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ESP M-II Ctm Fr Black Aqua C-Burst vs Gibson Joe Perry "Gold Rush" Les Paul Axcess - Signed, Aged Antique Gold (Aged Brown/Pink Reissue 5-Latch Case Included), Signed/Aged Antique Gold

The verdict

The ESP M-II Ctm Fr Black Aqua C-Burst comes out ahead overall — 85 to 76 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

ESP M-II Ctm Fr Black Aqua C-Burst wins on
  • Better build (98 vs 91)
  • Better playability (81 vs 75)
  • Better sound (82 vs 66)
  • Better value (75 vs 65)
Gibson Joe Perry "Gold Rush" Les Paul Axcess - Signed, Aged Antique Gold (Aged Brown/Pink Reissue 5-Latch Case Included), Signed/Aged Antique Gold wins on
  • Lower price ($7,499 vs $7,799)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricM-II Ctm Fr Black Aqua C-BurstJoe Perry "Gold Rush" Les Paul Axcess - Signed, Aged Antique Gold (Aged Brown/Pink Reissue 5-Latch Case Included), Signed/Aged Antique Gold
Overall8576
Build9891
Playability8175
Sound8266
Value7565

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecM-II Ctm Fr Black Aqua C-BurstJoe Perry "Gold Rush" Les Paul Axcess - Signed, Aged Antique Gold (Aged Brown/Pink Reissue 5-Latch Case Included), Signed/Aged Antique Gold
BrandESPGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years
CountryJPUS
Body woodHonduras Mahogany1-Piece Mahogany
Neck wood3Pc MapleSolid Mahogany
FretboardEbonyIndian Rosewood
Strings66
Frets2422
Scale25.5"24.75"
PickupsEMG 66TW Brushed Black Chrome Direct Mount *(Pull Tone for Single Coil Mode) / EMG 57TW Brushed Black Chrome Direct Mount *(Pull Volume for Single Coil Mode)498T 4-Conductor
Rating
Price$7,799$7,499
BridgeFloyd Rose OriginalWilkinson/Gotoh VS100N Tremolo
Bridge pickupEMG 57TW Brushed Black Chrome Direct Mount *(Pull Volume for Single Coil Mode)498T 4-Conductor
CaseMH Guitar Form Fit CaseAged Brown/Pink Reissue 5-Latch
Case IncludedY
CoaY
ConstructionSet-Thru
ControlsVolume(Push/Pull)/Tone(Push/Pull)/3-way Switch1 Volume, 1 Tone with Push/Pull Coil Splitter
FinishBlack Aqua C-BurstChrome
Fretboard radius305mm304.8mm / 12.0in
HardwareBlack Nickel
Neck pickupEMG 66TW Brushed Black Chrome Direct Mount *(Pull Tone for Single Coil Mode)
Neck profileThin U
NutLockingChrome-plated Brass Precision Roller Nut
Nut width42mm42.85mm / 1.69in
Scale length25.5"628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap ButtonESP Strap Lock
Top woodSolid Flamed Maple2-Piece Plain Maple
TunersGotoh LockingGrover Kidney
AccessoriesCertificate of Authenticity Booklet, Tremolo Arm
Back1-Piece Mahogany
BindingCream
Body FinishGloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeLes Paul
Body StylesLes Paul,Single Cut
Control CoversBlack
Control KnobsGold Top Hats
End Of Board Width56.89mm / 2.24in
Fretboard inlayPearloid Trapezoid
Fret Count22
JointLong Tenon, Axcess Contour Heel
ModelLPJXASAGNH1
Mounting RingsCream
Output JackSwitchcraft
PickguardNone
Pickup CoversChrome
Pickup SelectorNone
ProfileArtist Profile
Strap ButtonsAluminum
String gauges.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
TailpieceWilkinson/Gotoh VS100N Tremolo
Truss rodClassic
Truss Rod CoverJoe Perry Signature
Tuner PlatingChrome
Weight ReliefNone

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