The Guitar Player's Resource
James Hetfield doesn't endorse pickups casually. The EMG Het Set represents decades of refining exactly what aggressive rhythm playing demands - tight low-end response, focused midrange attack, and enough output to drive tube amps into controlled chaos without sacrificing note definition during those lightning-fast downstroke gallops that define Metallica's signature sound.
This 2023 ESP Eclipse CTM DB houses that exact pickup combination in Japanese-crafted luxury that proves factory guitars can rival custom shop quality through obsessive attention to detail. That Cast Metal Gold finish over double-bound Honduran mahogany body with maple cap creates visual presence worthy of stadium stages, while the construction delivers tonal foundations warm enough for melodic passages yet tight enough for palm-muted precision that separates professional-grade instruments from weekend warrior gear.
ESP's Original Series represents their commitment to premium construction before pricing concerns enter the conversation. That set-neck Honduras mahogany construction with bound ebony fingerboard provides playing surfaces smoother than silk, while those mother-of-pearl flag inlays and luminlay side markers offer both visual appeal and practical navigation during dimly-lit performance situations.
The thin U neck profile measuring .809 inches at the first fret growing to .881 at the twelfth strikes that perfect balance between substantial feel and comfortable reach. That 305mm radius keeps things relatively flat for technical work, while 22 extra-jumbo frets provide consistent response across the entire range.
The hardware appointments tell you everything about ESP's philosophy: Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad tuners with keystone heads, TonePros T3BT locking bridge, carbon fiber nut, and Gotoh 510FA tailpiece all finished in cosmo black. These aren't budget compromises - they're components selected specifically for mechanical reliability that won't fail during crucial performance moments.
At 8 pounds 11 ounces with 24.75-inch scale length, this Eclipse delivers serious presence without punishing your back during extended sessions. Sometimes the finest instruments come from builders who understand that premium quality doesn't require custom shop wait times or boutique pricing.
Specs
Brand: ESP
Model: Original Series CTM Eclipse CTM DB
Year: 2023
Finish Type: Polyurethane
Finish: Cast Metal Gold
Country: Japan
Serial: E7911232
Condition: Mint
Weight: 8lbs 11oz
Body Type: Solid
Body Wood: Honduran Mahogany
Top Wood: Maple Cap
Body Binding: Double Bound Multi-Ply White
Scale Length: 24.75"
Neck Joint: Set
Neck Wood: Honduras Mahogany
Neck Finish: Satin Matching
Neck Binding: White
Finger Board: Ebony
Headstock: Bound/Color Matched
Neck Radius: 305mm
Neck Profile: Thin U
Neck Thickness@ 1st Fret: .809"
Neck Thickness@ 12th Fret: .881"
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Flag
Side Markers: Luminlay
Nut: Carbon Fiber
Nut Width: 42mm
Frets: 22 Extra Jumbo
Pickup Config: HH
Neck Pickup: EMG Het Set
Bridge Pickup: EMG Het Set
Switch Arrangement: 3-Way Toggle Switch
Pot Arrangement: 2 Volume, 1 Tone
Hardware: Cosmo Black
Tuning Machines: Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad with Keystone heads
Strap Buttons: ESP Locking (Strap Locks Included)
Bridge: Tone Pros Tone Pros T3BT & GOTOH 510FA
Knobs: Cosmo Black Knurled Dome
Other Features: COA & Original Case Candy
String Gauge: 10-46
Case: Original Hard Shell Case
