What does ESP stand for in guitars?
Electric Sound Products
In 1975, Hisatake Shibuya opened a shop called Electric Sound Products (ESP) in Tokyo, Japan, which provided custom replacement parts for guitars. At this time, ESP also began making guitars under the ESP and Navigator brand in the Japanese market.
Is ESP a good guitar?
Quick answer: ESP LTD are great high-value guitars that are built for metal. Common budget guitar problems like fret buzz, rough fret edges, and other minor flaws can be present especially with cheaper models. But most of the time, LTD’s are ready to rock out of the box without extra hassle.
Where are the best ESP guitars made?
Japan
Many well-known artists as well as everyday hard-working musicians have turned to ESP E-II for instruments they use both in studios and on tour. ESP E-II guitars and basses are built at the ESP factory in Japan. They represent our highest quality instruments that are factory produced.
Why is ESP so expensive?
Their instruments are mostly handmade and all of the components and materials they use are considered premium. Logically, their price is quite high, which makes these instruments potentially unreachable for many younger musicians.
What model is my ESP guitar?
The serial number is stamped on the back of the headstock, punched on the neck plate or on (semi) acoustic guitars on the bottom inside the body. If you want to know the production year of your ESP guitar,you can decipher it with the serial number decoder, or find it in explanation about the dating system below.
What are ESP guitars worth?
Used prices are about $2k-$2500 depending on model. The cheapest new ESP USA Eclipse can’t be touched for under $4k. An Original or Signature series guitar are much more than that. Some push well into the $5-$6k.
Is ESP and Ibanez the same?
ESP guitars are aimed mainly at metal whereas Ibanez guitars are often associated with more music styles. Ibanez models have thinner necks are are very popular for shredding, whilst ESP guitars are often used for heavy power chords and metal riffs. Both brands make most of their guitars in Asia.
How do I date my ESP guitar?
The letter (s) indicate the location of manufacture. The first 2 digits are the year, the next 2 digits are the week number, the 5th digit is the day of the week and the last 2 digits is the production number.
What is the difference between a LTD and ESP guitar?
ESP and LTD are the names of a guitar company which makes electric guitars. They are the same company with the only difference being the lines they have created. ESP is the custom guitar line which is upscale, and LTD is the cheaper Standard Series line which is more affordable.