EIIHORNT7BHSBLKS-B vs EIIVIPERBLK-B — Compare
ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B Hipshot 7 String Baritone Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock vs ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
The Horizon NT-7B is a baritone 7-string built for drop tunings and extended-range metal, while the Viper is a traditional 6-string with set-thru construction suited to standard and alternate tunings across metal and hard rock. Choose the Horizon for djent and progressive metal requiring seven strings; choose the Viper for players who want aggressive tone within a standard 6-string format.
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ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B Hipshot 7 String Baritone Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B Hipshot 7 String Baritone Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock | ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,100.80 | $1,999.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II Horizon | ESP E-II Viper |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Explorer |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 7 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | — | Mahogany |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | HH |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | 2017 | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B Hipshot 7 String Baritone Electric Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
- ✓ 27-inch baritone scale delivers tight, articulate low-end without muddiness in drop tunings
- ✓ Seven strings extend range for progressive and djent applications
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and stability
- ✓ EMG 85-7H and 81-7H pickups voiced specifically for 7-string extended range
Why choose ESP E-II Viper Black Electric Guitar B-Stock
- ✓ Set-thru construction with mahogany body and neck for natural harmonic resonance
- ✓ Coil-tap functionality on both EMG 66TW and 57TW pickups offers tonal versatility
- ✓ 24.75-inch scale more familiar to standard tuning players and intermediate players
- ✓ Gotoh TOM bridge and locking tuners provide enhanced tuning stability during aggressive play
Frequently asked questions
What's the main playability difference?
The Horizon NT-7B has a 27-inch baritone scale across seven strings, designed for extended-range and drop-tuning work. The Viper uses a 24.75-inch scale on six strings, more suitable for standard or alternate tunings within traditional 6-string context.
Which guitar is better for someone learning metal?
The Viper suits intermediate players getting into metal because its 6-string layout and familiar scale length are less demanding. The Horizon NT-7B is better suited to advanced or professional players already comfortable with extended-range instruments and baritone scales.
How do the pickup systems compare?
The Horizon uses EMG 85-7H and 81-7H pickups specifically voiced for 7-string instruments with tight low-end clarity. The Viper uses EMG 66TW and 57TW with coil-tap functionality, offering more tonal switching options but designed for 6-string application.
Which construction approach delivers more sustain?
The Horizon NT-7B uses neck-thru construction for maximum sustain and stability across seven strings. The Viper uses set-thru construction, which also delivers significant sustain through its mahogany body and neck pairing, though neck-thru is traditionally considered the sustain leader.