New ESP "LTD" models for Summer & Fall 2011

In the midst of doing some random net browsing, I chance upon the ESP website where they are announcing their new guitar models for Summer & Fall of 2001. It would seem that the main theme of this release is 7/8 strings and Eclipse (ESP version of single cutaway guitars).

This is probably one of the most interesting models in this release. Although not a fan of single cutaway guitars myself, a single cutaway 7-string guitar is not something that you will get to see very often. Couple together with these are EMG 81 & 707 active pickups, which probably can satisfy the heaviest of the music one might have in mind.

If your not much a fan of single cutaway models, another interesting model in this release are the Explorer and Flying V shaped EX and V series 7-strings. Coupled with the tone and sound is the image for Metal or Rock. Hey, isn't this what it's all about?

This is probably my favorite shape of all ESP guitars, the Horizon (actually Horizon III, but they are part of the same family anyway). ESP has also taken an entry to the 8-string territory along with many others (Ibanez and Schecter to name a few) and choose to incorporate the 8-string design with one of their ever popular shape, the Horizon. H-308 and H-338 are outfitted with active pickups (EMG 808 for H-308 and ESP ALH-208 for H-338) or for passive pickups lovers, the H-208 are outfitted with passives ESP LH-308.

Among with many of this season's release are more single cutaway Eclipse model. They come in a variety of see through finishes with mouth-watering awe inspiring flame maple tops. Coupled with active EMG 81/60 pickup sets, this guitar is sure to meet the demands of even the most mayhem of music types.

For those who prefer the same thing with a touch of simplicity, it also comes in Vintage black finish.

Now. What if. What if you want a single cutaway guitar and you want it to be ESP (LTD) but you don't like the idea of actives in the guitar? Well, ESP had it all covered. The EC-401VF line has the same thing but instead of sporting actives, Seymour Duncan JB (bridge) and '59 (neck) pickups.

Just when you thought that ESP (LTD) got it all covered. Actives, Passives, Modern, Vintage, wait what is missing here. Did I hear that glassy sparking tone from the P-90s. Nope, not a dream, it is P-90s. The EC256P sports the ESP LP90S pickups, ESP own take on the P-90s. Yep, they even got that covered.

This is probably my favorite among the whole line. Strat style guitars! The finish however isn't for the faint heart. This is what ESP call the distress finish. It emulates the relic look of the guitar that has been through countless jamming, concerts, traveling, throwing, smashing, wars, acts of god, sorry I lost myself there. But yeah, you get the point. Nonetheless, for Strat lovers this is definitely a nice piece to own. Unlike it's previous incarnation, it now comes with different choice of fingerboards (ST-203) and also allows the option of a super strat (ST-203FR). Now, if only they have something with 2 humbuckers.

Even though I've covered quite an extensive range of this season's release, there are however a lot more which I choose not to cover for interest reasons. So for the benefit of all interested readers and lovers, click here to find out more!