View Full Version : Horizon NT-II
Lately I've been looking at the Brown NT-II very closely. Seems like a great guitar - except that there's no OFR, and has the gotohs instead of sperzels. Like the fact it has 24 frets and ebony and passive PUPs - anyone have input on this model from a playing standpoint? I'm looking at the M-II as well but there are some very different things about each model and I can't get both right now.....
Pushead
09-24-2007, 07:36 PM
I dig mine. The neck is bigger than my M-II. Playability wise, they're pretty even.
I think it comes down to if you want a Floyd or not. There are some minor things, but they're both great guitars. If you have specific questions, ask.
I swear to god I just can't seem to find that one guitar that has everything that I want without having to spend over 2K. There's always something that I wish was different - it's nice to have multiple guitars, but it's also nice to have that one guitar that has everything that you want period and I'll be damned if I can find it.
Pushead
09-24-2007, 08:00 PM
What is it you're looking for?
Well I'd like my next guitar to be a ESP (I've had LTDs)
I do tend to favor OFR; 24 frets; and preferably set neck; and now I'm getting back into passive PUPs; fretboard can be anything though I have my preferences there as well; and prefer separate vol and tone controls; I like graphite nuts as well (but mostly bone with ESPs which is not a deal breaker)and trying to keep it all under 2K. and other minor details
Pushead
09-24-2007, 08:13 PM
Try Carvin then. Though you'll probably want to change pickups.
Yeah - I had a Carvin DC127 with all the bells and whistles (OFR, 24 frets, ebony board, sperzels, quilt top, etc.) for a law school grad present to myself. Eventually I had the PUPs changed to EMG 81/85 (though the stocks weren't bad - now I'm leaning back toward passives - I've been playing actives for so long now and I'm sick of them and never really liked them as much).
It probably was the best guitar I ever had (though the PUP selector switch was never right in the damn thing) - but sold it a couple years back. I have played OFRs plenty, but that guitar had the best OFR I've ever seen. That f--ker just never went out of tune.
I just did not want to go that route again - I wanted something different plus even there they have limits on wat you can do - the saga continues. Plus I get something I want - then I don't want it anymore - I hate people like that. :(
Gfunk
09-25-2007, 08:18 AM
Well I'd like my next guitar to be a ESP (I've had LTDs)
I do tend to favor OFR; I like graphite nuts as well (but mostly bone with ESPs which is not a deal breaker)and trying to keep it all under 2K. and other minor details
What does it matter if the nut is bone or graphite if you want a Floyd? Regardless, your options are limited. You can order a custom, but it taint gonna be under $2K. You can keep your eye on ebay to see if an old school Horizon is listed with similar features you desire, or you could check into getting an export model. This one is fairly close, and I think its tits:
http://www.espguitars.co.jp/oversea/standard_gt/images/hra_fr2_r.jpg
Or you could ditch the Floyd option and get the one available in the US. I love mine. Its was the catalyst for my Horizon Homo-dom. Here is mine before it was refinished:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/Gfunkhb175/Miscpictures136.jpg
Its the one on top. Sorry I don't have any pics by itself.
JonCurcio
09-25-2007, 01:29 PM
I have mixed feelings about my NT-II. It definitely feels like quality, and that's one thing I was looking for. Here are my personal pros and cons based on what I like...
PROS:
-- It has a crisp and lively tone
-- It's beautiful and well-crafted (nice accurate, smaller Horizon body unlike LTD)
-- It's comfortable and very light weight
-- The neck is nice and thin (I was surprised by this as it's thinner than my MH-250NT and close to my H-300).
-- The truss rod nut on ESPs is a much better design than the LTDs and other guitars I own
CONS:
-- The nut slots were a bit high for my liking and the Gotoh bridge slots were unfiled and were only starter slots. This is basically what you get when ordering the bridge from Stew Mac for example. Because of this I've had to do some setup work.
-- The nut width is 1 5/8. I should have really looked at this more closely before ordering. I had assumed that the ESPs were all 1 11/16 and up. I have small hands, but I'm not a fan of narrow nut widths.
-- The body binding looks great, but it also makes the guitar less comfortable against my arm.
-- I'm in the minority here, but I'm not a fan of locking tuners.
-- While ebony boards look nice, I'm not a huge fan of the super slick feel
-- Control pots wiggle and feel cheap, tried tightening but still a bit loose
-- The JB seems a bit too bright and shrill in this guitar which has a lot of maple...
I don't know if that's helpful, but those are my thoughts...
Thrashman
09-25-2007, 03:08 PM
If the pots wiggle after tightening, you forgot to tighten them up somewhere, I'm sure.. And most of those cons are just your personal preference :| Just saying, good of you being picky though :)
Thanks for all the input. I know at the end of the day I just have to nut up and make a damn decision myself. Just not ready yet I guess. But it is a little concerning hearing about some of the quality issues. I know just about every guitar has some, but still not something you like to hear. The PUPs seem to get mixed reviews which is going to happen anyway if enough people weigh in. I've never actually played that configuration before.
I 'd agree that red one is definitely "tits". (the other is very nice as well -definitely enjoy the horizon shape)....and the search continues
Gfunk
09-25-2007, 07:09 PM
But it is a little concerning hearing about some of the quality issues. I know just about every guitar has some, but still not something you like to hear.
I did not experience any "quality issues" with me NT-II.
JonCurcio, the Trashman makes a good point in that it seems your "cons" are mainly preferences rather than quality issues.
Regardless, I am "pro" Horizon.
:)
nileguy
09-25-2007, 08:28 PM
I did not experience any "quality issues" with me NT-II.
JonCurcio, the Trashman makes a good point in that it seems your "cons" are mainly preferences rather than quality issues.
Regardless, I am "pro" Horizon.
:)
agreed...and I also had not a single one of these issues. The issues of which any GOOD dealer should have noted and fixed before said customer arrived...but anyway.
I wish the f--ker had an OFR, and we probably wouldn't be having this discussion. I just know that I'll be pissed if I pull the trigger on it b/c after I get it I'll be wishing it had the floyd and it's not something that I'd want to mod on this guitar.
nileguy
09-25-2007, 09:32 PM
I would say that instead of pulling any trigger, you pick up the phone...talk to some dealers and see if one will pull in an FR-II for you. It's in the export catalog and sometimes you can get things from there here. I know it can be done because I was a dealer. I pulled in white Ninjas, blue Horizon NTII's, Urban Camo stuff and some other things...
So poke around man. Dont be so quick to "settle" for a guitar and don;t do it if you aint sure.
Thanks. Yeah, I'm taking my time as I can't keep buying and selling; it's a pain in the ass (not to mention of loss of $$). I've get to get what I want (within reasonable cash of course).
JonCurcio
09-25-2007, 11:04 PM
If you look at my post you'll see me say "Here are my personal pros and cons based on what I like."
KH Guitar Freak
09-26-2007, 12:28 AM
I quite like the 1 5/8th of an inch nut width to be honest...
Now ESP has to churn out TWO types of Horizon to make everyone happy... :p
Gfunk
09-26-2007, 04:17 AM
If you look at my post you'll see me say "Here are my personal pros and cons based on what I like."
Point taken.
:)
FloydNL
09-26-2007, 08:52 AM
I played a FR-II once and I loved it! Brilliant guitar, love the bridge pickup, Duncan SH-4b or something like that. Had lots of power, but at the aame time the notes where perfectly clean and you could here every note, whcih isn't the case of all pickups (EMG 60 in the neck, anyone?)...
I'd say, try to find a FR-II somewhere, try it, buy it and lots of pics ;)
[NEX]
09-26-2007, 06:19 PM
I played a FR-II once and I loved it! Brilliant guitar, love the bridge pickup, Duncan SH-4b or something like that. Had lots of power, but at the aame time the notes where perfectly clean and you could here every note, whcih isn't the case of all pickups (EMG 60 in the neck, anyone?)...
I'd say, try to find a FR-II somewhere, try it, buy it and lots of pics ;)
+2
The Horizon FR-II is a hell of a guitar, its almost perfect in every aspect I must say, specially in black with white body binding, I know a couple of persons that decided on it and have it as they main ax for years. They have even stopped looking for other kind of guitars. You should really try to get it if you're into horizons (or the Emppu Vuorinen model but thats harder to find)
Yes, listening to all of you, I think the FR-II might be right up my alley - I have to confess that I did not realize that it was possibly available...now if I can swing the price (but that's my problem). I have seen pics of the deep blue quilt and what appears to be flamed black-blue aqua; it supposedly comes in other colors (see thru black, black cherry, and dark brown sunburst which I assume is the same/similar as the NT-II on the ESP site) but don't know for sure.
Now, I'll just have to see if I can get one domestically (US)........
Might be easier to just get a US Jackson SL2H, but I don't care for most of the colors I've seen and I'd rather have the ESP.
[NEX]
09-26-2007, 09:17 PM
Might be easier to just get a US Jackson SL2H, but I don't care for most of the colors I've seen and I'd rather have the ESP.
man lightning sky FTW
Just doesn't do it for me (I don't want anything too overstated in terms of graphics or paint jobs). Not even sure how crazy I am about the sharkfin inlays.
JMad81
09-27-2007, 06:30 AM
Get an NTII even though it doesnt have a OFR. I love mine as it is one of the best guitars ive ever played.
I have not ruled that out yet (but still don't know if I can handle having it without the OFR)
nileguy
09-27-2007, 09:22 PM
Might be easier to just get a US Jackson SL2H, but I don't care for most of the colors I've seen and I'd rather have the ESP.
the SL2H is a bit different from the Horizon... I have both and prefer the Horizon more because of the arched top. Just more comfy to me. The SL2H belongs to my girl, and has the same pickups as my NT-II so it's a good comparison...
Here's our SL2H...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/ankhnaten/Picture022z.jpg
Nileguy:
"the SL2H is a bit different from the Horizon... I have both and prefer the Horizon more because of the arched top. Just more comfy to me. The SL2H belongs to my girl, and has the same pickups as my NT-II so it's a good comparison..."
Lucky bastard :o
It's funny, I was looking at both of these models today online and toggling back and forth between both and that is one thing I was discussing with myself - the fact that I like the arch top of the Horizon a bit better than the Jackson body style. A little more stylish and seems that it would be more confortable (as you stated yourself). But also noticed the similarity in PUPs as well as some of the other details of each model.
(I still think I am going to have a hard time getting a new Horizon FR-II in the states and the cost will be more than the Jackson.) I think I could swing the $2k (approx.) for the Jackson obviously easier than what the cost of the FR-II would be (which I am not even sure what it would cost). Plus I would like to get a USA guitar.
I do like the flame blue Jackson (would like it better with blackburst edges and a fret marker on the 24th fret of the fretboard).
Is the neck on the Jackson as good as they say?
Thanks for the continued input.
nileguy
09-27-2007, 10:00 PM
Lucky bastard :o
It's funny, I was looking at both of these models today online and toggling back and forth between both and that is one thing I was discussing with myself - the fact that I like the arch top of the Horizon a bit better than the Jackson body style. A little more stylish and seems that it would be more confortable (as you stated yourself). But also noticed the similarity in PUPs as well as some of the other details of each model.
(I still think I am going to have a hard time getting a new Horizon FR-II in the states and the cost will be more than the Jackson.) I think I could swing the $2k (approx.) for the Jackson obviously easier than what the cost of the FR-II would be (which I am not even sure what it would cost). Plus I would like to get a USA guitar.
I do like the flame blue Jackson (would like it better with blackburst edges and a fret marker on the 24th fret of the fretboard).
Is the neck on the Jackson as good as they say?
Thanks for the continued input.
the neck is, well... A Jackson compound radius neck like all of them. They all kinda feel the same to me from a KV to a Soloist to a Jackson whatever...
It's a cool guitar. I won't bag on it too much, but I like the Horizon better..lol You posted in the other thread that you had a MH-1000...that's a Floyded archtop. So size and shape-wise you'll be comfy on the NT-II/FR-II.
Ok - I had a Jackson DKMG at one point in time and I actually thought that was a pretty good guitar - even the licensed floyd was pretty damn good and the neck was nice (for a guitar of that price range). But I am thinking that the SL2H is far superior in many respects.
And hey, the Horizon is my choice over the Jackson as well, but for reasons already explained, I am still considering the SL2H as a possible viable alternative (or maybe I could be like you and have both.......that would sort of solve my problems :rolleyes:)
nileguy
09-27-2007, 10:11 PM
:):):):):)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/ankhnaten/100_9721.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/ankhnaten/100_9720.jpg
nileguy
09-27-2007, 10:13 PM
Ok - I had a Jackson DKMG at one point in time and I actually thought that was a pretty good guitar - even the licensed floyd was pretty damn good and the neck was nice (for a guitar of that price range). But I am thinking that the SL2H is far superior in many respects.
And hey, the Horizon is my choice over the Jackson as well, but for reasons already explained, I am still considering the SL2H as a possible viable alternative (or maybe I could be like you and have both.......that would sort of solve my problems :rolleyes:)
I know a great guy to call if you want the SL... He'll hook ya' up and save ya' some $$$. I also know my former shop is still a dealer for ESP, but don't know if they'll get you the FR-II...
I know a great guy to call if you want the SL... He'll hook ya' up and save ya' some $$$. I also know my former shop is still a dealer for ESP, but don't know if they'll get you the FR-II...
ok thanks. Maybe you could send me that info? Just in case?
But.....
Damn, the Horizon is just a nicer looking guitar IMO (the SL is nice, but the Horizon :D
Guess you like blue...Mostly see the brownburst (NT-II) currently which I do like as well - but still minus the OFR
nileguy
09-27-2007, 10:29 PM
ok thanks. Maybe you could send me that info? Just in case?
But.....
Damn, the Horizon is just a nicer looking guitar IMO (the SL is nice, but the Horizon :D
Guess you like blue...Mostly see the brownburst (NT-II) currently which I do like as well - but still minus the OFR
No, I don't like blue all that much. Outta all my guitars, maybe 4 or 5 are blue... In the case of the Horizon, I just like it more than the brown sunburst...lol
I never used to like brown; but it has started to grow om me, guess just getting tired of black....but I go back and forth which I hate about myself - nice to have variety if you can
nileguy
09-27-2007, 10:40 PM
check your pm's man... I'm outta here, but I gave ya' a good number. Nite man!
shakeESP
09-28-2007, 02:06 AM
seems your "cons" are mainly preferences rather than quality issues.
Definately, that is just someone's picky response and those don't count as cons.
There are no quality issues what so ever, it's an awsome solid guitar and plays real nice. I personally swapped out the pickups for BKPs, but everyone has their preference, I didn't think the JB/59 combo was bad, I just preferred the BKPs over them.
Trust me, you'll love the guitar if you get it. You can't go wrong with any ESP really.
Ravens Creed
09-28-2007, 07:43 AM
The most versatile guitar I've ever played is my '96 PRS Custom 22 with original Dragon pups. You can get any sound from it just about (splitting coils helps with versatility I suppose, especially when you can phase them). But finding one in that price range is tricky. Not impossible though.
Horizon is a wonderful guitar though. Better than an SL2? Hmmmm.... its a good comparison. Add a Caparison TAT to that and you cant go wrong with any of the three.
.
Gfunk
09-30-2007, 08:00 AM
http://i1.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/b9/a6/ad96_3.JPG
NT-2FR (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330171255324&indexURL=1&photoDisplayType=2#ShippingPayment)
Xochitl
10-04-2007, 03:13 AM
Definately, that is just someone's picky response and those don't count as cons.
There are no quality issues what so ever, it's an awsome solid guitar and plays real nice. I personally swapped out the pickups for BKPs, but everyone has their preference, I didn't think the JB/59 combo was bad, I just preferred the BKPs over them.
Trust me, you'll love the guitar if you get it. You can't go wrong with any ESP really.
What BKP's did you chose? What were you aiming at (sound wise)?
It seems like they're going to be the next trendy small pup company! :) But the upcharge is quite heavy! :| Do you really hear and feel the difference with SD or other big names?
BTW, I'm gasing about black covered Warpigs inside a Black Horizon NT. :hat
Anyway, not to be way off topic , I would say that the SD 59 in the NT-II is a great combination.
slash1970
10-08-2007, 02:58 AM
Hey guys, I have owned a Horizon FR-II (STBC) for coming up to 2 years and can honestly say out of all the guitars i have owned, which includes gibsons, fenders, a dean, LTD's, a KH-3 CS, the FR-II is my favourite. There was just something about it that screamed quality at me when i first played one, the neck and finish just blew me away. I have never encountered any problems with it, be they quality or set up issues, also the floyd is excellent. It is a very versatile guitar and the pickups allow you many different sounds through the push-push coil tap. I love the pickups, they aren't as gain happy as EMG's but are very clear and do give you a clear crisp tone, almost strat like on the single coil settings. I own guitars with both active and passive pickups and like them both equally, but if i had to choose... i would personally go with the passives, but that is personal preference. I had to wait three months to get it here in the U.K because it wasn't in stock but it was more than worth the wait.
I reckon it might be worth seeing if you can get one ordered in for you, it's a lovely guitar, you don't want to settle for a guitar of this value that doesn't have what you really want, at least find out if it's an option to get one.
Good luck man
Armitage
10-08-2007, 05:10 PM
http://i1.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/b9/a6/ad96_3.JPG
I wish I could get on with that headstock around here. I hate the gumby one in North America.
jay_p
10-13-2007, 01:38 PM
is it possible to order a nt II FR with the color of the nt II fm (sunburst) ??:D
vBulletin® v3.7.0, Copyright ©2000-2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.