The ESP Guitar Company :: Support

What is the difference between ESP and LTD models? For example, the ESP Truckster seems so similar to the LTD Truckster, but the price is significantly different!
ESP guitars are built in our main factory and custom-shop located in Japan. These are completely built and assembled by highly skilled craftsmen using the best parts & wood selection. LTD guitars are produced in our factories outside of Japan (currently Korea or Indonesia), and are manufactured in larger quantities using an assembly-line production method.

Are standard LTD, Xtone or ESP models available with custom options?
No, we only manufacture standard models to catalog specs and you cannot change any of the specifications on regular production models. LTD & Xtone instruments are not available in custom shop versions, however, ESP guitars can be ordered with custom options and are then built in the ESP Custom Shop. Please submit a custom order form to your authorized ESP dealer to get a price quote on any custom shop guitar.

See Custom Ordered Guitars.

Can I purchase a guitar directly from ESP, or do I have to buy it from a dealer?
ESP and LTD guitars can only be purchased from an authorized dealer. For a complete list of current authorized ESP dealers, go to our dealer locator.

Are any ESP, LTD or Xtone models available in left-hand versions?
Yes, but not all models are available left-handed. For availability and pricing, please contact any authorized ESP dealer or your distributor if you live outside of the US.

How can I get a catalog?
Ifyou want a print version of our catalog, they are available through ESP (Only in USA & Canada). Please send a check or money order for $5.00 requesting a catalog to this address:

ESP Guitars / Catalogs
10903 Vanowen St., Unit A
North Hollywood, CA 91605

Can I register online?
ESP does not have online registration at this time. You must fill out your warranty card and return it to ESP to be entered into our warranty database. If you do not have a warranty card, you may download the owner's manual, which includes the warranty card and description, fill it out and return to ESP.

I didn't get an owner's manual w/ my guitar / bass. How can I get one?
You may download the owner's manual on our website or send a written request to ESP customer service requesting an owner's manual.

How can I date my ESP, LTD, or Xtone guitar?
ESP maintains limited production records. If you would like to send us the following information, we will do our best to help you with your request.Send an e-mail to techinfo including serial number, description, & pictures (make sure to include close-up shots of headstock front & back, back of neck plate & top of body) to help with the dating process. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to date your instrument, but we will at least try and help! (Please note: If you do not send pictures, chances are we will not be able to assist you with your request.)

How can I find out prices on new guitars?
We provide pricing information for the USA market only on this website. You can download a current USA retail price list from our website. For pricing outside the USA, please contact the international distributor for your country.

How can I find out the status of my order that was placed through an authorized ESP Dealer?
Only your authorized ESP dealer can provide you with the status of your order. Please contact your authorized dealer, as ESP is unable to assist you with this type of request. (new one)

I live in the U.S. How can I find the nearest ESP dealer?
To find the authorized retailer nearest you, please check our dealer locator.

Are the models shown on the ESP Japan website available for sale in the USA?
No, the only models shown on this website are available for sale in the USA. Models available in other countries are only available for those markets.

CUSTOM SHOP

Can I order a custom guitar made to my own specifications?
Yes. We have been building custom-ordered guitars since we started and are highly regarded in the guitar industry as "The" Custom Guitar Company. As long as the guitar you want us to build meets our expectations for functionality and does not infringe on any copyright matters with any other guitar manufacturing company, we can custom build it for you. For a price quote on a custom order, fill out the custom order form on our website, or fax a custom order form to ESP at 818 506-1378. You may also contact an authorized ESP dealer to help you with this.

Does ESP offer any guitars made in the U.S.?
We have offered some limited production models built in the USA in years past, but currently do not offer any guitars built in the USA.

Can I still order the old EXP body shape when ordering a custom ESP?
The body style of the old EXP was retired and a new body style was introduced in 2000. It is now known as the EX model. You may ONLY order the new EX body style - we cannot produce the old EXP shape.

What is the standard delivery time on a custom order?
Custom orders take a minimum of 6-8 months to be completed.

Can I Order a KH-2 Ouija or custom order one?
No. The KH-2 Ouija model is no longer available, and the Ouija graphic is not available on any ESP guitars.

ELECTRONICS

I get a buzzing/humming sound but it goes away when I touch the volume. Is this normal?
Yes. When you touch the strings or bridge on an electric guitar, your body acts as the ground and the circuit will be quieter.

Is it possible to fit EMG pickups into my guitar that came with regular ESP/LTD pickups or Seymour Duncan pickups?
Yes, except for 7-string models, all pickup routes are the same. This job has to be done by a professional repairperson to ensure the new parts are installed correctly. Please note: You cannot send your guitar back to ESP to do this type of work.

How often do I need to replace my 9-volt battery in my guitar with EMG active pickups or circuits?
Your battery life will depend on the amount you play your instrument. We recommend checking and replacing your battery every few months, although you may need to change it more frequently. Please visit EMG's website for more info.

NOTE: You will know your battery needs to be replaced when your signal becomes weak or distorted. To prolong your battery life, do not leave your cable plugged into your instrument when not in use - this will drain the battery.

What is the EMG Afterburner System and what does it do?
The EMG AB is an active push-pull variable gain control. (0-20db when in the "up" position / off when in the down position.) This control usually replaces the tone control in most guitars, and DOES NOT function as a tone control when in the "down" position. Please note: This circuit requires a 9-volt battery. If the battery is low or needs to be replaced, the guitar will not have any output (even when in the "down" position).

What Are EMG HZ Pickups and are they active or passive?
All EMG HZ Pickups are passive. (They do not require a 9-volt battery to operate.) EMG HZ pickups are made in the USA. They are designed like traditional pickups, but incorporate an exclusive 5-wire quik-connect design, allowing pickups to be changed without any soldering. Current HZ models use ceramic magnets and over-wound coils, giving moderate output with a defined high end and plenty of punch and clarity. HZ bass pickups are high output bass humbuckers designed for low noise and plenty of output.

All EMG HZ pickups are fully shielded and have 4-conductor output, enabling after-market custom wiring options such as series/split/parallel/phase switching. These types of modifications can be performed by most any qualified repair technician and will not void the warranty.

For more information regarding EMG HZ pickups, please visit EMG.

What Are Duncan Designed pickups?
Duncan Designed pickups are designed by Seymour Duncan and manufactured to their specifications overseas. These pickups are not sold over-the-counter, and are only available on a select few manufacturers' guitars. All Duncan Designed pickups are modeled after specific Seymour Duncan USA pickup models, and are calibrated for neck, middle, or bridge position. All Duncan Designed pickups have 4-conductor output wires, enabling custom wiring modifications such as series/split/parallel/phase switching. These types of modifications can be performed by most any qualified repair technician and will not void the warranty.

For more information regarding Duncan Designed pickups, please visit Seymour Duncan

MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL

Can I send my guitar to ESP for maintenance, repair, or upgrades?
No. ESP's shop does not perform any aftermarket work with the exception of warranty related repairs.

Where can I get my ESP guitar repaired?
We recommend returning your guitar to your place of purchase or to any qualified repair shop in your area.

What are Baritone models tuned to; what is the difference between them and regular guitars, and what are the string gauges?
ESP introduced baritones as a 6-string alternative to a 7-string. They feature a 27" scale length as opposed to a 25.5" scale (which is fairly standard for most guitars.) The increased scale length (distance measured from the bridge to the nut) allows the guitar to be tuned lower than standard, while still retaining proper string tension. ESP Baritone models come from the factory with .056/.046/.036/.026W/.017/.013 gauge strings and are tuned B/E/A/D/F#/B.

What gauge and type of strings are on my guitar or bass?
Starting for 2007 production, every ESP, LTD & Xtone guitar is strung at our factory with SIT Brand nickel steel electric guitar strings. Here is a chart showing the gauges:

Factory String Gauges & Tunings
	String Gauge (Low to High)	Tuning (Low to High)
6-str w/trem	42/32/24/16/11/9	E/A/D/G/B/E
6-str non-trem	46/36/26/17/13/10	E/A/D/G/B/E
7-str & 7str baritone	56/46/36/26W/17/13/10	B/E/A/D/G/B/E
6-str baritone	56/46/36/26W/17/13	B/E/A/D/F#/B
6-str acoustic	52/42/32/24W/15/11	E/A/D/G/B/E
4-str bass	105/85/65/45	E/A/D/G
5-str bass	125/105/85/65/45	B/E/A/D/G
6-str bass	125/105/85/65/45/30	B/E/A/D/G/C
8-str bass	90/40, 70/35, 55/25, 40/20	E/A/D/G w/doubled octave strings

What kind of polish should I use on my ESP guitar?
Any industry approved polish will work for cleaning the finish on your guitar. We recommend Dunlop Formula No. 65 guitar polish. For more information and more cleaning/maintenance products, please visit their website at www.jimdunlop.com.

How do I adjust the bridge?
You must first determine what type of bridge is on your guitar. If you have a Floyd Rose licensed system, there are 2 studs which hold the bridge system in place. You may adjust either the high or low side up or down with a 3mm wrench to achieve the desired action height. If you have a tuneomatic style bridge, then you may adjust your action with a flat-head screwdriver on either the treble or bass side. (Some older models may only be adjustable by 2 thumbwheels located underneath both the treble and bass sides of the bridge).

Please Note: If you have a TonePros Locking bridge system on your guitar, you must first loosen the 2 lock-down screws with a 1.5mm allen wrench before attempting to adjust action height. www.tonepros.com

How often should I change strings?
Although changing strings varies with each user, ESP recommends that you change your strings at least every 20 hours of playing time. Keep in mind that if you wipe your strings clean after each use, it will help prolong the life of the strings.

How do I know if my neck needs adjustment?
Generally, if a neck is out of adjustment, string buzz will be more noticeable in either the center of the neck or near the first few frets & open chording area. There are many factors that can be the source of string buzz, and not always does your neck need to be adjusted. Please consult any qualified repair technician if you are not sure or you do not know how to properly adjust a truss rod. You should not attempt to adjust the truss rod, unless you are qualified to do so.

How do I maintain my guitar?
Most information on maintaining your instrument can be found in the owner's manual.

I broke my neck. Can you fix it or sell me a new neck? Where do I get it fixed?
At this time ESP does not sell replacement necks, and replacements are only available under a warranty basis. If your neck broke due to a non-warranty issue, you should try and find a professional repairperson and see if the neck can be repaired.

What is set-thru construction?
Set-thru neck construction is an innovative technique in which the neck is glued to the body (like a set-neck), however the traditional bulky heel is carved away (similar to neck-thru-body construction). This makes access to the upper frets and the neck-to-body transition much smoother. Just as on a set-neck, you will get a combination of tone from both the neck and body with the set-thru construction. The sound will depend on the types of wood used, but generally will have a fuller, warmer tone when compared to most neck-thru-body guitars.

What is neck-thru-body construction?
Neck-thru-body construction utilizes the same piece of wood for the neck and the center column of the body. The guitar's body is made up of this center column (often referred to as the tone column) and the body "wings", which are additional pieces of wood glued to the center column to make the body shape. Since the neck and body are all connected through this one piece of wood, the tone transfer from neck to body is much better than a guitar with a bolt-on or glued-on neck. Neck-thru guitars have a lot of sustain and the tonal properties of the wood used for the center column, which is usually maple. Therefore, most neck-thru guitars tend to have a very bright sound with lots of sustain.

What is bolt-on construction?
Bolt-on construction was originally developed as a way to be able to produce guitars more efficiently and make them more affordable. The neck and body are bolted together using 4 or more screws and either a neck plate or screw inserts that hold the neck to the body. Tonally, a bolt-on guitar will have less sustain compared to both neck-thru and set-neck guitars, but it has its other advantages. Since the neck comes off the body, it can be removed, adjusted, repaired and replaced with more ease than a set-neck or neck-thru guitar.

OLDER MODELS NOT IN CURRENT PRODUCTION

How can I find out the value of an old ESP guitar no longer produced?
ESP can only suggest retail prices for new instruments currently in production. The current value of an older instrument is something that can vary due to popularity, supply, and demand. We cannot estimate this type of value for an older instrument. If you can't identify your instrument, please send an e-mail to techinfo. We will do our best to assist you with identification of your instrument(s). Please provide ESP with digital pictures to help in identifying your guitar. Please note that this applies only for models sold in the USA. We cannot give production numbers or figures showing how many of a particular model were made. Please allow 1-2 weeks for a reply.

I acquired an older ESP model. How can I find out what year my guitar was built?
You are welcome to e-mail techinfo with pictures, description of your guitar and a serial number, but unfortunately we cannot date every guitar and only have limited records of older models.

How can I find out if you make a certain guitar anymore?
Only the guitars in our current catalog and website are still in production. Some older models can be custom ordered through the ESP Custom Shop. First you must fill out a custom order form and fax it to ESP (818-506-1378) or bring it to an authorized ESP dealer.

OPINIONS/COMMENTS

How can I submit my thoughts or comments about ESP products (whether good or bad)?
ESP is very interested in your opinions regarding our products. Comments can be e-mailed to customerservice@espguitars.com. Please understand that due to the high volume of email, we cannot offer a personal response to every e-mail we receive.

Written comments may be sent to:
ESP Sales and Service, 10903 Vanowen St., Unit A, North Hollywood, CA 91605.

PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

Does ESP sell replacement parts? Where can I find parts/accessories for my ESP guitar?
No. ESP does not sell replacement parts at this time. Although ESP used to sell replacement parts in the past, this is not offered currently. All current ESP instruments use industry standard guitar parts, and these types of parts can be purchased from most any parts suppliers or retailers. Here are a few places to buy parts:

1) www.guitarpartsdepot.com
2) www.stewmac.com
3) www.wdmusic.com
4) www.allparts.com

I have an older ESP guitar with a licensed Floyd Rose bridge. Where can I get parts for this bridge?
Some of the older ESP guitars (pre - 1993) came with a special Floyd Rose licensed bridge. This bridge would have "ESP" and "Licensed" stamped on the bridge with a series of patent numbers. ESP can no longer provide parts for this bridge as production was discontinued in the early 1990’s.

Does ESP reproduce pickguards?
No, we don't. We recommend contacting GuitarPartsDepot for backplates and pickguards specific to ESP/LTD instruments. Please note that ESP is not affiliated with Guitar Parts Depot and this listing is only a service to our website readers.

Can I buy a neck or body separately?
No. ESP does not sell necks or bodies separately.

What is the warranty coverage on parts and electronics?
The ESP Limited Lifetime Warranty will cover defective parts ONLY within the first year from purchase date. Guitar must be purchased as NEW from an Authorized ESP Dealer and Warranty only applies to Original Owner. To receive Warranty Replacement parts, you must provide Proof of Purchase AND return your completed warranty card to ESP. Please contact your authorized ESP dealer to assist you with any warranty parts requests. For more information on Warranty Terms, click here.

CASES

How can I order a hardshell guitar case for my ESP guitar?
ESP hardshell cases can be ordered from any authorized ESP dealer. For a list of authorized ESP dealers, please see our dealer locator.

Do all ESP cases have your logo on them?
Yes. If it doesn't say ESP or LTD on the case, it isn't a genuine ESP case. ESP cases are designed specifically to fit our own instruments, and therefore we do not recommend that you use generic cases, as they might not provide adequate support for your ESP instrument.

ESP LOGO GEAR

Where can I get ESP shirts and accessories?
ESP shirts, hats, jackets, bags, and other accessories are available on our website. For the latest in ESP Gear, go to the ESP Gear section.

EMPLOYMENT AND DEALERSHIPS

How can I become an authorized ESP retailer?
For information regarding possible dealerships, please send your inquiries here. Please note that you must have an existing retail location; ESP does not authorize exclusively online dealerships. Please do not submit any information or inquiries pertaining to artist endorsements to this mailbox.

How can I become an ESP employee?
For information about working for ESP, please send an email here.