I saw a guitar dying in a thrift shop. I didn't know anything about ESP LTD honestly speaking. I'm from a family that barely drift away from what we already know. Until I pick this dying Viper-10. I was attracted to the 12 fret inlay that says VIPER-10 its my radio 'call sign' Viper and Ten-Ten is my nickname so when I saw VIPER-10 inlayed on the 12th fret i was compelled to pick it up and save it. When i got home i tried to set it as it has few strings. So I gave it a new strings, Pick up height, Brigde, action, Intonation and all of that cometic polishing.
Oh Boy oh boy!!! I plugged it to my Masrshall AVT Tribute amp and screamed like a Kraken.
Now I'm looking at ESP LTD in a different way. Can you please provide me with some more information about this orphan but soon to be a star.
This is one of the most frustrating questions from the MIJ collector. As I've read many different guitar collector/enthusiast forums and spoken to local guitar dealers, it's clear that the layperson has little to no idea who made their badged guitar from the 1960-1980 period, also known as the MIJ golden age of guitar manufacturing. People often make the mistake of citing the American or European importer as the 'maker' of the guitar, when in fact several Japanese manufacturers were producing badged guitars out of their plants and shipping them to America and Europe to sell. Japanese manufacturers made multiple badges at the same plant, many of whom resemble each other closely. Some manufacturers merged or changed hands over the years which added to the confusion, sometime merging with another maker, only to pick up their name later.
In some cases a manufacturer would farm out production to various manufacturers, making it still more difficult to know who made the guitar in your hands. Parts from other guitars would be used in the making of a particular badge for a period of time because it was all the manufacturer had to hand.which doesn't always help in identifying a maker. And sometimes, the guitar which is supposed to be an MIJ guitar is actually made elsewhere (Korea, Indonesia) because production was moved during this period in history. Sounds hopeless, right?
This page is a work in progress and as new information is revealed it will be added to the list. But I can't do this alone, folks. See a guitar not listed?
Listed below are the major manufacturers, known badges and suspected badges to the best of my knowledge in written and list form to make it easy to find out WHO MADE YOUR GUITAR! In some cases I won't know because the badge you have may be extremely rare and virtually unknown to even seasoned collectors. And just a quick note: I do not buy or sell guitars. I have no idea what any given guitar from this period would sell for.
I don't know if some of the listed guitars are indeed valuable. My sole purpose is to help people looking specifically for information on the maker of their MIJ guitar. So please.don't ask me what your guitar is worth.
To me, they're all priceless. Chushin is still in operation today in Nagano, Japan and does business with guitar giant Fender. I believe that Chushin may have been a member of the Matsumoto Musical Instruments Association listed further down because both companies produced Fresher guitars during different periods.with Matsumoto beginning production and Chushin ending it (perhaps because the Association was disbanded?). During the 1960-1980 period they were responsible for badges Bambu, Cobran, El Maya and Hisonus as well as some Charvel, Fresher and Jackson badges. The company may have possibly made some guitars with the Aztec, Maya and Robin badges, but that is not verified. Guitars made by Chushin from this period are well-made and appreciated by guitar enthusiasts worldwide. Fujigen Gakki began operation in 1960 as a classical guitar manufacturer, moving into the lucurative electric guitar markets in 1962.
The company was the largest producer of Japanese guitars during the 1960-1980 period. They were known for producing high quality products, especially for the badged guitar market, which is why the company was selected by so many major American brands. It wasn't until 1970 that the company began making products for the venerable Ibanez brand, which was an unqualified success. Fujigen Gakki was the main manufacturer of choice for Greco badged guitars in the 1970 to 1980 period. They also produced guitars for major manufacturer Yamaha. Badged guitars made by Fujigen include Antoria, Epiphone, Jason and Mann.
Badged guitars that may have been made by Fujigen Gakki were Marlin and St. Guyatone produced electric guitars for major guitar manufacturer Suzuki. The company also produced their house brand Guyatone. Badged guitars produced by Guyatone include Barclay, Broadway, Coronado, Crestwood, Futurama, Howard, Ibanez, Ideal, Imperial, Johnny Guitar, Kent, Kingston, Lafayette, Marco Polo (electrics only), Montclair, Omega, Orpheus, Prestige, Royalist, Saturn, Silhouette, Silvertone, Vernon, Winston and Zenta, an impressive amount of names produced by a single company. Other badges that may have been produced by Guyatone are Beeton (not to be confused by the Beeton Brass Guitar company founded in 1994), Bradford, Canora and Regent. Hoshino Gakki were known primarily for producing Ibanez guitars during this time although that wasn't the only badged guitar they made. Badged guitars produced by Hoshino include Cimar, Cimar by Ibanez, Hy-Lo, Penco, Howard Tama Industries began guitar production from 1962 to 1967 as a factory of Hoshino, producing more badged Ibanez guitars as well as Continental, Crest, Goldentone, Jamboree, King's Stone, Maxitone, Star, Starfield (some), Tulio and Jason.
Tama eventually took over badged guitar production from STAR Instruments in the mid-1960s. There's some evidence that Tama began producing guitars under their own badge from 1975-1979. I'm unsure at this point if this Tama had any relation to the Tama that existed under Hoshino Gakki Ten. Kasuga produced their own house brand in Kasuga guitars. For a brief period of time the company produced Yamaha acoustic guitars. Kasuga guitars were first sold in America in 1972.
Unlike many Japanese manufacturers who outsourced their guitar production in other factories outside the main maker, Kasuga produced all their products in-house. Badged guitars known to have been made by Kasuga include Conrad, Emperador, ES-S, Ganson, Heerby, Hondo, Mei Mei and Roland. Kasuga went out of business in 1996. Kawai Teisco was founded by Atswo Kaneko and Doryu Matsuda. The company also produced the popular Ibanez badge in the 1960s. Kawai Teisco made their own house brands Kawai, Teisco, Del Rey and Teisco Del Rey.
Badged guitars produced by the Kawai Teisco factories include Apollo, Aquarius, Arbiter, Atlas, Audition, Avar, Ayar, Barth, Beltone, Black Jack, Cameo, Cipher, Concert, Cougar, Crown, Daimaru, Decca, Diasonic, Domino, Duke, Emperador, Heit Deluxe, Holiday, Imperial, Inter-Mark Cipher, Jedson, Kay, Kent, Kimberly, Kingsley, Kingston, Keefy, Lindell, Marquis, May Queen, Minister, Noble, Prestige, Randall, Recco, Regina, Rexina, Sakai, Satellite, Schaffer, Sekova, Silvertone, Sorrento, Sterling, Swinger, Tele Star, Top Twenty, Victoria, and Winston. Possible badged guitars made by the company include: Astrotone, Demian, G-Holiday, Lafayette, Master, Orange, Tamaki and Trump. Ampeg was swallowed up by Japanese electrical giant Magnavox in 1971, when they wanted to get in on the electric guitar copy craze of the 1970s. Magnavox produced electric and bass guitars under the Stud badge as well as the successful Ampeg brand.
It's been suggested that Magnavox was also responsible for producing Selmer acoustic guitar badges during this time, but that has not been verified. Selmer was sold to Magnavox around the same time they bought Ampeg, so it certainly seems plausible they could have made Selmer acoustic badged guitars as an offering for that market.
Stud badged guitars were made until '75, with Ampeg guitar production continuing until 1980. Opus was another badge made by the company. Magnavox lost their interest in Ampeg shortly thereafter and the brand languished until it was resurrected over a decade later by another American company. Matsumoku is one of the Japanese manufacturers that did not survive long after the heyday of the 1970s guitar market despite having a long tradition of quality stringed instrument craftsmanship. Matsumoku produced guitars for major manufacturers Greco, Guyatone and Yamaha. Matsumoku made Arai, Aria, Aria Pro II and Aria Diamond badges, with Aria being their primary badge for a majority of this time frame. Badged guitars known to have been made by Matsumoku include Apollo, Arita, Barclay, Burny, Capri, Columbus, Conrad, Cortez (electrics only), Country, Cutler, Dia, Domino, Electra, Epiphone, Granada, Hi Lo, Howard, Ibanez, Lindberg, Lyle, Luxor, Maxitone (this guitar differs from Tama's Maxitone badge), Mayfair, Memphis, Montclair, Pan, Pearl (electrics only), Raven, Stewart, Tempo, Univox,Vantage, Ventura, Vision, Volhox, Washburn (in 1979 and 1980), Westbury, Westminster and Westone.
Possible Matsumoku badges include: Bruno, Crestwood, Conqueror, Eros, Mako, Memphis, Orlando and Toledo. The Matsumoto Musical Instrument Manufacturers Association was the organization responsible for Fresher guitars. Little is known about this association, other than it did not have larger guitar manufacturers Matsumoku or Fujigen Gakki as members. Nakai Gakki was a possible member of the association. Fresher guitars began production in 1973 by the Kyowa Shokai Company, an association member, which was also responsible for the Camel badge.
It's interesting to note that Fresher guitars were eventually being produced by Chushin, which leads me to believe that they may have been an Association member along with Kyowa. The beginning production year was considered a low quality benchmark for the company. The Fresher brand continuously improved in quality until 1980. Located in Kobe, Japan, this manufacturer made the famous Maya brand guitar.
Maya guitars were in production from 1970-1980. It's been suggested that Maya may have been responsible for the Aztec badge. You'll notice that Maya has been attributed to a company known as Tahara. At this point I do not know if Maya assisted in production or if Tahara produced some Maya guitars as a subcontractor.
Maya and El Maya badges have also been attributed to Chushin Gakki. More research is needed to clarify this point. Tokai was founded in 1947 and is based in Hamamatsu, Japan. Tokai began production of acoustic guitars in 1965 and by 1968 was producing electric guitars for the American market.
Tokai still exists as guitar manufacturer. Tokai made guitars for Fernandes, Mosrite and Fender Japan. Tokai badged guitars included the house brand Tokai as well as Cat's Eyes, Conrad, Drifter, Hondo, Love Rock, Mosrite, Sigma and Silver Star. Possible badges include Artist Ltd., Gaban, Gallan, Gession and Robin. It's suggested that Tokai made Hummingbird acoustics as well, but if these were related to those made by Humming Bird I haven't quite sorted out yet. Unassigned maker badge names are AGS, Alex, Andre, Aquila, Asco, Avon, Axiom, Bradley, CG Winner, Clear Sound, CMI, Columbia, Commodore, Cortley, Crestline, Crown, D. Lewis (?), Danelectro, Dynelectron (some), Diplomat, Dixon, Dorado, Eagle, El Degas, Exceltro, Exper, Encore, Fandel, Garzia, Goya, Grant, Grenn, Laguna, LTD, Magnum (?), Maier, Monroe, Marchis, Mark II, Masaaki (?), Matador, Norwood, Palmer, Prairie, President, Rodeo, Sanox, S.G.C., Splender, Stella, Targa, Taro, Voxton by Vox, and Yoshi.
Some of these badges are attributed to the importer as the 'maker', which is untrue. It's possible that some of these badges were made by smaller Japanese manufacturers that have faded into history. I am trying to find out more about my Hohner electric guitar.
I've been trying to research it online but cannot find ANY information or reference to this particular model. Some people have told me that it may have been a prototype sample that never went into production.
The only reference number I can find on the guitar is a label that says Sample by Nanyo CG300G and Made in Japan. I bought this guitar around 1980-1982 when I was 13-15 years old and it is still in mint condition. I would really love to know more about it's origin.
Tell me how to post pictures and I'll add photos of the guitar. I thin Yamaha LL16 is one of the best acoustic guitar on the market. Yamaha is known for making affordable, quality guitars, and this is one is no different. It features a solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard. It is smaller than the dreadnought guitars – a fact that is neither good nor bad but that does affect the way the instrument sounds and feels.
This guitar sounds tighter and is less loud than a dreadnought. But its construction warms its tone considerably. Its owners say that its tone is well balanced – clear and punchy but still warm.
It offers clarity in the higher registers, but some boom in the lower registers. For that reason, the LL16 is suited to almost any style of playing. It will not, however, be as punchy as the Taylor 210 or as round sounding as the Blueridge. Overall, this is a great guitar, at its price or any.
Suited to almost anything, and fit for beginners and pros alike, LL16 is a great choice. Has great and informational reviews. I sold the Eagle Jazz bass copy, but have acquired a hollow body 3/4 bass that we believe said Lyle or Aria on the peg head (badge gone). Interestingly it seems like possibly a copy of a Kay design, florentine cutaway with a sunburst. Three of the tuners are missing the bushings, and I'd love to know how to get replacements! I may have to manufacture something, but don't own a metal lathe. Also found a Strat copy that says Mark II on the peg head, nice mahogany neck, in a dumpster along with a Jackson Dinky.
Stole parts off the Dinky to make the Strat copy whole, and I like it better than the Mexi-Strat and Squier Affinity start I had, so I sold those, and the Jackson after replacing the bridge parts I'd stolen off it. Besides, I still haven't got all the magic marker off the pick guard on the Mark II (recently heard they were made by Cort, or whoever makes Cort). I bought a Telestar (believe it was made by Teisco) in a thrift store for maybe $12.99 or something like that. I love the pickup sound, but the neck doesn't get any wider as it approaches the body and the frets get closer together. I also have a San Antonio made Alamo like that, and sold off a Silvertone (made in Japan) tiny hollow body with that issue. The necks are hard to play!
But I like that pickup on the Telestar so much I can't part with it. I have a brand name guitar, which was very popular in the 1980s, and still is being manufactured under Gibson today.
I didn't see it in your list though. It's a Kramer Stagemaster. It's a beautiful guitar, which I may never part with. Strat-Style with Neck-Thru-Body & Floyd Rose Trem.
The headstock states Kramer American. These were passed off as American made models, however I understand that they were actually made in Japan. The style and appointments are strikingly similar to my Ibanez Proline 2550 from the same era, which has 'Crafted in Japan' written on the headstock. I know that Kramer made a lot of American made guitars out of Neptune, New Jersey, however these were all bolt-on neck guitars. Does anyone know where these Neck-Thru Kramers were made, or why they have American printed on the headstock if they are not tues American made guitars? You put in a lot of work, its not biblical correct, pretty good.but take with a grain of salt.
But some guitars are made in Korea. I bought a Yamaha 3 piece back like a Kiso Suzuki, I would it was made in Japan The tuners said made Japan. I thought the pawn shop was crazy.
I got it for $100 Love this guitar and then one day I looked at the the decal in the sound hole and in the tiniest print 'Made in Korea' I felt a pang like o' crap I bought a Korean guitar. But I have a few Acoustics High end a Guild made in the 80's and this Yamaha is incredible.
Better or just as good as my old Suzuki. Morning everyone, well it is here in UK anyway. Who can help with my find. It's a Dia Hummingbird labelled F 315 but no serial number.
So from what I can find Dia was a brand used by Matsumoku but I can only see electrics under Dia brand when I search. However it looks identical to a Aria F315 Hummingbird on eBay USA at present, and identical to an Aria Pro II from the 1976 catalogue but labelled W 30 model I believe. I won't put a link on here in case I'm breaking rules. It has that weird aluminium compensated bridge and seriously, this one looks brand new with two tiny dings that would make it a second or an ex-demo if it was on sale. Action at low E 12th is about 2.7mm and about 1.8 at high e.
Esp Ltd Guitars Serial Numbers
It's in such good condition I began to question if in fact it is a 'knock off of a knock off' though why anyone would think that would work I can't guess. It is very very playable, and at first I wasn't keen on the tone though sustain is great (despite bridge) but I changed to heavier strings (13) with much improvement. I'm seeing a luthier friend next week who is finishing off work on a brilliant Terada FW 613 (D18 clone if you like), but I'm wondering whether to get him to replace the whole alloy bridge. I can do a couple of pics if anyone is interested. Any help in identification of maybe year (guessing 1976) and origin greatly appreciated. I think it's a keeper, but should I change that bridge? Has anyone done similar on one of these compensated aluminium designs and what were results.
I'm looking for some deeper research than I can find. I have a Hohner 310 Limited Edition that I bought in October, 1975 in Canada. Common Hohners have a meaningless SN (does not relate to date made). They are also listed as having been made from 1978-1984. Mine was bought before this and does not have a SN. It is a very well built, Martin D-28 copy.
It is also very similar to the Morris W35, except for the snowflake fret markers vs dots. The headstock looks identical although they could have been purchased. The label clearly says 'HOHNER INTERNATIONAL', and a wood label beside the paper reads 'Hand made for HOHNER'. OK, so is this a Moridara (Morris) or is it by someone else?
When did Moridara start making Hohners? Thanks if anyone knows more than I. Just purchased this vintage 1970s satellite guitar. Not the usual LP /Strat copy, plays nice and looks gorgeous. I was wondering about origins and came across the same model on Ebay (Link below ) The seller puts this in his description ' When you look up satellite, they were cheap japanese guitars possibly made in the matsumoku factory, but this was their prestige model '.
Think I have too many guitars as it is but couldn't resist this one, was local and picked it up for £32.50 the guy on Ebay is asking £350 for his, either he's dreaming or I have really got a bargain. Always loved the look of a neck-through and natural wood, love it. Hi Torch, appreciate the work gone into this, fantastically informative piece. Good to see such a following as well, too many Gibson / Fender fanatics out there that dismiss Jap / Asian guitars as inferior. Having played god knows how many guitars over 50 years I've had good and bad in both top and lesser known brands.
Started off at 15 years old with a Tiesco ( cost me £15 S/H at the time. Admittedly it was a piece of junk, but hey it got me started. Just picked up a Strat copy made in China for £10 ( as new condition) Branded Excell, out plays my Aria by a country mile.
I have an old acoustic here about 40 years old, cost £62.50 at the time. No place of origin, serial No or anything. Imported by Rose Morris with the brand Avon on the head stock.
This baby out plays any acoustic I've ever played, including a couple of Martins, As any guitarist should know a guitar is how it feels and plays not it's name. Nothing wrong with Jap / Asian guitars, could be made in Iceland for all I care it's the guitar that counts. Keep up the good work. Regards and thanks. I found an interesting connection when researching a recently-acquired Intermark Cipher, as it's said here to be a Teisco, yet it bears a close resemblance to a model of Pleasant, which was credited to the obscure Shinko Musical Company.
I wish i could post pics, but essentially, both have the Teisco-like headstock, identical pickups with off-white covers and square pegs, body shape is virtually identical except for the upper cutaway having a slightly different contour, the Pleasant having one more pickup and larger pickguard, both having switches above the pickups. I came upon a drowinginguitars video ( describing in the video description how Kawai (-Teisco?) bought the 'Pleasant Guitar Co.' This video isn't the model I have, my Cipher resembles the Pleasant sel-220. Hi - Long ago I had a vaguely Mustang like guitar with a Samiel badge. I don't see it listed here, though I assume it was Japanese made. The guitar inspired my (so far) best known song 'Sucker For A Cheap Guitar.' I traded it off, and have been trying to track it back down, not sure I even have a photo anywhere that shows it.
Discovered your page because I just acquired a nice Fender Jazz bass copy that says Eagle on it, but I see there's no information as yet. The guy I got it from is from Brazil, and he may have bought it there, perhaps it's even a Brazilian brand, like the amp (Attack Audio System) that I got with it. I was also happy to learn a little more about Maruha, I had a nice archtop Jazz guitar with that name on it, until trading it off, possibly for the Samiel and an autoharp, I can't remember now! It was back in the '70s.
Both were probably manufactured in the '60s. I have an acoustic that I bought from a lady I know who said she has had it since the early 70's. It says 'Maya' on the headstock and the reinforcement rod cover is stamped with 'Takamine'. The sticker inside the sound hole says 'Maya', 'We made this guitar for the people who love guitar music', Made by Takamine, Model No. TF1o1S, Japan. On the inside of the sound hole at the top, the wood block there is stamped with 46.6.3.
The guitar is only about 3 1/4 inches deep and approx. 15 inches wide at its widest spot. Small guitar with a big beautiful sound. I am restoring a 1970s Les Paul copy with 'Grant' in the Gibson position on the headstock. I has a 4 bolt neck and the neckplate says 'Made in Japan'.
I know that these were imported by a music store called 'Grant' in Glasgow, Scotland and there are web references around to verify the provenance. What I don't know is which factory made it. After 40+ years, it is battered and the original player used very heavy gauge strings, so the low frets are pretty shot, but after cleaning out the electrics, everything works and the sound is good. It certainly sounds better sounding that my Ibanez 2344 Melody Maker copy of the same vintage. Any ideas on the factory? For more information on managing or withdrawing consents and how we handle data, visit our Privacy Policy at: Show Details Necessary HubPages Device ID This is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons.
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TOP QUESTIONS:. CUSTOM SHOP:. ELECTRONICS:. MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL. OLDER MODELS NOT IN CURRENT PRODUCTION & DATING. OPINIONS/COMMENTS. PARTS AND ACCESSORIES.
CASES. ESP LOGO GEAR. EMPLOYMENT AND DEALERSHIPS. TOP QUESTIONS What is the difference between ESP and LTD models? For example, the ESP Snakebyte seems so similar to the LTD Snakebyte, but the price is significantly different!
ESP guitars are built in our main factory and custom-shop located in Japan. These are completely built and assembled by highly skilled craftsmen using the best parts & wood selection. LTD guitars are produced in our factories outside of Japan (currently Korea, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam), and are manufactured in larger quantities using an assembly-line production method. This results in lower priced instruments.
For more detailed information, that explains the differences between our brands. Are standard LTD or ESP models available with custom options? We only manufacture LTD and ESP models to the specifications indicated in the catalog and on the website. Can I purchase a guitar from ESP? We encourage you to purchase our instruments at Authorized ESP Dealers worldwide. Purchases from ESP are currently available online via our Shop ESP web store using the 'BUY IT NOW' button displayed on certain product pages, and is only available for orders within the U.S.
At this time. For a complete list of current authorized ESP dealers and international distributors, go to our. Are any ESP or LTD models available in left-handed versions?
Yes, but not all models are available left-handed. For availability and pricing, please contact any authorized ESP dealer or your distributor if you live outside of the US.
I didn't get an owner's manual with my guitar / bass. How can I get one? You may and print the owner's manual from our website. Does ESP offer any guitars made in the U.S.? Our new ESP USA production line debuted at the 2014 Winter NAMM show.
Learn more about ESP USA. How can I find out the status of my order that was placed through an authorized ESP Dealer? Only your authorized ESP dealer can provide you with the status of your order. Please contact your authorized dealer, as ESP is unable to assist you with this type of request. How can I find the nearest ESP dealer?
If you live in the US, please check our to find the authorized retailer nearest you. If you live outside of the US, please consult our list of and contact the distributor for your area for more information.
Are the models shown on the ESP Japan website available for sale in the USA? No, only the models shown on this website are available for sale in the USA. Models available in other countries are only available for those markets. Does my instrument come with a Certificate of Authenticity? The Certificate of Authenticity document is reserved for instruments produced in specific limited quantities, for ESP Artist Signature models, USA models, and for custom ordered instruments.
LTD Artist Signature models do not come with a COA. I would like to try a specific ESP/LTD model before I decide whether I want to buy it. What store in my area has one that I can go look? ESP cannot monitor our dealers’ stock inventories. Please contact stores in your area for more information on availability. CUSTOM SHOP Can I order a custom guitar made to my own specifications? We have been building custom-ordered guitars since we started and are highly regarded in the guitar industry as 'The' Custom Guitar Company.
As long as the guitar you want us to build meets our expectations for functionality and does not infringe on any copyright matters, including but not limited to, any other guitar manufacturing company's proprietary designs, we can custom build it for you. For a price quote on a custom order, fill out the on our website and submit to your nearest authorized dealer. Can I still order the old EXP body shape when ordering a custom ESP? The body style of the old EXP was retired and a new body style was introduced in 2000. It is now known as the EX model. You may ONLY order the new EX body style - we cannot produce the old EXP shape. What is the standard delivery time on a custom order?
Custom orders take a minimum of 8-10 months to be completed. Can I order a previously made graphic/limited production model or custom order one?
All previously produced graphic series models or limited production models are no longer available. This includes the KH-2 Ouija model and the use of the Ouija graphic. ELECTRONICS I get a buzzing/humming sound but it goes away when I touch the volume. Is this normal? When you touch the strings or bridge on an electric guitar, your body acts as the ground and the circuit will be quieter. Is it possible to fit EMG pickups into my guitar that came with regular ESP/LTD pickups or Seymour Duncan pickups?
Yes, except for 7-string models, all pickup routs are the same. This job has to be done by a professional repairperson to ensure the new parts are installed correctly. Please note: You cannot send your guitar back to ESP to do this type of work. How often do I need to replace the 9-volt battery in my guitar with EMG active pickups or circuits? Your battery life will depend on the amount you play your instrument. We recommend checking and replacing your battery every few months, although you may need to change it more frequently. Please visit for more info.
NOTE: You will know your battery needs to be replaced when your signal becomes weak or distorted. To prolong your battery life, do not leave your cable plugged into your instrument when not in use - this will drain the battery. MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL Can I send my guitar to ESP for maintenance, repair, or upgrades? ESP's shop does not perform any aftermarket work with the exception of warranty related repairs. Where can I get my ESP guitar repaired?
We recommend that you either have ESP repair your instrument, or and authorized ESP retailer or service center. For assistance please contact ESP or the original store where the instrument was purchased. You may also contact our customer service for additional service centers that may be located near you. How are baritone models tuned? What is the difference between baritones and regular guitars? ESP introduced baritones as a 6-string alternative to a 7-string. They feature a 27' scale length as opposed to the 25.5' scale (which is fairly standard for most guitars.) The increased scale length (distance measured from the bridge to the nut) allows the guitar to be tuned lower than standard, while still retaining proper string tension.
ESP Baritone models come from the factory with.056/.046/.036/.026W/.017/.013 gauge strings and are tuned B/E/A/D/F#/B. What gauge and type of strings are on my guitar or bass? ESP and E-II models are all equipped with Elixir Strings. All of our LTD models now come strung with D'Addario strings from our factory, and our ESP USA line is equipped with the D'Addario NYXL series of strings.
OLDER MODELS NOT IN CURRENT PRODUCTION AND DATING How can I find out the value of an old ESP guitar no longer produced? ESP can only suggest retail prices for new instruments currently in production. The current value of an older instrument is something that can vary due to popularity, supply, and demand. We cannot estimate this type of value for an older instrument.
If you can't identify your instrument, please send an e-mail to. We will do our best to assist you with identification of your instrument(s).
Please provide ESP with digital pictures to help in identifying your guitar. Please note that this applies only for models sold in the USA. We cannot give production numbers or figures showing how many of a particular model were made. Please allow 48 hours minimum for a reply.
I acquired an older ESP model. How can I find out what year my guitar was built? You are welcome to e-mail with pictures, description of your guitar and a serial number, but unfortunately we cannot date every guitar and only have limited records of older models. How can I find out if you make a certain guitar anymore? Only the guitars in our current catalog and website are still in production. Some older models can be custom ordered through the ESP Custom Shop. First you must fill out a and bring it to an authorized ESP dealer.
How can I date my ESP or LTD? ESP maintains limited production records.
If you would like to send us the following information, we will do our best to help you with your request. Send an e-mail to that includes your name the serial number, a short description, pictures and the location where it was originally purchased if known. For photos please make sure to include close-up shots of the headstock front & back, back of neck plate and top of body to help with the dating process. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to date your instrument, but we will try to help! We are unable to provide documentation declaring the authenticity of an ESP instrument. (Please note: If you do not send pictures, chances are we will not be able to assist you with your request.). PARTS AND ACCESSORIES Does ESP sell replacement parts?
Esp Guitar Serial Number Decoder
Where can I find parts/accessories for my ESP guitar? ESP does not sell replacement parts at this time. All current ESP instruments use industry standard metric guitar parts, and comparable after market parts can be purchased from most any parts suppliers or retailers. Here are a few places to buy parts: 1. 2. 3. I have an older ESP guitar with a licensed Floyd Rose Original Bridge. Where can I get parts for this bridge? Some of the older ESP guitars (pre - 1993) came with a special Floyd Rose licensed bridge.
This bridge would have 'ESP' and 'Licensed' stamped on the bridge with a series of patent numbers. ESP can no longer provide parts for this bridge as production was discontinued in the early 1990's. Does ESP reproduce pickguards? ESP does not reproduce or sell pickguards at this time.
Can I buy a neck or body separately? ESP does not sell necks or bodies separately.
What is the warranty coverage on parts and electronics? The ESP Limited Lifetime Warranty will cover defective parts within the first year from purchase date.
The guitar must be purchased as NEW from an Authorized ESP Dealer and Warranty only applies to Original Owner. To receive Warranty Replacement parts, you must provide Proof of Purchase.
Please contact your authorized ESP dealer to assist you with any warranty parts requests. CASES How can I order a hardshell guitar case for my ESP guitar? ESP hardshell cases can be ordered from any authorized ESP dealer. For a list of authorized ESP dealers, please see our. Do all ESP cases have your logo on them?
If it doesn't say ESP, LTD, or Xtone on the case, it isn't a genuine ESP case. ESP cases are designed specifically to fit our own instruments, and therefore we do not recommend that you use generic cases, as they might not provide adequate support for your ESP instrument. My ESP does not fit in the case that was recommended for this model, did I order the wrong one?
Our cases are produced specifically for each model and body shape to provide the best fit and protection possible for a standard hard shell case. During the first few uses you may have to work the guitar into the case until it stretches to a comfortable fit.
EMPLOYMENT AND DEALERSHIPS How can I become an authorized ESP retailer? For information regarding possible dealerships, please send your inquiries. Please note that you must have an existing retail location; ESP does not authorize exclusively online dealerships. Please do not submit any information or inquiries pertaining to artist endorsements to this mailbox. How can I become an ESP employee?
For information about working for ESP, please send an email. How can I become an authorized ESP warranty repair center? If you currently own a repair shop or retail location we will be glad to add you to our growing roster of nationwide service centers! Please for more information regarding the current programs offered.
How can I become an ESP endorsee? For consideration we ask that you send in a press kit that contains:. A list of 100 + shows for the year and/or a scheduled television appearance. A copy of your recent music. Management information. Record company information.
Serial Number Check
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram stats. Published reviews or interviews Please send press kits to: ESP Guitars ATTN: Artist Relations 10913 Vanowen St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605.