ESP E-II M-II Hardtail Mercury Blue Burst Guitar B-Stock
Description
ESP E-II M-II Hardtail Mercury Blue Burst Guitar B-Stock
The E-II M-II Hardtail sits naturally in the hand with its Thin U neck contour, paired with a fast ebony fingerboard and 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets that make upper-register work effortless and bending smooth and responsive. Built at ESP's Tokyo factory, this set-thru design locks in excellent sustain and articulation for both rhythm and lead work on stage. The translucent Mercury Blue Burst finish over a burled maple top commands attention under stage lighting and maintains visual depth through extended gigging.
Playability & Construction
Set-thru construction at a 25.5" scale length maximizes sustain and provides effortless upper-fret access. The 3-piece maple neck with satin finish and Thin U contour sits naturally in the hand, while the 305mm fingerboard radius and ebony fingerboard with pearloid offset block inlays deliver precision and durability. The 42mm bone nut ensures clean string transfer and tonal clarity.
Tone & Electronics
Dual direct-mounted Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups with black Battleworn covers deliver accelerated bass response, crushing mids, and razor-sharp articulation ideal for high-speed riffing and staccato work. The passive electronics feature a push-pull tone control for coil splitting, expanding tonal range from aggressive high-gain to articulate, controlled voicings. The Hipshot fixed bridge with string-thru-body design enhances sustain and tuning stability for reliable on-stage performance.
Key Features
- Set-thru construction with 25.5" scale length
- Alder body with burled maple top and Mercury Blue Burst finish
- 3-piece maple neck with satin finish and Thin U contour
- Ebony fingerboard with pearloid offset block inlays and 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
- 305mm fingerboard radius and 42mm bone nut
- Hipshot hardtail bridge with string-thru-body design
- Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups (bridge and neck) with black Batterworn covers
- Passive electronics with volume, tone (push-pull coil split), and 3-way switch
- Gotoh locking tuners and ESP strap locks with black hardware
- White binding on top, headstock, and neck
- Made in Japan at the ESP factory
- Includes ESP deluxe hardshell form-fit case
This B-Stock unit may exhibit minor cosmetic wear that does not affect structure, tone, or playability, offering access to premium Japanese-built craftsmanship at a reduced price point.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections typical of B-Stock instruments. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. The ESP E-II M-II Hardtail represents a premium instrument at a significant B-Stock discount, backed by full manufacturer warranty.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP E-II M-II Hardtail is a Japanese-made metal machine built for speed, aggression, and precision articulation—set-thru construction, fast ebony fingerboard, and Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups deliver crushing mids and razor-sharp bite ideal for drop tunings and high-gain work. Built for intermediate to pro players, this hardtail excels on stage with exceptional sustain, tuning stability, and upper-fret access that rewards fast playing and technical passages. The B-Stock pricing gives you Tokyo-factory quality and premium appointments (burled maple top, bone nut, locking tuners) with only minor cosmetic marks—no impact on tone or playability.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean, and will the minor cosmetic imperfections affect playability or tone?
B-Stock means the guitar is fully functional and structurally perfect, with only minor cosmetic wear (scratches, finish marks, or handling wear) that does not affect playability, tone, or structural integrity. You receive the full manufacturer warranty and the same premium Japanese craftsmanship as a new unit at a reduced price.
Is this guitar suitable for metal and drop tunings?
Yes. The M-II Hardtail is built specifically for metal and progressive music, with a 25.5-inch scale, set-thru construction for superior sustain, and Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups engineered for crushing mids and razor-sharp articulation in high-gain contexts. The hardtail bridge and string-thru-body design ensure rock-solid tuning stability during aggressive playing and lower-register work.
What's included, and what makes the neck easy to play?
The guitar ships with an ESP deluxe hardshell form-fit case. The Thin U neck contour, satin finish, fast ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, and 305mm radius make upper-register work and bending smooth and effortless—ideal for fast technical playing.
Can I dial in different tones with the electronics?
Yes. The push-pull tone control engages coil splitting, expanding your palette from aggressive high-gain voicings to more controlled and articulate tones without losing the natural sustain and midrange character of the Bare Knuckle pickups.
How does this compare to similar metal guitars?
The E-II M-II competes with the Ibanez RG Premium, Jackson Pro SL2Q, and Schecter C-7 Apocalypse. It stands out for its Tokyo factory construction, set-thru design with hardtail bridge for maximum sustain, satin-finish neck comfort, and Bare Knuckle voicing—all at a B-Stock discount that undercuts comparable new models.
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