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
