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ESP Company, Limited (株式会社イーエスピー, Kabushiki Gaisha Ī Esu Pī), a prestigious Japanese guitar manufacturer, stands as a cornerstone in the world of electric guitars and basses. Established in 1975 by Hisatake Shibuya, ESP began as a humble Tokyo shop called Electric Sound Products, initially focused on providing high-quality custom replacement parts for guitars. Over the decades, it has grown into an internationally recognized brand with dual headquarters in Tokyo and Los Angeles, catering to distinct markets with a diverse range of instruments. Thalia Bellazecca is honored to be sponsored by ESP, a company synonymous with innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the music world, particularly in the realm of heavy metal and hard rock.

From its early days, ESP carved a unique path in the industry. What started as a small operation supplying parts evolved into full-scale guitar production under brands like ESP and Navigator for the Japanese market. By 1983, ESP’s replacement parts reached the United States, and between 1984 and 1985, the company began crafting custom instruments for prominent New York artists such as Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Vinnie Vincent and Bruce Kulick of KISS, and Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones. This marked the beginning of ESP’s rise in the American market, where it introduced its first production line, the 400 Series, and collaborated with manufacturers like Kramer Guitars, Schecter Guitar Research, and DiMarzio as an OEM supplier. These early partnerships showcased ESP’s versatility, with features like neck construction and body bevels still echoing in its modern designs.

The mid-1980s were a turning point for ESP. In 1985, guitarist George Lynch stumbled upon an ESP shop while touring Tokyo, leading to the creation of his iconic ESP Kamikaze—the company’s first signature model. This collaboration sparked a wave of new offerings, including the M1 Standard, MI Custom, Horizon Custom, and Surveyor bass. Around this time, ESP established its U.S. presence in a loft in downtown New York City on 19th Street, later relocating to 48th Street in 1989 near other music hubs. By 1993, the company shifted its headquarters to Los Angeles on Sunset Blvd., solidifying its foothold in the American music scene. The introduction of the LTD series in 1995 further expanded ESP’s reach, offering high-quality instruments at more accessible prices, produced in Korea and Indonesia, while signature models and select Japanese-made lines remained premium exports.

ESP’s reputation grew alongside its artist roster. Known initially for crafting customized replicas of American classics like Strats, Teles, and Gibson Explorers, ESP gained massive popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly with the rise of thrash metal. James Hetfield of Metallica, an avid ESP user, propelled the Explorer-style EXP/MX model to fame, with vintage versions now commanding thousands above their original price. Legal pressure from Gibson led ESP to redesign its lines, but the company’s adaptability only strengthened its standing. By 2002, ESP was ranked among the music industry’s fastest-growing companies, a surge fueled in part by the Fender buyout of Jackson Guitars, prompting artists like Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Jeff Hanneman of Slayer to switch to ESP.

Today, ESP’s product range is vast and varied. The ESP Custom Shop handcrafts original series guitars in Japan, while the Standard Series reflects factory precision. The LTD line, including models like the EC-500 and B-500, caters to a broader audience, with higher-end 1000-series LTDs made in Korea and more affordable options from Indonesia. ESP also offers Japan-exclusive lines like Edwards and Grassroots, blending quality and affordability, and the Navigator series, which recreates classic Gibson and Fender designs with meticulous detail. From Superstrat-inspired shapes to Les Paul-style builds and unique custom creations—like the Gundam Beam-rifle replica guitar—ESP caters to players of all styles, though its heart remains tied to heavy metal, a legacy Thalia proudly carries forward.

ESP’s influence extends beyond guitars to hardware like bridges, tremolos, and pickups, often reserved for OEM use, showcasing its technical prowess. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2005 with James Hetfield’s “Truckster” and continuing to innovate with signature models for artists like Stephen Carpenter of Deftones and Michael Wilton of Queensrÿche, ESP remains a dynamic force. In 2015, it began distributing Takamine Guitars in the U.S., further broadening its scope. Following Hisatake Shibuya’s passing in September 2024 at age 87, ESP’s legacy endures, driven by a commitment to quality and the artists—like Thalia Bellazecca—who bring its instruments to life on stages worldwide.