NAMM '23: LTD

This seems to be the LTD highlight in the mean time. People are giving this serious considerations at NAMM '23 & this would be the case if you are actually unfamiliar with what ESP has to offer. The KH-V is a clear iteration of ESP's Arrow model with a slight mod to differentiate itself from the established offering. The fact that a Kirk Hammett fanfare was thrown into the mix, things got hyped up rather easily. 

On that note (no pun intended), even the new Gary Holt signature looks very close to the Kirk Hammett version less the locking hardware & whammy bridge. This one would get lesser attention because it's not Kirk Hammett associated.

Elsewhere within the camp, there's a little celebration over the fact that the Vulture is finally available in white. 🙄

Perhaps some respite can be had here - it's the BK-600, Bill Kelliher's latest signature commitment. This is a full body thickness affair with no belly cut for that traditional singlecut feel (whatever that means to you). Pickups are BK's Mojo Tone Hell Bender, ebony fretboard. We note that, despite a signature affair, this is a tier 600 model, keeping things rather affordable / appealing. 

Pics: ESP

New Bill?

Was watching a Mastodon clip a few days ago about their creative processes. Saw this interesting guitar, it just looks cool; Bill Kelliher double-cut LP type.

Dug a little deeper, it seems that the guitar had been teased online since May. OK so I was late but still good to know. 

Pics: Youtube / Guitarfxdepot

Leaving Gibson

This is Bill Kelliher. Bill is the guitar half of Mastodon. Bill used to play Gibson guitars.

This is Bill once more. He had since moved on with ESP guitars. The switch was rather bitter.

That's right folks, until recently, this episode was kept under wraps. Besides being news fodder (who wouldn't wanna read about a big name guitar thrashing by some frustrated metal dude, yes?), it's a reality check. When you are talking about custom shop dealings, it has to be deserving. If you cannot adhere to specific instructions by an endorser, then you just have to drop it. Your custom shop is simply one churning out custom jobs for your own interest, not that of the endorsers. 

According to Bill, Gibson couldn't even avoid doing a chambered body for his instrument. It seems that someone in there is bent on pushing their craftsmanship philosophy unto others even if it means offending them on a personal note. I believe that if there is an endorsement going on, the key to longevity is listening. Moving on to ESP, these people are wonderful listeners. Their foothold in the US market recently should give a wake up call to the other players in the industry. It's really upsetting to know a big name like Gibson couldn't get the fundamentals right when it comes to professional dealings. Gibson is not just a brand name, it's one of the benchmarks in guitar craftsmanship. It's sad to know that something is hinting at the manufacturer going askew.

ESP 2017

This is a small update of what's to come from ESP. Two new signature models:

1. Sparrowhawk: The second signature model by Mastodon's Bill Kelliher. Visually, it's unappealing. A tinge of Firebird body outline there but what an undeserving headstock design.
2. Volsung: Debut signature model by Rancid's Lars Frederiksen, very Viper inspired.

I'm actually waiting for ESP to delete their E-II confusion & return the 'Standard' tag to their no frills Japanese series but that's not about to happen. In the mean time, the prices of ESPs continue to climb.

ESP Kelliher

In an initial press release announcing Mastodon's Bill Kelliher joining the ESP camp, only this LTD version is shown. The ESP version will be shown on Summer NAMM which is coming soon. This Eclipse spin-off is interesting because it's a slab design so no belly contour at the rear of the body & there are no model number at the 12th fret for the LTD version. We await further details.

Gibson Kelliher

Mastodon's Bill Kelliher has his own Explorer dubbed the Golden Axe. Thought he has a thing for Les Pauls... Interesting to note he's having non-Gibson pickups in there (LACE Nitro Hemi).

Bird of Prey

This is Mastodon's Bill Kelliher with his current squeeze, Morgan Guitar Works' Bird of Prey model, basically a futuristic, custom made flying V guitar.

I'm always on the lookout for innovative features/ design in an electric guitar & the most intriguing highlight here is the BOP's tuners- they are Steinberger's locking units but set through the headstock face. This isn't quite fresh as Gibson's Firebird feature similar through-headstock tuners but they are from the rear. Unique, yes? But imagine having to tune while you have this guitar strapped-on...