ESP Eclipse Choices

[ltdviper400]

Hey, I'm an ESP guy, and I want a new Eclipse, but I'm wondering which to get. I'm gonna get either an EC-500 (EMG's) or an EC-400VF(SD JB '59 Set). I play a lot of psychadelic, Hendrix, and occasionally some metal, so if anyone could give me an idea on which would be better for me, it would be highly appreciated.
-Thanks

ESP EC-400VF:
Set-Neck
Mahogany Body With Flamed Maple Top
TOM Bridge with Stopbar Tail
Seymour Duncan JB (Bridge) and '59 (Neck)
Vol/Vol/Tone and 3-Way Toggle

ESP EC-500:
Set-Neck
Mahogany Body
EMG 81 (Bridge) 60 (Neck) Active Set
TOM Bridge With Stopbar Tail
Vol/Vol/Tone and 3-Way Toggle

[elcid]

Id suggest playing both then deciding for yourself. If you cant do that go with the Duncans. Also theres a good chance you should get ready for a thread full of EMG bashing and atleast 3 posts that will say something to the effect that EMGs make every guitar sound the same and are too sterile.

[ltdviper400]

True, and thank you. I know how they feel, I've owned 2 in the past, but there's not an ESP Shop anywhere close to where I live, and the GuitarCenter's around don't carry ESP guitars, so I can't get a good idea on how they sound. Thanks for your input, and I already planned on EMG and ESP bashing.

[dragsternj]

i own the II with duncans 2/2 knob layout. More versatile than the EMG one. I love EMG's though. If you like hendrix you should be able to coil split. You can do that with the Duncans and just add different tone knob. Its still way enough for heavy stuff. Sounds awesome a half step down.

For your type of music i agree with Cid.

[scotte_za]

I've got a guitar with a JB/'59 set, and it's luverly

[humpy]

I have a Strat with the JB jr/ lil 59 combo which I really like and an Explorer with EMG 81/85. For your Hendrix / rock type stuff I'd say go with the Seymour set. To me they seem warmer than the EMGs and, anyway, the EMGs make every guitar sound the same and are too sterile.

[Rachmaninoff]

I'd go Duncans FTW!
JB/59 is an amazing pair.

[Howard Moon]

I would also go with the duncans-loaded model. I am a massive fan of ESP but am totally sick of EMGs. I like EMGs, I just wished ESP offered a wider range of options....

To my mind, the duncan combo is a more versatile set-up.

[akosunen]

I fully agree with going with the Duncans. Just replaced the EMG pickups from both of my superstrats to Duncan pairs (JB & '59 on ESP, Alternative 8 & Jazz on Jackson) and now they really sound like they should - punchy and crunchy, and clean and fat... splittable coils too - no going back I'm afraid.