ESP E-II Horizon 3 FM FR STBLKSB
ST Style Guitars
$3,348€2,999Check ↗
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
269products in stock
$278–$15kprice range
ESP in the charts
Every chart where ESP has five or more models — ranked by the AudioFu Index inside each.
Best ESP ST style guitars
74 models$289 – $8,708Best ESP heavy guitars
61 models$529 – $7,443Best ESP single cut guitars
50 models$278 – $8,149Best ESP premium guitars
11 models$5,023 – $8,931Best ESP 7 string guitars
11 models$285 – $6,475Best ESP lefthanded guitars
8 models$1,316 – $3,348Best ESP double cut guitars
8 models$289 – $2,790Best ESP T style guitars
7 models$993 – $4,800Best ESP signature guitars
7 models$2,064 – $14,513Best ESP baritone guitars
7 models$669 – $2,064Best ESP 4-String heavy basses
5 models$591 – $2,511
74 models$289 – $8,708Best ESP heavy guitars
61 models$529 – $7,443Best ESP single cut guitars
50 models$278 – $8,149Best ESP premium guitars
11 models$5,023 – $8,931Best ESP 7 string guitars
11 models$285 – $6,475Best ESP lefthanded guitars
8 models$1,316 – $3,348Best ESP double cut guitars
8 models$289 – $2,790Best ESP T style guitars
7 models$993 – $4,800Best ESP signature guitars
7 models$2,064 – $14,513Best ESP baritone guitars
7 models$669 – $2,064Best ESP 4-String heavy basses
5 models$591 – $2,511
All 269 ESP products
Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first. Page 6 of 6.
ESP E-II Horizon NT-II EMG STBCSB
ST Style Guitars
$3,348€2,999Check ↗
ESP LTD MH-17KIT BLK
7 String Guitars
$285€255Check ↗
ESP E-II Horizon NT II TE AM Fade
ST Style Guitars
$3,348€2,999Check ↗
ESP LTD B204SM Natural Satin
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses
$702€629Check ↗
ESP LTD B204SM Natural Satin
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses
$702€629Check ↗
ESP LTD EC-256 BLK
Single Cut Guitars
$613€549Check ↗
ESP TE-II USA HT FL BKSPK
T Style Guitars
$4,800€4,299Check ↗
ESP Alexi Arrow Head Legacy
Signature Guitars
$14,513€12,999Check ↗
ESP Edwards Horizon-I BLK
ST Style Guitars
$2,120€1,899Check ↗
ESP Edwards Horizon-8 FX BLKS
ST Style Guitars
$2,511€2,249Check ↗
ESP LTD EC-10 BLK Bundle
Electric Guitar Sets
$433€388Check ↗
ESP E-II Eclipse DB GRANSP
Single Cut Guitars
$3,348€2,999Check ↗
ESP LTD ALR-II QM STP Andy Laroque
ST Style Guitars
$2,455€2,199Check ↗
ESP E-II Eclipse Snow White
Single Cut Guitars
$3,125€2,799Check ↗
ESP E-II Horizon FR-II EMG STBCSB
ST Style Guitars
$3,683€3,299Check ↗
ESP LTD M-1000HT BP Black Fade
ST Style Guitars
$1,674€1,499Check ↗
ESP E-II Eclipse BM Blue Nat Fade
Single Cut Guitars
$3,224€2,888Check ↗
ESP LTD Viper-1000 Black Cherry
Double Cut Guitars
$1,562€1,399Check ↗
ESP LTD Arrow-1000NT CHMS LH
Lefthanded Guitars
$1,506€1,349Check ↗
ESP E-II M-II LH STBLK
Lefthanded Guitars
$3,348€2,999Check ↗
ESP E-II T-B7 Snow White
7 String Guitars
$2,902€2,599Check ↗
ESP LTD Viper-10 BLK
Double Cut Guitars
$289€259Check ↗
ESP LTD KH-202 BLK Kirk Hammett
ST Style Guitars
$725€649Check ↗
ESP LTD EC1000 Vintage BK EMG LH
Lefthanded Guitars
$1,316€1,179Check ↗
ESP LTD MH-10 Black
ST Style Guitars
$289€259Check ↗
ESP KH-2 Neck Thru CTM
ST Style Guitars
$5,805€5,199Check ↗
ESP E-II BTL-5 Black Natural Burst
Miscellaneous 5-String Basses
$3,460€3,099Check ↗
ESP LTD KH-202 BLK Kirk Ham Bundle
ST Style Guitars
$843€755Check ↗
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.