The ESP E-II Eclipse Full Thickness is a premium Japanese-made single-cut electric guitar designed for professional players who demand a combination of traditional Les Paul-inspired construction, modern playability and powerful high-gain performance.

The “Full Thickness” designation refers to its substantially thicker mahogany body compared with the standard E-II Eclipse. The construction combines a full-thickness mahogany body with a maple cap and flamed-maple top, giving the instrument a particularly substantial acoustic response, strong sustain and a pronounced low-mid character.

The Black Natural Burst finish emphasizes the figuring of the flamed maple while retaining the elegant, understated appearance typical of the Eclipse family. Multi-ply binding around the body, neck and headstock, together with black hardware, gives the guitar a distinctly high-end appearance.

The neck is made from mahogany and uses ESP's Set-Thru construction, providing excellent access to the upper frets while maintaining a strong mechanical connection between neck and body. The ebony fingerboard has a 305 mm (12") radius and 22 extra-jumbo frets, while the relatively narrow 42 mm bone nut and Thin U neck profile make the instrument considerably more modern and fast-feeling than a traditional vintage single-cut.

The electronics are centered around an active EMG 66TW neck pickup and EMG 57TW bridge pickup. Both pickups can be split into single-coil operation using the push/pull volume controls, providing considerably more tonal flexibility than a conventional dual-humbucker setup.

Overall, the E-II Eclipse Full Thickness combines the weight, sustain and authority of a traditional thick single-cut design with the precision, hardware and playability expected from a high-end ESP built in Japan. The model was positioned between ESP's more affordable LTD instruments and the company's top-level custom/USA offerings.

Technical SpecificationsSpecificationDetailsBrandESPSeriesE-IIModelEclipse Full ThicknessFinishBlack Natural BurstYear2022Country of manufactureJapanBodyFull-thickness MahoganyTopFlamed MapleNeckMahoganyConstructionSet-ThruFingerboardEbonyFingerboard Radius305 mm / 12"Scale Length24.75" / approx. 628–629 mmNutBoneNut Width42 mmNeck ProfileThin UFrets22 Extra JumboBridge PickupEMG 57TWNeck PickupEMG 66TWPickup TypeActive humbuckersCoil SplitYes — individual push/pull volume controlsControlsNeck Volume / Bridge Volume / Master TonePickup Selector3-way toggleTunersGotoh locking tuners / Magnum LockBridgeGotoh Tune-o-matic styleTailpieceGotoh stop tailpieceHardwareBlack / Black NickelStrap LocksESP/Dunlop locking strap system depending on production specificationFactory StringsLight gauge, approximately .010–.046CaseESP EC/Form-Fit hardshell case

ESP's current official specification page confirms the core configuration of the Black Natural Burst model: full-thickness mahogany body with maple cap, flamed maple top, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, 305 mm radius, 42 mm bone nut, Thin U profile, EMG 57TW/66TW pickups, Gotoh locking tuners and Gotoh TOM bridge/tailpiece.

Character and sound

The EMG 57TW at the bridge gives the Eclipse a tight, articulate and aggressive response suited to hard rock and metal, while the EMG 66TW at the neck provides a fuller and smoother voice. The TW versions are particularly useful because each pickup can be switched to a single-coil configuration via the corresponding push/pull volume control.

The combination of the thick mahogany body, maple top, ebony fingerboard and active EMG pickups gives the guitar a powerful, compressed and focused response with excellent sustain. At the same time, the coil-split function makes the instrument more versatile for clean and lower-gain sounds.

Construction and feel

One of the defining characteristics is the Full Thickness body. Compared with the approximately 50 mm thickness of a conventional Eclipse, the Full Thickness construction is considerably deeper; contemporary testing reported an overall thickness around 60 mm on the model. This contributes to the instrument's substantial feel and acoustic mass.

The combination of Set-Thru construction, 24.75" scale, Thin U neck and 305 mm radius makes it comfortable for both rhythm work and lead playing. The 22 extra-jumbo frets provide plenty of room for expressive bends and fast playing.

Position within the ESP range

The E-II series replaced the former ESP Standard designation and represents ESP's Japanese professional-level production line. The E-II Eclipse Full Thickness was therefore not an entry-level or intermediate instrument: it was designed as a professional stage and studio guitar, manufactured at ESP's Japanese factory.

Brand ESP

Series E-II

Model Eclipse Full Thickness

FinishBlack Natural Burst

Year 2022

Country of manufacture Japan

BodyFull-thickness Mahogany

Top Flamed Maple

Neck Mahogany

Construction Set-Thru

Fingerboard Ebony

Fingerboard Radius 305 mm / 12"

Scale Length24.75" / approx. 628–629 mm

NutBone

Nut Width42 mm

Neck ProfileThin U

Frets22 Extra Jumbo

Bridge Pickup EMG 57TW

Neck Pickup EMG 66TW

Pickup Type Active humbuckers

Coil SplitYes — individual push/pull volume controls

Controls Neck Volume / Bridge Volume / Master Tone

Pickup Selector 3-way toggle

Tuners Gotoh locking tuners / Magnum Lock

Bridge Gotoh Tune-o-matic style

Tailpiece Gotoh stop tailpiece

Hardware Black / Black Nickel

Strap LocksESP/Dunlop locking strap system depending on production specification

Factory Strings Light gauge, approximately .010–.046

CaseESP EC/Form-Fit hardshell case