Serial Number Check?
Serial Number Check?
K1249304
Hello all; would someone please let me know if this serial number is legitimate?
Do all signature series have the ESP logo on the back of the headstock? This one does not, and I feel like I got the deal of a lifetime on it.
It feels great, has the certificate of authenticity, came in what appeared to be original packaging, has the logo on the case, and appears to have come from a legitimate dealer. Am I just being paranoid, or am I in good shape?
Thanks to all; Happy Holidays
A Kirk Hammett signature model? Nope. It's closest to an SRC model. You can see it on page 14 of this catalog:
https://cdn.connectsites.net/user_files/esp/downloads/000/000/104/ESP-2013-Catalog.pdf?1392144935
The serial number is wrong to be an ESP model. The serial number would be an E-II or LTD Elite model. The pickguard is the wrong size and the signature at the top is wrong.
Along with that, the cutaway for the truss rod adjustment isn't the correct shape for an ESP. There is no battery compartment on the back for the EMG pickups. There is no volute on the back of the neck and the neck joint to the body seems wrong, but I have no experience with the Steph models, so maybe he doesn't do the volute. I also don't think this model was a matte finish, but again, I don't know for sure.
Also, after resizing the photo, that's among the worst fake ESP decals I've ever seen.
After doing a bit of research into Steph's Tele, that guitar isn't really even that close. Check the photos of the real thing.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/esp-stef-carpenter-t-7-string-baritone-electric-guitar/j39677000001000?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwcXQpYj46QIVI4VaBR3FoQL3EAQYASABEgJlpfD_BwE
I feel bad that I didn't have it pegged as a fake from the first two images.
Is the esp ltd serial number prefix Rxxxxxx Korean made authentic?