ESP Eclipse II... Am I crazy?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Several months ago I played an ESP Eclipse II at Sam Ash. I didn't buy it at the time because I was really shopping for some new Jacksons, but I wanted to try one out.

I was very impressed with it vs. my old The Paul II (now sold) and my Explorer, and even the LP Studios I've played recently. It seemed like a pretty damn good player, and for $1499 new (or, let's say, $700 - 900 used) it seems like a much better deal than a Les Paul Custom, and is even available in colors I like instead of "sunburst of the week" that I always see on the LPC's. I mean, if you're lucky, you might find an LPC for $3000 that is as good as this thing IMO.

I'm really thinking about buying one... Am I crazy? It seems like a great guitar for the money. Anyone have one? Any bad points, things to look out for, stuff that breaks easily, etc?

[6string40]

I know there are a lot of ESP-haters around here, but I don't think you're crazy at all. I didn't own any of the ESP Eclipses (have played several), but did have a few of the LTD Eclipses (EC1000). They are great players and well worth the money. Never had any issues with mine, I just got away from EMGs...pretty much the only reason I sold the guitars.

[customshopkv1]

I have an ESP Willie Adler Eclipse with JB/59. Very nice guitar and well made, but in all honesty I am a Jackson fan so this guitar has been sold and I am waiting for my Dominion to be done. Chances are I probably won't buy another ESP, I don't think.

[Grandturk]

Here's the thing - if you want a Les Paul then nothing is going to satisfy that except a Les Paul. Real ESPs are very nice guitars and might be better than, but its still not going to say "Gibson Les Paul Model" on the headstock.

[customshopkv1]

Here's the thing - if you want a Les Paul then nothing is going to satisfy that except a Les Paul. Real ESPs are very nice guitars and might be better than, but its still not going to say "Gibson Les Paul Model" on the headstock.

Totally agree. If I was going to buy a Les Paul shape guitar it would be a LPC. But for the money, the ESPs are great.

[asix]

the les paul is a big badge but the eclipse is a far more useable guitar. Its a bit of a 1 trick pony if its got emgs, id duncan it but thats me.

(sorry to all emg fans)

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Good input, guys, thanks!

I'm not sure I really want a Les Paul. Actually I kind of hate them, for some irrational reason. I'm actually kind of drawn to the Eclipse because it's NOT a Les Paul, but is still a kind of "classic" guitar shape, in the same way I'm drawn to Soloists and Charvel Strat-heads and such vs. a "real" Strat.

Never had any issues with mine, I just got away from EMGs...pretty much the only reason I sold the guitars.

I've got a lot of guitars with EMG's in them. I do love the EMG sound, for, well, that EMG sound. But recently I stuck a Duncan SH5 in the bridge of my Pro Mod parts-bin guitar and I really like the tone. And, I really like my SL1 with the JB in the bridge. I've given some serious thought to going back to passives, but then again, there are certain things I play where I really like the EMG 85 clarity. They just don't cut it for a "classic" tone, though.

So, part of the plan was to gut the electronics of the Eclipse and install some Duncans.

[Flatpicker]

Have you tried the PRS 245?
I don't have much experience with ESP, but I know the PRS are top notch.

[Kisonen]

Gibson Les Paul GT is worth a try if you can find one.

[shreddermon]

I've played some Eclipses, and have to agree that they're great guitars and a very good value.

As noted above, though, it'll never be a "real" Les Paul. In fact (except for the body shape), IMHO, it's not even trying to be a LP imitation. Between the EMGs, flat fretboard and thin neck, it's more of a hybrid between a LP and a super strat. That can either be a good or bad thing, depending on what you're looking to get from it.

And +1 to swapping in a set of Duncans. IIRC, the amber-burst models come standard with zebra Duncans.

The PRS is a good option, too. More expensive, but higher quality. And it will sound and feel more like a "real" LP. Unfortunately, with no binding and different inlays, they look a lot more different from the traditional LP appearance. (Still gorgeous, though - just different.) I preferred the more modern appointments on the SC250 model, though. ...Which is one of the reasons I've never been able to find a "real" LP that I've truly wanted to take home - they're just too old-tech for my tastes.

[Flatpicker]

The new PRS smoke models come with neck binding. Check out the pics at willicutt's site.

[Axewielder]

I stumbled onto an Epiphone Elitist a while back, and became an instant fan. You get MIJ quality superior to that of Gibson USA, non-chambered bodies (I believe...) and a poly finish instead of sticky nitro. I'd guess they are similar to the Eclipse II, but I've never played one of those. Do those have poly finishes, too? That makes a huge difference (nitro fanboys can have that shit).

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

IMHO, it's not even trying to be a LP imitation. Between the EMGs, flat fretboard and thin neck, it's more of a hybrid between a LP and a super strat.

I didn't realize it until I read this, but I think this is exactly why I liked the guitar.

[iced_earth]

You're definitely not crazy. I consider the ESP Eclipse II a great "modern" take on the classic Les Paul. The neck shape, locking tuners, and the satin finish are perfect for me. If you are thinking about picking one up, the vintage white (psuedo Randy vibe) are on sale right now:

http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Eclipse%20II%20Electric%20Guitar%20Assorted%20Colors_-1_10052_10002_183580_cmCategorySA182593

[metalvince333]

For me the best thing would be that vintage white eclipse and make the switch to seymour duncan zebras pickups like a jb or 59 or my personal favorites, seymour duncan distortion set! that would be an interesting guitar for me even if im a real big jackson flying v guy, les paul shape is the only one im missing in the big classic shapes.