ESP Horizon NT-II

5.0 (1)

$2,849.00

$2,899.00

5.0 (6)

$3,483.15 1 available Used

$2,849.00

5.0 (1)

$2,899.00

Average Price: $2,971

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, ESP Horizon NT-II 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 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

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Crafted in ESP's Tokyo facility, the ESP Horizon NT-II is the epitome of high-quality, factory-produced music perfection. This guitar is a dream come true for sustain enthusiasts, thanks to its neck-thru-body design and a Gotoh TOM bridge with string-thru-body feature. The guitar's body is made of mahogany and adorned with a quilted maple top, creating a stunning visual appeal.

The ESP Horizon NT-II exhibits a three-piece maple neck with an ebony fingerboard, furnished with 24 extra-jumbo frets. The masterful craftsmanship of this guitar is evident in every detail, from high-end components like a bone nut, Schaller straplocks, and Gotoh locking tuners, to the pair of active pickups, the EMG 66 (neck) and EMG 57 (bridge) in brushed chrome.

The 25.5" scale length is perfect for down-tuned styles, offering a powerful foundation for a wide range of contemporary music styles, while the thin “U” neck with its smooth ebony fingerboard is instantly playable and responsive. The ESP Horizon NT-II is available in a translucent finish and includes a hard case.

Key Features:

Mahogany body with quilted maple top
Three-piece maple neck with ebony fingerboard
24 extra-jumbo frets
Bone nut, Schaller straplocks, and Gotoh locking tuners
Active EMG 66 (neck) and EMG 57 (bridge) pickups in brushed chrome
25.5" scale length for down-tuned styles
Thin “U” neck for responsive playability
Available in a translucent finish
Includes a hard case

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 Horizon NT-II best suited for?: The ESP Horizon NT-II is versatile but particularly excels in rock and metal genres due to its powerful EMG humbuckers and fast, thin U-shaped neck, which facilitate aggressive playing styles and articulate tones.
Does the ESP Horizon NT-II support coil-splitting?: Yes, the ESP Horizon NT-II features push/pull coil-split controls on both the master volume and master tone knobs, allowing you to switch between humbucker and single-coil tones for added versatility.
What is the neck profile of the ESP Horizon NT-II?: The ESP Horizon NT-II has a Thin U neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for technical and speedy playing styles.
Is the ESP Horizon NT-II suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its robust construction, reliable Gotoh locking tuners, and powerful EMG pickups, the ESP Horizon NT-II is well-suited for live performances, delivering consistent tuning stability and dynamic sound.
What materials are used in the construction of the ESP Horizon NT-II?: The ESP Horizon NT-II features a solid mahogany body with a quilted maple top, a 3-piece maple neck, and a bone nut, contributing to its rich tone and sustain.

Videos

Add video

Oliver Lukacs

ESP Horizon NT-II DBSB

Oliver Lukacs

ESP E-II Guitars - Japanese Eclipse and Horizon models! - Andertons Music Co.

Andertons Music Co

ESP Horizon NT II Guitar Review With Rick Graham | Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

ESP Guitars: Rob Caggiano demos the ESP Horizon NT-II

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Horizon NT II - Seymour Duncan JB + 59 + Shred

Josh Middleton

ESP E-II HORIZON NT-II STBLKSB EMG

Peach Guitars

ESP E-II HORIZON NT-II BPG

Peach Guitars

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Features Seymour Duncan pickups for brilliant, versatile sound
Well-balanced design enhances playability and comfort
Push/pull and coil split options for tonal variety
Unique appearance and playability sets it apart from other models
Highly recommended by multiple users for quality and performance

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

0 0

The Horizon NT-II is often favored over the III for its more classic aesthetic and resale ease, while the III's longer horn is seen as flashier.
Source
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Those with existing RG models may opt for the Horizon III for variety, due to its different body style and potential active pickup configurations.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Some prefer the NT-II's visual appeal and recommend exploring new sparkle finishes with hipshot bridges for enhanced comfort over the tune-o-matic.
Source
0 0

EMG 57/66 active pickups offer a feel closer to passives, providing more dynamic range and sensitivity with interactive knobs.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners describe the Horizon NT-II as fulfilling all metal guitar needs, emphasizing its suitability for heavy styles without being too flashy.
Source
0 0

One owner compares an older ESP Standard Horizon NT-II from 2008 as exceptionally stable, requiring tuning adjustments only once a year.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Some owners report fretboard stain issues, with black residue transferring to fingers, particularly on newer models.
Source
0 0

The neck is described as a "Platonic form" with a 'thin u' shape and jumbo frets that feel smooth and perfectly fitted.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Fret buzz is noticeable even with 2.5mm action at the 12th fret, compared to minimal buzz on a Fender MIM Strat with 1.75mm action.
Source
0 0

Tone pot defects noted, with volume disappearing at certain knob positions, indicating potential factory defects.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

A used ESP Horizon NT-II is noted to feel higher quality than similarly priced used Fenders or Gibsons, with a cited price of $1,700.
Source

Critic Reviews

ESP Horizon NT II

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The ESP Horizon NT-II strikes a perfect balance between striking aesthetics and robust performance, making it a metalhead's dream. Its high-grade flame maple top and mahogany body provide a rich, resonant tone, even when unplugged. The Seymour Duncan pickups offer thick, clear tones across clean and distorted settings, with a notable SH-1 neck pickup delivering warm, vintage sounds. The thru-neck design ensures impressive sustain and playability, though some might find the lack of a tremolo bridge limiting. Overall, this guitar is a powerhouse for both rhythm and lead, wrapped in a visually stunning package.

positive

Full Review

ESP Horizon NT II Review - The Ultimate Heavy Superstrat - Guitar Space

guitarspace.org

The ESP Horizon NT-II is a high-end powerhouse tailor-made for metal enthusiasts seeking precision and reliability. Its standout features include exceptional tuning stability and intonation, making it a trustworthy companion for both stage and studio. However, its hefty price tag and somewhat boomy EMG pickups in the neck position might deter some. While its versatility is limited outside the metal realm, the guitar's craftsmanship and performance justify its investment, especially for serious players. Overall, it's a top-tier choice for those committed to the genre, offering unmatched playability and solid build quality.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Leda

Guitarist, Bassist

BABYMETAL

Verified via YouTube

In this music video of Deluhi's "Two Hurt," Leda can be seen using a modified version of the hardtail ESP Horizon. This particular guitar was modified with Bill Lawrence pickups.

This guitar, alongside an ESP Arrow, was used by Leda until he received his first signature guitar, the ESP Cygnus.

Sam Bowden

Guitarist

Neck Deep

Verified via Photo

in this post Sam can be seen using a esp horizon

Alex Parvis

Guitarist

Area 11

Verified via YouTube

Parv can be seen using an ESP Horizon NT-II in this footage from their performance at Insomnia 49 as well as many other videos from around this time. It appears to have been his main guitar from this point in the band's career. I'm not entirely certain if this is a Standard Series ESP or USA Standard but it is most definitely a See-Thru black Horizon NT-II with seymour duncan pickups.

Sena

Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

In a video posted during the COVID-19 outbreak, Sena is shown performing S-style sweep tapping using an ESP Horizon NT-II guitar. The video, titled "【ギター】S流スウィープタッピング講座 (Eng,Esp Sub)," was published by SENA VISION on YouTube.

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

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