbucker thickness and single-coil snap without re-amping. A Gotoh TOM bridge with tailpiece anchors the mahogany body's natural midrange character with rock-solid sustain, essential for tracking heavy rhythm sections and maintaining intonation across consecutive takes.
Key Features
- Set-thru construction for enhanced sustain and upper-fret access
- Mahogany body and mahogany neck with thick, resonant tone
- Thin U neck contour for fast, comfortable playability
- Ebony fingerboard with 305mm radius and 24 extra-jumbo frets
- 42mm bone nut for articulate response and tuning stability
- EMG 66TW (neck) and EMG 57TW (bridge) active pickups with independent push-pull coil-split controls
- Gotoh TOM bridge and tailpiece for tuning accuracy and sustain
- Gotoh locking tuners and ESP strap locks
- Active electronics with volume, tone, and toggle switch layout
- Black hardware and black finish for aggressive aesthetic
- 24.75" scale length
- Includes ESP Viper guitar form-fit case and Elixir Nanoweb Light strings (.010–.046)
- Made in Japan
The E-II Viper is a professional-grade tracking instrument that merges classic ESP articulation with modern tonal flexibility—built for producers and engineers who demand tight capture, mix-ready tone, and session-to-session reliability.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP E-II Viper brings professional Japanese construction and thick, resonant mahogany tone into the studio, with EMG active pickups engineered for tight, articulate recording across clean and saturated voices. The independent coil-split controls on neck and bridge let you shape everything from single-coil clarity to full humbucker punch in the mix, while the set-thru construction and Gotoh hardware deliver the sustain and precision needed to nail take after take. A versatile tool for metal, djent, and progressive tracking where tonal flexibility and reliability matter.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickups are in the E-II Viper, and can I switch between single-coil and humbucker sounds?
The Viper ships with EMG 66TW (neck) and EMG 57TW (bridge) active pickups, both with independent push-pull coil-split controls on the volume and tone pots. This lets you toggle between humbucker and single-coil voicings on either pickup without rewiring.
Is the neck fast and comfortable for extended playing?
Yes—the thin U contour and asymmetrical double-cut design are built for speed and comfort during long sessions. The 24 extra-jumbo frets and 305mm radius ebony fingerboard support aggressive bends and modern lead techniques without fatigue.
What tuning stability can I expect live?
The Viper uses a bone nut, Gotoh locking tuners, and a Gotoh TOM bridge with tailpiece, all designed to hold tuning night after night under hard playing. Set-thru construction also contributes to sustain and resonance.
What genres is this guitar built for?
The E-II Viper is engineered for metal, hard rock, progressive, and djent styles. Its tight articulation, thick midrange, and high-output active electronics make it less suited for jazz, folk, or country playing.
What's included with the guitar?
The Viper comes with an ESP Viper guitar form-fit case and a set of Elixir Nanoweb Light strings (.010–.046 gauge).
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