Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,012
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "ESP E-II M-I". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the ESP E-II M-I, a guitar that marries modern innovation with the timeless essence of rock. This awe-inspiring instrument is crafted from a sturdy alder body, and features a neck-thru maple neck that guarantees durability and rich, resonant tonality. This guitar is designed with a 25.5" scale and 24 extra-jumbo frets on an ebony fingerboard, making it the ideal choice for musicians who value both aesthetics and functionality.
The ESP E-II M-I is equipped with a single EMG 81 active pickup at the bridge position, promising a sound that is as scorching as a summer's day, and perfect for those face-melting solos. To ensure your performance is always pitch-perfect, this guitar is fitted with a Gotoh tune-o-matic bridge for maximum sustain, and Gotoh locking tuners to keep your strings in tune, even during the most demanding performances.
Key Features:
- Alder body with neck-thru maple neck for robust sound and durability
- 25.5" scale and 24 extra-jumbo frets on an ebony fingerboard for effortless playability
- Single EMG 81 active pickup for a wide range of tonal possibilities
- Gotoh tune-o-matic bridge for maximum sustain
- Gotoh locking tuners for reliable tuning stability
The ESP E-II M-I is more than just a guitar; it's a statement of style and a testament to the endless pursuit of musical perfection. Discover the difference today.
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | M-I |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Neck-through |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 24, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.650" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Gotoh Tune-O-Matic Bridge |
| Tuners | Gotoh Locking Tuners |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG 81 Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x Volume |
| Strings | Cleartone, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What kind of music is the ESP E-II M-I best suited for?
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The ESP E-II M-I, equipped with an EMG 81 humbucker, is ideal for metal and hard rock genres, providing a powerful, aggressive tone with excellent clarity and sustain.
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How does the neck-through construction of the ESP E-II M-I affect playability?
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The neck-through construction enhances sustain and stability while providing a smooth transition between the neck and body, making it comfortable for fast playing and complex solos.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP E-II M-I, and how does it impact playability?
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The ESP E-II M-I features a Thin U neck profile, which offers a slim, comfortable grip ideal for fast playing styles and technical precision.
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Does the ESP E-II M-I come with a case?
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Yes, the ESP E-II M-I comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for transport and storage.
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What type of bridge does the ESP E-II M-I have, and what are its benefits?
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The ESP E-II M-I is equipped with a Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge, which offers precise intonation, stability, and ease of string changes.
Videos
Metalthrashingdad
ESP E-II M-1
ESP E-II M-1
Metalthrashingdad
ESP Guitars: ESP E-II M-I Thru NT Live Performance Demo by Luis Kalil
ESP Guitars USA
ESPγ代葨γγ倧人ζ°Mγ·γͺγΌγΊ!! E-II M-I THRU NT γη΄Ήδ»γγγγΎγ!!
γγγ°γγΉεΊε³Ά
ESP E-II M-1 THRU NT (Guitar made for Metal)
Jason Stallworth
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional playability with a fast, thin neck that feels effortless to play
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High-quality fretwork with rounded edges for a smooth playing experience
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Superior sustain due to string-through body design
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Ideal for low tunings with excellent intonation and clarity
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Simple, metal-focused design with a single EMG 81 pickup
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Superior fit and finish, showcasing excellent craftsmanship
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Locking tuners for quick and easy string changes
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High-quality Japanese-made instrument at an affordable price
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Versatile sound suitable for a variety of metal genres
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Unique ashtray style battery cover for easy access
CONS
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Volume knob positioned too close to pickup, may interfere during play
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Scratches easily, showing wear over time
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Requires a special tool for truss rod adjustments
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Locking tuners use a screwdriver method, less convenient than tool-free types
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Lack of neck pickup limits tonal options
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP E-II M-I.
Build quality
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Some owners mention that the matte black finish on the neck shows wear and becomes shinier over time, unlike regular finishes.
Source -
It's highlighted that the ESP E-II series represents high-quality Japanese manufacturing, positioned just below the custom shop level in terms of craftsmanship.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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Considered alongside Ibanez RG 550 and Iron Label, with similar pricing but differing in features like additional strings or satin finishes.
Source -
The Ibanez IronLabel RGRTB621 and ESP E-II M-I are priced the same in some regions, despite major differences in perceived quality and features.
Source -
The LTD Black Metal M-HT is noted as a potential alternative for those seeking a satin neck but lacks the Japanese craftsmanship of the E-II series.
Source
Value and pricing
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Owners suggest purchasing used models, often found for around $1,200, and caution against paying more than $1,500.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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The stock pickup was replaced with a Fishman Fluence Will Adler Signature bridge pickup for enhanced tone and clarity.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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In a tweet made by Syu on December 26th, Syu can be seen with an ESP E-II M-I with a Seymour Duncan pickup in the bridge.
Andy is seen playing an E-II, likely M-I at about 12:18 in the show from 2017
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This post shows Wallen sporting an ESP E-II M-1 that's had its stock EMG pickup swapped out for another (likely a Seymour Duncan JB).
In this video Alan talks about his main guitars at ten seconds he talks about his esp m-1
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In this post TJ can be seen using his e-II m-1 guitar. he plays esp guitars when playing live with escape the fate
From Mike's Facebook artist page.
"The most recent addition to my guitar family. ESP E-II M-1. I really like the stripped down style. A mean and lean metal machine."
seen playing this guitar in this performance https://www.espguitars.com/articles/2012443-esp-artist-spotlight-nick-stewart-power-trip
In a recent live performance at LPR NYC, Sam Ray was seen playing an ESP E-II M-I guitar, as captured in a video by some1holdme on YouTube.
He has the pre-E-II version, ESP Standard Series M-I NTB. This seems to be his main instrument for his death metal band, Wretched End and there are videos on YouTube showing that he used it for either demo-ing or recording or both for Wretched End.
Whether or not he also uses this instrument for Emperor is currently unknown as his ESP Eclipse is his main Emperor guitar.
Shusuke Yasui is seen using an ESP E-II M-I electric guitar in a live performance, as evidenced by an Instagram post by @yasui_shvsk with the caption "TRUE COLORS π¦π©π§πͺβ¬οΈπ«".
In a live performance video from Slovakia, Neil Blanchett is seen playing an ESP E-II M-I guitar, which is equipped with an EMG 81 pickup. This is documented in a video shared by Damien Core titled "Pit of Metal 2025 - My Dying Bride... - 05.07.2025 - Skalica SK (Lom Maringota)" on YouTube.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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