ESP Stephen Carpenter B7 2007

Features

The ESP B7 is a seven string baritone with an alder body, maple neck, and ebony fret board. Made in Japan. The 24 fret board has no inlays, jumbo frets, and binding with dots. It is string through body with chrome tonepros locking bridge, graphite nut, and chrome Gotoh tuners.

The B7 employs two EMG 81 pickups with 3 way switching, volume, and tone. It has a bottom side jack and weighs about 5 pounds.


Sound

Tuned B E A D G B E it sounds deep and tight. The active EMG 81's are perfect for the alder/ebony combination. Being a baritone you worry about muddiness but the EMG's hold tight. The tones are amazing for a rock guitar finding the cleans ringing out true.

Is this an all around guitar? No... This guitar is made for blistering metal! You can hang with the blues crowd but this is no Fender.

Action, Fit & Finish

The B7 came with low action but I lowered it more. I did I full inspection and did not find one thing wrong. The finish is perfect! The workmanship is equal to or better then PRS "Top Ten" guitars. I am impressed on how well ESP made this guitar. The only thing that is cheap about the whole guitar is the switch feels spongy.

The neck is a Thin U but it feels like a Fender Strat. I gave the fit a 4 because the lower horn is too long. When you play or shred your wrist will hit it when you go high. It is very annoying. Plus the neck could be a little thinner.

Overall Rating

I love this guitar. Sure it could have a few differences but it still does what it advertises. I paid $2000 and it is worth about $1800 in reality. I play metal and the neck wants you to pinch harmonic shred. Would I sell it for a better 7 string? Nope! Even though this is made in Japan I would gladly place it next to any American made guitar.

Being a Hamer and PRS fan, ESP has impressed me. The no inlay and baritone takes time to get used too. Looking for a 7 string? Definitely check the B7 out.

dk