Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
$2,849.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$2,849.00
Amazon
$2,899.00
Reverb
5.0 (8)
$2,849.00 New
$1,775.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,849.00
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$2,899.00

Average Price: $2,710

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "ESP E-II Horizon NT-II". 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 Horizon NT-II is not just an electric guitar—it's a meticulously crafted instrument that delivers powerful, dynamic sounds for the discerning guitarist. Built in Japan by ESP's expert luthiers, this guitar combines precision craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, making it a favorite among rock and metal enthusiasts. Its neck-through-body construction ensures unparalleled sustain and clarity, while the sleekly contoured mahogany body with a quilted maple top provides both aesthetic appeal and tonal richness.

At the heart of the Horizon NT-II are its EMG 66 and EMG 57 active pickups, delivering a potent mix of warmth, aggression, and tonal balance, perfect for those intense metal riffs and soaring solos. The thin “U” neck profile and smooth ebony fingerboard offer a fast and comfortable playing experience, with 24 extra-jumbo frets to explore.

The ESP E-II Horizon NT-II also features a 25.5" scale length, ideal for down-tuned styles, ensuring your sound stays tight and articulate. With a Gotoh Tune-o-Matic bridge and tailpiece, you can expect rock-solid tuning stability, while the Gotoh locking tuners and Schaller straplocks provide reliability during live performances. Available in a striking translucent finish, each guitar comes with a hard case to protect your investment.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain and note definition
  • Sleek mahogany body with quilted maple top for visual and tonal appeal
  • EMG 66 (neck) and EMG 57 (bridge) active pickups for warm, aggressive PAF-style tone
  • Fast-playing ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
  • Gotoh Tune-o-Matic bridge and tailpiece for precise tuning stability
  • Gotoh locking tuners and Schaller straplocks for dependable performance
  • 25.5" scale length, perfect for down-tuned playing styles
  • Includes a hard case for secure transport and storage

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape E-II Horizon NT-II
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material Quilted Maple
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material 3-piece Maple
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Neck-through
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay 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
Tuners Gotoh Locking
Neck Pickup EMG 66TW Humbucker
Bridge Pickup EMG 57TW Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume (push/pull coil-split), 1 x master tone (push/pull coil-split)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Elixir Nanoweb Light, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

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

The ESP E-II Horizon NT-II is ideal for rock and metal genres due to its powerful EMG humbuckers, which deliver high output and clarity, making it perfect for heavy riffs and solos.

How does the neck profile of the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II affect playability?

The Thin U neck profile provides a comfortable grip, allowing for fast playing and easy access to all 24 frets, making it suitable for shredders and lead guitarists.

Can the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II pickups be coil-split?

Yes, both the EMG 66TW and 57TW pickups can be coil-split using the push/pull controls on the volume and tone knobs, offering a range of single-coil sounds in addition to humbucker tones.

What is the benefit of the neck-through construction on the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II?

The neck-through construction enhances sustain and stability, providing a seamless connection between the neck and body, which contributes to the guitar's overall resonance and tonal quality.

Is the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II suitable for live performances?

Yes, the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II is equipped with Gotoh locking tuners and a Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge, ensuring reliable tuning stability and intonation, making it ideal for live gigs.

cameron_stucky

cameron_stucky

ESP Guitars Demo - E II Horizon NT II

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars Demo - E II Horizon NT II by cameron_stucky

ESP Guitars Demo - E II Horizon NT II

cameron_stucky

cameron_stucky

Video thumbnail for ESP E-II - Horizon NT-II by MooreMusicGuitars

ESP E-II - Horizon NT-II

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for BADASS HIGH GAIN GUITAR - ESP E-II HORIZON NT-II Neck Thru Electric Guitar Demo by Music Bliss Malaysia

BADASS HIGH GAIN GUITAR - ESP E-II HORIZON NT-II Neck Thru Electric Guitar Demo

Music Bliss Malaysia

Music Bliss Malaysia

Video thumbnail for ESP E-II Horizon NT-II Black Quilt Top EMG Guitar Up Close Video Review by Essex Recording Studios

ESP E-II Horizon NT-II Black Quilt Top EMG Guitar Up Close Video Review

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Horizon NT-II | See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Horizon NT-II | See Thru Black Cherry Sunburst

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Horizon NT-II | Blue-Purple Gradation by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Horizon NT-II | Blue-Purple Gradation

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Horizon NT-II | Tiger Eye Amber Fade by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | ESP E-II Horizon NT-II | Tiger Eye Amber Fade

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional neck radius enhances playability and comfort

  • Outstanding tone and sustain for versatile musical styles

  • Lightweight design at 7.9 lbs for comfortable extended play

  • Easy battery changes with ashtray battery cover

  • High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail

  • EMG 57/66TW pickups offer a blend of vintage and modern tones

  • Perfect setup right out of the case, minimal adjustments needed

  • Durable build with no visible blemishes even after use

  • Handles diverse genres, from metal to Broadway show tunes

  • Neck-through design provides great sound resonance

CONS

  • Higher price compared to standard ESP models

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some owners report rough fret edges and crackling pots, indicating potential quality control issues.

    Source
  • The guitar's unique design and construction are seen as a middle ground between the imported LTDs and the high-end ESP Originals, offering a premium feel at a more accessible price point.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The necks are slightly thicker than LTD 1000 series, but they feel comfortable after extended play.

    Source
  • The volume knob placement near the bridge pickup can hinder strumming for some players, echoing the traditional Stratocaster design that may not suit all shredders.

    Source
  • The NT in the model name signifies a neck-through construction, offering better sustain and stability compared to bolt-on neck designs.

    Source
  • The EMG 57/66 active pickups are noted for their dynamic range and feel different from traditional pickups, offering a closer experience to passives.

    Source

User experience

  • After consistent use, the neck finish can become sticky, suggesting a need for maintenance or modification.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts appreciate the hard-tail design with visible strings-through-body bridges, particularly for those who favor superstrat aesthetics.

    Source
  • Owners describe the neck as the "Platonic form" with jumbo frets that are exceptionally smooth and perfectly fitted.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is excellent for metal, particularly tight riffage in death metal.

    Source
  • One user, with experience across various guitar models, highlights the ESP E-II as having the most impressive "whoa, nice guitar here" feel.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ESP cases are considered inferior to Jackson SKB cases in terms of protection and portability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being in a lower price bracket, the LTD Josh Middleton model impressed with its quality control and attention to detail compared to some E-II models.

    Source
  • Compared to similar-priced used Fenders or Gibsons, this guitar is perceived as having significantly higher quality.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Haruka Kudo uses ESP E-II Horizon NT-II

Haruka Kudo

Singer, Guitarist

Roselia

...
Verified via Photo

Haruka Kudo used the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II in See Thru Black Sunburst as her rehearsal guitar for Roselia, as shown in a post on her Instagram account.

See how Roman Ibramkhalilov uses ESP E-II Horizon NT-II

Roman Ibramkhalilov

Guitarist

Jinjer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video at 3:02 Roman states that he's been using ESP Horizon guitars for recording and alos live,

See how Will Deely uses ESP E-II Horizon NT-II

Will Deely

Guitarist

Beartooth

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Will Deely, he is shown playing an ESP E-II Horizon NT-II guitar.

N

Nickelodeon

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

Nickelodeon is confirmed to use the ESP E-II Horizon NT-II, as evidenced by the ESP Guitars Spotlight featuring Erika Fong of Blood Flame Dynasty, known for her role as Pink Ranger Mia from Power Rangers Samurai.

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 Horizon NT-II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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