LJMIIQMBLKSHB-B vs LVULTUREBLKS-B — Compare
ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock vs ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
The JM-II prioritizes speed and versatility with 24 frets, a thinner neck, and dual-voiced Fishman pickups suited to progressive metal complexity, while the Vulture emphasizes raw sustain and aggressive tone with 22 frets and EMG actives built for straight-ahead thrash and drop-tuning brutality. Choose the JM-II if you want a modern, technique-focused instrument; pick the Vulture if you want maximum sustain and a no-frills heavy-metal weapon.
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ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock | ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,279.20 | $1,279.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | — | Flying V |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Guitar Black Shadow Burst B-Stock
- ✓ 24 extra-jumbo frets for extended upper-register access
- ✓ Fishman Fluence Modern pickups with alnico/ceramic split and push-pull voicing options
- ✓ Extra-thin u-shaped neck reduces hand fatigue during long sessions
- ✓ Bolt-on construction and roasted maple offer bright, articulate clarity
Why choose ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Set-neck construction delivers superior sustain and body-to-neck coupling
- ✓ EMG JH active pickups tuned for tight, aggressive articulation
- ✓ Solid mahogany body and neck provide warm, resonant tone
- ✓ 24.75-inch scale and 305mm radius well-suited to drop tunings and heavy riffs
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar handles drop tunings better?
The Vulture is optimized for drop tunings with its longer 24.75-inch scale, solid mahogany construction for sustain, and set-neck stability. The JM-II works fine in standard and down tunings but leans toward the speed and clarity demanded by progressive metal.
What is the main playability difference?
The JM-II has 24 frets and an extra-thin neck profile designed for rapid position shifts and extended range, while the Vulture offers 22 frets and a thicker set-neck for anchored, aggressive rhythm playing. JM-II suits lead-heavy styles; Vulture suits riff-focused play.
How do the pickups differ in tone?
The JM-II's Fishman Fluence pickups deliver versatile alnico-to-ceramic voicing with active push-pull shaping for clean and distorted tones. The Vulture's EMG JH SET actives are voiced solely for tight, high-output aggression without mid-scoop—more one-trick, but that trick is Metallica-grade crunch.
Why is one more expensive if both are mid-tier?
Both sit in the same price tier. The JM-II's cost reflects 24 frets, dual-voiced pickups, and bolt-on clarity; the Vulture's reflects set-neck construction and mahogany sustain. Your budget choice depends on whether you value fret count and tonal range or body sustain.