U-SE

Despite that semi-unsightly headstock design, these are absolutely cool - Edwards' Ultratone SE. 

This version sports a pair of Jazzmaster type pickups (Ultratone SE JM) & a TOM style bridge. That extended string length between the bridge & the hard tail is totally unnecessary but it's there to perhaps emulate the tonal behaviour of a Jazzmaster. There's a slim chance these would make it here & if they do, it won't be on the light side of the price bracket as these are from the Platinum range.

This is how an ESP Ultratone looks like with the more streamlined headstock design. FYI, these were (yes, they are discontinued) extended scale instruments sporting a scale length of 27".

One was made for George Lynch.

Pics: ESP Japan

Ultratone

I have this strange attraction to ESP's Ultratone (CLICK) but they did away with it quite recently. However, all's not lost, it is now offered as an Edwards model & it still looks attractive because the design remains in tact, just that label on the headstock that's different. The urge is strong. Hmm...

ULTRAs

I've been looking around for an ESP model which is a little different but not a major departure in terms of design, from the mainstream offerings. I remember there was an Ultratone model, which was very Viper-like, Geroge Lynch was seen playing one some time ago. True enough, there was an Ultratone but it was discontinued in 2004 (pictured above).

However, the Ultratone was updated subsequently & it escaped my attention. The revised edition features (it's still available today):

• 2 more frets
• a re-designed pickguard
• re-aligned humbuckers (not to mention the Duncans currently in use)
• knobs re-orientation
• body outline revision
• truss rod access re-location

I might just refer to this blueprint for my subsequent ESP special order. If there are any more, that is. Still waiting for my current one.