ESP E-II

Introducing E-II: A New Standard in ESP Factory Guitars

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.

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.

What Does the ESP E-II Name Mean?

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.

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.

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.

What Sets E-II Apart?

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.

Other key features:

• Long-lasting stainless steel frets
• Groundbreaking EMG and Fishman Fluence active electronics
• Necks and constructions designed for comfort, stability, and sustain
• Uncompromising attention to detail

Is Every E-II ESP Made in Japan?

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.

Which Artists Play E-II?

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):

• James Hetfield — Metallica
• Stephen Carpenter — Deftones
• George Lynch — KXM, Lynch Mob
• Alexi Laiho — Children of Bodom
• Willie Adler — Lamb of God
• Richard Z. Kruspe — Rammstein
• Ben Weinman — Suicidal Tendencies
• Jeff Ling and Luke Kilpatrick — Parkway Drive
• Eric Lambert and Elliott Gruenberg — Blessthefall
• Joel Pastuszak, Nick Lambert, and Shawn Marquis — VANNA
• TJ Bell — Escape the Fate
• Johan Söderberg — Amon Amarth
• Jesse Liu and Doris Yeh — Chthonic

E-II: MIJ Quality That Dates Back Five Decades

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.

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.

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.

A Hair’s Breadth from the ESP Custom Shop

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.

What’s on the Horizon for E-II Guitars

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 (800) 222-4700 for more information.