ESP EX

The ESP EX is a series of electric guitars produced by ESP produced in the United States, Europe and in Japan with the ESP logo as part of the ESP Original Series. Notable users of models in the EX Series include James Hetfield of Metallica, Patrik Jensen and Anders Björler of The Haunted, Seth of Behemoth, Devin Townsend and Jed Simon of Strapping Young Lad, Wayne Static of Static-X, Gus G. of Firewind, Dan Jacobs of Atreyu and Jesper Strömblad of In Flames.

This design of the EX models is very similar to that of the Gibson Explorer. One obvious difference between the two is that the horns of the EX models are pointed instead of round like the Explorer. The EX models also have a different headstock shape and feature EMG pickups. The EX series began as the EXP series. The EXP Series featured a design exactly like the Gibson Explorer with the same rounded edges and headstock shape. The only differences were the pickups and the brand that made the guitar. Gibson discontinued its Explorer Series (then known as the Futura) in 1959. Years later, other companies began producing copies of the Explorer, including ESP. In 1975, Gibson brought back the series after the success the other companies had.

James Hetfield is probably the most renowned user of the ESP EXP Series. He first used a white Gibson Explorer in 1985 after his white Gibson Flying V broke. In 1988, he switched to the ESP EXP models, including his legendary "EET FUK" Explorer. James popularized the ESP EXP, something many consider to be the cause of Gibson's decision to sue ESP. Soon after, ESP discontinued the EXP Series and started the EX Series. ESP changed the design of the Explorer in order to avoid any lawsuit from Gibson. Hetfield soon popularized the EXP Series, mainly due to his custom ESP JH-2, a black EXP with diamond plating.

ESP began the EX Series with models such as the EX-100 and the EX-102 among others. In 2003, those models were discontinued and the EX-351 and EX-50 were introduced. The EX-351 was discontinued in 2004 when the EX-400, EX-400BD, and the EX-260 were introduced. The EX-400, EX-400BD, EX-260, and EX-50 are the only EX models currently produced by ESP in the LTD production line. The discontinued models are still sold online or in some guitar shops that still have them in stock.

ESP LTD EX-400

The EX-400 features set-in neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays with the model name at the 12th fret. It has 22 extra jumbo frets and an Earvana compensated nut. It comes in black and olympic white. The Black with black diamond plate and black hardware was discontinued in 2006 due to the introduction of the Wayne Static Model, which has a chrome diamond plate on top of black finish. In 2007 came the diamond plate in a metallic chrome color. LTD EX-400bd Chrome-color is the latest Explorer from ESP. The tuning pegs are Grover tuners. It has one volume and one tone control knob and a 3-way toggle.NOTE: It has been discontinued in the 2007 catalogue.
*Other Specs
**Body Wood: Mahogany
**Neck Wood: 3-piece Maple
**Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
**Pickups: EMG 81 (Bridge)/EMG 60 (Neck)
**Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece

ESP EX-280 (Syu Custom) **Only available in Japan**

The EX-280, used by famed guitarist Syu of Galneryus, features set-in neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays, with two regular dot inlays on the 12th fret . It has 22 extra jumbo frets, and a bone nut. It comes in black with black hardware. It has one master volume, mini toggle PU selector, and coil split switch.

*Other Specs
**Body Wood: Mahogany
**Neck Wood: 3-piece Maple
**Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
**Pickups: 2 EMG 89's, on Neck and Bridge.
**Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece

ESP EX-280 **Only available in Japan**

The EX-280,features set-in neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays, with two regular dot inlays on the 12th fret . It has 22 extra jumbo frets, and a carbon nut. It comes in black with black hardware. It has two volume, 1 for neck pickup the other for the bridge pickup, and a mini toggle PU selector.

*Other Specs
**Body Wood: Mahogany
**Neck Wood: 3-piece Maple
**Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
**Pickups: 2 EMG 81's, on Neck and Bridge.
**Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece

ESP LTD EX-260

The EX-260 features set-in neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays with the model name at the 12th fret. It has 22 extra jumbo frets. It comes in black with black hardware. It has one volume and one tone control knob with a 3-way toggle.
*Other Specs
**Body Wood: Agathis
**Neck Wood: 3-piece Maple
**Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
**Pickups: 2 EMG-ESP LH-300
**Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece

ESP LTD EX-50

The EX-50 features bolt-on neck construction in a 24.75" scale. The fingerboard features dot inlays with the model name at the 12th fret. It has 22 extra jumbo frets. It comes in titanium and black with black hardware. It has one volume and one tone control knob with a 3-way toggle.
*Other Specs
**Body Wood: Basswood
**Neck Wood: Maple
**Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
**Pickups: 2 ESP LH-100
**Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with Stop Tailpiece

External links

* [http://www.espguitars.com/guitars_ex.html ESP EX at espguitars.com]
* [http://www.espguitars.com/esp2003/ex351d.html ESP EX-351 at espguitars.com]
* [http://www.espguitars.co.jp/gallery/syu/ Syu Custom Guitars by ESP Japan.]
* [http://www.espguitars.co.jp/original/ex/index.htm ESP JAPAN - ESP EX 280]