NGD! ESP MX-II... x2!
NGD! ESP MX-II... x2!
Back in February, a friend and I decided to take the plunge and get in contact with ESP through the 'Big Boss' shop in Ochanomizu, Toyko.
We made the decision to custom order an MX-II each. As can be seen from the pictures below, they are ever so slightly inspired by a certain well known guitar...
The rosewood boards and bone nuts are nice touches, as is the lack of 'ashtray' on the back. No new 'custom shop' logos either. Just need to sort out truss rod covers!
Having played them, they are simply incredible. Totally flawless and play/sound amazing! Delighted!
Anyway, enough talk - here are some pictures!
Regarding the MX220 body shape and inlays, Armand Crump, Kerry's tech got ESP of Japan to make him one in 2011. 220 Body and middle finger inlays.
Funny story, he took delivery of the guitar in Australia and the same day he went to the Metallica show. He was going to have Hetfield sign the guitar but when Hetfield saw the guitar he flipped out and refused to sign it. Then Hetfield called ESP USA and Matt all pissed why they wont make him the old shape and they did it for Armand.
Armand ordered it direct from Japan and bypassed ESP USA, still it caused all kinds of drama with ESP. Hetfield was also pissed about the inlays. I will see if I can find the pics...
I can hardly believe that. I'm saying bullshit on the story, I'm just wondering how there could be such a disconnect between their most important artist and what he wants?! If James calls Matt up and says, "get me a new EET FUK", Matt is actually going to say, "nah...can't bro." That I can hardly believe.
Tondog wrote:I can hardly believe that. I'm saying bullshit on the story, I'm just wondering how there could be such a disconnect between their most important artist and what he wants?! If James calls Matt up and says, "get me a new EET FUK", Matt is actually going to say, "nah...can't bro." That I can hardly believe.
ESP USA is afraid of Gibson and lawsuits. This happened as in the guitar was made for Armand and Hetfield refused to sign it and got all pissed about it, especially the inlays. There were tons of witnesses when this happened including Armand's Girlfriend who was there, she actually owns the guitar now and maybe for sale. Last time I spoke with her she wanted to keep it but that may have changed now not sure. I'm sure Matt could confirm this story as well or ask Makoto Suzuki because he was the guy who authorized the order for Armand.
EXPcustom wrote:I can hardly believe that. I'm saying bullshit on the story, I'm just wondering how there could be such a disconnect between their most important artist and what he wants?! If James calls Matt up and says, "get me a new EET FUK", Matt is actually going to say, "nah...can't bro." That I can hardly believe.
ESP USA is afraid of Gibson and lawsuits. This happened as in the guitar was made for Armand and Hetfield refused to sign it and got all pissed about it, especially the inlays. There were tons of witnesses when this happened including Armand's Girlfriend who was there, she actually owns the guitar now and maybe for sale. Last time I spoke with her she wanted to keep it but that may have changed now not sure. I'm sure Matt could confirm this story as well or ask Makoto Suzuki because he was the guy who authorized the order for Armand.
Yeah, I heard that actual guitar might possibly be for sale.
EXPcustom wrote:I can hardly believe that. I'm saying bullshit on the story, I'm just wondering how there could be such a disconnect between their most important artist and what he wants?! If James calls Matt up and says, "get me a new EET FUK", Matt is actually going to say, "nah...can't bro." That I can hardly believe.
ESP USA is afraid of Gibson and lawsuits. This happened as in the guitar was made for Armand and Hetfield refused to sign it and got all pissed about it, especially the inlays. There were tons of witnesses when this happened including Armand's Girlfriend who was there, she actually owns the guitar now and maybe for sale. Last time I spoke with her she wanted to keep it but that may have changed now not sure. I'm sure Matt could confirm this story as well or ask Makoto Suzuki because he was the guy who authorized the order for Armand.
Yeah I meant to say that I'm NOT calling bullshit on the story. I missed typing that NOT part!
Who is communicating with Armand's girlfriend to see if it's up for sale? I'm betting that would bring in $20K!
Tondog wrote:I can hardly believe that. I'm saying bullshit on the story, I'm just wondering how there could be such a disconnect between their most important artist and what he wants?! If James calls Matt up and says, "get me a new EET FUK", Matt is actually going to say, "nah...can't bro." That I can hardly believe.
ESP USA is afraid of Gibson and lawsuits. This happened as in the guitar was made for Armand and Hetfield refused to sign it and got all pissed about it, especially the inlays. There were tons of witnesses when this happened including Armand's Girlfriend who was there, she actually owns the guitar now and maybe for sale. Last time I spoke with her she wanted to keep it but that may have changed now not sure. I'm sure Matt could confirm this story as well or ask Makoto Suzuki because he was the guy who authorized the order for Armand.
Yeah I meant to say that I'm NOT calling bullshit on the story. I missed typing that NOT part!
Who is communicating with Armand's girlfriend to see if it's up for sale? I'm betting that would bring in $20K!
If you guys are seriously interested in the guitar send me a private message and I can see if it's available but expect it to be a lot of money as in close to 20k so if you think your going to be able to get it for cheap as in 15k or less don't bother messaging me.
Nice! What is the process of ordering guitars like this from a Japan shop? What are the costs?