Best ESP Guitars
Top 10 picks ranked by EJ Score
Our Top Picks
Looking for the esp guitars? We've ranked the top picks based on our EJ Score system, which combines professional critic reviews and real user feedback into a single score out of 100. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this list will help you find the right fit.
Proceed with caution. Limited data and middling scores make this a risky buy at $1399. ESP has a track record, but this specific model needs more user validation. Best for: players who’ve tested it in person and know it fits…
Pros
- +Alnico pickups deliver vintage-voiced tone
- +Maple cap adds clarity and definition
- +Solid premium-tier build quality from ESP
Cons
- −Competes in crowded premium price bracket
- −May require setup out of the box for optimal playability
Guitar World’s review nailed it: why load a guitar with a neck pickup and tone controls if you’re going to use the bridge pickup with the tone control wide open 90% of the time? The EC-01 embraces that logic completely.…
Pros
- +Set-thru construction delivers sustain and resonance on par with neck-through guitars
- +Single large humbucker and master volume knob force expressive playing—no tone-knob safety net
- +Thin U neck profile is fast and comfortable, perfect for technical solos
Cons
- −One-pickup simplicity limits tonal palette—no neck pickup warmth
- −Master volume-only approach is polarizing for players who like tone controls
The ESP E-II Eclipse FT is Japan’s answer to the Les Paul, and it’s executed with obsessive detail. That figured maple top and Tobacco Sunburst finish are stunning — this looks like a guitar that costs twice as much. The…
Pros
- +Japanese craftsmanship delivers fit and finish that rivals USA-made single-cuts
- +Fishman Fluence Modern pickups offer multiple voicings via push/pull controls
- +Gorgeous figured maple top and Tobacco Sunburst finish compete with guitars at double the price
Cons
- −$2,899 is creeping toward Gibson Custom Shop and PRS Core line territory
- −Fishman Fluence Moderns are polarizing — active voicings lack passive warmth for some players
The Phoenix-1000 occupies an interesting middle ground: premium enough to feel special, affordable enough to not require a second mortgage. That 80 critic score from MusicRadar is honest—this is a very good guitar, not a game-changer. The Phat Cat/Custom pickup…
Pros
- +Neck-through construction delivers superior sustain and effortless upper-fret access compared to bolt-on designs
- +Seymour Duncan Phat Cat (neck) offers genuine P90 growl and bite in humbucker-sized format—best of both worlds
- +Duncan Custom bridge pickup with coil-split via push-pull provides overwound PAF tones plus single-coil versatility
Cons
- −At $1,199, you're approaching Schecter and higher-end Ibanez territory where competition is fierce
- −Phat Cat/Custom combo is niche—traditional PAF or high-output metal pickups would appeal to wider audience
The Eclipse is what happens when you take the Les Paul concept and optimize it for modern players. Thinner, lighter, better access to the dusty end of the fretboard, and those EMGs are legitimately versatile if you give them a…
Pros
- +Superior upper fret access compared to Les Pauls thanks to deeper cutaway and thinner body profile
- +Thinner body makes it noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended playing sessions
- +EMG active pickups with coil-split deliver excellent high-gain tones and surprising versatility with volume/tone adjustments
Cons
- −Active EMGs require battery changes and won't appeal to passive pickup purists
- −Zero community reviews means we're relying entirely on critic assessment and retailer feedback
With a Solid EJ Score of 70/100 (partly due to its specific target audience), the KH-602 is a metal workhorse through and through. Community feedback on zZounds confirms it’s one of the smoothest playing guitars available, with many users preferring…
Pros
- +Neck-through construction provides sustain for weeks and effortless upper fret access
- +EMG Bone Breaker pickups deliver tight, aggressive metal tones with surprising clarity
- +Floyd Rose 1000 series bridge offers rock-solid tuning stability for dive bombs
Cons
- −Active electronics require 9V battery maintenance
- −LTD build quality is excellent but lacks the prestige of the ESP Original series
Side-by-Side Comparison
 ESP LTD SN-1000HT Electric Guitar Fire... |  ESP LTD EC-01 Electric Guitar Black |  ESP E-II Eclipse FT Electric Guitar... |  ESP LTD Phoenix-1000 Quilted Maple Electric... |  ESP E-II Eclipse Electric Guitar Blue... |  ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric... | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EJ Score | 100 | 90 | 85 | 80 | 80 | 70 |
| Price | $1,399.00 | $1,099.00 | $2,899.00 | $1,199.00 | $2,899.00 | $1,289.31 |
The Bottom Line
That wraps up our picks for the esp guitars. Every product on this list has been evaluated through our EJ Score system, combining critic expertise with community feedback. Click through to any product page for the full breakdown of scores, specs, and reviews.