ESP Bill Kelliher Signature Guitars - 2016 Summer NAMM

Mastadon guitarist Bill Kelliher joins ESP Guitars' roster of artist endorsers, co-designing two new namesake guitars.

The main production line guitar is called ESP Bill Kelliher Signature, while an affordable version is also available called the LTD BK-600EC. Both are scheduled for release later this year, and will be on display at the upcoming 2016 Summer NAMM.

After having his signature guitars made by Gibson for a while, it appears that Billy Kelliher now switched to ESP and have unveiled two new signature guitars. The core design of this two new guitars follow after traditional LP style single-cutaway shape, but as expected, both come with hot-rodded specs to meet the demands of Bill Kelliher's metal guitar style.

Both guitars feature a body crafted from mahogany that follows the size of traditional LPs with no waist cut. It is wrapped in a distinctive military green sunburst satin finish that gives the guitar a stand out appeal. The body houses two Lace Sensor "Dissonant Aggressor" humbucking pickups that was co-designed by Billl Kelliher himself, meant to reproduce the tone, sustain and dynamic response that he prefers.

The neck is crafted from three-piece mahogany that joins the body via set-thru construction. While the neck does follow old school 24.75" scale length, the set-thru construction makes upper fret access smoother and easier, complemented with the Bill Kelliher approved neck profile. The ebony fingerboard has a total of 22 frets, featuring "ESP Flag" inlays.

For hardware, Bill and ESP went with TonePros locking bridge. To complete the premium appeal of the Bill Kelliher Signature, ESP equipped had the headstock, neck and body bound.

ESP Director of Artist Relations Chris Cannella said, "We are beyond proud to have a guitarist who is as universally respected as Bill in our artist roster. Mastodon is a consistent favorite among fellow musicians and fans, crossing multiple genres of metal with an appeal that’s like no other band. Bill is a great representative of an ideal ESP player. We’re completely stoked to have him onboard."

For more information on the new Bill Kelliher ESP and LTD Signature guitars, you can visit ESP Guitars. You can also check out the guitars in person at the upcoming 2016 Summer NAMM Show, Booth 1231 Hall D.

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