The Ultimate ESP Guitar Buying Guide

Welcome to Eddie’s Guitars! We share your passion for exceptional instruments, including ESP guitars.

With our endless passion and knowledge in all things guitar, we are here to assist guitarists of every background and skill level find their perfect match. Let our expertise be your ultimate resource for discovering your ideal ESP electric guitar.

About The ESP Guitar Company

To learn more visit: https://www.espguitars.com/

Founded in 1975 in Japan, The ESP Guitar Company has gained worldwide recognition for producing high-quality electric and bass guitars. Though they initially focused on custom orders for rock and metal musicians, ESP has since expanded its lineup to cater to a wide range of musical genres and preferences.

Best ESP Guitar Models

ESP offers a diverse range of guitar models catering to different playing styles and budgets. Some of the most beloved ESP models and series include:

• ESP LTD MH Series: This series features versatile guitars suitable for various styles. They feature double-cutaway designs and typically come equipped with high-output pickups.

• ESP E-II Series: A broad class of guitars, with winning lines like the Arrow Series, Eclipse Series, EX Series, FRX Series, Horizon Series, and Viper Series. This lineup embodies ESP’s premium craftsmanship and attention to detail, catering to professional musicians seeking superior performance and reliability.
• Arrow Series: The Arrow Series embodies a bold and aggressive design favored by metal guitarists, featuring sharp angles and striking aesthetics. It features models like the ESP LTD Arrow, Arrow-1007 Baritone Evertune, Arrow Black Metal, and Arrow-1000 Evertune electric guitars.
• Eclipse Series: Eclipse Series guitars are celebrated for their high-quality construction, delivering a perfect blend of sleek design, powerful tones, and exceptional playability, making them a top choice among professional and aspiring musicians alike.
• ESP LTD EC Series: These are affordable versions of the Eclipse models, offering great value and quality for beginners and intermediate players.
• ESP LTD EC-1000 Deluxe: Known for its superior craftsmanship and versatile sound, the EC-1000 Deluxe offers a blend of traditional design with modern performance features, ideal for rock and metal players.
• ESP LTD M Series: Characterized by sleek, aggressive designs and high-output pickups, these guitars are favored by metal guitarists for their speed, playability, and distinctive aesthetics.
• ESP USA M-III: Handcrafted in the USA, the M-III is a flagship model featuring premium woods, top-tier hardware, and versatile pickup configurations, designed to meet the exacting standards of professional guitarists.
• James Hetfield Signature Series: Developed in collaboration with Metallica‘s James Hetfield, these guitars reflect his iconic playing style with specific features like EMG pickups and custom finishes tailored for heavy music. Signature models in this series include the ESP Vulture, LTD Snakebyte LH, ESP Snakebyte, and LTD Iron Cross.
• Kirk Hammett Signature Series: Designed for Metallica‘s lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, these guitars boast unique specs such as Floyd Rose tremolos, aggressive pickups, and distinctive graphic finishes inspired by Hammett’s artistic vision. Models in this series include the LTD KH Demonology and KH-WZ.
• Stephen Carpenter Signature Series: Created for Deftones’ guitarist Stephen Carpenter, these guitars feature extended-range designs, high-output pickups, and ergonomic contours tailored for heavy and experimental music styles. Models in this series include the STEF B-8 and SC-20.
• Alexi Laiho Signature Series: Designed in collaboration with the late Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom, these guitars are known for their extreme shapes, high-performance specifications, and aggressive tone suitable for metal and shredding. Models in this series include the E-II Alexi Ripped and Alexi-200.
• George Lynch Signature Series: Designed in collaboration with George Lynch, models in this series include the Skulls & Snakes and Sunburst Tiger.

• Left-Handed Models: ESP offers a variety of left-handed guitars, ensuring that left-handed players can enjoy models like the EC-1000, M Series, and others with the same quality and specifications as their right-handed counterparts.

Choosing the Right ESP Guitar

When choosing a guitar from ESP, consider the following factors to match your preferences and playing style.

Budget

These guitars range from the affordable LTD models to high-end ESP Original and ESP Custom Shop guitars. Figure out what you want in your guitar based on your style, and build your budget from there

Sound

ESP models are known for their powerful, high-output pickups suitable for rock and metal. Consider whether you prefer passive or active pickups, as well as their tonal characteristics.

Tonewood

Common tonewoods used by ESP include mahogany, alder, and maple. Mahogany provides warmth and depth and maple produces bright and clear sounds with good sustain, while alder offers a balanced tone with pronounced mids.

Bridge Types

These guitars come with various bridge types including fixed bridges (TOM or hardtail) and floating bridges (Floyd Rose). Choose based on your preference for tuning stability, ease of string changes, and tremolo effects; the team at Eddie’s can help you navigate which instruments match these preferences.

Colors

These guitars come in a wide range of finishes, including:

• Black Cherry
• Vintage Black
• Candy Apple Red
• Charcoal Burst
• Snow White
• Black Satin

Genre and Style Compatibility

Consider the musical genres you want to play most often. ESP produces guitars well-suited for rock, metal, and other heavier styles due to their high-output pickups and solid construction.

Neck Profile

Neck profiles vary between models. Some feature thin U-shaped necks for fast playing, while others have thicker neck profiles for more substantial feel. Try different neck profiles at Eddie’s to find your preference.

Amps and Pedals

Consider your current or planned amplifier and pedal setup. Certain ESP models with active pickups may require compatible amplifiers or pedals to maximize tone.

Fingerboards

These guitars typically feature fretboards made of ebony or rosewood. Rosewood offers warmth and smoothing qualities while ebony boasts exceptional brightness.

Find Your Perfect Match at Eddie’s Guitars

Take all of these factors, including your preferences, into account so that you can select a guitar that aligns with both your budget and your unique playing style. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, ESP provides a diverse array of choices to explore.

And you can explore many of them at Eddie’s Guitars with the help of our dedicated, knowledgeable staff.

At our shop, we specialize in offering top-tier guitars from dozens of brands, including ESP. Our expert staff will help you discover the model that matches your musical preferences and ambitions.

At Eddie’s Guitars, we are committed to providing a satisfying journey as you discover your ultimate ESP guitar match.