ESP E-II Horizon-III FM

5.0 (2)

$2,349.00

4.1 (46)

$2,349.00

5.0 (5)

$2,349.00 3 available New

$1,499.00 3 available Used

4.0 (2)

$2,349.00

5.0 (3)

$2,349.00

5.0 (14)

$2,599.00

Average Price: $2,274

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, ESP E-II Horizon-III FM is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "ESP E-II Horizon-III FM". 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

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The ESP E-II Horizon-III FM is a sleek masterpiece engineered for those who demand precision and power in their sound. Crafted in Japan by expert luthiers, this guitar embodies the elegance and ferocity of a modern rock instrument. Its neck-through-body construction ensures unparalleled sustain, allowing every note to resonate with clarity and depth. The combination of an alder body with a striking flamed maple top not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its dynamic tonal range.

This guitar's tonal prowess is amplified by a set of Seymour Duncan humbuckers: the SH-2 at the neck and SH-14 at the bridge. These pickups are designed to deliver a versatile sound palette that can transition seamlessly from clean, articulate tones to aggressive, high-gain overdrives. Whether you're laying down a soulful solo or powering through a heavy riff, the E-II Horizon-III FM responds with precision.

A Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge and locking machine heads provide stable tuning and intonation, while the ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets offers a smooth and responsive playing experience. This guitar is not just built for performance; it's built to inspire.

Key Features:

Alder body with flamed maple top
Neck-through-body maple neck
Ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
Seymour Duncan SH-2 (neck) and SH-14 (bridge) humbuckers
Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge and locking machine heads
25.5" scale length for versatile playability
Includes hardshell case

Product specs

Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Solidbody
Body Shape	Horizon III
Body Material	Alder
Top Material	Flamed Maple
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Thin U
Neck Joint	Neck-through
Radius	12"
Fingerboard Material	Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearloid Offset Blocks
Number of Frets	24, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length	25.5"
Nut Width	1.653"
Nut Material	Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece	Gotoh Tune-O-Matic Bridge with String-through body
Tuners	Gotoh Locking Tuners
Neck Pickup	Seymour Duncan Jazz Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Seymour Duncan Custom 5 Humbucker
Controls	1 x master volume, 1 x master tone (push/pull coil-split)
Switching	3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings	Cleartone, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the ESP E-II Horizon-III FM suitable for?: The ESP E-II Horizon-III FM is versatile, making it suitable for genres like rock, metal, and blues, thanks to its Seymour Duncan humbuckers which provide a range of tones from warm and smooth to aggressive and punchy.
How does the neck-through construction of the ESP E-II Horizon-III FM benefit playability?: The neck-through construction offers enhanced sustain and stability, providing seamless access to higher frets and a smooth playing experience, which is ideal for fast solos and intricate playing styles.
What are the tonal characteristics of the Seymour Duncan pickups on the ESP E-II Horizon-III FM?: The Seymour Duncan Jazz neck pickup delivers clear, articulate tones suitable for clean and lead tones, while the Custom 5 bridge pickup offers a powerful, punchy sound great for heavier music styles.
Is the ESP E-II Horizon-III FM suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the ESP E-II Horizon-III FM, with its high-quality components and professional-grade features like the Gotoh locking tuners and extra jumbo frets, is well-suited for advanced players seeking precision and reliability.
Can the ESP E-II Horizon-III FM achieve single-coil tones?: Yes, the guitar features a push/pull coil-split function on the master tone control, allowing players to achieve single-coil-like tones for added versatility in sound.

Videos

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ESP E-II Horizon III

nelsonmann

ESP E-II Horizon III

Music Games Randomness

ESP E-II Horizon III | Review

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Reviews

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PROS

Versatile across rock, blues, jazz, and metal genres
Exceptional sustain and attack
High-quality craftsmanship with precise fretwork
Impressive tuning stability thanks to Gotoh locking tuners
Gorgeous color transition between blue, purple, and black
Comfortable, ergonomic design for extended play
Superior sound with Seymour Duncan pickups
Smooth neck offering excellent playability
High attention to detail, including real bone nut and Schaller straplocks
Neck-through design provides seamless neck to body transition

CONS

Flame tops considered mediocre by some
The case quality can be inconsistent, with some reporting latch issues
Higher price point, not easily accessible for all budgets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP E-II Horizon-III FM.

User experience

0 0

Owners suggest that the E-II Horizon III offers exceptional playability and is one of the fastest-playing guitars they have experienced.
Source
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One owner noted a high fret issue, impacting the playability of their E-II Horizon-III.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Swapping pickups is common; recommendations include Bare Knuckle Pickups and Seymour Duncan's Custom5 and Jazz for improved tone and output control.
Source

Comparisons

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The E-II Horizon III is considered more comfortable than the Horizon II by some users, particularly due to its offset design.
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The guitar is noted for its Japanese craftsmanship, often compared favorably to American-made instruments in terms of quality.
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Stainless steel frets were introduced in E-II models post-2023, aligning them with some LTD features.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Users note that the stock pickups may be too hot compared to active EMGs, requiring adjustments to presets for cleaner tones.
Source
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The bridge pickup excels at delivering tones reminiscent of Metallica and Testament but can also produce rich, bluesy sounds.
Source
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The large horn on the guitar is a distinctive design feature, although its specific impact on sound isn't detailed in the discussion.
Source
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The E-II Horizon-III has a "Thin U" neck profile with a straight 12” radius, differing significantly from the LTD's neck feel.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Adjusting passive pickup height can significantly alter output, providing better balance between guitars with different pickup types.
Source
0 0

The factory setup is praised for its perfect action, requiring only tuning upon arrival, making it ready to play immediately.
Source
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Some users experienced issues with the glossy finish on the neck feeling sticky, which can affect playability.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Owners highlight the E-II Horizon III's ability to switch effortlessly between crushing metal tones and beautiful clean sounds.
Source
0 0

The E-II Horizon-III is noted for its suitability for Van Halen and Scorpions music styles, especially when the tremolo is set to dive-only.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Metal

Rock

Blues

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