ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton, Black Shadow Burst

 

The ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Black Shadow Burst is a precision-focused signature guitar built for modern metal, progressive riffing and technically demanding lead work. Designed in collaboration with Sylosis guitarist Josh Middleton, it combines fast bolt-on construction, premium hardware and versatile Fishman Fluence electronics in a streamlined double-cutaway design.

An alder body with a quilted maple top delivers a balanced, articulate tonal foundation, while the three-piece roasted maple neck and Macassar ebony fingerboard provide the speed and stability required for accurate rhythm playing and fluid lead techniques.

Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers supply powerful active tones with exceptional definition. A push-pull tone control selects the second voice of both pickups, allowing the JM-II to move between tight contemporary sounds and a more dynamic, traditionally voiced response.

With 24 stainless-steel frets, LTD locking tuners and a recessed Gotoh bridge, the JM-II is a stage- and studio-ready instrument built for players who demand clarity, consistency and uncompromising performance.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	JM-II
Artist	Josh Middleton
Finish	Black Shadow Burst
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Condition	Brand New
Body Shape	Double cutaway
Construction	Bolt-on
Body Material	Alder
Top Material	Quilted maple
Scale Length	25.5 inches
Pickups	Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico and Ceramic humbuckers
Bridge	Recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic with string-through-body routing
Main Appeal	Precision playability with dual-voice active pickups
Best For	Modern metal, progressive metal, technical riffing, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Brand New Condition

This ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Black Shadow Burst is offered in brand new condition and has not been previously owned.

Every new instrument is inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before dispatch to ensure its electronics, hardware and general playability meet our standards.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Black Shadow Burst electric guitar

• ESP form-fit hard case

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before dispatch, our team checks the guitar’s Fishman Fluence pickups, dual-voice switching, master controls, pickup selector, output, locking tuners, bridge, neck, stainless-steel frets and general playability.

The instrument is also checked for stable tuning and consistent electronic operation in every pickup position and voicing.

Service and Setup Work Performed

The guitar receives a general inspection, tuning check and playability assessment before leaving Fair Deal Music.

Setup preferences differ between players, particularly when changing string gauge, using alternative tunings or adjusting the action for a specific technique.

Why Choose the ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton?

Designed for Technical Precision

The JM-II was created around the requirements of a player known for tightly controlled rhythm work, intricate arrangements and highly accurate lead playing.

Its 25.5-inch scale, Extra Thin U neck, stainless-steel frets and stable hardtail bridge provide the firm and responsive feel required for:

• Fast alternate picking

• Tight palm-muted riffs

• Complex chord voicings

• Rapid position changes

• Legato and tapping

• Controlled vibrato

• Detailed studio tracking

Alder Body

Alder gives the JM-II a balanced fundamental response with controlled lows, present mids and clear upper frequencies.

This makes it an excellent foundation for modern active pickups. Low-tuned riffs retain definition, while clean passages and complex chords remain articulate.

Alder also helps the guitar respond evenly across the frequency range rather than placing excessive emphasis on one tonal area.

Quilted Maple Top

The quilted maple top gives the Black Shadow Burst finish its dramatic visual depth.

Natural figuring remains visible through the centre of the finish, with darker edges framing the body and emphasising its sharp double-cutaway outline.

Quilted maple varies naturally, giving each guitar its own individual grain pattern.

Bolt-On Construction

The JM-II uses bolt-on neck construction for a direct, immediate response.

This style of construction is particularly well suited to precise rhythm guitar because it helps create a clear initial attack and strong note separation. It complements the Fishman pickups and alder body by keeping fast passages controlled and articulate.

Three-Piece Roasted Maple Neck

The neck is constructed from three pieces of roasted maple.

Roasting removes excess moisture from the timber through a controlled heating process, resulting in a stable neck with a smooth, responsive feel and distinctive darker appearance.

The multi-piece design provides additional strength, making the neck well suited to regular recording, rehearsal and touring use.

Extra Thin U Neck Profile

ESP’s Extra Thin U profile provides a fast and streamlined playing surface.

It offers enough substance to remain controlled beneath the fretting hand while minimising unnecessary bulk during technical passages.

The profile is especially effective for:

• Rapid movement between positions

• Extended scale shapes

• Technical rhythm work

• Sweep picking

• Tapping

• Wide stretches

• Upper-register lead playing

Macassar Ebony Fingerboard

Macassar ebony provides a smooth, firm playing surface with an immediate note response.

Its natural density enhances definition and attack, helping individual notes remain clear during high-gain playing and rapid passages.

The dark fingerboard also complements the Black Shadow Burst finish and black hardware.

24 Extra-Jumbo Stainless-Steel Frets

The JM-II has 24 extra-jumbo stainless-steel frets, providing a full two-octave range on every string.

The larger fret dimensions allow notes to be fretted cleanly with a relatively light touch, while the stainless-steel construction delivers an exceptionally smooth surface for bends and vibrato.

Stainless steel is also highly resistant to normal playing wear, making it particularly suitable for frequent rehearsal, recording and live use.

25.5-Inch Scale Length

The 25.5-inch scale creates a firmer string feel than a shorter-scale guitar.

This additional tension helps maintain clarity during aggressive picking and supports more stable performance in reduced tunings. It also gives rhythm notes a strong, immediate attack.

For modern metal and progressive playing, these characteristics help complex riffs remain tight and controlled.

Fishman Fluence Modern Pickups

Ceramic Bridge Humbucker

The Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic bridge pickup produces a fast, powerful and controlled response.

Its tight low end and immediate attack make it especially effective for:

• Palm-muted rhythm playing

• Fast alternate picking

• Drop-tuned riffs

• Extended chords

• High-gain rhythm sounds

• Artificial harmonics

• Focused lead tones

The pickup maintains separation between individual notes even when using significant amounts of distortion.

Alnico Neck Humbucker

The Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico neck pickup provides a warmer and smoother response while retaining excellent clarity.

It works particularly well for:

• Fluid lead playing

• Clean arpeggios

• Warm chord voicings

• Legato passages

• Sustained solos

• Atmospheric clean sounds

• Lower-gain rhythm playing

Its controlled bass response prevents fast neck-pickup passages from becoming muddy.

Two Selectable Voices

Pulling the tone control changes both Fishman Fluence pickups to their alternative voice.

The primary voice provides the powerful and tightly controlled response associated with modern active humbuckers. The second voice introduces a more dynamic character inspired by traditional passive pickup behaviour.

This gives the JM-II a broader tonal range without requiring additional switches or a complicated control layout.

Recessed Gotoh Bridge

The JM-II uses a recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic-style bridge with string-through-body routing.

Recessing the bridge into the body creates a lower playing position than a conventional raised Tune-O-Matic installation. This provides a comfortable picking-hand position and contributes to the guitar’s streamlined feel.

The fixed bridge offers:

• Stable tuning

• Accurate intonation adjustment

• Straightforward restringing

• Consistent palm-muting position

• Easier alternative-tuning changes

• Reduced maintenance compared with a floating tremolo

String-Through-Body Routing

The strings pass through the rear of the body before travelling across the bridge.

This provides a secure anchor point and contributes to the guitar’s solid, responsive playing feel.

LTD Locking Tuners

The locking tuning machines grip each string securely at the post, reducing the number of winds required during restringing.

This makes string changes quicker and helps minimise string slippage after the strings have settled.

Why Choose a Hardtail Modern Metal Guitar?

A hardtail guitar provides the precision and stability required for demanding rhythm and studio work without the added complexity of a floating tremolo.

Benefits include:

• Straightforward string changes

• Easier tuning adjustments

• Stable response during aggressive picking

• Consistent palm muting

• Simplified alternate-tuning changes

• Reliable intonation

• Lower maintenance requirements

The JM-II combines these practical advantages with a recessed bridge position that feels sleek and unobtrusive beneath the picking hand.

Who Is It For?

Modern Metal Guitarists

The tight bridge-pickup response, 25.5-inch scale and stable fixed bridge make the JM-II exceptionally effective for contemporary metal rhythm and lead tones.

Progressive Players

Its fast neck, extended fret range and clear note separation support complex riffs, unusual chord voicings and technically demanding arrangements.

Recording Musicians

The Fishman Fluence system provides a consistent, low-noise output that works well for layered rhythm tracks, direct recording and highly detailed high-gain productions.

Lead Guitarists

The Extra Thin U neck and stainless-steel frets provide a smooth platform for bends, tapping, legato, sweep picking and fast upper-register passages.

Live Performers

Locking tuners, hardtail stability and durable fretwork make the JM-II a dependable choice for regular rehearsals, touring and professional stage use.

Players Using Alternative Tunings

The long scale and fixed bridge make tuning changes considerably easier than they would be on a floating tremolo guitar.

A suitable string gauge and setup should be used when tuning substantially below standard pitch.

Sound and Playing Character

The JM-II has a fast, immediate attack with controlled low frequencies and excellent note separation.

The alder body and bolt-on roasted maple neck provide clarity, while the active Fishman electronics deliver enough output for modern high-gain amplification.

Bridge Position

The ceramic bridge pickup provides:

• Tight low-frequency response

• Aggressive rhythm attack

• Clear palm-muted notes

• Defined high-gain chords

• Strong harmonics

• Focused lead sounds

Neck Position

The alnico neck pickup provides:

• Smooth sustained leads

• Articulate clean chords

• Warm arpeggios

• Fluid legato tones

• Controlled lower frequencies

• Expressive melodic sounds

Combined Pickup Position

Using both pickups produces a balanced sound that combines the bridge pickup’s attack with the warmth of the neck position.

This setting works particularly well for clean passages, atmospheric effects, broad chord voicings and medium-gain sounds.

Alternative Voices

Engaging Voice 2 produces a different dynamic response that expands the guitar beyond tightly compressed modern tones.

These alternative voices are useful for classic metal, hard rock, alternative styles, lower-gain rhythm sounds and more expressive clean playing.

Black Shadow Burst Finish

The Black Shadow Burst finish combines a dark outer edge with a lighter central area that reveals the quilted maple figuring beneath.

The effect is understated from a distance but displays impressive depth under stage or showroom lighting.

Black hardware, pickup covers and control components maintain the guitar’s dark, purposeful aesthetic.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	Josh Middleton Signature Series
Model	JM-II
Orientation	Right-handed
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Finish	Black Shadow Burst
Body Shape	Double cutaway
Construction	Bolt-on
Scale Length	25.5 inches / approximately 648mm
Body Material	Alder
Top Material	Quilted maple
Neck Material	Three-piece roasted maple
Neck Profile	Extra Thin U
Fingerboard Material	Macassar ebony
Fingerboard Radius	350mm
Number of Frets	24
Fret Type	Extra-jumbo stainless steel
Nut Width	42mm
Nut Type	Moulded
Neck Pickup	Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic humbucker
Electronics	Active
Pickup Voices	Two selectable voices
Controls	Master volume and push-pull master tone
Pickup Selector	Three-way toggle switch
Bridge	Recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic
String Routing	String-through body
Tuning Machines	LTD locking
Hardware Colour	Black
Factory Strings	D’Addario XL110
Factory String Gauges	.010, .013, .017, .026, .036 and .046

Power Requirements

The active Fishman Fluence pickups require an internal 9V battery.

The guitar connects to a conventional amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface using a standard instrument cable.

Disconnect the cable when the guitar is not in use, as leaving it inserted keeps the active electronic circuit switched on and reduces battery life.

ESP LTD JM-II Compared with Other Guitars

Compared with the ESP LTD M-1000 HT

Both guitars are designed for technically demanding modern playing and use Fishman Fluence Modern pickups.

The M-1000 HT uses neck-through construction and a low-profile Hipshot bridge. The JM-II uses bolt-on construction and a recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge, giving it a more immediate attack and a playing feel shaped around Josh Middleton’s preferences.

Compared with the ESP LTD JM-I

The JM-I is Josh Middleton’s later signature design and offers a different pickup configuration and visual identity.

The JM-II remains an excellent choice for players who prefer the dual-voice Fishman Fluence Modern pickup set and the dark Black Shadow Burst aesthetic.

Compared with a Floyd Rose-Equipped Guitar

A Floyd Rose bridge allows dramatic pitch effects but requires more involved restringing and setup adjustment.

The JM-II’s fixed Gotoh bridge is easier to maintain, makes alternative tunings more practical and provides a consistent surface for precise palm muting.

Compared with a Passive-Pickup Superstrat

Traditional passive pickups usually respond more noticeably to picking strength and guitar-volume changes.

The Fishman Fluence system provides higher output, low noise and controlled note definition. Its second voicing also supplies a more dynamic alternative when a less compressed response is required.

Compared with a Shorter-Scale Guitar

A shorter scale usually feels softer beneath the fingers and can make bends easier.

The JM-II’s longer 25.5-inch scale provides firmer tension, stronger attack and improved definition for lower tunings and tightly controlled rhythm playing.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD JM-II works especially well with:

• High-gain valve amplifiers

• Modern modelling amplifiers

• Profiling systems

• Overdrive and boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Compressor pedals

• Pitch-shifting effects

• Audio interfaces

• Digital recording systems

• Professional live pedalboards

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ESP LTD JM-II suitable for metal?

Yes. It was specifically designed around technically precise modern metal playing and provides the tight response, output and clarity required for heavy rhythm and lead tones.

What does the push-pull tone control do?

Pulling the tone control changes both Fishman Fluence pickups to their second voice, providing an alternative tonal character.

Does the JM-II have a coil-split?

The factory push-pull control selects the second Fishman Fluence humbucker voice rather than functioning as a conventional coil-split.

Can it be used for lower tunings?

Yes. Its 25.5-inch scale, fixed bridge and tight bridge pickup make it highly suitable for reduced tunings.

A heavier string gauge and appropriate setup may be needed when tuning substantially below standard pitch.

Does the guitar have a tremolo?

No. It uses a fixed recessed Gotoh Tune-O-Matic bridge with string-through-body routing.

What is the advantage of the recessed bridge?

Recessing the bridge lowers its position relative to the body, creating a more streamlined picking-hand feel while retaining the stability of a Tune-O-Matic design.

Are stainless-steel frets suitable for frequent use?

Yes. Stainless-steel fretwire is exceptionally resistant to normal wear and provides a smooth surface for bends and vibrato.

Do the pickups require a battery?

Yes. The Fishman Fluence electronics are active and require a 9V battery.

Can the JM-II produce clean sounds?

Yes. The alnico neck pickup delivers clear, articulate cleans, while the second pickup voices provide additional lower-gain and dynamic options.

Is this model suitable for recording?

Yes. Its low-noise electronics, strong note separation and stable fixed bridge make it particularly effective for double-tracked rhythm parts and detailed high-gain productions.

Is the included hard case shaped specifically for the guitar?

Yes. The supplied form-fit case is designed to hold and protect this style of LTD guitar securely.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD JM-II Josh Middleton Black Shadow Burst is a purpose-built precision instrument that excels at modern metal, progressive riffing and technical lead work.

Its fast roasted maple neck, stainless-steel frets and recessed Gotoh bridge create a controlled and comfortable playing experience, while the Fishman Fluence Modern pickups deliver tight high-gain tones with excellent clarity. Their selectable second voices add useful versatility for clean, lower-gain and more traditionally voiced sounds.

The quilted maple top gives the guitar a premium visual presence, while the included form-fit hard case completes an outstanding stage- and studio-ready package.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available. It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.