ESP E-II
<h2>Introducing E-II: A New Standard in ESP Factory Guitars</h2>
<p>Finishes, fretwork, and features — ESP E-II guitars represent a quality that’s second only to ESP’s handcrafted and Custom Shop lines. And that’s not just Sweetwater’s opinion. On this site alone, you’ll find dozens of reviewers hailing the E-II series as home to some of the finest factory guitars money can buy.</p>
<p>If you’re searching for a true Japanese ESP but don’t want to pay the custom shop pricing, E-II guitars are the clear choice. Read on for highlights of the series.</p>
<h3>What Does the ESP E-II Name Mean?</h3>
<p>E-II is the latest label for what was once called ESP Standard: a term used to distinguish ESP’s made-in-Japan (MIJ) factory guitars from its made-to-order handcrafted customs.</p>
<p>Unlike ESP LTD guitars — fan favorites for their high-performing features and low overseas manufacturing cost — ESP E-II guitars hail from the same Tokyo, Japan factory where ESP Standard began in 1975. Each E-II guitar is crafted with care and undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure a top-tier playing experience the moment it arrives at your door.</p>
<p>E-II guitars are perfect for the player who wants a top-of-the-line guitar that succeeds in delivering ESP’s acclaimed fit and finish, but who doesn’t necessarily want to drop the cash on a handcrafted ESP USA or ESP Original axe or a one-off ESP Custom Shop work of art.</p>
<h3>What Sets E-II Apart?</h3>
<p>Described by ESP as "the best factory-produced fretted instruments in the world today," ESP E-II guitars boast a level of quality and detail rivaling those of much more expensive models. The E-II series is currently home to 50+ guitars, including 6-strings, 7-strings, and baritones, across ten of ESP’s beloved body shapes and styles: ESP Eclipse, Horizon, Arrow, Viper, and all your favorites.</p>
<p>Other key features:</p>
<ul><li>Long-lasting stainless steel frets</li><li>Groundbreaking EMG and Fishman Fluence active electronics</li><li>Necks and constructions designed for comfort, stability, and sustain</li><li>Uncompromising attention to detail</li></ul>
<h3>Is Every E-II ESP Made in Japan?</h3>
<p>Yes. Inside ESP’s Tokyo manufacturing facility, skilled luthiers craft E-II guitars with the same care and precision that have defined ESP Standards for years.</p>
<h3>Which Artists Play E-II?</h3>
<p>Some of prog and metal’s highest-achieving artists have trusted their touch and tone to the exquisite craftsmanship found in ESP E-II guitars. Who do we mean? Here’s a short list of satisfied players (click for their E-II series signature):</p>
<ul><li>James Hetfield — Metallica</li><li>Stephen Carpenter — Deftones</li><li>George Lynch — KXM, Lynch Mob</li><li><a href="https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AlexiEIIRip--esp-e-ii-alexi-ripped-electric-guitar-purple-fade-satin">Alexi Laiho</a> — Children of Bodom</li><li>Willie Adler — Lamb of God</li><li><a href="https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EIIRZKII--esp-e-ii-richard-z-kruspe-signature-rzk-ii-burnt">Richard Z. Kruspe</a> — Rammstein</li><li>Ben Weinman — Suicidal Tendencies</li><li><a href="https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EEIIJL1--esp-e-ii-jeff-ling-jl-1-m-ii-electric-guitar-black-satin">Jeff Ling</a> and Luke Kilpatrick — Parkway Drive</li><li>Eric Lambert and Elliott Gruenberg — Blessthefall</li><li>Joel Pastuszak, Nick Lambert, and Shawn Marquis — VANNA</li><li>TJ Bell — Escape the Fate</li><li>Johan Söderberg — Amon Amarth</li><li>Jesse Liu and Doris Yeh — Chthonic</li></ul>
<h3>E-II: MIJ Quality That Dates Back Five Decades</h3>
<p>In 1975, guitar pioneer Hisatake Shibuya launched the ESP factory in Tokyo, Japan. The ESP-branded instruments that emerged from this factory eventually came to be known as ESP Standard. These guitars did then, just as they do today, represent a level of quality and detail that was uncommon throughout the industry.</p>
<p>Shibuya’s vision and direction helped ESP become one of the fastest-growing guitar companies in the world, thanks to a roster of high-profile artists and eye-catching instruments.</p>
<p>In 2013, ESP rebranded ESP Standard to become ESP E-II. E-II guitars are proudly made in the same Tokyo factory, by the same craftspeople, as ESP Standard in years past. All that’s changed is the name.</p>
<h3>A Hair’s Breadth from the ESP Custom Shop</h3>
<p>The same quality players have counted on for the past five decades in ESP Standard are now available in ESP E-II guitars — formerly known as ESP Standard. These guitars bridge the gap between the handcrafted Custom Shop and ESP’s budget-minded LTD series. If you’re looking to get your hands on ESP’s most coveted body styles, neck profiles, and electronics packages but don’t want to pay the custom shop pricing, E-II makes a compelling argument for your next guitar.</p>
<h3>What’s on the Horizon for E-II Guitars</h3>
<p>ESP’s Japanese craftsmanship shines brighter than ever in today’s ESP E-II line of guitars. A growing number of models, styles, and finishes are poised to make the E-II lineup home to some of the finest factory guitars at Sweetwater. Check back often for all the latest E-II releases, or call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at <a href="tel:800-222-4700">(800) 222-4700</a> for more information.</p>