Questions for the ESP aficionados

[TKEblue]

So, I’m considering a production model ESP.

What had innitially caught my eye was the E-II Horizon blue-purple graduation. This got me looking into ESP’s. The blue-purple is one I am definitely still considering, but I’m digging a few other horizons, along with the mirage and m-II.

Ive read a little about the whole ESP Standard Series / E-II / LTD Elite thing. Im curious about your opinions and findings on this.

Are there any eras that are more lauded than others?

How about Edwards?


***I had written more, but when I went to post, my login had timed out, and it hadn’t auto saved. I was probably rambling on, but if I remember anything pertinent, I’ll add it in a reply I guess. lol***

[Number Of The Priest]

E-II is the current label for what was formerly ESP Standard. Quality is identical.

LTD Elite (made in Japan) is the top of the LTD range, higher than even LTD Deluxe (made in Korea). More reading: https://www.espguitars.com/products?...ries=ltd-elite

GUITARS

LTD ELITE

Built at the ESP Japan factory by our team of experienced luthiers, LTD Elite guitars bridge the gap between our premier-level ESP models and our affordable LTD guitars. With workmanship and attention to detail that rivals any of the world’s most respected guitars, LTD Elite is the perfect balance for serious players who need a fantastic instrument that still meets their budget.

Edwards is a Japan-only label. Similar to how "Jackson Stars" and "Grover Jackson" are Japan-only labels for Jackson. Though, it is not too difficult to find them outside the Japan market. ESP's other Japan-only labels include the high end Navigator brand and the affordable Grassroots. Edwards is in between Navigator and Grassroots. There are conflicting reports and unclear literature about whether Edwards is entirely made in Japan, or made in China and then shipped to Japan for outfitting/finishing/setup/inspection.

[xenophobe]

Anything made in Japan is excellent. Great fretwork, build quality. I think 00's and later are a bit nicer than the 90's models... they're more refined, but ESP of any era is worth giving a shot to. Some of the 90's Mirages are some of the best deals out there, but the finish and fretwork seem to be nicer on the newer models. The Korean LTDs are also excellent, but definitely a step down in features and fretwork, but they're excellent gigging quality instruments that you can take out without worrying much about getting dinged up or scratched.

I wouldn't hesitate pulling the trigger on a MIJ or MIK ESP if I saw one that I wanted.

[TKEblue]

@Number Of The Priest
Thanks for your input.
I think I remember you have a nice Mirage, or am I mistaken?
Through my google research, i‘ve read, on various forums, things that both corroborate and contradict your post. Which is why I had asked.
Some people claim the E-II is actually an LTD Elite replacement and that the Standard Series was removed from the lineup. They claim the quality of the E-II is more on par with the quality of the LTD Elite. Some people have said it’s just as good as the Standard Series.
Is this just similar to the whole “pre fender” thing with J/C?

With Edwards, I read in an older forum post saying they’re on par or higher than the Standard Series. But in more recent posts I’ve read what you had said, about possibly being made in China and finished in Japan.

I mean, these things aren’t the absolute most important. But I like to be as informed as possible before a purchase. And obviously, I want the instrument that has the most potential.

@Xenophobe
Thanks for your input.
Good to know about the 90s models. What’s the opinion on late 80s? I’ve seen a few on reverb. I’ve also seen a few of the ones from 48th street guitars(??)/NYC.
How would you say a new/recent e-II compares to Jackson, in terms of detail and q/c? Like, typical mij pro series, pro pro, USA select?
I’m not worried about Japan quality, I’ve just never encountered anything other than LTD. LTDs are great instruments, but I’ve been spoiled by great luck with high quality MIJ Jackson’s and Charvels. An old band mate had one of the flat black EC-1000s that I used to play on a lot. It was a really nice guitar. I see them pop up on Facebook for under $400 sometimes. I wouldn’t mind getting an amber or honey burst version..

Anyway, all input is helpful!

[Number Of The Priest]

Wow, I'm on the ESP & LTD Guitars group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/151261579529/) but I don't recall any discussion about E-II replacing LTD Elite as a result of the abolition of the ESP Standard Series. Interesting. Then again, I am not paying attention to every single thread, just highlights on my main Facebook feed, so it's possible it was discussed and I simply missed it. The J/C "pre-Fender" thing might be a good comparison.

I've heard wild theories about Edwards in regards to where it ranks relative to the other ESP sub-brands. I have a great Edwards (pictured below) that originally made me believe it was completely Japanese-made and at least equivalent to the ESP Standard Series, and it was sold to me with that impression, so for its quality I'd actually even more amazed if it turns out to be one of the Chinese/Japanese-made Edwards. I suppose if we wanted to be as unbiased as possible, we could evaluate each guitar on its own individual merits, no matter what it says on the headstock. I've been trying to do more of this lately, no matter the brand. But much like you, the curious owner in me also likes to know what I'm playing, so I also would be curious to eventually hear confirmed truths from reputable sources confirming E-II and Edwards.

You're right about my Mirage. Below are the three ESP umbrella guitars I've owned. I still have the Mirage and the Les Paul. I traded the EC-1000 for an equivalent Korean-made Schecter C-1, but I wish I found a way to keep both.

1990 ESP Mirage Custom:


1999 Edwards E-LP-90LTC '68 Les Paul Custom:


2010 LTD EC-1000:

[eakinj]

So I will say this about Edwards, when I got my E Fr 140 Gt Ba, it actually ruined it for me playing any of my LTD's and much sadder any of my Jacksons (including the USA models) it has taken the spot of all of my other guitars.

As I recall E-II came about because there was brand confusion regarding ESP Custom Shop and the standard series.

Where I am a little confused, I have an LTD MK-600 which is a phenomenal guitar. but no way in hell can it touch the Edwards and I believe the 600 series signature guitars are supposed to be at Deluxe level. Don't get me wrong, it's a great guitar, but the edwards blows it out of the water, smacks it around, makes it call him Daddy and then runs rings around it (I really like my Edwards, can you tell?)

I just bought another Edwards today, this one is kind of the test, was I just really lucky with the FR, or is anything I'm going to get from them going to be this good. If it is "They are all this good" I'm selling off everything else and going strictly Edwards. (Ok, no I'm keeping my Rhoads, lol)

[TKEblue]

That Mirage is sweet Number Of The Priest!
If you just google Standard Series vs E-II, that’s what most of the forum threads talk about.


Youve both brought up my confidence in Edwards.

@eakinj
Thats awesome man! How long have you had the FR?
I look forward to hearing about the new one when it arrives! The H3 is definitely a cool body style. I hope it lives up to the first one!

im going to try to dig a little deeper into researching Edwards.

[xenophobe]

That LP proper Edwards is sweet. I wouldn't mind owning one of those.

[JacksonPyro]

between 1985 to 1987 ESP just started to offer what could be called production line guitars. Previously all ESP offerings were technically custom made guitars.
If you can score anything near vintage like whats in this 87' catalog you will probably have the best guitars you might ever own.

https://espguitars.co.jp/customer/download/catalog/1987/index.html

So, I’m considering a production model ESP.

What had innitially caught my eye was the E-II Horizon blue-purple graduation. This got me looking into ESP’s. The blue-purple is one I am definitely still considering, but I’m digging a few other horizons, along with the mirage and m-II.

Ive read a little about the whole ESP Standard Series / E-II / LTD Elite thing. Im curious about your opinions and findings on this.

Are there any eras that are more lauded than others?

How about Edwards?


***I had written more, but when I went to post, my login had timed out, and it hadn’t auto saved. I was probably rambling on, but if I remember anything pertinent, I’ll add it in a reply I guess. lol***

[z1n]

I have the E-II M-II https://reverb.com/item/778800-esp-e...herry-sunburst (not mine) and it has basically replaced my Jackson SL2H and Charvel Pro Mod. Not that those are bad its just I love the neck its not as wide and the thin U shape feels so much better to me. The quality is just as good but I would say even better. The LTD 600 and up used to be just as good but ever since the change to E-II naming I would say they are not as good anymore.

[slayer]

between 1985 to 1987 ESP just started to offer what could be called production line guitars. Previously all ESP offerings were technically custom made guitars.
If you can score anything near vintage like whats in this 87' catalog you will probably have the best guitars you might ever own.

https://espguitars.co.jp/customer/download/catalog/1987/index.html

Wow, those M-1 Customs with just 1 humbucker are awesome!! I don`t see many of those for sale. I want one now!!

[JacksonPyro]

Those M-1 Customs are way better than i could ever explain. ESP wasn't a big corporation in those years and the guitars they made were made with pride in their craft. Kinda how all guitars should be made. I think now you would pay like 5grand+ to get anything approaching that level of instrument. at least !!

Wow, those M-1 Customs with just 1 humbucker are awesome!! I don`t see many of those for sale. I want one now!!

[TKEblue]

There was a late 80s horizon that looked like the one in that add photo on reverb a few weeks ago for I think 1600 or 1700. They called the color rose gold on the listing. I guess that would have been one to jump on. I just checked to see if it was still there but it’s gone. There is a red 88 for 3000 currently. lol a little rich for me.

[JacksonPyro]

if you want one as a player and not a pristine immaculate wall ornament wait til one with some minor mods, dings dents or maybe a minor repair to show up and then jump on it!! that will save big $$$. you surely wont be disappointed by any mid 80s ESP!!

There was a late 80s horizon that looked like the one in that add photo on reverb a few weeks ago for I think 1600 or 1700. They called the color rose gold on the listing. I guess that would have been one to jump on. I just checked to see if it was still there but it’s gone. There is a red 88 for 3000 currently. lol a little rich for me.

[JacksonPyro]

look what just popped up on ebay >>

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LATE-80S-EARLY-90S-ESP-Mirage-CUSTOM-EMG-PICK-UPS-ORIG-CASE-CLEAN/113689973669