ESP EX
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ESP EX is a series of electric guitars produced by ESP produced in the United States, Europe and in Japan with the ESP logo as part of the ESP Original Series.
Notable users of models in the EX Series include James Hetfield of Metallica, Jensen of The Haunted, Seth of Behemoth, Jed Simon of Strapping Young Lad, Gus G. of Firewind, Dan Jacobs of Atreyu and Jesper Strömblad of In Flames.
This design of the EX models is very similar to that of the Gibson Explorer. One obvious difference between the two is that the horns of the EX models are pointed instead of round like the Explorer. The EX models also have a different headstock shape and feature EMG pickups. The EX series began as the EXP series. The EXP Series featured a design exactly like the Gibson Explorer with the same rounded edges and headstock shape. The only differences were the pickups and the brand that made the guitar. Gibson discontinued its Explorer Series (then known as the Futura) in 1959. Years later, other companies began producing copies of the Explorer, including ESP. In 1975, Gibson brought back the series after the success the other companies had.
James Hetfield is probably the most renowned user of the ESP EXP Series. He first used a white 1985 Gibson Explorer in 1987 after his white Gibson Flying V broke. In 1988, he switched to the ESP EXP models, including his "EETFUK" Explorer. James popularized the ESP EXP, something many consider to be the cause of Gibson's decision to sue ESP. Soon after, ESP discontinued the EXP Series and started the EX Series. ESP changed the design of the Explorer in order to avoid any lawsuit from Gibson. James soon popularized the EXP Series, mainly due to his custom ESP JH-2, a black EXP with diamond plating.
ESP began the EX Series with models such as the EX-100 and the EX-102 among others. In 2003, those models were discontinued and the EX-351 and EX-50 were introduced. The EX-351 was discontinued in 2004 when the EX-400, EX-400BD, and the EX-260 were introduced. The EX-400, EX-400BD, EX-260, and EX-50 are the only EX models currently produced by ESP in the LTD prodcution line. The discontinued models are still sold online or in some guitar shops that still have them in stock.
Contents |
[edit] ESP LTD EX-400
The EX-400 features set-in neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays with the model name at the 12th fret. It has 22 extra jumbo frets and an Earvana compensated nut. It comes in black, olympic white. The Black with black diamond plate and black hardware was discontinued in 2007 due to the introduction of the Wayne Static Model, which has black diamond plate. The tuning pegs are Grover tuners. It has one volume and one tone control knob and a 3-way toggle.
- Other Specs
[edit] ESP LTD EX-351
The EX-351 features set-in neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays with the model name at the 12th fret. It has 22 extra jumbo frets. It comes in titanium, black, anodized aluminum plate. It has one volume and one tone control knob with a 3-way toggle.
- Other Specs
- Body Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Wood: 3-piece Maple
- Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
- Pickups: 2 EMG HZ H-1
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece
[edit] ESP LTD EX-260
The EX-260 features set-in neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays with the model name at the 12th fret. It has 22 extra jumbo frets. It comes in black with black hardware. It has one volume and one tone control knob with a 3-way toggle.
- Other Specs
- Body Wood: Agathis
- Neck Wood: 3-piece Maple
- Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
- Pickups: 2 EMG-ESP LH-300
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece
[edit] ESP LTD EX-50
The EX-50 features bolt-on neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays with the model name at the 12th fret. It has 22 extra jumbo frets. It comes in titanium and black with black hardware. It has one volume and one tone control knob with a 3-way toggle.
- Other Specs
- Body Wood: Agathis
- Neck Wood: Maple
- Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
- Pickups: 2 ESP LH-100
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece
