ESP 2026: MT-1

So this is how the ESP version of Mick Thompson's signature model looks like... exactly like the LTD version but with a more aggressive chamfering at the bass side cutaway. Rather upset that for an ESP, the fingerboard here is phenowood; a compound of wood & resin. The LTD version is ebony, FYI. Reminds me of that time when Gibson used richlite for its LP Custom. Bummer. 

Pic: ESP

LTD 2025

New models from the the ESP camp were announced today. I will cite the posts as LTD updates, not ESP, because that's clearly stated on the headstock - LTD. I also do not wish to represent these instruments as ESPs despite the LTD name being a sub-brand; Squier is not Fender & Epiphone is not Gibson. Enough said.

First up, the Mick Thomson signature was definitely on everyone's watch list & we finally get to see it. A minimalist manifestation with an absolute focus on tone hence the fixed bridge & single pickup affair. That bridge there is a Hipshot (HM) & the single humbucker is a signature Fishman Fluence. The toggle switch & push/pull knob will give you 3 voicing options.

Initial impressions:

• sleek design
• very ergonomic
• simple layout may be a make / break consideration for some of us
• ditto blank fretboard

The other anticipated release but not as celebrated as the Mick Thomson's is this Andy LaRocque signature. This one had been prototyped & brought on tour. I had been following this development more than the MT model. The pickups here are passive Seymour Duncans (JB / Custom Stack Plus) & the bridge, an FR1000 but the tuners here are locking as well. Interestingly, this guitar sports a 24.75" scale length. 

Initial impressions

• no special / unique features, a 'safe' set of specs that would be universally appealing
• 24.75" scale length might not be a thing with this type of shred-esque model

I was expecting ESP to actually release two versions of these instruments; the USA/Japanese version & an LTD take but as it is, only the LTD versions are offered in the mean time. Andy LaRocque played the E-II version for a while & seeing 'LTD' on this version is an under-whelming affair. However, we could all agree with how the upper end LTDs are (Deluxe & signature models) when it comes to quality. I am not into signature models so whatever floats the ESP boat, they should know what's good for them.

Pics: ESP

MT-ESP

Not quite breaking news considering pics & coverages went round even before NAMM. This is the official announcement by the manufacturer so we take note - Mick Thomson is now in the ESP camp. 

Pic: ESP 

Jackson: Mick Thomson Soloist

This is one of Jackson's 2018 highlight, the Mick Thomson Soloist. It's not too far off my expected details of the instrument. To put it bluntly- nothing new. Even the fixed bridge there is an adaptation to the Ibanez FX Edge unit. We should know Mick Thomson by now; someone who's totally into playing the guitar, the brand name isn't a particular pre-requisite. He just needs a brand name that backs him up 100% while he's at it. All the best to him this year, he's still on my list of formidable metal musicians out there. By the way, this one lists for more than USD5K. 

Mick J

Another jump-ship episode- Mick Thomson is now in the Jackson camp. A sad turn of events really, Thomson picked up an Ibanez RG560 way back in his career on his own accord; he was a true blue Ibanez fan. A brief BC Rich turn then to Ibanez & now Jackson.

Mick should talk to his guitar tech to check if he's 1) Dyslexic or 2) Drunk when re-stringing this Jackson (when you see it). Bottom line: Fender is smiling. Let's see if the stores here are wise enough in handling the discontinued Ibanez models.