Custom shop signature series
Custom shop signature series
The catalogs from 03,04,and 05 advertised the signature series guitars as being made in the custom shop. So even with a SS serial number a signature series guitar from these years would be a custom shop. Would that be correct?
No, back then there were Standard versions and Custom Shop versions
Standard version Signature Series have the SS serial number, Custom Shop versions will have K or S Serial numbers depending on the model specs(K for neck-thru or set necks, and S for bolt-on models)
Most ESP Standard and Custom Shop signature models are not easily distinguishable by the looks
with a few exception like Alexi Laiho's model and Kiko Loureiro's model
Alexi's Custom Shop version will have the CUSTOM SHOP letters directly under the ESP logo while the Standard versions don't
For Kiko's signature Fire K model, there's also a "Custom" right besides the ESP logo on the Custom Shop version.
It was until they discontinued all ESP Standard Series (rebranded into E-II) did all Signature Series became Custom Shops.