ESP Guitar Company, Inc

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The ESP Guitar Company (Electric Sound Products), located in North Hollywood, California, is a prominent manufacturer of electric guitars and basses.

The company was created by Hisatake Shibuya in 1975 as a chain of music retail stores in Japan. In 1983, ESP started making replacement parts and started making hand-made custom guitars in 1985. In 1986, ESP opened an office in New York City to make custom guitars for American players. In 1996, ESP started a new brand, the LTD. The LTD guitars are similar to ESP guitars and more affordable. According to ESP, LTDs are made on an assembly line in Korea from cheaper materials than ESPs, which are handcrafted in Japan. They still provide the optional custom service which made them in the first place.

ESP found fame by providing guitars for guitarists who went on to become leading exponents of thrash metal music in the 1980s, most famously to Metallica. As a result of these endorsements, ESP has gone on to become one of the largest suppliers of guitars for use in heavy music.

936 thoughts on “ESP Guitar Company, Inc”

    1. Re: WANTED: KH-3
      Ali Turner

      : any one have a new KH-3 for sale that would send it to Australia let me no coz i REALLY!! wont one.

      I have one (here in the UK) … how much are you willing to offer?

      1. Re: WANTED: KH-3
        jp

        : : any one have a new KH-3 for sale that would send it to Australia let me no coz i REALLY!! wont one.

        : I have one (here in the UK) … how much are you willing to offer?

        Hi im in the Uk and ill buy it if the price is right !!!

  2. ESP Explorer old shape wanted (LTD or ESP) in the UK
    Simon

    Heya,

    I’m in the Uk which makes it even harder to get older ESP stuff, but I’m looking for any of the older ESP explorers, will consider bad condition,

    thanks Si

      1. Re: where can i find a left handed explorer
        snorkel

        What I meant to say is I’m looking for a Lefty Gibson Explorer As well hit me up if you see one you dont like thanks

    1. Re: Wanted: f-300fm or high class F-series. No Floyd rose!!
      CAMBA

      : Im after a f-300fm or another high class f-series, not f-400fm though

      : Email at [email protected]

      DUDE JUST GET AN ESP F-50 AND CHANGE THE STOP PICKUPS. ALL OF THEM FEEL THE SAME. EACH MODEL VERSION IS DUE TO THE DIFFERENCE. THE 300 MODEL HAS 2 EMG 81 PICKUPS IN THE SETUP SO JUST BUY A $200 F-200 AND SPEND LIKE ANOTHER $200 ONE PICKUPS AND WIRING. YOU CAN GET 81S FOR LIKE $80 OR LESS ON E-BAY. HOPE IT HELPS.

  7. I NEED PRICE INFO FOR ESP EXPLORERS
    metallica maniac

    I need an ESP Explorer but dont have the money yet so all i need is info. Has to look like the ones james hetfield plays, with the cool body and head, y’know? email me please at [email protected] with info on prices. Thanks

  8. ESP/LTD F207 FOR SALE
    R. H. Coates

    Hey all…for those of you craving an item no longer made, here’s an opportunity. My axe is in great condition (been played only rarely, and well looked after). It’s dark cherry with arrowhead inlays on the fingerboard, Floyd Rose trem, EMG-HZ pickups, and I’d be throwing in a spare set of strings, strap with strap lock system, and a hardcase. Make me an offer (just don’t be ridiculous about it).

  9. KH-502 anyone?
    Jamie

    hey guys, I have a KH-502 with an EMG-HZ in the bridge and a FeRnAnDeS SUSTAINER in the neck…the thing wails…flip on the sustainer, pluck a note, go out to dinner, 2 hrs later the things still goin off!!!! Insane…perfect metallica sound too..skull and crossbone inlays!!! any takers?

  11. ESP Custom Explorer for Sale
    Rick

    I have a late 1990’s Black ESP Custom (not LTD) for sale. The body is in perfect condition; no nicks, scratches, dents, ect. The headstock has one tiny blemish at the tip, but is barely noticeable. If interested, e-mail me for pics and offer. I’m in the process of ordering a new set of EMG’s (81/60) since the first owner switched them out for some reason.

    2. could u plese send me some pics of your esp...
      james

      : I have a late 1990’s Black ESP Custom (not LTD) for sale. The body is in perfect condition; no nicks, scratches, dents, ect. The headstock has one tiny blemish at the tip, but is barely noticeable. If interested, e-mail me for pics and offer. I’m in the process of ordering a new set of EMG’s (81/60) since the first owner switched them out for some reason.

    3. Black ESP Explorer
      Chan Murch

      Does anybody want to sell a black esp explorer. I want to buy one then have a black diamond plate put on it later if i decide to. So if any one has a Hetfield model black esp explorer email me please. thank you.

    4. Re: ESP Custom Explorer for Sale
      Henry

      I live in england so if thats a problem let me know. how much would you want for it?: I have a late 1990’s Black ESP Custom (not LTD) for sale. The body is in perfect condition; no nicks, scratches, dents, ect. The headstock has one tiny blemish at the tip, but is barely noticeable. If interested, e-mail me for pics and offer. I’m in the process of ordering a new set of EMG’s (81/60) since the first owner switched them out for some reason.

      1. Re: ESP Custom Explorer for Sale
        Brian Haake

        hey man.. how much do u want fo r it.. ill also trade u two of my guitars and put in sum money.. i have an epiphone got explorer like brand new, and an ibanez rg370dx 2 months old.. and then i could add in sum money too

  12. ESP Custom Shop Explorer
    Big Buc

    I have a black ESP Explorer (this is not an LTD) that I am hesitantly going to depart with. Dual EMG 81 pickups, rosewood fretboard, bolt on neck, black finish. Head stock says ESP Custom on the front and has the white ESP Customshop stamp on the back. I small nick in the paint on the end of the headstock, one small nick where the neck bolts on. This was bought to play and was. Never gigged out and always in a smoke free environment. Comes with ESP hard shell case. Contact me at [email protected] to make an offer or request pics. The price I have in mind is around $1600, plus shipping.

  13. NEED M-II or KH-2...will accept LTD's as well. Any condition, any price!
    Josh

    I really really need to find an M-II, no matter what condition, what price, what color…whatever…I’ll take any M-II, or M style guitar. Including LTD’s…as long as it’s got a reverse head stock. Shit, I don’t even care if it has pickups in it. Doesn’t matter, I just need one ASAP! Drop me an email if you have anything I might be interested in. Willing to trade for an ESP also.

    1. Re: NEED M-II or KH-2...will accept LTD's as well. Any condition, any price!
      Jamie

      Hey man I have a kh-502 with a fernandes sustainer in it…very cool…are you interested?

      1. Re: NEED M-II or KH-2...will accept LTD's as well. Any condition, any price!
        josh

        : Hey man I have a kh-502 with a fernandes sustainer in it…very cool…are you interested?

        no. Just ordered a brand new MII and 2 EMG 81’s.

    1. Re: ESP Kerry King V (not BC RICH)
      marc

      : If anyone has a Kerry King ESP Slayer V for sale, let me know. Like I said before, not BC RICH.

      : Thanks

      hey man!

      still interrestet in a ESP KKV CUSTOM???
      i own one and want to sell it!

      greetz from germany
      marc

  16. WANTED: MARSHALL AMPS!
    Eric

    Hey, I’m on the hunt now for a 100 watt JCM 800 2203 head w/ vertical inputs and/or a JCM 2000 100 watt head. EMail me if you have one!

  18. I NEED AN ESP F-200
    CAMBA

    I DONT CARE IF THE WIRING IS BAD OR IF THE PICKUPS ARE SHOT, I WILL GUT THE THING EMPTY AND PUT MY OWN WIRING, I ALREADY HAVE AN ESP F-200 WHICH IS CUSTOMIZED BUT I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A SECOND ONE IN MY COLLECTION. THIS ONE IM GOING TO USE FOR DROP TUNING. ALL I CARE IS FOR THE NECK TO BE GOOD AND THE BODY IN MINT CONDITION (MINIMUM REQUIREMENT IS FOR IT TO HAVE A MINT CONDITION)ANYONE OFFERING IT FOR A REASONABLE PRICE OR IF YOU SEEN SOMEWHERE PLEASE INFORM ME. MY E-MAIL IS [email protected]
    THANKS.

      1. Re: ESP Guitar
        john

        : I need and ESP Guitar. I want the JH2 diamond plated etc… but I will take even an LTD. Someone offer me something!!!!!!how much is a jh2 worth?

      2. Re: ESP Guitar
        Ansley

        I have a ESP JH2 number 021 for sale, no COA but has hang tag from ESP and OHSC. 1900 plus shipping expenses firm. Email if interested.-Ansley-

      3. I need and ESP Guitar. I want the JH2 diamond plated etc... but I will take even an LTD. Someone off
        Joe

        : I need and ESP Guitar. I want the JH2 diamond plated etc… but I will take even an LTD. Someone offer me something!!!!!!

  20. Looking for ESP Explorer/Black, like James Hetfields for my son!! Anyone?!!
    Tracy

    Does anyone have a ESP Explorer in Black, the one James Hetfield uses?? I would like to find one for my son!
    Thanks
    Tracy

    1. Re: Looking for ESP Explorer/Black, like James Hetfields for my son!! Anyone?!!
      Robert Strack

      : Does anyone have a ESP Explorer in Black, the one James Hetfield uses?? I would like to find one for my son!
      : Thanks
      : Tracy

      There is one on eBay right now (6-17-04) going for $300. It is a black ESP LTD.

  23. KH-2 or Ouija
    Travis

    Looking for a Ouija or a KH-2 in good condition. Email if you have one or know of one for sale. Really like to have the Ouija if price is right. Thanks

    1. Re: KH-2 or Ouija
      uzman

      : Looking for a Ouija or a KH-2 in good condition. Email if you have one or know of one for sale. Really like to have the Ouija if price is right. Thanks

  24. FOR SALE: ESP Custom Black Set-Neck Explorer
    toometal1981

    Hey guys,

    I have a black ESP Custom Set-Neck Explorer in dead mint/new condition with hardcase that I’m considering selling ONLY if the offer is right. This is NOT the bolt-on EXP that ESP offered a few years back, but a true Japanese Custom Explorer with the same specs as James Hetfield’s famed guitars of the Black Album era…in other words, THE GREATEST METAL GUITAR EVER!!

    For specs and pics, check out my page: http://people.cs.uchicago.edu/~cizmirli/Pictures/Explorer/

    I won’t be checking this board, so any questions should be directed to my email at: [email protected]

    I don’t know how much I’d let this go for, so if you are SERIOUS about purchasing, please make an offer and we’ll talk.

    Thanks for looking =)

    1. Re: FOR SALE: ESP Custom Black Set-Neck Explorer
      mike

      : Hey guys,

      : I have a black ESP Custom Set-Neck Explorer in dead mint/new condition with hardcase that I’m considering selling ONLY if the offer is right. This is NOT the bolt-on EXP that ESP offered a few years back, but a true Japanese Custom Explorer with the same specs as James Hetfield’s famed guitars of the Black Album era…in other words, THE GREATEST METAL GUITAR EVER!!

      : For specs and pics, check out my page: http://people.cs.uchicago.edu/~cizmirli/Pictures/Explorer/

      : I won’t be checking this board, so any questions should be directed to my email at: [email protected]

      : I don’t know how much I’d let this go for, so if you are SERIOUS about purchasing, please make an offer and we’ll talk.

      : Thanks for looking =)

      Ill buy it how uch u wan for it

    2. Re: FOR SALE: ESP Custom Black Set-Neck Explorer
      wallace karan

      : : Hey guys,

      : : I have a black ESP Custom Set-Neck Explorer in dead mint/new condition with hardcase that I’m considering selling ONLY if the offer is right. This is NOT the bolt-on EXP that ESP offered a few years back, but a true Japanese Custom Explorer with the same specs as James Hetfield’s famed guitars of the Black Album era…in other words, THE GREATEST METAL GUITAR EVER!!

      : : For specs and pics, check out my page: http://people.cs.uchicago.edu/~cizmirli/Pictures/Explorer/

      : : I won’t be checking this board, so any questions should be directed to my email at: [email protected]

      : : I don’t know how much I’d let this go for, so if you are SERIOUS about purchasing, please make an offer and we’ll talk.

      : : Thanks for looking =)

      :
      : Hi,
      : Im real interested in this guitar because i love and and love metallica. Prehaps i possible you could send me a picture, and (because i don’t know) a starter price.

      : Talk soon.

      : SBird

    3. selam sen izmirlimisin?bana gitarýndan bahset
      james

      : Hey guys,

      : I have a black ESP Custom Set-Neck Explorer in dead mint/new condition with hardcase that I’m considering selling ONLY if the offer is right. This is NOT the bolt-on EXP that ESP offered a few years back, but a true Japanese Custom Explorer with the same specs as James Hetfield’s famed guitars of the Black Album era…in other words, THE GREATEST METAL GUITAR EVER!!

      : For specs and pics, check out my page: http://people.cs.uchicago.edu/~cizmirli/Pictures/Explorer/

      : I won’t be checking this board, so any questions should be directed to my email at: [email protected]

      : I don’t know how much I’d let this go for, so if you are SERIOUS about purchasing, please make an offer and we’ll talk.

      : Thanks for looking =)

  28. EXPLORER
    Jamie

    Hey LOOKING FOR WHITE ESP CUSTOM EXPLORER WITH OR WITHOUT EMG’S…LIKE JAMES HETFIELDS….EMGS ARE PREFERED ALREADY INSTALLED BUT CAN BE PUT IN LATER…EXPLORER BODY NEEDED

  29. I NEED 7-STRING IBANEZS AND PEDALS
    ARCHEY from RED27

    If anyone has a 7string Ibanez, whether it works or not, I want it. I’ll pay as much as $250, its used so thats how much I think a peice of wood with metal should cost. And pedals, whether they work or not, I will take them. GIVE ME A EMAIL! [email protected]

  30. WANTED:ESP F-207 or MF-207
    C. J. Gardineer

    I am looking to buy a good 7-string guitar that looks cool on stage, and this is my favorite look. They have been discontinued and i cant find them anywhere. Please contact me if u know where to find one or have one.

    1. Re: WANTED:ESP F-207 or MF-207
      R. H. Coates

      I have one that is killer…but my baby just collects dust (ousted by my new Gibson Flying V). If you’re still interested, let me know.

  32. Wanted: ESP MII, or any KH-2. Will trade 2 guitars for one, regardless of condition!
    Josh

    I’m looking for any ESP MII (preferrably black), or any ESP KH-2 or KH-2…In trade, I will give you a Jackson USA Soloist, excellent condition, and a custom Ibanez RG560. Jackson was appraised recently at $875, the Ibanez @ $520. I’ll give you both guitars, with hardshell cases. Email me for pics and specs.

    1. Re: Wanted: ESP MII, or any KH-2. Will trade 2 guitars for one, regardless of condition!
      drew

      I’ve got an M-II Custom, neck thru, blk, w/ emg-81’s. email me if interested.

      : I’m looking for any ESP MII (preferrably black), or any ESP KH-2 or KH-2…In trade, I will give you a Jackson USA Soloist, excellent condition, and a custom Ibanez RG560. Jackson was appraised recently at $875, the Ibanez @ $520. I’ll give you both guitars, with hardshell cases. Email me for pics and specs.

        1. Re: White ESP Custom Explorer
          jørgen Marek

          How does the guitar look? I want a black one like james hetfield during the black album tour. Can you send me a picture? What is the price? Jørgen

  34. ESP STANDARD SERIES
    Jamie

    Hey guys..Im lookin for a ESP standard eclipse II..Also, anyone with this guitar, can i see some pics and what you think about it please? thanks!

  39. Hey Hey Read this you willl all like it.. please read it.. ROCK ON!
    ..Baby Dawlz..

    Hey hey.. what tha fuck is happening? not a lot herre.. just chillin. its me here.. n e one wanna add me [email protected], i luv y’all.. hope yah add me! damn.. hehe.. keep rockin on.. big jam session! tehe! Peace!

  42. LOOKING FOR A ESP KH-2 OUIJA
    Reinhard

    I´m offering about 1500€(1500Dollar)
    But you must be able to shit to Germany/Austria
    It should be in a good condition and with the certificat and the case.

    1. Re: LOOKING FOR A ESP KH-2 OUIJA
      Hans

      : I´m offering about 1500€(1500Dolla
      )
      : But you must be able to shit to Germany/Austria
      : It should be in a good condition and with the certificat and the case.
      Good Luck finding o OUIJA that someone can SHIT to you HAHAHA

  43. esp custom explorer in natural finish up for sale
    andrew zlobl

    i got an esp custom shop explorer in natural finish(according to esp they only made six of these) dual emg 81’s, bolt on neck, etc etc. email if interested

    2. Re: esp custom explorer in natural finish up for sale
      Jr

      : i got an esp custom shop explorer in natural finish(according to esp they only made six of these) dual emg 81’s, bolt on neck, etc etc. email if interested how much are you looking to get for it????

      1. Re: esp custom explorer in natural finish up for sale
        andrew zlobl

        : : i got an esp custom shop explorer in natural finish(according to esp they only made six of these) dual emg 81’s, bolt on neck, etc etc. email if interested how much are you looking to get for it???? email me and we’ll talk- it depends where you are – shipping will be added to the price

    1. Kh-2 Relic sticker...
      Alex

      Hello, I have the kh-2 Signature series guitar and i’m looking for the Sticker Kirk has on the Relic (Caution Hot) sticker. If anyone has and idea where to buy it, can you please let me know..thanks.

      2. Re: ESP KH2, KH2 Ouija, KH2 Relic, KH3
        Josh

        : : Hey I have a MINT KH-2 and KH-3 If you want shoot me an Offer Thanks

        I’m looking for a KH-2 since I traded mine for a Jackson Soloist about a year ago. What are you asking for yours? And would you consider trade for my soloist, and/or a custom Ibanez RG560?

  45. MINT WHITE ESP EXPLORER OLD STYLE FOR SALE
    Ansley

    Hi everyone,

    I’m selling my mint condition vintage white ESP Explorer with hardshell case. It has EMG 81 set, comes set up polished with new strings and everything. Asking 1300 plus shipping. Price negotiable, email for pictures if interested. Thank you.

  46. Looking for used kh2 and skulls and snakes
    Michael Kishel

    I can buy either one new for $1250.00 and $1300.00 respectively. Looking for better deal than that. Would consider lesser condition on either as long as playability is not hindered. If you have one e-mail me at [email protected].

  47. ESP LTD MF-207: ANY PRICE: I AM IN LOVE: PLEASE
    Brad

    I am in love with this guitar. I will do anything to get it. PLEASE. Email me if u have and make my life perfect.

    1. Re: ESP LTD MF-207: ANY PRICE: I AM IN LOVE: PLEASE
      Big Buc

      Check Derek Hancocks reply under Summer Sanitarium. It’s for you it was just posted under the wrong heading it looks like.

  48. Summer Sanitarium
    Big Buc

    For all those ESP and Metallica Fanatics, just wanted to let you know that Summer Sanitarium ROCKS! Best show for the $$$. Catch it if you can! The white explorer came back in full force!

  50. kh2 relic
    steven

    I am looking to buy a kh2 relic. It must have all of the paperwork and hard shell case. I will pay good. Must be a low serial number. If anyone is interested let me know!
    thanks

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