LTD Eclipse '87. black, made in Korea 2019. ESP kicked off in the mid 70s doing custom electronics, Navigator branded guitars and mods, but things really kicked up a gear or three in the mid 80s when bands like Metallica and Dokken started using their stuff. It's not super common for Japanese companies to do reissue lines, but it sure is fun when they do. The 1987 series is a whole bunch of offerings from the OG 1987 catalog, which included the first iteration of the Eclipse: yep, it used to be a carved top Tele shape before it became the Les-ish thing we have today. It looks suitably mean: all black all the time, pointy headstock and a slick curved top with a bit of binding to spice up your life. The classic '59/JB pickup combo really delivers the goods: this has such a strong sound. The neck pickup is clear and full with a pleasing balance to it, while the bridge is angular and biting with a width and warmth to round things out convincingly. The neck is a super fast slim U shape, typical of ESP stuff, and the hardware all works nicely, so it feels slick and quick in the hands. LTD's Korean made stuff is always really solid, and this being a more deluxe offering really is very good. Guess what the top selling single in 1987 was? Yep, you're gonna have to use this fine guitar to learn the face melting riffs of Rick Astley's death metal classic 'Never Gonna Give You Up'... rock.

Model: LTD Eclipse '87
Made: Korea, 2019, WMI factory
Serial: W19111056
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: mahogany
Neck: maple, three piece, macassar ebony fretboard, 24.75" scale, 350mm radius
Weight: 3.670kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 and SH-4 JB humbuckers
Accessories: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the  top and bottom edges. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has minor scuffs on the top horn. bottom edge on the horn and near the cavity and elbow area, as well as some dimples along the back edge and belly carve. The sides have minor scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has minor dimples near the knobs, scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 strings in standard tuning.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only