EIIHORFRIITESBLH vs EIIMIIHTBMMBLUB-B — Compare
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar vs ESP E-II M-II Hardtail Mercury Blue Burst Guitar B-Stock
The Horizon FR-II is a left-handed, tremolo-equipped neck-thru with active EMG pickups and Floyd Rose bridge, ideal for players who need aggressive tremolo techniques and versatile clean-to-gain tones. The M-II Hardtail is a right-handed, fixed-bridge set-thru with passive Bare Knuckle pickups tuned for crushing mids and drop-tuning stability, better suited for players prioritizing tuning lock and rhythmic aggression without tremolo.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar
ESP E-II M-II Hardtail Mercury Blue Burst Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar | ESP E-II M-II Hardtail Mercury Blue Burst Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,899.00 | $2,985.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II Horizon | ESP E-II M |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP E-II Horizon FR-II Tiger Eye Sunburst Lefty Guitar
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original bridge enables dynamic tremolo work and dive-bomb effects
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and clarity for lead work
- ✓ Active EMG pickups with coil-splitting offer clean-to-high-gain versatility
- ✓ Left-handed configuration for southpaw players
Why choose ESP E-II M-II Hardtail Mercury Blue Burst Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Fixed Hipshot bridge with string-thru-body ensures rock-solid tuning stability ideal for drop tunings
- ✓ Set-thru construction balances sustain with easier upper-fret access
- ✓ Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups deliver accelerated bass and crushing mids for rhythm-focused metal
- ✓ B-Stock pricing offers savings on a professional-grade instrument
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for drop tunings?
The M-II Hardtail is purpose-built for drop tunings with its fixed Hipshot bridge and string-thru-body design, which maintain tuning stability under extreme string tension. The Horizon FR-II's Floyd Rose can accommodate drop tunings but requires setup adjustments to maintain tremolo functionality.
What's the main difference in pickup character?
The Horizon FR-II uses active EMG pickups with coil-splitting for versatile cleans and aggressive gain, while the M-II uses passive Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups optimized for accelerated bass and crushing mids. EMGs offer more tonal switching; Bare Knuckles offer more focused metal aggression.
Who should buy the B-Stock M-II?
B-Stock means it has minor cosmetic imperfection but full functionality. Budget-conscious players seeking professional specs, and those prioritizing tuning stability over tremolo effects, should consider the M-II regardless of B-Stock status.
Is the Horizon FR-II only for left-handed players?
Yes, the Horizon FR-II is explicitly a left-handed model. Right-handed players need the M-II or other right-handed alternatives from the range.