ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

April 12, 2026

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP electric guitar technical breakdown

  • Body: Mahogany
  • Top: Maple
  • 3-piece neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Fingerboard radius: 305 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Scale: 628 mm
  • 22 XJ stainless steel frets
  • Pickups: Active EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) humbuckers
  • Two volume controls
  • 3-way toggle switch
  • Chrome-plated hardware
  • Gotoh locking machine heads
  • Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpiece
  • Colour: Black, matte
  • Includes case

Images

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS Review: Unbiased look

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS is an impressive instrument that truly lives up to its reputation. The guitar boasts a sleek design, being thinner than a typical Les Paul while maintaining excellent balance when played seated, which is often a challenge for guitars of this shape.

The neck is fantastic; despite initial concerns about its width compared to my Fender and Gibson, it quickly becomes comfortable, allowing for smooth playability. The larger frets contribute to an effortless playing experience, with notes ringing out clearly without requiring excessive pressure.

Access to higher frets is significantly easier than with a Les Paul, which enhances playability. The EMG 81 and 60 pickups are tailored for rock and metal, delivering a powerful sound that shines through on amplifiers like the Mesa Rectifier and Mark V. While not the most versatile in terms of tonal variety, the guitar produces beautiful clean sounds and excels in heavier genres.

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The locking tuners work flawlessly, ensuring stability during play. The finish is impeccable, with no visible flaws, and the matte colour adds an aesthetically pleasing touch. Overall, the guitar feels robust and well-crafted, embodying the quality expected from the brand.

While it may not be the most affordable option, the value for money is undeniable; it’s an instrument that one wouldn’t regret investing in. The only drawback might be the difficulty in putting it down once you start playing!

In terms of tonal versatility, it performs exceptionally well across various styles, from blues to metal, particularly when paired with upgraded pickups for those seeking more sonic options. The satin neck allows for smooth movements along the fretboard, making it a joy to play.

Despite some minor concerns regarding the setup upon arrival, such as a few imperfections, these issues are easily remedied with a professional adjustment. Overall, this guitar is a top recommendation for anyone looking for a high-quality, professional-grade instrument.



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Jamie Thorne Guitar

With over 15 years in the UK music scene, I've worked as a session guitarist and touring tech from London to Manchester. Whether it's setting up a vintage Strat or stress-testing the latest DSP modeling amps, I break down the gear so you know exactly what you're plugging into. No fluff, just the facts from the fretboard.

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