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ESP
Hisatake Shibuya founded ESP in Tokyo in 1975, and the company built its early reputation supplying thrash metal players through the 1980s and 90s, most visibly James Hetfield's Explorer-shaped guitars for Metallica. The LTD series, launched in 1995, brought ESP's designs to a much lower price point by manufacturing in Korea and Indonesia, and it's since grown into a major line of its own alongside ESP's high-end Custom Shop and Original Series instruments. ESP guitars, both LTD and Custom Shop, remain the default choice for a large share of extreme and technical metal players. On GuitarBomb we cover it through signature models and the Hetfield/Hammett gear stories that keep resurfacing. Here's everything we've written.
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Founded1975
Based inTokyo, Japan
FounderHisatake Shibuya
Articles here26
Makes
- Electric guitars
- Bass guitars
Known for
- Eclipse
- Horizon
- M-II
- Arrow
- LTD
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$899$1,499-$600Sweetwater
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ESP FAQ4 questions
What is the difference between ESP and LTD?
LTD is ESP's more affordable line. ESP Original and E-II guitars are built in Japan; LTD models are built overseas to the same shapes at lower prices, with different pickups, hardware and finishes. Both come from the same company — Tokyo-based ESP, which also runs the Edwards, Navigator and Grassroots brands.
Are ESP guitars made in Japan?
The ESP Original Series and E-II are, from ESP's own Japanese workshops. LTD is not — it is produced overseas. The distinction is the single most useful thing to know when comparing two ESP-branded guitars at very different prices.
Who founded ESP?
Hisatake Shibuya, who started the company in Tokyo in 1975 and remained its owner until his death in 2024. ESP began as a parts supplier and custom shop before becoming a guitar brand in its own right, which is part of why its reputation rests on build quality rather than a single vintage model.
Why is ESP associated with metal?
Through its artists and its shapes. ESP built long relationships with players in metal — the signature line is one of the largest in the industry — and the catalogue leans towards pointed outlines, neck-through construction, active pickups and 24 frets. The brand also sells more conventional single-cut and offset designs, but the association is earned.