EFRXCTMSTBLKSB-2 vs EVULTUREOW — Compare
ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst vs ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
The FRX Kiso is a versatile platform suited for progressive and studio work with its brighter tonal character and 25.5" scale, while the Vulture is purpose-built for aggressive metal and thrash with its shorter 24.75" scale, active EMG pickups, and V-shaped body optimized for drop tunings. Choose the FRX for tonal flexibility across hard rock and metal subgenres, or the Vulture if your primary focus is metal rhythm work and you prefer the ergonomic V-body design.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
Specs side by side
| ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst | ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,499.00 | $6,149.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II FRX | — |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | — | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | — | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2013 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
- ✓ 25.5" scale length supports wider tuning range and articulate lead work
- ✓ Seymour Duncan passive pickups offer warm, versatile tonal palette across genres
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original bridge enables dramatic vibrato and tuning tricks
- ✓ Quilted maple top with see-thru black sunburst finish has striking visual appeal
Why choose ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
- ✓ V-shaped body with forearm comfort contour designed specifically for aggressive rhythm playing
- ✓ EMG Het Set active pickups deliver high output and aggressive attack ideal for metal
- ✓ 24.75" scale optimized for drop tunings and thick, heavy tone
- ✓ Set-neck construction with 24 jumbo frets and wider 350mm radius supports fast bending
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar handles drop tunings better?
The Vulture is specifically engineered for drop tunings with its shorter 24.75" scale length and active high-output EMG pickups designed for aggressive low-end response. The FRX's 25.5" scale is more suited to standard and half-step tunings, though it can handle drops with appropriate string gauges.
What's the key tonal difference between the pickups?
The FRX uses passive Seymour Duncan '59 and Distortion pickups that blend warm midrange with clarity and articulation, offering flexibility across rock and metal styles. The Vulture's active EMG Het Set delivers higher output with aggressive attack and full low-end emphasis optimized exclusively for metal applications.
Which is better for upper-fret lead work?
The FRX offers slightly better upper-register access with its 24 jumbo frets and brighter ebony fingerboard character, plus its 305mm radius suits both open positions and lead bending. The Vulture's 22 XJ frets and wider 350mm radius prioritize smooth aggressive bending over lead clarity.
Are both guitars suitable for touring?
Both are professional-grade touring instruments with set-through/set-neck construction and locking hardware. The FRX includes a Floyd Rose Original for tone-bending tricks; the Vulture offers TonePros locking TOM bridge and LTD tuners for maximum stability under extreme playing conditions.