LECLIPSE87RBCRK vs LIRONCROSSSWLH-B0439 — Compare
ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish vs ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439
The Eclipse '87 prioritizes sustain and classic 1980s articulate tone with neck-thru construction and passive Seymour Duncan pickups, while the Iron Cross is a signature metal machine with aggressive high-output active EMGs and set-neck stability built for heavy rhythm and drop tunings. Choose the Eclipse for retro rock versatility; pick the Iron Cross if you play thrash metal and need Hetfield-approved tone and a left-handed option.
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ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish
ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish | ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,249.00 | $1,259.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD TE | LTD Snakebyte |
| Body | — | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Pickup Configuration | — | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Eclipse 87 Electric Guitar in Rainbow Crackle Finish
- ✓ Neck-thru-body construction maximizes sustain and resonance
- ✓ Passive signal path with coil-split offers tonal clarity and flexibility
- ✓ Seymour Duncan '59/JB pickups deliver classic articulate 1980s character
- ✓ Floyd Rose tremolo adds expressive playing options
Why choose ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439
- ✓ Active EMG JH pickups deliver high-output crushing metal tones with tight low end
- ✓ Available in left-handed configuration for left-handed players
- ✓ Set-neck construction with maple-capped mahogany body produces warm, punchy resonance
- ✓ Premium hardware (TonePros bridge, Sperzel tuners) ensures rock-solid tuning stability
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
The Iron Cross is purpose-built for metal with high-output active EMG JH pickups and set-neck stability optimized for tight rhythm tones and drop tunings. The Eclipse '87 is excellent for hard rock and classic metal but emphasizes articulation over raw aggression.
What's the main construction difference?
The Eclipse uses neck-thru-body construction for maximum sustain, while the Iron Cross uses set-neck construction. Neck-thru generally offers slightly more sustain; set-neck provides easier upper-fret access and is a traditional metal guitar design.
Are the pickups active or passive?
The Eclipse has passive Seymour Duncan pickups with a direct signal path and coil-split for tonal flexibility. The Iron Cross features active EMG JH pickups designed by James Hetfield for high-output metal tones that require a battery.
Which is better for someone learning metal?
Both suit intermediate to advanced players. The Iron Cross is more purpose-built for thrash and heavy metal with Hetfield's signature voicing; the Eclipse offers more classic rock versatility and passive electronics that some players find easier to dial in.