80's and early 90's ESPS

[El Chiguete]

I would like to know more about them. What where the good models to get? any good site to know more of them? Just so I wouldn't pass on a good guitar if I ever get offerd one.

[Axewielder]

I've got a mid 90's M-II which is a killer player. I like the angled neck heel better than any other bolty I've played. Mine has a Kahler fulcrum-style licensed trem which works well, although I prefer an OFR. It also had stock ESP brand pups which were bright as hell (I replaced them). Jackson brand pups are much better. ESP doesn't put the damn volume knob in the way, which is kind of nice.

[neilli]

I know from personal experience that the neck thrus are great guitars, but I've not owned a bolt-on, other than my 93 pre Kirk Hammett Kirk Hammet model (if that makes any sense).

The Sinclair trem they used in the 80s isn't the best, but it's OK (better than a JT6 IMO) and it's a direct swap if you want to put a Floyd in. The nut isn't a direct swap though as it's wider from bridge to head than a Floyd nut. I believe a lot (most?) have 1 5/8" nuts...

Earlier guitars had a 'lawsuit' Jackson headstock, and they changed the angle of the end by 90 degrees or so to get around that. Not sure when that was, but I'd guess around '89.

Anyway, here's mine:

[MetalHeadMat]

I have an '05 M-50 that's fucking awesome.

[Snoogans]

I always thought that the original ESP Synclair trem was a unique shape and wasn't compatible with anything else. Then again, it's been a long time since I last saw one. Some of the best guitars I ever played were '80s/early '90s ESP.

[mudkicker]

Any of the early Lynch Model guitars are great. The early ones do not have the ESP custom shop logo on them. I have a early Skulls and Snakes. These are easy to spot now, the clear coat on the S&S's failed and has crackd on several of the real early one.

Mine is cracked near the recessed trem cavity. A friend bought a 2005 model. The neck is different from mine, the pickups are weaker sounding. Has a licensed floyd, where mine has the Kahler. Due to the clear coat problem these are usually a little cheaper than the Kamakaze or other Lynch Models.

[shobet]

A 'The Eclipse' model from I guess the mid to late 80s. I've asked ESP for information for it but have not heard anything back yet. There's a neck like a tree trunk on this one, very comfy to play. I'd love to know more about her, woods used etc.

A useful resource for some catalogue scans, thanks to Henrik - http://audiozone.dk/cm/jackson-charv...ans.php?cat=11

[AK47]

Transition year for Jackson head stock was 1990. I believe ESP pointy first started appearing in late 89 then they fully went to ESP pointy by the end of 1990.

FYI you can still order a ESP with Jackson headstock through ESP of Japan.

[DonP]