Japan · Est. 1975
ESP Guitars
The Japanese brand that became the weapon of choice for metal's elite, ESP guitars combine precision engineering with uncompromising heavy metal DNA.
About the brand
ESP (Electric Sound Products) was founded in 1975 in Tokyo, Japan, initially as a repair shop and custom parts supplier. The brand began building custom electric guitars in 1976 and quickly developed a reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship. By the 1980s, ESP had become the preferred choice of metal guitarists seeking instruments built to the highest professional standards.
The ESP Standard and ESP Original series represent the premium tier — instruments built in Japan at the brand's Tokyo facility with individually selected tonewoods and meticulous hand finishing. Metallica's Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield both play ESP; so do George Lynch, Stephen Carpenter, and dozens of other leading metal guitarists.
ESP's engineering philosophy prioritises feel, sustain, and reliability under the extreme demands of professional touring. The brand's willingness to build signature instruments for specific playing techniques has made it the dominant force in professional metal guitar.
Key facts
- Founded in 1975 in Tokyo — the definitive Japanese metal guitar brand
- Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield of Metallica are among the most prominent ESP players
- Japan-made Standard and Original series set the benchmark for professional metal guitars
- Extensive signature programme with the world's leading metal guitarists
Iconic models
ESP Eclipse
ESP's answer to the Les Paul design, refined with superior specifications and adopted by metal musicians such as James Hetfield of Metallica.
ESP Horizon
ESP's superstrat model with a maple top and top-tier construction, a favorite among technical Japanese rock and metal guitarists.
ESP M-II
A high-performance superstrat from ESP, with neck-through construction and specs aimed at shred and technical metal.
ESP Snakebyte
James Hetfield of Metallica's signature guitar with ESP, featuring a modified Explorer body and extreme metal specifications.