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. I NEED AN ESP F-207
    camba

    WELL I JSUT FINSIHED CUSTOMIZING MY F-200 AND I PUT EMG 81 AND 85 ON IT. I ALSO CHANGED ALL THE SCREWS AND PUT GOLD ONES. I DID A TOTAL LUBE JOB. WELL IM MOVING UP TO A 7 STRING. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE SAME DESIGN. I WAS HOPING SOMEONE HAS AN ESP F-207 OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO IS SELLING ONE. IMS TILL GOING TO KEEP MY F-200 SO NO OFFERS PLEASE HEHEHEHEHEHEH. OR AS I LIKE TO CALL IT MY OWN F-2K. DONT WORRY PEOPLE IM GOING TO USE IT THE RIGHT WAY. SOLOS, SOLOS AND MORE SOLOS HEHEHEHEHEH DREAM THEATER, OLD METALLICA, SYMPHONY X, SATRIANI AND VAI STYLE , BUT WITH A METAL EDGE TO IT. THANX FOR YOUR TIME PEOPLES.I APPRECIATE THE HELP.

    1. i have an esp f-207 for sale if interested email me with offer
      justin

      : WELL I JSUT FINSIHED CUSTOMIZING MY F-200 AND I PUT EMG 81 AND 85 ON IT. I ALSO CHANGED ALL THE SCREWS AND PUT GOLD ONES. I DID A TOTAL LUBE JOB. WELL IM MOVING UP TO A 7 STRING. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE SAME DESIGN. I WAS HOPING SOMEONE HAS AN ESP F-207 OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO IS SELLING ONE. IMS TILL GOING TO KEEP MY F-200 SO NO OFFERS PLEASE HEHEHEHEHEHEH. OR AS I LIKE TO CALL IT MY OWN F-2K. DONT WORRY PEOPLE IM GOING TO USE IT THE RIGHT WAY. SOLOS, SOLOS AND MORE SOLOS HEHEHEHEHEH DREAM THEATER, OLD METALLICA, SYMPHONY X, SATRIANI AND VAI STYLE , BUT WITH A METAL EDGE TO IT. THANX FOR YOUR TIME PEOPLES.I APPRECIATE THE HELP.

  2. Custom stats glossory?
    Phil

    If anyone has a link or somethin to a glossary of guitar specs, outlining with examples what each spec refers to, please notify me.
    Thank you
    ~Phil~

  5. KH2 Ouija For Sale Moon & Star Inlays
    Jason Mrdjen

    First 3500 takes it gotta pay for the ESP explorers coming from Japan. The guitar is flawless no chips or dents. Comes with case original warranty card and the guitar never came with a certificate. The guitar has Moon and Star inlays. I will not ship outside the USA unless you have an Ebay ID with lots of positive feedback or UPS or Fedex can confirm delivery in your country. E-mail me at [email protected]

  9. suped up kh guitar
    Jamie

    Hey guys…I am THINKING about selling a kh-502 guitar with and emg-hz humbucker in the bridge and a FERNANDES SUSTAINER IN THE NECK. It truly is amazing. If I get a good offer (550 and above) I will CONSIDER selling it…I am debating right now…any offers>?

    1. Re: suped up kh guitar
      Josh

      : Hey guys…I am THINKING about selling a kh-502 guitar with and emg-hz humbucker in the bridge and a FERNANDES SUSTAINER IN THE NECK. It truly is amazing. If I get a good offer (550 and above) I will CONSIDER selling it…I am debating right now…any offers>?

      I’ll trade you a Jackson USA Soloist in excellent condition for it…I just had it appraised at $875. Shoot me an email and let me know.

  10. WILL PAY CASH FOR ESP CUSTOM EXPLORER!!!
    Eric

    Hello,
    I am still on the hunt for an original ESP custom Explorer with EMG’s. White or Black body is preferable. Please get back to me if you are selling one! Thanks!
    Eric
    ([email protected])

  13. Stupid Rare ESP EXP's
    Brian

    I want a ESP EXP in white cream, the same guitar everyone else seems to want dammit! If anyone has any leads on one of these that might be for sale, please let me know. I know theyre not rare, just everyone who has one is holding on to it cause its such a good guitar! email me at [email protected]

    1. Re: Stupid Rare ESP EXP's
      Jamie

      Hey man…Ya theres been an unusual amout of white ones on ebay lately…they go very fast but might wana give it a check…

      2. Re: Stupid Rare ESP EXP's
        Eric

        : Yeah hey looks like we’re all looking for an original ESP Custom Explorer. If you happen to see more than one, email me at [email protected]. I will be checking ebay from time to time, so I will let you know what I see. Thanks!
        Eric

    2. Re: Explorer
      chuck

      : WAnted….a white or black ESP custom explorer with emgs…the old ones..before the lawsuit…like James hetfielddd
      I can get you a new one from Japan but it will be $2300

      email me if serious

    1. Re: KH-2 or JH-2 needed $2000+
      eric

      : There is a JH-2 and a couple of of KH guitars on ebay right now. Check them out. Hey do you know where I can find a Custom ESP Explorer? Thanks
      Eric

  16. ESP Hardshell case
    Robb

    I have an ESP hardshell case for an MII or KH2 body style guitar. Black case with the metal ESP logo on the front. Black fur lining with compartment for accessories. The first $100.00 gets it. This price includes shipping to the contiguous 48 states. Email me at [email protected] if interested.

  18. Metallica Graphics
    Big Buc

    Does anyone know of a quality graphics retailer that can dress up my old ESP? I want to do a Metallica Ride the Lightning design. I’m basically looking for a complete overhaul (body, back of neck, and front of headstock). Any insight would be appreciated.

  19. what kind of esp do i own?
    ryan fries

    i redcently received a guitar very similar to a 57′ fender strat same body and head stock style but it has esp ingraved on the back of the headstock if anyone knows email me back.

    1. Re: what kind of esp do i own?
      Robb

      Could be an early 80’s ESP. Check ebay, theres one on it right now for comparison. Or it could be a fender body with an ESP neck.

  20. Kamikaze or Tiger!
    Damon J. Chaplin

    I am a Guitarist in a band! I currently use a Gibson Les Paul and a Charvel. I use a Peavey half stack and Roland processors, and now all i need is either a George Lynch Kamikaze or a Tiger. Willing to trade the Charvel for one, But NOT the Les Paul.

    1. Re: Kamikaze or Tiger!
      Big Buc

      These are all over ebay. You might want to email some sellers and see if they want to swap out with you. The ebay market has been flooded with Kamikazes and Tigers lately.

  21. Metallica ESP/LTD Hetfield The Grynch
    Scott

    i have a couple of the first preorders for the ESP/LTD James Hetfield Grynch Guitar. so i have a few to sell. they are sold out everywhere. there are only 200 made so these are very rare. if interested, please email me. im taking offers. i will ship the same day i receive the guitar.

    1. Re: Metallica ESP/LTD Hetfield The Grynch
      austin

      : i have a couple of the first preorders for the ESP/LTD James Hetfield Grynch Guitar. so i have a few to sell. they are sold out everywhere. there are only 200 made so these are very rare. if interested, please email me. im taking offers. i will ship the same day i receive the guitar.

      email me please! i really want one!

    2. Re: Metallica ESP/LTD Hetfield The Grynch
      Scott

      no im getting them in a week or so, and i will ship the same day i will get them. by the way, look at the ESP website or call ESP and they will tell you 200.

      1. Re: Metallica ESP/LTD Hetfield The Grynch
        adam

        There are 260, 200 in USA 60 outside USA. I have one on hold at the moment thinking about buying as an investment.
        Sell it in a number of years.

    3. Re: Metallica ESP/LTD Hetfield The Grynch
      MuffMasta-B

      Do you mean they’ve arrived already, or are you selling before you get them?
      Btw: There are actually 260 made!

  23. I'm looking for JH1 Red flames or Green Flames, JH2, JH3, KH1, KH3 and K4
    Bizzy J

    I looking for any of those guitars. if you have them and you want to sell it, email me ASAP. I’m especially looking for the KH1 and JH1 (Green Flames) but any of the ones I meantioned will do. [email protected]

    1. Re: I'm looking for JH1 Red flames or Green Flames, JH2, JH3, KH1, KH3 and K4
      Jamie

      Hey..theres one on ebay right now…go to musical instruments then to esp and its there…i think its red flames though…

      1. Re: I'm looking for JH1 Red flames or Green Flames, JH2, JH3, KH1, KH3 and K4
        Simon

        You can only get the red flames one, because ESP never made the JH-1 with green flames!

  24. KH2 Ouija
    Robb

    I have a Ouija KH2 that I am willing to part with. It has skull and crossbone inlays. It’s one of the first 47 produced before they went to the moon and star. Only 97 of these exist at all (47 skull/crossbone and 50 moon and star inlay) No COA and it is not mint. It was made to play and was. Email me at [email protected] for pics and if interested. This is a very rare collectors item ESP Mr. Scary hardshell case is included. It will sell for a lot less than normal because it isn’t mint, but I won’t give it away either. Thanks.

    1. Re: KH2 Ouija
      Josh

      : I have a Ouija KH2 that I am willing to part with. It has skull and crossbone inlays. It’s one of the first 47 produced before they went to the moon and star. Only 97 of these exist at all (47 skull/crossbone and 50 moon and star inlay) No COA and it is not mint. It was made to play and was. Email me at [email protected] for pics and if interested. This is a very rare collectors item ESP Mr. Scary hardshell case is included. It will sell for a lot less than normal because it isn’t mint, but I won’t give it away either. Thanks.

      Check your email dude.

  26. ESP George Lynch reverse hockey stick headstock
    Dan

    Hi, I am looking for a George Lynch headstock like mentioned in the title of this message. Money isnt really a problem but it needs to be an ESP. No LTD’s please.
    If anyone has one or knows where I could get one could they please email me at the address that I left.

    Cheers

    Dan

    1. Re: ESP George Lynch reverse hockey stick headstock
      Dan

      I just realised that I wrote I wanted a the headstock every where. I actually want the neck as well so put away those chainsaws guys.

      Cheers

    1. Re: i cant find a explorer so i am makeing one
      Jamie

      dude there are about 4 esp explorers right now on ebay….they are all over the place….just look man…dont make one…too much trouble..

  28. METALLICA ON TOUR?
    Jamie

    Hey bros thats right. Metallica’s goin back on tour and its gunna kick ass… Summer Sanitarium 2003 yes sir. Get your tickets now. hurry up ..go to metallica.com for details…

  30. white esp explorer
    Jamie

    Hey guys i am really looking for a white esp or esp ltd explorer (preferably already loaded with emg’s, but if not thats ok) email me if you have one for saleeee!!!!!!

  31. MF-207, 7 string wanted
    Joshua

    I’m looking for a ESPLTD MF-207 7 string! I will pay a reasonable price for! One in great condition! Please email if you have one for sale!

    1. Re: MF-207, 7 string wanted
      Brad

      I literally love this guitar. I will do anything to have it. Please. If u have and LTD MF-207, please Email me and make my life perfect.

  33. ltd f-207
    daniel mccommon

    I am looking for a ltd f-207. I have looked everywhere online and cant find it. I went to musicians friend and it said that the item was discontinued so i know it was made. Please notify me with any info.

    1. Re: ltd f-207
      John Kilmer

      I’m also looking for an F-207 also w/ skull and bones inlay.
      I believe, while looking around just now, i came to the horror that I think they’re collectors items now and just aren’t manufactured anymore,That might explain why I can’t find it in ESP catalogs or their website. I think our only hope is Ebay. I might be mistaken, but I would give up on anywhere else for a brand new one and just look on Ebay or for someone wanting to sell theirs. Good luck

      1. Re: ltd f-207
        R. H. Coates

        Never fear guys…I own one, and need to sell it. It doesn’t have skull inlays, it has arrowheads. Hope that doesn’t ruin it.

  34. Im looking for a KH guitar
    Hans Olav Schütt

    Im looking for a KH guitar! If you want to sell it, mail me.
    Paint damages is unimportant. Just send me some pics and a price!

    Thanks!

    1. Re: Im looking for a KH guitar
      Big Buc

      What KH model are you looking for? There are always KH-2’s on ebay and every now and then and KH-1, KH-3, or KH-4. Good luck with your search!

  37. Want to buy EX 350
    Don

    I saw an esp ex 350 for $199 at musician’s friend, but it has been discontinued. Does anyone know of any other place at which it is selling so cheap?? Please, i’m not very rich

  38. JH-2 ESP Custom Explorer for sale
    Robb

    I have a JH-2 ESP Custom Explorer for sale. These are selling for $4000+ on ebay and have been known to sell for over $6000. To appease your curiosity, I am offering this baby up for only $2800. I do not have the Certificate of Authenticity anymore but it is #065 of only 200 in existence. There are a few small paint chips that have been re-painted black and they are barely noticable. It has an EMG 81 bridge pickup and an EMG 60 neck pickup. The original hardshell, form fitted case is included. Email me at [email protected] for pics if interested. I am not interested in trades. I just need to sell it.

  40. Wanted: ESP Kerry King Custom V
    Jason Mrdjen

    I am looking for an ESP Kerry King Custom V. There were 50 of these made in 1995 with neck thru body EMG pickups and red crackle finish. I will pay cash or trade for a KH2 Relic #33 for this guitar. E-mail me at [email protected]

  41. WANTED: old style white esp/ltd explorer
    Monty-Jay

    hello

    I am looking for either an esp or ltd olympic white explorer, please email me (remove "nospam") if you can help, thank you.

  42. ESP Custom Shop Maverick Deluxe--Anyone interested?
    Tim

    Excellent condition. Cream with black hardware, rosewood neck,
    pearl inlays, Schaller floating tremolo with locking nut, humbucker and twin rails. KICK AXE!!!

    1. Re: ESP Custom Shop Maverick Deluxe--Anyone interested?
      Adolfo

      Do you still have the guitar?

      : Excellent condition. Cream with black hardware, rosewood neck,
      : pearl inlays, Schaller floating tremolo with locking nut, humbucker and twin rails. KICK AXE!!!

  43. ESP Explorer custom for sale taking orders now
    Jason Mrdjen

    I pick up custom Explorers from the ESP custom shop in Japan and bring them to the United States I will be placing an order before christmas so if someone wants an Exp custom I can do it for a one time price of 2600.00 dollars or 2500 if you pick it up in San Francisco. This price includes setneck and made to James Hetfields specs if intrested E-mail me at [email protected] I always charge 3000.00 but if you place your order with mine I can do it once for the price stated above. Only one order can be placed at this price otherwise I will charge 3000.00. Please E-mail me for details I will not be checking for responses left on this board. As with any custom order allow 4 months delivery time.

    1. Re: ESP Explorer custom for sale taking orders now
      Kevin

      So you can get me a custom white ESP explorer with the custom knob setup like James hetfield has and The active EMG 81/60 (bridge/neck) pickup setup??? Email me.

  44. LTD MF-207 replacement neck
    Abbey

    My boyfriend got an LTD MF-207 about 5 months ago and the neck is cracked on it. Anyone know where a replacement neck can be found as we have had no reponse from ESP? Thanks, Ab

  45. ESP KH1 - Near Mint!
    Big Buc

    I have recently come across an ESP KH1 "V" Kirk Hammett signature series guitar. Anybody know what these are going for? Even though this axe has only one EMG 81 pickup, it is the hottest guitar that I have played recently. Please email me at [email protected]. Thanks!!!!!!!

      1. in reply to: : ESP M252 $149.. just like new... duncan designed hambuckers HB102- HB102n
        dean chisholm

        is it stil up for sale????? i might be interested.

  48. Im searching for a Early 90's Esp Horizon BLACK!!
    josh from braille

    must be 1 single coil 1 humbucker, black with white binding on the neck and headstock. Please, ive looked everywhere and will pay good for a good one. i think 93 is the year, no floyds, just tuneamatic (les paul style) bridges only!!!!NO FLOYDS!! or trems. HELP!!

    1. Re: Im searching for a Early 90's Esp Horizon BLACK!!
      josh

      : must be 1 single coil 1 humbucker, black with white binding on the neck and headstock. Please, ive looked everywhere and will pay good for a good one. i think 93 is the year, no floyds, just tuneamatic (les paul style) bridges only!!!!NO FLOYDS!! or trems. HELP!!

      found it!!!

  49. #65 of 100 Custom Eclipse
    Arthur

    i have a mid 90s ESP Custom this was #65 of 100 and is in near mint condition. has cream binding and jsut smokes was wondering what these were going for anyone know ?

    1. Re: #65 of 100 Custom Eclipse
      Hans Olav Schütt

      : i have a mid 90s ESP Custom this was #65 of 100 and is in near mint condition. has cream binding and jsut smokes was wondering what these were going for anyone know ?

      could you send me some pictures of your guitar, and if you are intressted to sell it please let me know.

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