ESP Signature Guitars 2016 copy.jpgESP has provided a tantalizing look at what it has in store for musicians in 2016 as they have provided in depth previews of their newest offerings for guitarists and bassists. Their Artist Signature series models include incredible looking instruments from the newest member of the ESP family, legendary Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton. Tipton’s LTD GT-600 is based on the ESP Viper body shape and has 24 frets, 2 custom red ESP 81 pickups as well as a chrome pickguard and a Kahler tremolo. A unique and impressive looking axe, I can’t wait to get my hands on this.

If you’re a long time Kreator fan like I am, then the new Mille Petrozza V might be on your must have list. A daring take on the classic shape, it features Fishman Fluence pickups (which I confess to being absolutely unfamiliar with but am now quite curious), a Floyd Rose tremolo system, and comes in both E-II and LTD models. Other new Signature Series artists include Alan Ashy from Of Mice and Men, Ted Aguilar from Death Angel, and bassist Marco Mendoza from Dead Daisies. All of these guitars feature those unique touches and finishes that their namesakes are known for whether that is manifest in the form of pickup choices, body shape, or paint. Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett also have new models that will be released in 2016 and anticipation for those runs high.

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Many of ESP’s existing Signature Series models for guitar and bass have seen some updates as well. George Lynch, Alex Skolnick, Andy James, and all 3 Whitechapel guitarists (yes, 3 guitars are in the band) are some of the ESP artists to have their guitars see updates to everything from pickups to finishes. As if that weren’t enough, ESP has also previewed some new models in its catalogue.

ESP Original, ESP USA, and ESP E-II are the company’s premiere brands and will be introducing the ESP Original Arrow. A new Horizon-II NT and Horizon-III will see the light of day in addition to the ESP Snapper. New basses include the LTD B-1004SE Multi-Scale and B-1005SE Multi-Scale models that feature a specially designed frets that optimizes the tension on the strings and improve player ergonomics.

All of the 2016 Previews are available here and will be available through Best Buy in store and online soon so keep your eyes open.

Darren Blakeborough
My day job is as an Assistant Professor in Media and Communication Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. My primary teaching and research interests revolve around popular culture and technology. I am an adequate at best guitar player currently attempting to romanticize my inglorious youth in a Hair Metal cover band called "Glam Chowder”. When not working or watching TV, I am usually listening to music, recording music, playing music, or trying to figure out what gear I need to make all of that music sound even better.

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