ESP Guitar: Uniqueness at its Best

ESP (Electric Sound Products) company, located in North Hollywood, California, is a reputed manufacturer of electric guitars and basses. It is originally a Japanese company that started off with the establishment of a small shop named Electric Sound Products in 1975 by Hisatake Shibuya. Initially, ESP gained reputation as a custom replacement parts manufacturer. But, as it gained popularity as a parts manufacturer, it switched to crafting guitars of its own. ESP guitars have since received patronage from many legends of the music world. Page Hamilton of Helmet, Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Bruce Kulick of KISS, Ronnie Wood of Rolling Stones, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica, all have wielded custom-made ESP guitars during their performances. Owning a custom made ESP guitar is a dream of many budding musicians, because of its customized look and superior craftsmanship.

ESP discontinued its replacement part production service at the beginning of the 1990s; in order to focus completely on the production of custom made guitars and basses. Musician George Lynch’s famous Kamikaze guitar model was reproduced and released as the first signature product. It received overwhelming response from guitarists. Soon afterwards, ESP released more than 10 other signature collections, expanding their universe and reaching out to the masses of guitarists.

ESP guitars are characterized by the pointed headstock of the guitars. The first ranges of electric guitars produced by ESP had solid wood bodies. But later, ESP brought out semi-hollow Paramount series, beginning with the Xtone line. These guitars use a hollowed out core in order to produce louder, richer sound. Many other models of ESP guitars also have unique features. For instance, “Baritone” models have a longer scale and heavier strings, resulting in a lower sound. “Rosewood” and “Maple” types have rosewood and maple wood fingerboards respectively. “NT” guitars do not come fitted with tremolo systems. This, however, only applies to guitars that traditionally have tremolos.

ESP bass guitars are also hugely popular among bassists. ESP has several ranges of bass guitars on offer, along with some vintage models. ESP vintage models have gained reputation worldwide because of the rich, deep sound and the customizability according to a player’s preferences.

ESP guitars are some of the best guitars available today. The sheer excellence in craftsmanship, and the unique customizability make these some of the most sought after guitars in the world.