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ESP USA M-II DX NT w/ EMG 81-X / 85-X & TOM Bridge – Sapphire Black Metallic
Information
Brand New with Warranty. We are an authorized ESP Dealer.
Like what you see? All photos are of the exact instrument you will receive.
In 2014, the ESP USA shop opened in North Hollywood CA to craft instruments that continue ESP’s highly acclaimed tradition of excellence in guitar building. If you’re looking for a guitar that offers the ultimate combination of build quality and playability of any instrument at any price — and is 100% Made in the USA — ESP USA is the right choice.
If this isn’t exactly the guitar you are looking for, let us know what you want and we’ll get you the best price on your custom build!
What Does Cam Think?
The M-II is my absolute favorite ESP model. Its flat top and classic design make it a very comfortable instrument to play and hold. This particular M-II features a hard-tail bridge, which I will get into more detail about shortly. It’s a rock-solid shredder that will compete with the best of them!
As I mentioned above, this M-II NT is sporting a recessed fixed bridge/ string through design. While sustain benefits are surely present, the benefit that most appeals to me might not be as obvious. With the recessed bridge design, the neck angle doesn’t have to be as pitched. This means that the strings come across the body at a straighter angle, and they can be closer to the body as a result. There isn’t an obvious angle like on a Les Paul or SG. It’s much closer to the feel of a recessed trem, but with the rock-solid stability of a fixed bridge. So, if you are used to how a Strat plays and feels under your right hand, this guitar will feel like home.
This M-II is equipped with a set of EMG 81X and 85X Active pickups. These differ from the standard 81/ 85 set by way of increased headroom across the board. This gives both pickups a more open and organic tone, with the clarity and consistency that you expect from active EMG’s.
The 81X in the bridge is one of the ‘easiest’ pickups I’ve had the pleasure of playing. It has a feel like no other, one that pushes your amp into harmonically rich destruction. That may be hyperbole, but truthfully, it feels and sounds noticeably more fluid as compared to many of the passive pickups I usually play. Lows are chunky, the highs are clear, and the mids are aggressive. Just what you want in a bridge pickup.
The neck pickup is liquid and smooth, but still clear. I can strum chords under heavy distortion without my tone turning to mush. This tone is very forgiving on lead lines. It's a set of actives that may change your mind if you are a passive pickup devotee.
How Does It Play?
The string action sits right at 4/64” on the low E string and just under 4/64” on the high E string, measured at the 12th fret. The Extra Thin U neck is a slim C shape to my hands. It’s slightly thinner than what you might find on a modern Fender. It’s fast and sleek but has plenty of material to remain comfortable if you don’t like thin necks. The satin finish feels great underneath your hand, and the stainless steel XJ Jescar frets make shredding effortless. The 12” radius is the perfect middle ground for low action and comfortable chording.
Weight: 8lb 2.2oz
The ESP USA form fit hard case pictured is included!
Specifications
BODY
BODY WOOD: Mahogany
BODY TOP: N/A
BODY BINDING: N/A
BODY FINISH: Gloss
NECK CONSTRUCTION: Bolt On
NECK
NECK WOOD TYPE: 3Pc Maple
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
BINDING: N/A
SCALE LENGTH: 25.5"
NUT WIDTH: 43mm
NUT TYPE: Bone
FINGERBOARD RADIUS: 305mm / 12”
CONTOUR: Extra Thin U
THICKNESS @ 1ST FRET: 19mm
THICKNESS @ 12TH FRET: 21mm
FRETS: 24 JESCAR FW57110 XJ Stainless
NECK FINISH: Satin
HEAD CAP: Matching
TRUSS ROD: 2 Way Adjustable
HARDWARE
BRIDGE: Recessed TonePros Locking TOM w/ String Thru Body
TUNERS: Gotoh Magnum Lock
STRAP BUTTONS: Dunlop Straplock
COLOR: Gold
ELECTRONICS
NECK PICKUP: EMG 85X
MIDDLE PICKUP: N/A
BRIDGE PICKUP: EMG 81X
CONTROLS: Volume, Tone, 3-Way Toggle
OTHER: Active Tone
MISC.
STRINGS: D'Addario NYXL REG LITE (.010-.046)
CASE: ESP USA Form Fit