ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

April 29, 2026

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

Technical profile of the ESP

  • Body: Alder
  • Top: flamed maple
  • Neck-thru-body neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Fingerboard radius: 305 mm
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • 24 XJ Stainless steel frets
  • Pickups: 2 Seymour Duncan SH-2 (neck) / SH-14 (bridge) humbuckers
  • 1 Volume control and 1 tone control
  • 3-Way toggle switch
  • Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge
  • Gotoh locking machine heads
  • Black hardware
  • Colour: Reindeer Blue
  • Case included

Images

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB Review: Full breakdown

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

The ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB is an exceptional guitar that impresses with its top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail. The materials used are of the highest quality, and the binding is flawlessly executed, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The outer layer of flamed maple, combined with a stunning finish, enhances the instrument’s depth and beauty, making it a true visual delight.

Comfort is a key feature of this guitar, as it is lightweight and ergonomically designed, ensuring that it remains comfortable even after long playing sessions. The sound produced by the Seymour Duncan pickups, in conjunction with the alder body and maple top, is nothing short of remarkable. It delivers a wide tonal range, from crisp and clean tones suitable for blues to aggressive, powerful sounds perfect for metal genres.

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Tuning stability is superb, thanks to the Gotoh locking machine heads, which keep the guitar in tune even under heavy use. The rolled frets and low action contribute to an incredibly smooth playing experience. The push/pull pot feature for coil splitting works flawlessly, allowing for versatile sound options across various music styles.

Visually, the colour transitions between blue, purple, and black depending on the light, making it a real head-turner. The overall design is not only striking but also practical, with thoughtfully placed controls to avoid interference while playing. Despite its premium pricing, many players feel it is worth every penny, especially for those seeking a professional-grade instrument.

In summary, the ESP E-II Horizon-III FM RDB stands out as a masterpiece of guitar craftsmanship, offering excellent playability, stunning aesthetics, and versatile sound capabilities, making it highly recommended for both studio and live performances.



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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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