About ESP Custom Guitars

A brand born from the underground scene

Founded in Tokyo in 1975, ESP (Electric Sound Products) first established itself as a high-end parts manufacturer before becoming an essential reference in the world of electric guitars. Quickly adopted by hard rock and metal musicians, the brand built a reputation for precision, power, and innovation.

The ESP Custom Shop, based in Japan and the United States, represents the pinnacle of this craftsmanship, offering custom-made instruments designed for the most demanding modern musicians, such as James Hetfield of Metallica.

The ESP Custom Experience: performance, aggression, and total freedom

ESP stands out radically from other brands thanks to its modern approach, bold aesthetics, and its ability to push the limits of customization.

Total design freedom

Classic body shapes (Horizon, Eclipse) or extreme ones (Viper, Arrow, EX), reversed headstocks, sculpted contours… each guitar can be created as a unique piece.

Spectacular finishes

Flamed or quilted maple tops, satin finishes, gradients, neon or dark colors, mirror or chameleon effects.

Rare and exotic woods

Swamp ash, Macassar ebony, wenge, figured maple… selected for their beauty and tonal response.

Ultra-fast necks

Thin profiles, flat radii, extra-jumbo frets, optimized access to high notes for technical playing.

High-end electronics

Active EMG or passive Seymour Duncan pickups, complex configurations, push-pull, killswitch, custom wiring.

Flawless craftsmanship

Each ESP Custom guitar is hand-assembled by master luthiers with extreme precision.

ESP is the guitar conceived as an extension of the musician’s body and mind — an instrument built for stage, speed, and intensity.

Discover our in-stock models or create your own war machine

Looking for a satin black Eclipse with EMG 81/85, a blue quilted maple Horizon, or a Viper with an industrial look? Our ESP Custom Shop models in stock are ready to be played. Each instrument is a statement piece, designed to push the limits of performance.

And if you have a precise vision of your dream guitar, our ESP Custom configurator lets you design it in every detail — from the wood to the wiring, from the shape to the finish.

Assert your style. Command your sound. Create your ESP.