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Average Price: $945
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Description
Step into the spotlight with the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I (EMG), a solid body electric guitar designed for those who crave both classic aesthetics and cutting-edge performance. Crafted in Japan by the renowned ESP luthiers, this guitar merges the best of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Its mahogany body paired with a flame maple top delivers a rich tonal foundation, ensuring your sound is both warm and articulate. The active EMG 57/66 humbuckers inject a turbocharged PAF-like tone, offering an impressive range that caters to both vintage enthusiasts and modern metalheads alike.
The Eclipse-I's body design is a nod to the iconic single-cutaway style, providing not only a striking visual appeal but also epic sustain and comfortable playability. The slightly arched top and super-sharp cutaway ensure effortless access to the upper frets, making it perfect for fast-paced solos and intricate riffs. Premium Gotoh hardware, including the Magnum Lock tuners and TOM bridge/tailpiece, guarantees reliability and precision, whether you're in the studio or on stage.
With its thin "U" neck profile, the Elite Eclipse-I plays fast and fluidly, ideal for shredding and speedy transitions. This guitar isn't just an instrument; it's a statement piece that bridges the gap between high-end custom guitars and accessible pricing, offering premium quality without breaking the bank. Elevate your performance and make your mark with the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body with flame maple top for rich tone
- Active EMG 57/66 humbuckers for a wide tonal range
- Thin "U" neck profile for fast, smooth playability
- Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain
- Gotoh Magnum Lock tuners and TOM bridge/tailpiece
- Built in Japan by ESP luthiers for premium quality
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | Elite Eclipse-I |
| Finish | Cherry Sunburst, See Thru Black, Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 2013 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Flamed |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I have and how do they affect the sound?
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The ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I is equipped with EMG active pickups, which provide a high-output sound ideal for heavy rock and metal. These pickups deliver a clear, punchy tone with excellent sustain and low noise.
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Is the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I suitable for playing metal music?
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Yes, the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I is well-suited for metal music thanks to its mahogany body, set-neck construction, and EMG active pickups, which offer powerful, aggressive tones and sustain.
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How does the neck profile of the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I affect playability?
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The ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, thin U-shaped profile, which provides fast playability and easy access to higher frets, making it ideal for lead guitarists.
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What is the scale length of the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I and how does it impact playability?
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The ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly looser string tension for easier bending and a warmer tone, making it comfortable for players who prefer a shorter scale.
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Can the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I handle different music genres besides metal?
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While the ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I excels in metal and hard rock, its versatile EMG pickups and mahogany body also allow it to perform well in other genres like blues and classic rock.
Videos
EMGtv
Andy James gives demo of the LTD Elite Eclipse and shreds on EMGtv
Andy James gives demo of the LTD Elite Eclipse and shreds on EMGtv
EMGtv
ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- LTD Elite Eclipse-1 with Brett Tuggle
ESP Guitars USA
LTD Elite 2013 ECLIPSE-I Flamed Maple with EMG and Case
6-String
Reviews
PROS
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Impeccable build quality from Japanese luthiers
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Rivals high-end Les Paul guitars in quality and tone
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Versatile tonal options due to pickup configurations
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Sleek design and lightweight for practical use
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Holds tuning exceptionally well
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Superb playability with a thin U neck
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Excellent value for pre-owned purchases
CONS
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Limited to personal taste in pickup preferences
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Some may not prefer the Les Paul style body
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I (EMG).
Features and functionality
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The ESP Ltd Elite Eclipse-I features an EMG 56 and 60 pickup combo, praised for delivering a robust and amazing sound.
Source
Value and pricing
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A user acquired the guitar used, complete with a hard case, for $700, emphasizing its value for the quality provided.
Source
Comparisons
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It's noted as a superior choice to an Epiphone Les Paul by at least one owner, indicating a preference based on playability and sound quality.
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Owners describe the ESP Eclipse-I as a "modern classic," often compared favorably to traditional Les Paul models.
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The Eclipse is reported to have a chunkier neck than Gibson Les Paul Customs, with one Eclipse measuring .89 at the first fret, akin to a '59 profile.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Owners frequently swap EMG pickups for Seymour Duncan alternatives, citing improved tone and preferences like the SD APH2 and Black Winters.
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Owners suggest replacing the EMG Het Set with Seymour Duncan Custom Custom and '59 pickups for a distinct tonal improvement.
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Some owners favor Bare Knuckle The Mule pickups and gold hardware for a personalized aesthetic and tonal upgrade.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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It's recommended to unplug the cable when not playing to prolong battery life in active pickups, typically lasting about a year.
Source
User experience
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Some users love the Eclipse-I for its "Les Paul killer" reputation, appreciating its superior playability and sound.
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A 2009 model's finish can age uniquely, with users noting white finishes turning to 'nicotine white' over time.
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A 2012 Australian-only dealer model is highly rare, with only 10 units made for Scarlett Music, making it a collector's item for enthusiasts.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
1086
Classic design with modern improvements
Before I switched to playing 7 strings last year (I still use an LTD M1007) my main guitar was a red LTD Eclipse. It never let me down and its sleek design and lightweight made it practical for almost any scenario. I consider Eclipses some of the best all around guitars on the market and the only reason I don't use a 7 string version Is because I don't like the way the Les Paul style body looks with a 7 string neck, otherwise I would definitely still use this.
217
Fantastic Concert Guitar
I have this one but with Floyd Rose Tremolo and Mark I. Made approx 2005 or so. Black DeLuxe. Just as the Truckster, holds tune, sounds really smoothly and aggressively at the same time. Thin U neck, very playable.
Artist usage
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Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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