Electronic Sound Products opened its first shop in Japan in 1975. For the next decade, ESP Guitars operated as supplier of custom replacement parts for guitars. In 1983 ESP started handcrafting instruments for various artists in New York City, working with artists such as Page Hamilton, Vernon Reid, Vinnie Vincent, Bruce Kulick and Ronnie Wood. Subsequently, ESP enjoyed a quick rise to fame and it wasn’t long until the first production line, the 400 Series, was distributed in the US.
 
By 1990, business was booming in the States. Having seen a sharp rise in demand for the unique, artfully crafted guitars, ESP discontinued their replacement parts business in order to focus solely on the custom guitar shop, guitar and bass lines.
 
The company gained notoriety when 1980 heavy-metal artists such as Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeath endorsed ESP, bringing worldwide recognition to the superior sound and performance quality of the guitars.

Currently ESP offers the Standard Series in the United States. With features such as active pickup common, this line of guitars includes bold pieces such as the Phoenix-II. These instruments make bold, artistic and musical statements with their imbued design, created with focus on hard and heavy metal rockers.
 
The ESP Custom Shop accepts custom orders, allowing musicians to order a guitar based on specific and individualized customizations. Body shape, hardware, graphics, inlays and material composition can all be customized to individual specifications. After a custom order is submitted, ESP hands it over to some of the most experienced and talented luthiers in the country, to transform each unique vision into a finished product.
 
LTD Xtone Series features acoustic guitars that are ideal for beginners. Beginning players will find that learning to play on an acoustic guitar provides invaluable experience, before jumping on an electric. For a designer twist, ESP offers an acoustic, exotic wood collection with pieces crafted out of Quilted Ash and Zebrawood, resulting in a funky, artistic appearance.
 
Since the 1970s, ESP has been dedicated to creating trusted, one of a kind guitars and basses. Recently they have been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the music industry. ESP knows Rock!
 
Keep Rockin’!!!
ESP Guitar by tncountryfan taken on September 21, 2011
Metallica @ Ahoy Rotterdam by Rob Funcken.nl taken on March 31, 2009
Megadeath by digitaltourbus taken on August 5, 2011
Slayer by Alie Krohn Photography taken on July 31, 2012