ESP USA M-II NTB Neck Thru w/ EMG's – Neptune Blue Satin

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?

Over the past few days, I’ve had the pleasure of playing a bunch of ESP USA guitars we have in stock. And while they are all exceptional instruments, there will always be a few that stand out. This M-II NTB is one of those. Maybe it’s the striking Neptune Blue Satin finish, or the reverse headstock, or maybe the recessed tune-o-matic style bridge. I’m not sure if it’s any one thing, but this M-II is most excellent indeed.

As I mentioned above, this M-II NTB 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. This is a guitar I could easily see myself owning, but sadly, I’ll have to pass it along to one of you. And whoever you are, I’m jealous!

How Does It Play?

The string action sits right at 4/64” across all strings measured at the 12^th 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.   

Weight 7lb 13.7oz

The ESP USA form fit hard case pictured is included!

Specifications

BODY

BODY WOOD: Mahogany

BODY TOP: N/A

BODY THICKNESS: 45mm

BODY BINDING: N/A

BODY FINISH: Satin

NECK CONSTRUCTION: Neck-Thru

NECK

NECK WOOD TYPE: 3Pc Maple

FINGERBOARD: Ebony

BINDING: White

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: Solid Color

HEAD CAP Binding: White

TRUSS ROD: 2 Way Adjustable

HARDWARE

BRIDGE: TonePros T3BT

TUNERS: Gotoh Magnum Lock

STRAP BUTTONS: Dunlop Straplock

COLOR: Black

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 SUP LITE (.009-.042)

CASE: ESP USA Form Fit