Configure

Still on the ESP front, the USA branch now offers a simple configurator for you to mess with some options prior to purchase. The way I see this, it's bringing the USA market closer to the custom shop experience not that the standard production models are in need of further customization. For a more detailed custom specs, one can always revert to the Japanese website 😊

Hello, July!

As smart as ESP

Now we understand why ESP took the trouble to set foot in the USA. With all the environmental issues/legislation going on that are more than likely to affect business, they have Japan quality ESPs in the USA without bringing the guitars over, so to speak. Set up base there & get production going at their behest- no movements of wood across borders. Best move ever. 😏

ESP @ USA

Come 2014, the ESP guitar company will have a firm foothold in the USA. This is a lethal move & other USA instrument manufacturers should take heed of how some singlecut & strat-type implements would be affected. This is not to say that those would be dethroned comprehensively but it's a sign of things to come. Also to note, if you are manufacturing pointy, outgoing, 'loud' guitars, ESP has some of their own. OK let's make it more explicit- BC Rich needs to know what's coming their way. I have no disrespect for BC Rich, in fact, I'm quite a fan but lately they are not putting things forth with their usual vigour.

I'm applauding ESP's move to show the world what they are made of- resilience & commitment among other things. Eastern manufacturing have always been second fiddle to their western counterparts & the world was made to believe this was status quo but along the way, things change, to put it simply. Some entities in the east embrace technology with a certain degree of philosophy that would make many things possible. It's enough to initiate paradigm shifts- it's what Samsung is doing to iPhone if guitar manufacturing is not your thing.

Let's see what 2014 has in store for us.

Fender Lone star: Mexican/ USA

Recently, Fender has a Lone Star model in the catalog (recent addition? I must have missed it) but at a single glance, I thought something was not right with this guitar. Upon a more detailed reading, the Lonestar in question (the latest manifestation) is a Mexican version- evident from the 21 frets on offer.

I remember trying this guitar at Swee Lee back in the '90s when it was still situated at the current Art Friend location. It was an American model back then, featuring 22 frets & those steel block saddles which I prefer. Here's that USA model in one of Fender's ads (this one taken off Fender's homepage).