Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$2,399.00
Guitar Center
$2,399.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$2,208.49 2 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (269)
$2,399.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$2,444.00 $2,435.00 $9.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,368

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar". 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

Introducing the ESP Standard Series Viper - an embodiment of premium craftsmanship and modern performance. This electric guitar sports a distinct asymmetrical double-cut shape, handcrafted in Japan, boasting an all-mahogany body and neck joined by set-thru construction. The ESP Standard Series Viper is both visually striking and built for high performance, offering an immersive, resonant sound with impressive sustain.

The EMG 57/66 humbuckers offer a wide tonal range, from classic hot humbucking to vintage single-coil sounds, all thanks to the individual push-pull controls on each control knob. The ebony fingerboard, adorned with extra jumbo frets, provides a smooth and responsive playing experience, ideal for fast leads and big power chords. The Gotoh TOM bridge and tailpiece, along with Gotoh locking tuners, ensure stable tuning and stellar sustain, making the ESP Standard Series Viper a stellar instrument for any guitarist.

Key Features:

  • Premium, hand-crafted electric guitar with asymmetrical double-cut Viper shape
  • All-mahogany body and set-thru neck construction for rich resonance and sustain
  • EMG 57/66 humbuckers with individual push-pull controls for coil splitting
  • Smooth ebony fingerboard with extra jumbo frets for comfort and responsive play
  • Gotoh TOM bridge and tailpiece for stellar sustain
  • Gotoh locking tuners for stable tuning
  • Includes ESP hardshell case for protection and portability
  • Available in Black and Urban Camo finishes.
GAK

GAK

ESP - Standard Series Viper Demo at GAK!

Video thumbnail for ESP - Standard Series Viper Demo at GAK! by GAK

ESP - Standard Series Viper Demo at GAK!

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for ESP USA Viper Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

ESP USA Viper Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for ESP Standard Series Viper Review by Cameron Johnson

ESP Standard Series Viper Review

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

Video thumbnail for ESP VIPER STANDARD TEST (Julio Castro) by limafrontier

ESP VIPER STANDARD TEST (Julio Castro)

limafrontier

limafrontier

Video thumbnail for Watch Paul Riario test drive the “stunning” high-performance ESP USA Viper electric by Guitar World

Watch Paul Riario test drive the “stunning” high-performance ESP USA Viper electric

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for ESP Viper Urban Camo Test  METAL RIFFING! by jalmetalman

ESP Viper Urban Camo Test METAL RIFFING!

jalmetalman

jalmetalman

Video thumbnail for ESP STANDARD SERIES VIPER URBAN CAMO GUITAR UP CLOSE REVIEW EMG PICKUPS GOTOH BRIDGE TUNERS by Essex Recording Studios

ESP STANDARD SERIES VIPER URBAN CAMO GUITAR UP CLOSE REVIEW EMG PICKUPS GOTOH BRIDGE TUNERS

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for Esp Viper Racing  -A Beast of a Guitar! by Harry Guitars

Esp Viper Racing -A Beast of a Guitar!

Harry Guitars

Harry Guitars

Video thumbnail for ESP Viper Urban Camo by jalmetalman

ESP Viper Urban Camo

jalmetalman

jalmetalman

Video thumbnail for ESP Standard Series Viper - SOLD by Shreyas Skandan

ESP Standard Series Viper - SOLD

Shreyas Skandan

Shreyas Skandan

Video thumbnail for My ESP Viper Racing Stripe Red by PassionMetallica

My ESP Viper Racing Stripe Red

PassionMetallica

PassionMetallica

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Moderate neck dive can be fixed by relocating the strap button to the horn tip, which noticeably improves balance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding wheel weights in the cavity does not sufficiently counteract neck dive; relocating the strap button is more effective.

    Source
  • A Fender Weighless stretchy strap effectively resolves neck dive issues on the Viper 400 model.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The E-II Viper has been compared to SGs, with less neck dive when modified, improving playability.

    Source
  • The E-II Viper is considered superior in quality compared to its LTD counterparts, attributed to its Japanese craftsmanship.

    Source
  • Some owners feel E-II guitars hold resale value better than LTD models, despite limited comparative quality differences.

    Source
  • Despite E-II’s quality, the LTD 1000 series remains a popular choice among professional musicians, providing excellent performance at a lower price point.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The baritone scale is ideal for B standard/drop A tuning, allowing lighter strings without sacrificing tension.

    Source
  • The Viper is favored for doom metal, but some suggest swapping the bridge JB pickup for a mellower tone to better suit the genre.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the E-II Viper's purpose-built design for specific tunings, reducing the need for immediate setup adjustments.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Viper's neck as perfect for both sitting and standing, with no discomfort reported during seated play.

    Source
  • Users with smaller hands may find the larger fretboard radius of E-II guitars noticeable and should test playability.

    Source
  • Larger hands may find E-II necks too small, affecting playability despite the guitar’s excellent weight and setup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The E-II Viper Urban Camo model is noted for its excellent neck comfort, being neither too thin nor too bulky.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The second-hand market for E-II guitars is currently slow, with significant discounts failing to attract buyers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Viper Standard Review | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar is a robust instrument with a lightweight feel, excelling particularly in metal genres while offering versatility across blues and classic rock. Its solid build and unique design reminiscent of a Gibson/Epiphone SG make it a standout, though the new price might feel steep, especially in regions like Australia. Overall, a reliable choice for metal enthusiasts seeking a versatile and durable guitar.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
adam_t

An SG for those who want something different

Despite the looks, Doesn`t sound like a Gibson even with passive pickups , same scale length but thicker body and through neck gives a thicker deeper tone .

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kirk Hammett uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

at 0:54, kirk is playing this guitar

See how Stephen Carpenter uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Stephen Carpenter

Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via YouTube

In this music video, stephen is seen playing an ESP Viper at a few points, such as at 1:22.

See how Andy Williams uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Andy Williams

Guitarist

Every Time I Die

...
Verified via Photo

In this Fishman ad andy can be seen playing a Esp viper loaded with fishman modern humbuckers

See how Caleb Shomo uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Caleb Shomo

Singer, Guitarist

Beartooth

...
Unverified
See how Silenoz uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Silenoz

Guitarist

Dimmu Borgir

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see in 1:38 that his viper is "ESP" , not LTD version .

See how Rick Hunolt uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Rick Hunolt

Guitarist

Exodus

...
Verified via Gstatic

he's holding the guitar in this image

See how Metin Türkcan uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Metin Türkcan

Guitarist

...
Verified via IMDb

In the 2017 video "Doga Icin Cal 8 - Hayde," Metin Türkcan is seen playing an ESP Viper Satin Black guitar.

See how Zoltán Farkas uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Zoltán Farkas

Singer, Guitarist

Ektomorf

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by ESP Guitars USA, Zoltán Farkas of Ektomorf discusses his use of the ESP Viper Camouflage electric guitar, and the ESP Viper with Racing Stripes.

See how Craig Silverman uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Craig Silverman

Guitarist

Agnostic Front

...
Verified via Photo

Craig owns at least two ESP Standard Vipers.

See how Bobby Burns uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Bobby Burns

Music Producer

Soulfly

...
Verified via Puregrainaudio

In an interview with PureGrainAudio, Bobby Burns, known for his role in the alt-metal band Primer 55, discusses his use of the ESP Standard Series Viper guitar. Rising to prominence in the late '90s, Burns has toured globally with acts like Fear Factory, Disturbed, and Taproot, and performed at Ozzfest 2000, showcasing the versatility and reliability of his chosen instrument.

See how Hájer Gergő uses ESP E-II Viper Electric Guitar

Hájer Gergő

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video [Hájer Gergő] can be seen using his ESP Viper woodland camo guitar.

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 E-II Viper Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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