ESP Eclipse Arch-Top, see-thru green, made in Japan 1998. Sometime in the last couple of years, I accidentally became an ESP-fanboy... heck, aren't I meant ot be a hipster with a green Strat? When you've had thousands of guitars through your hands over a couple of years, instruments made with this much love and care really stand out. The Eclipse is ESP's approximately Les Paul influenced model, although there's plenty of design differences. This one is a late 90s rarity: the Eclipse Arch Top, with a semi-hollow mahogany body and a bolt on neck. First up, it's light as a feather: a regular LP style guitar is around 4.5kg, but this weighs in at a welterweight 3.2kg... that'd be light for a Mustang or a Strat. Pairing the lightweight body with an easy-access neck joint and a slim, rounded super fast maple neck makes for a guitar that feels like it basically plays itself. It's fast and extremely touch-sensitive, ringing out enthusiastically with every note. The pickups are a whisker on the hot side, so this prefers rock over jazz, but it's articulate and clear enough to cover a heap of different genres. The semi-hollow construction adds midrange warmth and complexity, so this has a gorgeous breathy fullness that brings chords to life in shimmering detail. The finish is cool too, the dark forest green with the fine grain on show is very classy. Paired with the binding, flag inlays and the not-F hole, it looks super cool. I really like this one, it's a really enjoyable guitar in the hands. Long live ESP! 

Model: Eclipse Arch-Top
Made: Japan, 1998 approx (serial 30534)
Finish: 'see-thru green', gloss poly
Body: mahogany, chambered wings
Neck: maple, slim C shape, rosewood board, jumbo frets, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.270kg
Mods: none
Pickups: ESP LH-200 humbucker
Case: ESP padded gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs, most notably along the back edge, in the middle and on the top horn, but no major marks. The sides have dimples around the whole body as well as a few scuffs on the top horn and elbow area, nothing nasty. The front has some scuffs around the knobs and bridge, dimples in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets are in great order, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.