I'm not sure if you're specifically referring to slightly older models or if this is intended to include modern guitars, but ESP's current lineup does have models that buck both of these trends. The vintage black e-2 eclipse, along with the red and purple sparkle, have the thinner body but are double bound. There is also an e-2 in the black-natural burst finish that is a full thickness model but has the belly cut. Just some things to be aware of.
I have two of the full thickness ESP Eclipses. I really like them but one thing really bugs me. Compared to my Les Pauls, acoustically, they aren't very resonant. I know you could argue it's irrelevant when they're plugged in but I wonder what it is. The polyurethane finish? The material used for the bridge? They sound so dead acoustically. They all have the exact same setup and action as well.
In ESP fanatics FB page, IG, and ESP forum, there is a guy name Pushead. He is an eclipse lover and writes comprehensive guide about eclipse in ESP forum. He also compares normal and full thickness eclipse with LP. Your video makes his explanation clearer.
Nowadays every full thickness Eclipses has only 1 binding, belly curve and have set thru-neck. Nowadays, only set-neck Eclipses have double binding, and they don't exist in full thickness version, so there is no Eclipses full thickness with double binding for now. The full thickness of your video is a Eclipse-I (big horn, 4 knobs), it is not available anymore because it was illegal in the West (USA, Europe), so they stop it completely. The other one is an Eclipse-II (small horn, 3 knobs), this is the current Eclipse model.
I'm curious as to if this was the Eclipse I used to own. I sold it around 2015. It had BKP pickups I put in (Black Dog/Mule). The reason I ask is that all white Eclipses had black knobs, and I changed mine to the gold knobs, which I never saw an Eclipse have, along with the fact these used to ship with EMGs - again the fact it's gold covers, which become more the norm after they changed to EII. Although, it may have been a JB/59 in, as my white thinner model had those, so may just have a bad memory. Just looks identical to the one I owned. And the fact it's in the UK. I'm just curious, ha
Hey Keith, how are you. Hope all is great. Are you talking about ESP only, or also the LTD range. I have 2 identical LTDs, one is a EC1000T-CTM and the other is a EC401-VF. The first has back binding the other doesn't. But both are a tiny bit over 2" thick and without a belly cut. Take care and be safe !
With more mass/weight on a mahogany, you will have more natural resonance and sustain and generally a warmer tone. Will it be noticeable playing heavily distorted/processed guitars? Probably not
