Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,433
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP E-II Arrow". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The ESP E-II Arrow is a bold statement in design and functionality, tailored for the musicians who dare to stand out. This high-performance electric guitar, forged in the renowned ESP factory in Japan, is the epitome of power and aggression. Its unique, audacious design is matched by its superior sound, facilitated by the combination of EMG 85 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) active pickups.
The ESP E-II Arrow's neck-thru-body construction, coupled with a light alder body, 3-piece thin U-shaped maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets, ensures a smooth, swift playability that can shatter speed limits. The guitar's potent sound and sleek design are complemented by top-notch components, including Schaller straplocks, Gotoh locking tuners, and a Gotoh TOM bridge with string-thru-body design.
The active EMG pickups deliver a wide range of tones, from clean and chimey to searing hot shred, making the ESP E-II Arrow a versatile weapon of choice for any musician. Its aggressive offset-V body shape, complemented by black Gotoh hardware and arrow fingerboard inlays, ensures that this guitar looks as stunning as it sounds, whether in a studio or on stage.
Key Features:
- Active EMG 85 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) pickups for a versatile range of tones
- Neck-thru-body construction for powerful and aggressive sound
- Light alder body with a 3-piece thin U-shaped maple neck for smooth playability
- Ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Schaller straplocks and Gotoh locking tuners for secure playing
- Gotoh TOM bridge with string-thru-body design for enhanced resonance
- Available in various finishes for aesthetic variety
- Includes ESP hardshell case for protection and portability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | E-II Arrow NT |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Maple |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Neck-through |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Arrows |
| Number of Frets | 24, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.653" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Gotoh Tune-O-Matic |
| Tuners | Gotoh Locking |
| Neck Pickup | EMG 85 Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG 81 Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | Elixir, .009-.042 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of music is the ESP E-II Arrow best suited for?
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The ESP E-II Arrow, equipped with EMG 81 and 85 humbuckers, is ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres, offering high output and aggressive tones.
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Does the ESP E-II Arrow have a comfortable neck for fast playing?
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Yes, the ESP E-II Arrow features a Thin U neck profile and a 25.5" scale length, designed for fast, comfortable playability, making it suitable for shredding and technical playing styles.
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What is the body material of the ESP E-II Arrow, and how does it affect the tone?
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The ESP E-II Arrow is made from alder, which provides a balanced tone with a strong midrange, making it versatile for various musical styles, especially metal.
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Are the pickups on the ESP E-II Arrow active or passive?
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The ESP E-II Arrow is equipped with active EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) humbuckers, known for their powerful output and clarity, ideal for high-gain settings.
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Does the ESP E-II Arrow come with a case?
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Yes, the ESP E-II Arrow comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection during transport and storage.
Videos
ESP Guitars USA
ESP Guitars: Darkest Hour on the ESP E-II Arrow
Reviews
PROS
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Ebony fretboard is fast and smooth, ideal for shredding and rhythm alike
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EMG 81 pickups deliver powerful, versatile metal tones
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Impressive sustain for prolonged notes and solos
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Comfortable "V" shape design for seated playing
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Stable tuning even with heavy Floyd Rose tremolo use
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High-quality craftsmanship and materials
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Effortless access to higher frets for intricate solos
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Excellent for practicing complex techniques like alternate picking
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Delivers strong metal sounds from Metallica to Megadeth
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Ready to play out of the box with minimal setup needed
CONS
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Paint flaws can be noticeable, affecting aesthetic appeal
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Factory setup issues, particularly with the tremolo assembly
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Difficult and time-consuming to change tunings due to floating bridge
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Risk of damaging bevels/fins due to their length and design
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP E-II Arrow.
Features and functionality
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The EMG 81 pickup in the bridge delivers a focused mid-range "bark," while the Het Set offers a more open, hi-fi sound with extra top-end bite.
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The Evertune bridge maintains constant string tension, eliminating pitch jumps during heavy picking and offering perfect intonation.
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E-II Arrow models typically include a custom V-Alexi form case, which is a valuable addition for protection and transport.
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Mods and upgrades
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Swapping EMG 81/85 for the Het Set or EMG 57 is popular for achieving more versatile rock tones, though the latter may not fully replicate Gilmour or Moore's tones.
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Use cases and applications
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EMG pickups, particularly the 81/85 set, excel in metal genres like thrash and metalcore, but may lack the warmth desired for bluesy or edge-of-breakup tones.
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Despite its unique shape, the E-II Arrow is noted for its comfortability both standing and seated, although sitting with it may require some adjustment.
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Setup and maintenance
User experience
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Some owners add titanium Floyd Rose hardware for enhanced durability and aesthetic, particularly on white models with chrome accents.
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The E-II Arrow's thick sound and balance make it a standout choice for rhythm players, especially in down-tuned settings like C standard.
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Owners are impressed with the sustain and balance, noting minimal neck dive even with non-grippy straps, which contributes to a comfortable playing experience.
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Build quality
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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In this picture from Instagram posted by Mike Smith (Thomson's guitar tech), you can clearly see the headstock of an ESP E-II Arrow used by Mick Thomson.
Haruka Kudo used the ESP E-II Arrow, identifiable by the "CRY" sticker, for performances requiring a Floyd Rose tremolo system. According to her Instagram post, this guitar has been retired in favor of a customized ESP M-II Sayo with a Floyd Rose.
At a 2015 NAMM Convention, in addition to the ESP Crying Star Classic Vetelgyus, Syu was also seen using an ESP E-II Arrow, equipped with EMG pickups and a Floyd Rose bridge. The guitar can be more clearly seen at 0:10.
During his time in Babymetal, Leda has used various ESP guitars, one of which is an ESP E-II Arrow. The guitar is seen at 0:11, during the solo section of Babymetal's "Akaitsuki."
In the official music video for "The Conjurer" by Insomnium, released by Century Media Records, Jani Liimatainen is seen playing an ESP E-II Arrow at the 0:37 mark.
ESP Spotlight interview with Robert about his E-II Arrow guitar.
Album Usage
The ESP E-II Arrow has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP E-II Arrow, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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