Pro-Music-News Stringed instruments and accessories

ESP introduces more than 50 new models and updates at winter NAMM 2008

ESP Guitars debuted over 50 new guitar and bass models at the 2008 Winter NAMM show. The list of includes a wide selection of new Signature Series guitars designed with some of the industry’s most respected players, as well as new models, finishes, and features for ESP and LTD deluxe and standard guitars and basses.
Guitarist Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), a recent addition to the ESP family of artists, has added his Signature model to the LTD line with the LTD SA-2, which was designed by Sambora along with his partner, expert tech Chris Hofschneider.
The first Signature models from new ESP artist Jon Donais (Shadows Fall) were announced. The ESP Jon Donais (available in See-Thru Black Satin and Natural Oil finishes) and the LTD JD-600 (Black Satin only) have attractive flamed maple tops and ebony fingerboards.
Two new Signature Series models are being introduced from the guitarists of Chimaira, their first for ESP. Guitarist Rob Arnold’s signature model, the LTD RA-600, offers a Floyd Rose bridge and a single EMG 81 pickup in a light alder body. The LTD MFA-600 is the signature model from Matt DeVries, based on his own customized ESP Viper model.
The ESP Michael Padget V and LTD MP-600 are the first custom Signature Series models from the Bullet for my Valentine guitarist.
Other additions to the ESP and LTD Signature Series include three new models by long-time ESP endorsee George Lynch: the ESP Super V SE, the LTD GL-256, and the LTD Serpent-600. The ESP Super V SE updates last year’s Super V model with a black with silver stripe finish. The distressed 2-tone burst GL-256 is an LTD-branded affordable alternative to the ESP GL-56 model. The Serpent-600 is one more new LTD George Lynch model with custom black and white graphics.
It’s no surprise that long-time ESP endorsee Stef Carpenter (Deftones), well-known for his custom 7-string models, has moved on to new 8-string customs. The new ESP STEF-B8 and LTD SC-608B are new neck-through-body 8-string baritone guitars with a 27” scale.
New finishes are available on a variety of existing popular Signature Series models. Jeff Hanneman’s (Slayer) LTD JH-200 now is available in an updated new “Digi-Camo” finish, while the Michael Amott (Arch Enemy) ESP Ninja and LTD Ninja-600 are now offered in See-Thru Red and See-Thru Black, which accentuates their quilted maple tops.
New, affordable LTD versions of several Signature Series guitars were debuted at NAMM as well. The LTD WA-200 is a low-cost alternative for the Will Adler (Lamb of God) signature model, while the LTD GUS-200 random-star shaped guitar does the same for the model customized by Gus G. of FireWind.
Also, new finishes and features are available for several of ESP’s Standard Series.
The NAMM 2008 show saw many additions to ESP’s popular and affordable LTD brand. Most noticeable in their distinctiveness, the new Graphic Series includes the LTD EC-GTA and LTD EC-SIN, with their respective “Guitarsonist” and “Sin City” custom graphics.
Several LTD guitar and bass models are being offered in a brand new neck-through design with ebony tops and fingerboards, with beautiful Natural Grain finishes. A brand new addition to the line, the LTD FM-408, is a unique standard-scale 8-string guitar model with EMG’s special 808 active pickups.
LTD’s Deluxe Series received an update with new finishes available, updated finishes and woods are also abound with LTD’s Standard Series such as the LTD AX-400FM adding a flamed maple top with two new finishes to the popular AX shape. The LTD PB-500 is now being offered in a See-Through Green finish, as well as a new Black finish with Seymour Duncan P-Rail single-coil pickups.
LTD’s popular line of basses also had a slew of updates at NAMM ’08. The LTD B-154DX, LTD B-155DX, LTD F-154DX, LTD F-155DX, LTD Viper-154DX, and LTD EC-154DX add a band of active EQ from their predecessors, for a total of three. Joining the popular D-4 and D-5, the new LTD D-6 offers a 6-string version of the neck-through, natural finish bass. The LTD B-104 and LTD B-105 come with 2-band active EQ and new finishes. Three new finishes for the LTD Surveyor-400 and LTD Surveyor-405 are also available.
The EC, EX, AX, and F Series basses have new value-oriented additions to the line for beginners and musicians on a tight budget. The LTD EC-54, LTD EC-104, LTD EX-104, LTD Viper-54, LTD F-54, and LTD F-105 provide LTD playability and great looks for all bassists.
Richie Sambora model LTD SA-2
ESP LTD EC-GTA
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