Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$2,299.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$2,299.00
Amazon
$2,234.00 Used
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$2,999.00 New
$1,999.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,299.00
Thomann
5.0 (7)
$2,939.00 $2,899.00 $40.00 · All time low

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What type of music is the ESP E-II Arrow best suited for?

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.

Does the ESP E-II Arrow have a comfortable neck for fast playing?

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.

What is the body material of the ESP E-II Arrow, and how does it affect the tone?

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.

Are the pickups on the ESP E-II Arrow active or passive?

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.

Does the ESP E-II Arrow come with a case?

Yes, the ESP E-II Arrow comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection during transport and storage.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Darkest Hour on the ESP E-II Arrow

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Darkest Hour on the ESP E-II Arrow by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Darkest Hour on the ESP E-II Arrow

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: E-II Arrow Demo by Chase Becker (Warbringer/Exmortus) by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: E-II Arrow Demo by Chase Becker (Warbringer/Exmortus)

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: ESP E-II Arrow Demo by Chase Becker (Warbringer/Exmortus) by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: ESP E-II Arrow Demo by Chase Becker (Warbringer/Exmortus)

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP E-II Arrow comparison by Metalthrashingdad

ESP E-II Arrow comparison

Metalthrashingdad

Metalthrashingdad

Video thumbnail for ESP E II Arrow NT Snow White by The Peach Boutique

ESP E II Arrow NT Snow White

The Peach Boutique

The Peach Boutique

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Arrow NT Snow White by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Arrow NT Snow White

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP E-II Arrow NT Black 2019 Made in Japan Neck Thru EMG 81 85 guitar close up video by Oxford Guitars

ESP E-II Arrow NT Black 2019 Made in Japan Neck Thru EMG 81 85 guitar close up video

Oxford Guitars

Oxford Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP E-II Arrow | Fishman Fluence Moderns | Unsponsored Review | Full Mix Metal Demo by High Z Productions

ESP E-II Arrow | Fishman Fluence Moderns | Unsponsored Review | Full Mix Metal Demo

High Z Productions

High Z Productions

Reviews

PROS

  • Ebony fretboard is fast and smooth, ideal for shredding and rhythm alike

  • EMG 81 pickups deliver powerful, versatile metal tones

  • Impressive sustain for prolonged notes and solos

  • Comfortable "V" shape design for seated playing

  • Stable tuning even with heavy Floyd Rose tremolo use

  • High-quality craftsmanship and materials

  • Effortless access to higher frets for intricate solos

  • Excellent for practicing complex techniques like alternate picking

  • Delivers strong metal sounds from Metallica to Megadeth

  • Ready to play out of the box with minimal setup needed

CONS

  • Paint flaws can be noticeable, affecting aesthetic appeal

  • Factory setup issues, particularly with the tremolo assembly

  • Difficult and time-consuming to change tunings due to floating bridge

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Evertune bridge maintains constant string tension, eliminating pitch jumps during heavy picking and offering perfect intonation.

    Source
  • E-II Arrow models typically include a custom V-Alexi form case, which is a valuable addition for protection and transport.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Transitioning from EMG active pickups to passive models requires a full rewire, which could be complex for the ESP E-II Arrow.

    Source
  • LTD models might require initial setup tweaks, such as fixing tuner screws and adjusting neck burrs.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners add titanium Floyd Rose hardware for enhanced durability and aesthetic, particularly on white models with chrome accents.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners are impressed with the sustain and balance, noting minimal neck dive even with non-grippy straps, which contributes to a comfortable playing experience.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners report the E-II's solid weight and robust construction contrast with the lighter, less sturdy feel of LTD models.

    Source
  • The neck finish matches the body, maintaining a seamless aesthetic and consistent feel without noticeable transition, enhancing playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The LTD Arrow-1000 has a flatter fretboard radius (350mm) compared to the E-II's 305mm, which some players prefer for comfort.

    Source
  • Compared to LTD Arrow 200, the E-II Arrow is noted to be lighter due to its alder wings, contrasting with heavier LTD models.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mick Thomson uses ESP E-II Arrow

Mick Thomson

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Jeff Waters uses ESP E-II Arrow

Jeff Waters

Guitarist

Annihilator

...
Verified via Photo

He used E-II Arrows during the 2019 European tour.

See how Haruka Kudo uses ESP E-II Arrow

Haruka Kudo

Singer, Guitarist

Roselia

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Syu uses ESP E-II Arrow

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Leda uses ESP E-II Arrow

Leda

Guitarist, Bassist

BABYMETAL

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Todd Jones uses ESP E-II Arrow

Todd Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Nails

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

"I have the LTD V-407B and the E-II Arrow"

See how Jani Liimatainen uses ESP E-II Arrow

Jani Liimatainen

Guitarist

Sonata Arctica

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Black Year: 2021

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.

See how Robert Vigna uses ESP E-II Arrow

Robert Vigna

Guitarist

Immolation

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

ESP Spotlight interview with Robert about his E-II Arrow guitar.

See how Kragen Lum uses ESP E-II Arrow

Kragen Lum

Guitarist

Exodus

...
Verified via YouTube

he plays the guitar in this video

See how Hina Suguta uses ESP E-II Arrow

Hina Suguta

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Before receiving her signature guitar, Hina Suguta showcased the ESP E-II Arrow Black Silver Fade as part of her gear for the band Morfonica in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Chi-An Lin uses ESP E-II Arrow

Chi-An Lin

Guitarist

Bloody Tyrant

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Lin Laoshi can be seen playing his ESP E-II Arrow signature at Megaport on March 24th, 2019.

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.

LTD V-407B
LTD V-407B Extended Range Guitars
1
EMG 85 Active Alnico Humbucker
EMG 85 Active Alnico Humbucker Electric Guitar Pickups
1

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