Brand profile · Japan, est. 1970s

ESP

ESP, originally Electric Sound Products, emerged from the vibrant Japanese music scene of the 1970s, initially as a distributor for foreign brands. Recognizing a demand for high-quality, customizable instruments, ESP transitioned to manufacturing their own guitars and basses, quickly establishing a reputation for aggressive aesthetics, rock-solid construction, and a commitment to catering to the metal and hard rock communities. Today, ESP is a globally recognized brand synonymous with powerful performance and distinctive design.

Explorer-style guitarsThe Eclipse series’ sleek designCollaboration with influential metal guitaristsHigh-performance locking tremolo systemsCustom shop level craftsmanship
1970sfounded
Japancountry
262products in stock
$280–$15kprice range

ESP in the charts

Every chart where ESP has five or more models — ranked by the AudioFu Index inside each.

All 262 ESP products

Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first. Page 1 of 6.

ESP LTD B-205DX BB

5-String Heavy Basses

$598€531Check ↗

ESP LTD B-205DX RB

5-String Heavy Basses

$618€549Check ↗

ESP LTD B-204DX BB

4-String Heavy Basses

$600€533Check ↗

ESP LTD B-204DX RB

4-String Heavy Basses

$595€529Check ↗

ESP E-II EX NT BK

Heavy Guitars

$2,925€2,599Check ↗

ESP E-II FRX FM RDB

Heavy Guitars

$3,712€3,299Check ↗

ESP LTD Snakebyte BKLS

Heavy Guitars

$1,685€1,497Check ↗

ESP E-II EX NT SW

Heavy Guitars

$2,925€2,599Check ↗

ESP Snakebyte SW James Hetfield

Heavy Guitars

$6,751€5,999Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse BLKS

Single Cut Guitars

$3,206€2,849Check ↗

ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture OW

Heavy Guitars

$1,968€1,749Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse FR Charcoal Burst

Single Cut Guitars

$3,600€3,199Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse FM BLK NAT B

Single Cut Guitars

$3,206€2,849Check ↗

ESP Snakebyte BLKS James Hetfield

Signature Guitars

$6,376€5,666Check ↗

ESP LTD ARROW-400 SM

Heavy Guitars

$1,124€999Check ↗

ESP LTD ARROW-400 CM

Heavy Guitars

$1,124€999Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse FT FM TSB

Single Cut Guitars

$3,600€3,199Check ↗

ESP LTD Snakebyte SW

Heavy Guitars

$1,750€1,555Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse BB BLKS

Single Cut Guitars

$3,206€2,849Check ↗

ESP LTD EC-01 FT Black

Single Cut Guitars

$1,124€999Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse FT FM SD VHB

Single Cut Guitars

$3,206€2,849Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse DB VB

Single Cut Guitars

$3,150€2,799Check ↗

ESP LTD Gary Holt GH-SV

Heavy Guitars

$2,500€2,222Check ↗

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

Heavy Guitars

$899€799Check ↗

ESP LTD Vulture BLKS

Heavy Guitars

$1,799€1,599Check ↗

ESP E-II Arrow SW

Heavy Guitars

$3,375€2,999Check ↗

ESP LTD PHX-204DX BB

4-String Heavy Basses

$623€554Check ↗

ESP E-II Eclipse QM RDB

Single Cut Guitars

$3,375€2,999Check ↗

ESP LTD B206 Natural Satin

Miscellaneous 6-String Basses

$787€699Check ↗

ESP LTD SN-1007 Baritone HT BK Bl

Baritone Guitars

$1,912€1,699Check ↗

ESP LTD PHX-204DX RB

4-String Heavy Basses

$608€540Check ↗

ESP Vulture BKS Hetfield

Heavy Guitars

$6,751€5,999Check ↗

ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Arrowhead

Heavy Guitars

$2,452€2,179Check ↗

ESP LTD Arrow-200 Black

Heavy Guitars

$782€695Check ↗

ESP LTD TL-6 QM Charcoal Burst

Miscellaneous Acoustic Guitars

$899€799Check ↗

ESP Eclipse Custom DB Black Satin

Premium Guitars

$7,426€6,599Check ↗

ESP LTD EC-01 FT CBS

Single Cut Guitars

$1,381€1,227Check ↗

ESP E-II Arrow BLK

Heavy Guitars

$3,375€2,999Check ↗

ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Sawtooth

Heavy Guitars

$2,441€2,169Check ↗

ESP LTD Arrow-1000 PW

Heavy Guitars

$1,991€1,769Check ↗

ESP LTD Phoenix-201 BK

Heavy Guitars

$674€599Check ↗

ESP LTD RZK-III OW

Heavy Guitars

$2,500€2,222Check ↗

ESP LTD B204SM FL Natural Satin

Fretless Basses

$753€669Check ↗

ESP LTD M-201 Baritone HT BK

Baritone Guitars

$674€599Check ↗

ESP LTD B205SM FL Natural Satin

Fretless Basses

$753€669Check ↗

ESP LTD EC-1000 PW

Single Cut Guitars

$1,889€1,679Check ↗

ESP LTD EC-1000 GS

Single Cut Guitars

$1,867€1,659Check ↗

ESP LTD EC-200DX BLB

Single Cut Guitars

$526€467Check ↗

ESP, honestly

What ESP does well
  • Exceptional build quality and hardware
  • Aggressive aesthetics appeal to rock/metal players
  • Wide range of models for diverse playing styles
  • Excellent sustain and powerful tone
  • Customization options offer unique personalization
What to watch for
  • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for some players
  • Aesthetic can be polarizing, not universally appealing
  • Can be heavy, impacting long playing sessions
  • Factory finishes may require professional polishing
  • Limited acoustic guitar offerings compared to competitors

Questions about ESP

Where are ESP instruments made?

While ESP headquarters remain in Japan, many instruments are manufactured in both Japan and China, with Japanese-made models typically commanding a higher price point and considered to be of superior quality.

Are ESP guitars difficult to set up?

ESP guitars, particularly those with Floyd Rose tremolo systems, often require more precise setup and adjustments than simpler designs, but are generally stable once properly configured.

Does ESP offer left-handed models?

Yes, ESP offers a selection of their guitars and basses in left-handed versions, although availability may vary depending on the specific model.

 Check price ↗

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