ESP MI

5.0 (2)

$2,099.00

3.2 (5)

$1,889.00 Used

4.0 (3)

$2,099.00

5.0 (1)

$2,069.00

5.0 (2)

$2,444.00 $2,435.00 $9.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,110

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Esp MI 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 MI". 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 deity with the ESP MI, a guitar crafted to perfection for modern metal enthusiasts. Designed with a sleek, lightweight alder body and a neck-thru maple neck, this solid body electric guitar delivers unparalleled comfort and tone. The ebony fingerboard, adorned with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, invites swift, nimble playability, perfect for those high-speed solos and intricate riffs.

At the heart of its sonic prowess lies the searing power of the EMG 81 active humbucker. Positioned strategically at the bridge, this pickup ensures your sound cuts through the mix with biting aggression and clarity, whether you're crafting haunting cleans or unleashing a blitz of high-gain fury. The thin U neck profile enhances your playing speed and precision, making it a favorite for those demanding fast-paced, technical playing.

With premium hardware like the Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge and Gotoh locking machine heads, the ESP MI guarantees robust tuning stability and enduring performance. The neck-through-body and strings-through design lends itself to exceptional sustain and note definition, while black hardware adds a touch of sleek sophistication.

Built in Japan by master luthiers, this guitar combines the finest craftsmanship with modern features, offering an outstanding balance between affordability and top-notch quality. Whether you're shredding in the studio or dominating the stage, the ESP MI is your ultimate axe for sonic expression.

Key Features:

Alder body with neck-thru maple neck
Ebony fingerboard with 24 XJ stainless steel frets
EMG 81 active humbucker at the bridge
Thin U neck profile for fast playability
Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge and locking machine heads
Made in Japan, includes a hard case

Product specs

Available since	January 2022
Colour	Red
Body	Alder
Top	None
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	Ebony
Frets	24
Scale	648 mm
Pickups	H
Tremolo	None
incl. Bag	No
incl. Case	Yes

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS best suited for?: The ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS, with its EMG 81 active pickup and thin U neck contour, is ideal for high-gain genres like metal and hard rock, offering aggressive tones and fast playability.
Does the ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS come with a case?: Yes, the ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS includes a case for protection and easy transport.
What is the neck profile of the ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS?: The ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS features a thin U neck contour, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, especially suited for shredding and technical playing styles.
What type of bridge does the ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS have?: The ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS is equipped with a Gotoh tune-o-matic bridge, known for its stability and precise intonation.
Is the ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS suitable for beginners?: While the ESP E-II M-I Thru NT DCARS is a high-quality instrument with professional features, its advanced specifications and price point may be more suitable for experienced players seeking premium performance.

Videos

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6-String

ESP M-I NTB Electric Guitar

6-String

ESP M-I NTB Demo with EVH 5150 III

Chris Tarpley

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Esp MI.

Build quality

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A long-term owner noted that older models featured rosewood fretboards, while newer ones have been upgraded to ebony, affecting personal preferences in aesthetics.
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Fretboard lifting and cracked at the binding; indicates potential previous owner misuse or truss rod over-adjustment.
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Superior hardware includes real tops instead of veneers, and German-made Floyd Rose Original for models with a Floyd.
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Features and functionality

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The matte black finish on the neck is particularly smooth but shows wear by becoming shinier over time, which is a characteristic of this type of paint.
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The E-II line is manufactured in Japan, offering high-quality craftsmanship just below custom shop standards.
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Use cases and applications

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The M-I model is frequently described as a "metal machine" and is favored for drop-C tuning, especially among numetal players.
Source

User experience

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Some find the neck to be too thin, which could affect playability based on personal preference, especially for those used to different neck profiles.
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One user noted owning three ESP E-II M-I guitars, indicating a strong preference and satisfaction with this model.
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E-II models may occasionally have frets leveled but not crowned, resembling a Gibson "school bus" fret job.
Source

Value and pricing

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The ESP E-II M-I is priced similarly to the Ibanez Iron Label RGRTB621 in some regions, despite differences in quality and features.
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Comparisons

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The E-II M-I is perceived as slightly overpriced compared to the M-II NT, but local pricing can make the M-I a better deal.
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The LTD Black Metal M-HT offers a satin neck finish, which some prefer, though it's considered a step down from the E-II M-I.
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E-II guitars offer better craft and hardware than LTD 1000, but not always worth double the price unless a Floyd model.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adjusting the truss rod by half a turn improved pinch harmonics and reduced fret buzz.
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A well-packed guitar in a padded ESP gig bag and wrapped with bubble wrap can still suffer headstock damage if not handled carefully.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

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Jeff Ling

Guitarist

Parkway Drive

Verified via YouTube

In this video Jeff's Esp Mi can be seen

Genre Usage

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

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