ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar
Description
ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar
The ESP E-II Viper sits in the hand with purpose—the thin U neck contour and asymmetrical double-cut design deliver fast access across all 24 extra-jumbo frets without sacrificing comfort during extended sessions. Built in Japan to professional standards, this guitar combines the thick, resonant character of mahogany with modern electronics and high-end hardware that demands to be played hard.
Playability & Construction
Set-thru construction anchors the mahogany neck through the body for enhanced sustain and fret access. The ebony fingerboard with 305mm radius pairs with 24 extra-jumbo frets to support aggressive bends and modern lead techniques, while a bone nut and Gotoh locking tuners ensure tuning stability night after night.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG 66TW neck and EMG 57TW bridge pickups deliver tight articulation in clean voices and crushing saturation under high gain—and independent push-pull coil-split controls on both volume and tone switches allow instant transitions between humbucker and single-coil tones. A Gotoh TOM bridge with tailpiece anchors the mahogany body's natural midrange punch with precision sustain.
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 built for players and collectors who refuse compromise—a professional-grade instrument that merges classic ESP attitude with modern tonal flexibility, stage-ready reliability, and the sustain and precision demanded by working musicians.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP E-II Viper is a Japanese-built set-thru mahogany shredder designed for metal, hard rock, and progressive players who need fast upper-fret access and devastating high-gain tone without sacrificing clean versatility. The thin U-contoured neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and dual EMG active pickups with coil-split controls deliver tight articulation and crushing saturation that cuts through a full band live, while the Gotoh hardware and locking tuners keep you locked in night after night. Choose it for its professional construction, stage reliability, and ability to handle aggressive lead work and modern techniques without compromise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to play this guitar?
The E-II Viper is built for intermediate through professional players. The thin U-contoured neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets are designed to support fast, aggressive lead techniques and modern shredding, making it ideal for players already comfortable with high-fret work and extended sessions.
Can I get clean tones, or is this only for heavy distortion?
The EMG 66TW and 57TW pickups deliver versatile clean-to-dirty response, and the independent push-pull coil-split controls on both volume and tone knobs let you switch from humbucker to single-coil voicings instantly—great for varying your tone within a song or session.
What comes with the guitar?
The E-II Viper includes an ESP Viper form-fit case and a set of Elixir Nanoweb Light strings (.010–.046 gauge), so you're ready to play straight out of the box.
How does the set-thru construction affect playability and tone?
Set-thru construction anchors the mahogany neck through the body, enhancing upper-fret access for shredding and increasing overall sustain and resonance—a hallmark of professional-grade instruments built for stage and studio demands.
Is this guitar suitable for jazz or folk?
No, the E-II Viper is engineered specifically for metal, hard rock, progressive, and djent styles. The active pickups, aggressive tone profile, and aesthetic are optimized for high-gain and modern techniques rather than jazz or folk contexts.
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