ESP

ESP Guitars is a highly influential Japanese company renowned for building professional-grade electric guitars, particularly favored within the modern metal, hard rock, and shred communities. Founded in 1975, ESP (Electric Sound Products) is known for its uncompromising focus on high performance, aggressive aesthetics, and meticulous construction. The brand is famously associated with Metallica members James Hetfield (who favors the Snakebyte and Iron Cross models) and Kirk Hammett (known for his Superstrat and KH signature models). Their product lines include the flagship, Japanese-made ESP Original and E-II Series, and the immensely popular, accessible LTD Series. Key models like the ESP LTD EC-1000 (a modern single-cut/Eclipse shape) and the M Series feature professional hardware like EMG or Fishman Fluence active pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, and thin, fast necks, making them definitive choices for high-gain, technical playing.