Experimental

 ESP released this yesterday - the Experimental Series. This here is the M-II NT in buckeye burl finish.

You will see this embossed onto each instrument to distinguish itself from the rest in the catalog. However, the fact that it's not featured on its international page means it might be limited to the domestic Japan market. Then again, we know how Davis GMC will bring such exclusive models in here albeit in limited quantity & selection.

This is the 7-string version. I like the fact that it's a fixed bridge design. These feature Bare Knuckle (Aftermath) pickups though. 

Pics: ESP Japan

Knuckled E-II

New for 2018, ESP's E-II offers selected models with Bare Knuckle pickups. Seen above is the M-II NT with a pair of Aftermath humbuckers.

The NT 7 has Warpigs in there. Also new for 2018, selected models are offered with Hipshot fixed bridges.

Ibanez: RG8820B

This is something which we are likely not to see here, the RG8820B. I'm not a keen fan of elaborate inlays but Ibanez is now opening up more models to the Bare Knuckle pickups. Seen here are the Aftermaths humbuckers.

Ibanez 2014: Bare Knuckling

In case you missed this- Ibanez has 2 models out this year featuring Bare Knuckle pickups. This is the RGD7UC with a pair of Aftermath 7 humbuckers.

This is the FR6UC also featuring the Aftermath humbuckers. Pertaining to the guitar per se, Ibanez removed the pickguard, gave it a satin finish & binding so the FR, this year, has a more contemporary look as opposed to its very 'Telecaster' vibe of the past. The reality of it is the fact that nobody's gonna buy the FR to emulate the Telecaster so Ibanez did the right thing by giving it a makeover.

It's also good to know that Ibanez is open to having other brand name pickups in their instruments instead of having the traditional DiMarzios for their upper tier models.