Today the Horizon I joined it's cousin from Japan, an ESP Vintage Four. It was a happy reunion for all involved. The Vintage Four is fantastic and I expect I'll soon come to the same conclusion about the Horizon I.
The cousins both sport PJ pickups, but the Horizon is active and the Vintage Four passive.
The Horizon's controls are a bit confusing. The ESP site suggests neck volume and bridge volume, plus a 2 band EQ. In fact I think it's a master volume, a blend knob, and the EQ knobs. At any rate I've been able to dial in a variety of tones that make me happy.
The neck on the Horizon is a winner: slim, fast.
The ebony fingerboard contrasts nicely with the finish, which I suppose originally was pearl white but is now more of a yellow tone.
I'm far from the first person to observe that Japanese ESP quality is first rate in all respects. I've mentioned the fingerboard already, and the ESP-branded bridge is a standout. The pickups are ESP-branded as well; so far, so good.
Japanese ESPs are scarce in the U.S.--even in large cities--but are well-worth seeking out. Oddly enough, though scarce, I thought my two basses were both excellent values for the prices I paid. Perhaps the large volume of LTD basses available everywhere drives down the perceived value of the 'real' ESP models.
The cousins both sport PJ pickups, but the Horizon is active and the Vintage Four passive.
The Horizon's controls are a bit confusing. The ESP site suggests neck volume and bridge volume, plus a 2 band EQ. In fact I think it's a master volume, a blend knob, and the EQ knobs. At any rate I've been able to dial in a variety of tones that make me happy.
The neck on the Horizon is a winner: slim, fast.
The ebony fingerboard contrasts nicely with the finish, which I suppose originally was pearl white but is now more of a yellow tone.
I'm far from the first person to observe that Japanese ESP quality is first rate in all respects. I've mentioned the fingerboard already, and the ESP-branded bridge is a standout. The pickups are ESP-branded as well; so far, so good.
Japanese ESPs are scarce in the U.S.--even in large cities--but are well-worth seeking out. Oddly enough, though scarce, I thought my two basses were both excellent values for the prices I paid. Perhaps the large volume of LTD basses available everywhere drives down the perceived value of the 'real' ESP models.
