ESP E-II Viper

$2,899.00

$2,899.00

5.0 (3)

$2,399.00 4 available New

$1,999.00 4 available Used

$2,899.00

$2,745.00 $2,699.00 $46.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,670

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, ESP E-II Viper 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 4 merchants for "ESP E-II Viper". 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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Unleash your inner rock star with the ESP E-II Viper, a guitar that seamlessly blends high-end craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Crafted by master luthiers in Japan, this solid body electric guitar is designed for those who demand superior playability and tone. The Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic humbuckers are a standout feature, offering three distinct voices per pickup, from vintage PAF warmth to crisp single-coil clarity, making this guitar a versatile powerhouse perfect for any genre.

The all-mahogany body and neck provide a rich, resonant tone with plenty of sustain, while the set-thru construction ensures effortless access to higher frets. The neck is adorned with a smooth ebony fingerboard and 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, allowing for fast, fluid playing that's perfect for shredding leads or laying down heavy power chords. The thin "U" neck profile is complemented by Gotoh locking tuners and a Gotoh Tune-o-matic bridge, delivering tuning stability and exceptional sustain.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the ESP E-II Viper is your ticket to unparalleled performance and tone. With its sleek design and multi-voice pickup system, this guitar is not just an instrument; it's an extension of your musical expression.

Key Features:

Mahogany body and neck with set-thru construction
Ebony fingerboard with 24 XJ stainless steel frets
Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic humbuckers with push-pull controls
Gotoh Tune-o-matic bridge and tailpiece
Gotoh locking tuners for stable tuning
Bone nut and Elixir Nanoweb Light strings included
Includes Viper Guitar Form Fit Case

Product specs

Fret Type	Extra Jumbo
Fret Material	Stainless Steel
Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Solidbody
Body Shape	Viper
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Thin U
Neck Joint	Set-through
Radius	12"
Fingerboard Inlay	Mother-of-Pearl Flags
Number of Frets	22
Scale Length	24.75"
Nut Width	1.653"
Nut Material	Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece	Gotoh Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners	Gotoh Locking
Neck Pickup	Fishman Modern Open Core Classic Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Fishman Modern Open Core Classic Humbucker
Controls	1 x volume (push/pull voice selection), 1 x tone (push/push coil-split)
Switching	3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings	Elixir, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the ESP E-II Viper have?: The ESP E-II Viper features a Thin U neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for fast playing and easy access across the fretboard.
Are the frets on the ESP E-II Viper suitable for heavy playing styles?: Yes, the ESP E-II Viper comes with extra jumbo stainless steel frets, which are durable and well-suited for aggressive playing styles and techniques.
What type of pickups are installed in the ESP E-II Viper, and what tones can they produce?: The ESP E-II Viper is equipped with Fishman Modern Open Core Classic Humbuckers, offering a versatile range of tones from crisp cleans to high-gain distortion, suitable for various music genres.
Does the ESP E-II Viper allow for coil-splitting?: Yes, the ESP E-II Viper features a push/push tone control for coil-splitting, enabling a single-coil sound option for added tonal variety.
Is the ESP E-II Viper suitable for live performances?: Absolutely, the ESP E-II Viper is designed with a solid mahogany body and set-through neck joint, providing excellent sustain and reliability, making it ideal for live performances.
Does the ESP E-II Viper come with a case?: Yes, the ESP E-II Viper includes a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transport for the guitar.

Videos

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The Peach Boutique

ESP E II Viper Black

The Peach Boutique

ESP E-II Viper Urban Camo

Avallon

EMG "HETSET" on the ESP E-II VIPER URBANCAMO

Daniel Carr

E-II Viper Review and Demo. Perfection

Jordan's Guitar Channel

ESP E-II URBAN CAMO VIPER

Daniel Carr

ESP E-II URBAN CAMO VIPER UNBOXING

Aussie Phil & Dan

ESP E-II URBAN CAMO VIPER & EMG "HETSET"

Daniel Carr

Reviews

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PROS

Pristine finish on all parts, enhancing aesthetic appeal
No neck dive, ensuring comfortable playability
EMG pickups offer clear, silent tones
Gotoh tuners superior to Grover or LTD locking tuners
Excellent fret dressing for smooth playability
Well-balanced, comfortable in various playing positions
High-quality baritone construction
Resonates exceptionally, delivering vibrant sound

CONS

Neck profile slightly thicker than other Viper models
Case cutout does not fit perfectly

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

0 0

Larger fretboard radius on E-II models can feel bigger, especially noticeable for players with smaller hands.
Source
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Korean-made LTD Vipers from the mid-2000s receive praise for their playability and construction, rivaling more expensive models.
Source

Comparisons

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E-II guitars generally retain resale value better than LTD models, despite some users not noticing quality differences.
Source
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The second-hand market for ESP guitars, including E-II, has slowed, affecting resale opportunities compared to past trends.
Source
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Users note the E-II Viper has less neck dive than typical SGs but still benefits from modifications.
Source
0 0

The Viper is considered heavier than a Gibson SG, potentially affecting comfort for players familiar with SG weight.
Source

Value and pricing

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E-II models are often seen as a better investment, with a slight price increase over LTD models leading to potentially higher resale value.
Source

User experience

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Some users find the smaller E-II necks uncomfortable for larger hands, highlighting the importance of trying before buying.
Source
0 0

The Viper's neck is described as neither too thin nor bulky, providing a balanced feel for sitting play.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Moderate neck dive can be mitigated by moving the strap button to the horn tip, significantly improving balance.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Adding wheel weights in the cavity was attempted to reduce neck dive but was ineffective without strap button relocation.
Source
0 0

Users recommend Fender Weighless stretchy straps to effectively mitigate neck dive without any permanent modifications.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The E-II Viper Baritone in B standard or drop A tuning provides better lower register clarity, ideal for heavy styles.
Source
0 0

Some Vipers come with Grover tuners and EMG pickups, contributing to reliable tuning stability and aggressive tonal output.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

A baritone scale allows lighter strings to achieve desired tension, enhancing playability and tuning stability in lower tunings.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, James Hetfield is seen using the ESP E-II Viper (Black) during a soundcheck.

Tim McCord

Guitarist, Bassist

Evanescence

Verified via Photo

In this photo he is seen using an Esp E-II Viper Guitar

Denis Schmidt

Guitarist

Caliban

Verified via Photo

Denis used this guitar live

Genre Usage

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

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