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Average Price: $2,413

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Embrace the electrifying world of rock and metal with the ESP E-II ST 2 electric guitar, a formidable instrument designed for the discerning musician. This guitar combines a flame maple top with a basswood body, delivering a perfect blend of aesthetics and tonal richness. The fast-action maple neck paired with a maple fretboard ensures a smooth playing experience, perfect for intricate solos and aggressive riffs.

The ESP E-II ST 2 is equipped with custom-wound DiMarzio humbuckers, offering a vast tonal palette that ranges from shimmering cleans to searing leads. Whether you're strumming gentle melodies or unleashing intense solos, these pickups have you covered. The inclusion of a Floyd Rose Original bridge allows for extreme dive bombs and pitch manipulation, ensuring your performance is as dynamic as your creativity allows.

Designed with both comfort and accessibility in mind, the E-II ST 2 features a double-cutaway body style, making it easier to reach those high frets during fast-paced solos. This guitar is not just about flash and flair; it's a meticulously crafted instrument that bridges the gap between custom shop quality and affordability. Built in Japan by ESP's skilled luthiers, it promises durability and exceptional performance for every musician ready to take their sound to the next level.

Key Features:

  • Flame maple top with basswood body
  • Fast-playing maple neck and maple fretboard
  • Custom-wound DiMarzio humbuckers
  • Floyd Rose Original bridge and locking nut for extreme pitch control
  • Japanese craftsmanship for premium quality and playability
  • Hardshell case included for protection and transport

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model E-II ST-2
Finish Emerald Green, Reindeer Blue, See Thru Black, Tiger Eye
Year 2014 - 2016
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Green, Orange
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Quilted

FAQs

What kind of music is the ESP E-II ST-2 best suited for?

The ESP E-II ST-2 is versatile and well-suited for rock, metal, and blues due to its HH pickup configuration, which provides a powerful and dynamic tone.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the ESP E-II ST-2 affect playability?

The locking tremolo bridge allows for stable tuning even during aggressive playing or dive-bomb effects, making it ideal for players who use a lot of vibrato or pitch bending.

Is the ESP E-II ST-2 suitable for advanced guitarists?

Yes, the ESP E-II ST-2 is designed with professional-level features like 24 frets, a locking tremolo system, and high-quality pickups, making it suitable for advanced guitarists seeking precision and versatility.

How does the bolt-on neck construction of the ESP E-II ST-2 impact its tone and playability?

The bolt-on neck construction provides a bright, snappy tone and makes the guitar easier to service or modify, offering a classic feel and sound preferred by many guitarists.

What are the finish options available for the ESP E-II ST-2?

The ESP E-II ST-2 is available in Emerald Green, Reindeer Blue, See Thru Black, and Tiger Eye, each with a gloss finish and matching headstock for a striking visual appeal.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: George Lynch demos the ESP E-II ST-2

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: George Lynch demos the ESP E-II ST-2 by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: George Lynch demos the ESP E-II ST-2

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP E-II ST-2 Rosewood RDB Guitar by Guitar World

ESP E-II ST-2 Rosewood RDB Guitar

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for ESP E-II ST-2 - Full On Shred Guitars by GAK

ESP E-II ST-2 - Full On Shred Guitars

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Pat Heath | EII ST2 TE (Demonstration Video) by Pat Heath

Pat Heath | EII ST2 TE (Demonstration Video)

Pat Heath

Pat Heath

Video thumbnail for Joe Cefalu - ESP EII ST-2 - First Run by Joe Cefalu

Joe Cefalu - ESP EII ST-2 - First Run

Joe Cefalu

Joe Cefalu

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP E-II ST 2.

Build quality

  • The maple/rosewood neck is praised for its smooth, "buttery" feel, and the fretwork is described as excellent.

    Source
  • One owner experienced cosmetic flaws on four E-II guitars, suggesting variability in finish quality and prompting returns.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes a coil splitter on the tone knob, discovered accidentally, enhancing tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The factory-installed DiMarzio pickups, especially when paired with a Marshall DSL50, are considered highly satisfactory, even for those planning upgrades.

    Source
  • It's noted that Edwards guitars come equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups, enhancing their tonal palette out of the box.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners compare the build quality favorably to US-made Stratocasters, noting that the ESP E-II ST-2 feels as if it just came off the production line.

    Source
  • It's noted that if the ESP E-II had a different branding, it might be priced significantly higher, indicating its high perceived value.

    Source
  • Edwards guitars, although praised for their specs, are noted for their lighter weight, which some feel detracts from the perceived quality compared to heavier Gibson Customs.

    Source
  • E-II is described as a no-compromise brand, often compared to high-end Korean LTDs, but generally considered superior in fit and finish.

    Source

User experience

  • One user, a long-time player with a collection including Gibson, Fender, and Carvin/Kiesel, has become a convert to ESP due to this guitar.

    Source
  • An owner mentions that Edwards necks feel similar to LTD 1000 series, suggesting a familiar playing experience for LTD users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some Edwards owners recommend replacing ESP pickups and Floyd Rose 1000s with Gotoh GE1996T for improved performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP E-II ST-2 Rosewood review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The ESP E-II ST-2 is a high-end rock guitar that excels with its impressive specs and performance. It sports an excellent neck and custom Steve Blucher Design pickups, ensuring a fantastic playing experience. The guitar's Reindeer Blue finish and flamed maple top give it a visually striking appearance, while its basswood body provides a unique tonal property. The guitar remains light and comfortable, with a neck that is a joy to play. It offers great clarity and maintains tuning flawlessly. Although some may miss the iconic ESP logo on the headstock, the E-II ST-2 delivers exceptional value and is a must-check for serious players.

positive

ESP E-II ST-2: Guitar World Review - The ESP Guitar Company

espguitars.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Turner uses ESP E-II ST 2

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official video for "Bad Habits" by The Last Shadow Puppets, Alex Turner is seen playing an ESP E-II ST 2 guitar. However, in an interview, he mentioned that he does not own the guitar; it was used during a spontaneous performance at a bar, utilizing the house band's instruments.

J

James Malone

Arsis

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

In this article on the ESP website, James Malone says the ESP E-II ST-2 was his 'favorite guitar' leading into the A Celebration of Guilt tour.

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