The ESP Guitar Company

“The first thing I noticed about ESP was that the craftsmanship was perfect. Everything was perfectly even on the fretboard. These guitars were obviously designed by someone who had been in search of the ultimate in playability.”

So says ESP Guitars’ most recent addition to their family of artists, Mike Schleibaum of Darkest Hour. Joining his bandmate and fellow ESP endorsee, bassist Aaron Deal, on the ESP roster was an easy decision, he says. “I think of ESP today along the lines of the great guitar manufacturers. I’ve always been snooping around high-gain, very responsive guitars, and ESP is at the top of that mountain. I really like the LTD EC-1000FR with the Floyd. I’ve always wanted a single-cutaway guitar with a Floyd, and this one feels perfect. 24 frets? Hallelujah. I can shred up to the second scale, with two full octaves.” 

Chris Cannella, ESP’s director of artist relations, says, “The metal world has nothing but respect and admiration for Mike. We’re stoked to have him aboard at ESP, and we’re all looking forward to hearing him shred on our guitars.”

Mike Scheibaum is a founding member of Darkest Hour, which was formed in 1995. Recently signed to Sumerian Records, the band released their eighth full-length studio album in August with the self-titled Darkest Hour. About to embark on a US/Canada tour, they will be spending the subsequent months on a large tour of Europe.