With the final phase of their 2021 range announcements released over the weekend, as well as a surprise Kirk Hammett signature model announcement today, here’s a few highlights across the ESP 2021 LTD and E-II ranges that CMI will have in stock very soon.
LTD Kirk Hammett (Metallica) KH-3 Spider 30th Anniversary Model
In 1991, Kirk Hammett of Metallica came to ESP with a request for a new guitar with a single cutaway design, but with the features of his KH-2 guitar. Metallica’s graphic artist Pushead designed a spider graphic specifically for this new instrument. The KH-3 was played by Kirk throughout the ’90s on tours supporting the legendary Black Album.
After spending a number of years on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, the original KH-3 was returned to ESP so we could reference it for this 30th Anniversary edition. The ESP and LTD Kirk Hammett Signature Series 30th Anniversary KH-3 Spider are reissues of the original KH-3 model with a few upgrades. In addition to neck-thru-body construction and a fast extra-thin U-shaped neck with an ebony fingerboard, we’ve added a scalloped fingerboard from frets #17-24. Both new models also feature Kirk’s signature EMG Bonebreaker pickups.
LTD Black Metal Series Additions
Launched in 2018, ESP’s LTD Black Metal has been enormously popular. The blacked out colour schemes on classic shapes combined with the streamlined but carefully considered components make for a bad ass stark look that’s somehow both classic metal and futuristic. They continue to build the series with 4 new guitars; an Eclipse with Floyd Rose (EC-FR Black Metal), F Black Metal, EX Black Metal and the Arrow-NT Black Metal, as well as the M-4 Black Metal Bass rounding it out for the four strings fans.
New Series: LTD Arctic Metal
Flipping the Black Metal series formula on its head is the new Arctic Metal Series with an all-white colourway. For the debut guitars in the Arctic Metal series ESP have released five guitar models: the Arrow-NT Arctic Metal, the EC Arctic Metal, the M-HT Arctic Metal, the M-7BHT Arctic Metal, and the Phoenix Arctic Metal.
H-1001 in Violet Andromeda Satin
One ESP’s wildest finishes is no doubt Violet Andromeda Satin, a Chameleon style paint job that changes colours depending on the lighting. So we’re excited to see another LTD model receiving the special treatment. It also features a set of direct-mount Seymour Duncan Sentient (neck) and Pegasus (bridge) pickups with push-pull coil splitting, a Hipshot bridge with string-thru-body, and stainless steel frets.
New Josh Middleton Signature Model, JM-II
Josh Middleton is one of the most popular metal guitarists on the planet at the moment, so no doubt many will be keen to get their hands on the new JM-II six string. The JM-II has an alder body with a quilted maple top in an outstanding Black Shadow Burst finish. This guitar features a three-piece roasted maple neck with an extra thin U-shaped profile, 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, a recessed Gotoh bridge with string-thru-body, and a set of Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker pickups.
E-II M-II 7B Baritone Evertune
E-II is ESP’s range of premium models made in the Tokyo ESP workshop and there’s some stunning new additions. These 7-string, neck-thru-body guitars are offered at 27” baritone scale, and feature the EverTune constant tension bridge system, allowing it to stay in tune and in perfect intonation at all points of the neck. There’s also a bone nut, Dunlop locking strap buttons, Gotoh locking tuners, and a set of Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker pickups — alnico in the neck, ceramic in the bridge. Available in Granite Sparkle finish (pictured) or Pearl White.
E-II Eclipse Full Thickness
The classic rock stylings of the Eclipse in Tobacco Sunburst and the solid weight of the full thickness body make this the a fantastic choice for the traditionalist. This colourway features a set of Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic Humbucker pickups and push-pull controls to activate three different voicings. The finish is gloss on top and satin on the back for a smooth playing experience.
Or better yet, tune in to ESP Presents 2021 broadcast event, run by ESP USA. Simply head to espguitars.com to watch!
ESP will be showing the events at the following times each day: 10AM, 2PM, and 6PM PST. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to see “ESP Presents 2021”.
