ESP Eclipse guys: set neck vs set-thru?

[cardinal]

I figure there are some Eclipse fans here.

I have two Eclipses with the square-heel "set neck" which is like a normal Gibson; the tenon is more narrow than the fretboard and extends into the neck pickup cavity. Im totally comfortable with these: they feel fine and the construction method obviously has been around since the LP has existed.

Im looking at another with the "set thru" joint: the tenon seems to be as wide as the entire fretboard and the heel is cut away substantially. This guitar has the thinner body (like a normal Eclipse). This joint I guess makes me nervous? There would seem to be less of the body surrounding the neck tenon?

Or am I being ridiculous? Anyone with long term experience with the set-thru Eclipses?

 

[Bro KV]

@Pushead

He has a couple Eclipses

 

[cardinal]

No one? I'm presumably worried about nothing. The ESP set thru joint certainly looks more substantial than something like the PRS Singlecut joint, which leaves a much thinner piece of body behind the neck and apparently is just fine.

 

[Pushead]

vs

(For those who aren't familiar with the new ESP neck joint)

Yeah, I don't mind the "old" style. Maybe it's because I grew up playing Gibsons. I've had two with the newer joint and they feel really solid. I've had the neck pickup out on the newer style and I believe (but can't remember because I'm old) that the neck runs deeper into the body than the old style.

I haven't run into any issues, but I also don't have any definitive construction differences to offer as proof. What I will say is that the guitar from the new heel photo was made in their custom shop for their 2017 NAMM exhibition series.

 

[cardinal]

vs

(For those who aren't familiar with the new ESP neck joint)

Yeah, I don't mind the "old" style. Maybe it's because I grew up playing Gibsons. I've had two with the newer joint and they feel really solid. I've had the neck pickup out on the newer style and I believe (but can't remember because I'm old) that the neck runs deeper into the body than the old style.

I haven't run into any issues, but I also don't have any definitive construction differences to offer as proof. What I will say is that the guitar from the new heel photo was made in their custom shop for their 2017 NAMM exhibition series.

Nice! Yours have the four control knobs too, which I prefer.

So it sounds like either neck joint is fine. I don't really need the better fret access but it looks like there's enough wood behind the joint either way.

 

[Pushead]

Yeah man, I wouldn't worry about it. I think they're plenty strong. They've used this joint on set-through necks since 2014 or 2015.

The blue Eclipse is a 4-knob. I have a few of them. I prefer the horn shape on those guitars. I have no idea why, but you can't argue with GAS.

 

[thegame]

Yeah man, I wouldn't worry about it. I think they're plenty strong. They've used this joint on set-through necks since 2014 or 2015.

The blue Eclipse is a 4-knob. I have a few of them. I prefer the horn shape on those guitars. I have no idea why, but you can't argue with GAS.

The one on the right is possibly the hottest LP style axe I've ever seen. Wow!

 

[Pushead]

Flamed koa, it's quite striking in person. The ESP Custom Shop knows how to build a fine guitar. I'm quite happy with the standard series Eclipses I have, but I couldn't pass up the deal when this one popped up.

 

[Bash_Man]

Beautiful. Are these the full thickness body or the "slimmer" body models?

 

[cardinal]

Yeah man, I wouldn't worry about it. I think they're plenty strong. They've used this joint on set-through necks since 2014 or 2015.

The blue Eclipse is a 4-knob. I have a few of them. I prefer the horn shape on those guitars. I have no idea why, but you can't argue with GAS.

Beautiful. I have a Standard Series CTM with that rounder horn and four knobs. I prefer that look and knob arraignment.

I also have an MA-CTM, which is essentially a Kiso Eclipse with the sharper horn and three knobs. Interesting how such similar guitars feel and sound rather different, but both are great.

 

[Pushead]

Both of the guitars pictured here are the traditional/thin bodies, but I have a pair of the full thickness models, as well.

I kinda have a lot of Eclipses. It's a problem.

 

[Bro KV]

Both of the guitars pictured here are the traditional/thin bodies, but I have a pair of the full thickness models, as well.

I kinda have a lot of Eclipses. It's a problem.

When I said you have a couple, that was tongue-in-cheek

 

[Bash_Man]

Both of the guitars pictured here are the traditional/thin bodies, but I have a pair of the full thickness models, as well.

I kinda have a lot of Eclipses. It's a problem.

aside from weight difference between thin body and full thickness models, do you notice anything else different with playability or sound/tone?

 

[Pushead]

The weight difference isn't all that great. I have traditional thickness Eclipses that range from 7bs 6oz up to 8lbs 10oz. Both of the FTs are 8lbs 12oz. That's lighter by almost 2lbs than any of my Gibsons.

The FT guitars have a bit more lower mids, so they sound a bit fuller. I've had a set of Gibson Burstbuckers in one before and they sound more like a Les Paul than the traditional thickness Eclipses, but really, they all sound pretty close.

I had a SD Pegasus/Sentient set that came with a traditional thickness Eclipse and the Pegasus like it lacked bottom end in that guitar, but in the FT, it really shines.