ESP Eclipse with passive pickups - tone compared to 'proper' Les Paul?

[13thSpider]

Hi all, first post here

I'm currently playing an Epiphone Les Paul Plustop Pro. I've played many guitars over the last few years and I've come to the conclusion that I'm definitely a Les Paul man in terms of both feel and sound.

Im planning on an upgrade soon and although I've always had my heart set on a Gibson the Esp E-ii Eclipse has also caught my eye as well. I mainly play rock/metal right from Pumpkins and Alice In Chains through to Lamb of God and Slayer. I'm also really getting into blues as well so it's not all about the heaviness these days.

Now obviously I'd love nothing more than to try the Esp side by side with a Gibson and decide but where I live is v limited for guitar shops so that's not an option.

I've looked on YouTube but the majority of vids of the Eclipse are with the EMG pickups but I'm interested in how an Eclipse with passive pickups sounds. Especially the clean tones compared directly to a Les Paul.

Does anyone here have experience of both a Gibson Les Paul and a passive Eclipse? I know they're not going to sound exactly the same but how close does the ESP come to that lovely Les Paul tone that we all know and love?

 

[Bubba Z]

I've owned an ESP Eclipse (Not an LTD), but it had EMG pickups. Pickups aside, it was closer to a super Strat style guitar than a Les Paul. I have played through LTD Eclipse guitars with passive pickups, and I'd say the tone was closer to an SG than a Les Paul. You mentioned that your heart is set on a Gibson Les Paul. If that's truly the case, then you should just save up and get one. Patience pays off with these types of purchases and I think you'd be happier in the long run if you saved up and got the exact guitar you want.

 

[douglennon]

I used to have a eclipse with SD passive pickups. Sounded a lot thinner/brighter than a Les Paul

 

[Gtarzan81]

I have all 3 options. Epi, ESP, and Gibson LP.
The ESP may be a bit above the Epi in some areas.
The thing that drives me bananas on the ESP is that it has 2 volumes and 1 tone. If you switch between a clean neck and dirty bridge you need 2 tone controls.