I'm new here Triple G & ty for having me... love the channel and your content...this is right up my alley here man. I just received my new ESP E-II M-II neck thru black about 3 weeks ago m& luv it. I've been playing an 86 Kramer zx10 AeroStar since about 87 that I put a really nice floyd rose on at the time w/a hot pickup change & I loved they way it played. It got ripped off along with a beautiful 80 Ovation... & did't play 4 a year after playing for 30+ years... Then I got my new ESP ... I ended up getting the neck thru black & holy smokes man.... My 1st ESP ever and after playing this metal maker I wonder why it took me so long to get one. Sorry 4 the rant but this new ESP is wicked.. and I actually like the reverse head stock too. The EMG81's R crunchy, love the ebony fret-board and the original Rose kicks ass and stays in tune.. Overall its a killer especially if u like metal..
"Do you like it?" Thanks for jamming that classic Kingdom Come tune. I enjoyed the video and it help me decide to add the E-II M-II to my guitar collection. Nice video, nice playing.
I've wanted a desert "orange" camo M-II since seeing a Japan exclusive standard series many years ago. The limited camo, ebony board, and standard headstock pretty much made this my dream guitar. I was eyeballing this thing since COVID hit afraid they'd sell out before I could responsibly drop 2k on a guitar. After finally seeing one in action on your channel I luckily pulled the trigger and got the 2nd to last one. This is my first E-II and its definitely on par with the old Standard series. The fit/finish and playability is flawless and with lots of guitars getting price-hiked and changing woods around this past year, these sub 2k E-II's are even harder to beat. Anyways just wanted to thank you for the great video, and compliment your insane guitar collection.
About the EMG´s: the 80/81 set is designed for one thing, high gain rock & metal. That´s why you see all these big metal players using them. It´s not the fault of the pickups, if they don´t sound great with that classic "British Blues" low-gain, they were never designed for this. They were designed for maximum clarity, when you play with these bigass, high-gain tube amps, turned up to 11. It´s like complaining that a Lambo can´t do Off-Road driving. EMG actually makes not just the 80/81 set but also the 57/66 and the "Retro-Active" humbucker sets, which have less output & use Alnico 5 magnets, like a passive humbucker. Imho, the 57/66 set is their best humbucker combo, because you can still get that classic PAF tone with them and also get that active "punch".
Yep agreed on all points. I state in various of my videos how my fav EMG are 57/66. Also on one of my other videos where the guitar has a Retroactive set, I talk plenty about how nice they are. It's definitely all in application where and how they are used. Right tool for the right job, right? Thanks for your time watching and time to write in!!!! Super appreciated! Have a great one GF!
IMO the M-II is the most perfect strat style guitar out there. I’ve had a KH-2 for over 20 years and it’s always my reference point for whenever I’m shopping for a new guitar. That desert camo finish is really awesome!
Thanks for answering some questions I've had, especially clarifying the LTD vs E-II. I have heard from many that the high end LTD's (600 and 1000 Series) punch well above their weight and are as good as E-II's generally. I have an LTD Arrow. I got that not because I was trying to budget but rather for it's specs in that it was built out of mahogany and it has an EMG 81 at the bridge (that's the only pickup) and I've always preferred the sound of mahogany although alder is fine as well. But I've just ordered the E-II M-II in Urban Camo and that should be with me in a month tops (the store have to order it in for me). So it would be interesting to see how either stack up although now, I'm not sure if there will be much difference. Your Desert Camo E-II M-II is a beauty.
Sweet! Happy NGD! I purchased that exact model 7 months ago. I chose mine over the reverse headstock urban camo for the very same reasons. I also prefer that this one has an ebony fretboard with binding. Enjoy! Love your channel!
So since i watched this last year ive gotten the Urban camo M-II. Everything you said is spot on, i too have many LTD's and ESP and agree. I will say Ive seen several finish issues on a few MH-1000's included one I own, MH-1000 Evertune in snow white, the paint has several drips under the clear, its still a nice guitar and i got it for nothing almost so im happy. A real sleeper LTD is the M-1000 SE, really different style and neck carve. Id trade you for the Desert Camo if you want :-) I really wanted that E-II but it was sold out by the time i went for it so i got the Urban one. Im starting to think its the German Floyds that make my ESP's better, as you mentioned they just get it right.
This guitar looks amazing, since I watching only what thomann offers, i haven't seen this model yet, I guess it could be my choice, but I already bought an EII horizon. Excellent choice!
E-II Horizon is a great axe! I have one here myself. This camo run I think was a limited run for a dealer here in the states. I could be wrong however. Anyhow, thanks so much for your time watching Jurijs!
ESP discontinued their "ESP Standard" Series is 2013 and replaced it with the "E-II" Series in one of the dumbest marketing moves of a guitar brand ever. Before that you could find ESP Standard models fairly easy, at least here in Europe. In the last years, they have put more effort in their LTD "Deluxe" Series and don´t really market the "E-II" models. There´s the rumour, that they will also cancell the "E-II" Series and offer only custom shop models made in Japan & LTD models, made in Korea and mainly Indonesia, in the future.
My Jackson had the same issue of the tremolo cavity cover not being flushed, took it to GC and they said it was due to the possible wood expanding or contracting that the plastic no longer sits flush. I guess it made sense. Great. Ideo as always GGG! Thanks for the share. 🖖 & 🤘 Max Power
Max, how are ya!!!! Always good to hear from you. Yeah this one isn't flush to the body but just by design, slapped on top. The body wood shrinking or expanding does make sense though especially out by the desert where I am. That said, out of curiosity I took a look at some guitars on my wall, and my Charvels, EVHs, and PRS had their cavity covers recessed and flushed to the body which I dig a lot. At the end of the day though, not a big deal at all, just being super picky and anal I suppose! If she sounds good and plays good, I don't give a damn LOL!!! Thank you so much for your time watching Max!!!! You are da man!
EXCELLENT POINT!!! I too have been there trying to pry to damn cover off on other guitars LOL!! I can't recall which guitar of mine has magnetic snap on cover but that was a good execution too.
Awesome guitar. Ive always loved ESP guitars but i dont own one. Unfortunately, the one time I decided to spend a lot on a new esp, I had some bad qc issues. Three in a row were screwed up from the factory. I still love the look and feel of ESPs though
Ah that's terrible to hear! I get it though. By the time you spring for an ESP costing as much as they do, you want nothing but a perfect axe in terms of quality, no need to settle for one that isn't "quite" right... Thanks Carlos for your time watching! I much appreciate!
Very nice. I wouldn’t have bought that version because of the EMGs, which I already have, but it’s a gorgeous finish. And I don’t think I have any tremolo plates on my guitars. They all get removed and never make it back on, in which case it’s smoother to have it surface mounted (unrouted).
Hi Phil! I ordered mine online and thankfully it showed up "UNOPENED" even my the dealer that sold it to me. So it was out of the ESP factory and then next person who opened it was me which worked out well. Super happy with it. Thanks for your time watching!
My ESP KH2 has the back cover not flush, ive heard it can affect tone....not trying to start anything lol but i heard its a thing and I dont care, my KH2 is killer and so is my M-1000 SN and the cavity cover is flush on that one.
Awesome axe man is that a one of color? I own the urban camo one, the older Esp one with the same headstock. But I do like reversed headstocks. Actually with an Ibanez I pretty much prefer the reversed ones.
Hey Johnny! I think the color finish was a dealer special order. If you have an Urban Camo with a regular headstock, that is the one I really really want LOL!!!
@@GhostRiderGGG haha yeah that is the one I have. Check out my "Machine Head davidian guitar cover". It sounds awesome and the EMG's sound killer in that one.
I've seen and heard it played off against a mid range Schecter guitar $800 ish, and it was superior, you could hear the difference in tone. However the active pick ups are a deterrent, unnecessarily limiting its versatility.
Hey dude, I came across your video because I am thinking about getting this in the urban camo finish. I was wondering how does the finish on this guitar feel? From pics and videos it looks like a kind of wrap thats been applied rather than painted on. This impression I get is that it feels kind of matte/rubbery. Any insight you can offer would be apprecited.
Matte, yes. Rubbery, definitely not. The finish does look pretty spot on if you ask me. I'm pretty sure it's "not" painted but more less photosynthesis.
I recently moved and haven't brought in all my heads/cabs yet. For messing around, I use my Helix or Spark. Videos I put out are all recorded either with Sims and/or Spark into the computer.
The dealer I ordered from had a few on their shop, I think this was their dealer limited edition order not something widely distributed perhaps. Don't quote me on that though.
@@GhostRiderGGG You sir, have got a great taste in music (and guitars). I too have been watching your videos for almost a decade, and you are my go-to reviewer when I'm interested in a particular model. The quality, editing, and your playing improved so much over the years. Keep up the good work! I used to own a '93 ESP M-II, I'm sure yours is at least just as good :) enjoy!
You are way too kind!!! Def diggin' the M-II, has been a long time coming to get one of these for sure. Way too embarrassed for such kind words, Thanks again!!
I'm new here Triple G & ty for having me... love the channel and your content...this is right up my alley here man. I just received my new ESP E-II M-II neck thru black about 3 weeks ago m& luv it. I've been playing an 86 Kramer zx10 AeroStar since about 87 that I put a really nice floyd rose on at the time w/a hot pickup change & I loved they way it played. It got ripped off along with a beautiful 80 Ovation... & did't play 4 a year after playing for 30+ years... Then I got my new ESP ... I ended up getting the neck thru black & holy smokes man.... My 1st ESP ever and after playing this metal maker I wonder why it took me so long to get one. Sorry 4 the rant but this new ESP is wicked.. and I actually like the reverse head stock too. The EMG81's R crunchy, love the ebony fret-board and the original Rose kicks ass and stays in tune.. Overall its a killer especially if u like metal..
Thank you Red! Happy to hear you stopped by. Hopefully all my rambling is entertaining while I show my inability and my axes at the same time
Been a viewer for nearly a decade now. Your gear chats still very entertaining to this day. Glad to see you uploading a little more often again!
Thank you so much! Happy to hear I'm not boring you to death talking my head off! \m/
"Do you like it?" Thanks for jamming that classic Kingdom Come tune. I enjoyed the video and it help me decide to add the E-II M-II to my guitar collection. Nice video, nice playing.
Aw too kind! Thank you Rumy!!!! Not many even know Kingdom Come or the tune, so stoked you know of it!!!
I'm quite late to this party, but i've been here a decade mate. Great to see you upload again! Great playing too. Never stop uploading!
Thank you so much! I'm on a bit of a hiatus but will be popping back up in a few weeks! Thanks again!
been subscribed for the past 6 years now. love your guitars and camera quality
That's AWESOME to hear Shafeek! Thanks so much brother!
I've wanted a desert "orange" camo M-II since seeing a Japan exclusive standard series many years ago. The limited camo, ebony board, and standard headstock pretty much made this my dream guitar. I was eyeballing this thing since COVID hit afraid they'd sell out before I could responsibly drop 2k on a guitar. After finally seeing one in action on your channel I luckily pulled the trigger and got the 2nd to last one. This is my first E-II and its definitely on par with the old Standard series. The fit/finish and playability is flawless and with lots of guitars getting price-hiked and changing woods around this past year, these sub 2k E-II's are even harder to beat. Anyways just wanted to thank you for the great video, and compliment your insane guitar collection.
OH HELLZ YES!!! YAY YAH! CONGRATS Matty!
Congrats on the orange camo Matty... I sure love my new E-II... So glad I went ESP
Love your all videos bro! Never stop! Your playing and review was fantastic!
Too kind!!! Thank you so much for your time watching! \m/
About the EMG´s: the 80/81 set is designed for one thing, high gain rock & metal. That´s why you see all these big metal players using them. It´s not the fault of the pickups, if they don´t sound great with that classic "British Blues" low-gain, they were never designed for this. They were designed for maximum clarity, when you play with these bigass, high-gain tube amps, turned up to 11. It´s like complaining that a Lambo can´t do Off-Road driving. EMG actually makes not just the 80/81 set but also the 57/66 and the "Retro-Active" humbucker sets, which have less output & use Alnico 5 magnets, like a passive humbucker. Imho, the 57/66 set is their best humbucker combo, because you can still get that classic PAF tone with them and also get that active "punch".
Yep agreed on all points. I state in various of my videos how my fav EMG are 57/66. Also on one of my other videos where the guitar has a Retroactive set, I talk plenty about how nice they are. It's definitely all in application where and how they are used. Right tool for the right job, right? Thanks for your time watching and time to write in!!!! Super appreciated! Have a great one GF!
IMO the M-II is the most perfect strat style guitar out there. I’ve had a KH-2 for over 20 years and it’s always my reference point for whenever I’m shopping for a new guitar.
That desert camo finish is really awesome!
Thanks for answering some questions I've had, especially clarifying the LTD vs E-II. I have heard from many that the high end LTD's (600 and 1000 Series) punch well above their weight and are as good as E-II's generally.
I have an LTD Arrow. I got that not because I was trying to budget but rather for it's specs in that it was built out of mahogany and it has an EMG 81 at the bridge (that's the only pickup) and I've always preferred the sound of mahogany although alder is fine as well.
But I've just ordered the E-II M-II in Urban Camo and that should be with me in a month tops (the store have to order it in for me). So it would be interesting to see how either stack up although now, I'm not sure if there will be much difference. Your Desert Camo E-II M-II is a beauty.
I grew up on 80's Thrash metal, and EMGs kick ass at it. The right tool for the right job, and for that EMGs are amazing
Preach brother! \m/
Pure beauty! Congrats. 👏
Sweet! Happy NGD! I purchased that exact model 7 months ago. I chose mine over the reverse headstock urban camo for the very same reasons. I also prefer that this one has an ebony fretboard with binding. Enjoy! Love your channel!
LOL that is EPIC! So love hearing that! Thanks Bat!
Thank you for the info. Killer guitar. I'm waiting for my urban camo Eii mii.
The shining ebony fretboard is just amazing.
Black glass!!!
So since i watched this last year ive gotten the Urban camo M-II. Everything you said is spot on, i too have many LTD's and ESP and agree. I will say Ive seen several finish issues on a few MH-1000's included one I own, MH-1000 Evertune in snow white, the paint has several drips under the clear, its still a nice guitar and i got it for nothing almost so im happy. A real sleeper LTD is the M-1000 SE, really different style and neck carve. Id trade you for the Desert Camo if you want :-) I really wanted that E-II but it was sold out by the time i went for it so i got the Urban one. Im starting to think its the German Floyds that make my ESP's better, as you mentioned they just get it right.
ESP, and the E-iis are such great guitars, I have two E-iis, and a Standard. They give my PRS Core 22 a run for the money.
2 E-II M-I's, an M-I Standard, a Forest Standard, and a Hanneman here!
I have black one and I love it.
YES!!! Love it!
always wanted a camo/bengal m-II, looking forward to this one!
the Bengal would be Lynch sig?
@@GhostRiderGGG that’s the one :)
Happy NGD GGG ... nice desert camo EII ... lol about your preference for a "normal" headstock, i have no problem with that, enjoy!
Thanks Zakk LOL!!!! I have plenty of reverses here at the compound but I just prefer the normal if I can pick as you know....
This guitar looks amazing, since I watching only what thomann offers, i haven't seen this model yet, I guess it could be my choice, but I already bought an EII horizon. Excellent choice!
E-II Horizon is a great axe! I have one here myself. This camo run I think was a limited run for a dealer here in the states. I could be wrong however. Anyhow, thanks so much for your time watching Jurijs!
I've NEVER even seen an ESP in person! Seems such a mythical brand...
ESP discontinued their "ESP Standard" Series is 2013 and replaced it with the "E-II" Series in one of the dumbest marketing moves of a guitar brand ever. Before that you could find ESP Standard models fairly easy, at least here in Europe. In the last years, they have put more effort in their LTD "Deluxe" Series and don´t really market the "E-II" models. There´s the rumour, that they will also cancell the "E-II" Series and offer only custom shop models made in Japan & LTD models, made in Korea and mainly Indonesia, in the future.
Stunning. If for whatever reason you decide to sell I'd love to buy :) As a fellow collector I understand not wanting to let anything go haha.
Great playing brother
Thank you so much, Greg! Too kind!
My Jackson had the same issue of the tremolo cavity cover not being flushed, took it to GC and they said it was due to the possible wood expanding or contracting that the plastic no longer sits flush. I guess it made sense.
Great. Ideo as always GGG! Thanks for the share.
🖖 & 🤘
Max Power
Max, how are ya!!!! Always good to hear from you. Yeah this one isn't flush to the body but just by design, slapped on top. The body wood shrinking or expanding does make sense though especially out by the desert where I am. That said, out of curiosity I took a look at some guitars on my wall, and my Charvels, EVHs, and PRS had their cavity covers recessed and flushed to the body which I dig a lot. At the end of the day though, not a big deal at all, just being super picky and anal I suppose! If she sounds good and plays good, I don't give a damn LOL!!! Thank you so much for your time watching Max!!!! You are da man!
Guitar Gear Guy
Always great to hear from you.
🖖 & 🤘
Max Power
If you route out that back plate so that its flush and can be a real pain to get it off when it sits in the cavity, nice axe though
EXCELLENT POINT!!! I too have been there trying to pry to damn cover off on other guitars LOL!! I can't recall which guitar of mine has magnetic snap on cover but that was a good execution too.
Awesome guitar. Ive always loved ESP guitars but i dont own one. Unfortunately, the one time I decided to spend a lot on a new esp, I had some bad qc issues. Three in a row were screwed up from the factory. I still love the look and feel of ESPs though
Ah that's terrible to hear! I get it though. By the time you spring for an ESP costing as much as they do, you want nothing but a perfect axe in terms of quality, no need to settle for one that isn't "quite" right... Thanks Carlos for your time watching! I much appreciate!
Very nice. I wouldn’t have bought that version because of the EMGs, which I already have, but it’s a gorgeous finish. And I don’t think I have any tremolo plates on my guitars. They all get removed and never make it back on, in which case it’s smoother to have it surface mounted (unrouted).
Beautiful!! Id take this over the urban camo! I also prefer the traditional headstock over the reverse. That desert camo looks amazing!
You and me both!!!
Love your content mayn 💙🥂
Thank you so much!!! Happy holidays!
That guitar is pretty bad ass🦅
Agreed! :) Thanks for your time watching!
Do you like it! Awesome!
Yes indeed!!! Thanks for your time watching Joseph!
finally a orange camo guitar
You werent kidding about that fretboard. That thing is mirror-shiny. Did you buy that guitar in-store, or order it online?
Hi Phil! I ordered mine online and thankfully it showed up "UNOPENED" even my the dealer that sold it to me. So it was out of the ESP factory and then next person who opened it was me which worked out well. Super happy with it. Thanks for your time watching!
My ESP KH2 has the back cover not flush, ive heard it can affect tone....not trying to start anything lol but i heard its a thing and I dont care, my KH2 is killer and so is my M-1000 SN and the cavity cover is flush on that one.
who knows what is going on LOL!!! Love your YT name! Killer!
thats a cool color
Awesome axe man is that a one of color? I own the urban camo one, the older Esp one with the same headstock. But I do like reversed headstocks. Actually with an Ibanez I pretty much prefer the reversed ones.
Hey Johnny! I think the color finish was a dealer special order. If you have an Urban Camo with a regular headstock, that is the one I really really want LOL!!!
@@GhostRiderGGG haha yeah that is the one I have. Check out my "Machine Head davidian guitar cover". It sounds awesome and the EMG's sound killer in that one.
That's me!
I've seen and heard it played off against a mid range Schecter guitar $800 ish, and it was superior, you could hear the difference in tone. However the active pick ups are a deterrent, unnecessarily limiting its versatility.
Subbed.. Cool video, were same kinda player, more gear than talent! LOL (you said it :). Such a great looking camo
Hi Chris! I can't thank you enough for your time watching and for the sub! Much appreciated sir!
Hey dude, I came across your video because I am thinking about getting this in the urban camo finish. I was wondering how does the finish on this guitar feel? From pics and videos it looks like a kind of wrap thats been applied rather than painted on. This impression I get is that it feels kind of matte/rubbery. Any insight you can offer would be apprecited.
Matte, yes. Rubbery, definitely not. The finish does look pretty spot on if you ask me. I'm pretty sure it's "not" painted but more less photosynthesis.
Why can't it have two dots inlays on the twelfth fret position instead of that fugly blocky ESP inlay? Ridiculous.
What amp are you using alot lately
I recently moved and haven't brought in all my heads/cabs yet. For messing around, I use my Helix or Spark. Videos I put out are all recorded either with Sims and/or Spark into the computer.
Does anyone know how many of these were made?
I thought you'd prefer the Kamakazi model?
Hey Tiger! Not sure if I am down with their Kamikaze scheme. I definitely dig my M-2 here though! Thanks for your time watching!!
when did this came out?
The dealer I ordered from had a few on their shop, I think this was their dealer limited edition order not something widely distributed perhaps. Don't quote me on that though.
triple g you are correct it was a limited run for a specific shop
Did you say 70-80 guitars?!
Hi Brad! As ridiculous as that may sound, yes....
The question is... Do you like it? :D
LOL did I not look obvious in the video? Well I don't like it, I FRIKKING LOVE IT!
@@GhostRiderGGGRight on! The question doubled as a subtle allusion to the initial jam ;) Kingdom Come?
LOL Kingdom Come indeed!!! Didn't think many would identify the tune! Love it!
@@GhostRiderGGG You sir, have got a great taste in music (and guitars). I too have been watching your videos for almost a decade, and you are my go-to reviewer when I'm interested in a particular model. The quality, editing, and your playing improved so much over the years. Keep up the good work! I used to own a '93 ESP M-II, I'm sure yours is at least just as good :) enjoy!
You are way too kind!!! Def diggin' the M-II, has been a long time coming to get one of these for sure. Way too embarrassed for such kind words, Thanks again!!
guitars sounds the same a s my Jackson v i got for 444. i bet you paid 3 thousand for tbhat esp lol.