Music Illumination

ESP’s guitars are played by many Japanese musicians. This article will reveal all the secrets of the instruments of your favourite musicians.

The bass guitarist of L’Arc~en~Ciel is another of the endorsers of ESP. His bass guitars are widely presented in the assortment of the company. The most interesting among them are the 6-string Bandit Six and the 5-string Bardic, which is available in two colours. Also in the catalogue is the 4-string bass BUZZ BASS. Special attention should be given the BASS-IV: It is a unique instrument equipped with sound pickups worked out by Tetsu himself. Thus its sound is rather unusual. Undoubtedly this instrument will be the most valuable acquisition for any professional bass guitarist. This is one from his bass instrumen ESP Bandit Six. Here the specification.
ESP Bandit Six

BODY :	Alder
NECK :	Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD :	Maple , 24frets
INLAY :	Dot
SCALE :	864mm (Long)
NUT :	Bone
JOINT :	Bolt-on
TUNER :	GOTOH GBS510
BRIDGE :	Willkinson WBBO-6
PICKUPS :	(Front) Bartolini PS46C (Rear) Bartolini PS46C
CONTROL :	Master Volume, PU Balancer Treble, Bass, Mid Boost Switch

Dir en grey is a band which needs no introduction. The collaboration of the band with ESP began practically right after the release of their first album. The reason this band drew ESP's attention was not only their popularity, but also the skill of the musicians themselves.

Now both Kaoru's new guitars and the copies of the old instruments he used at the beginning of his career are being released. The K-GA-650 belongs to the latter. This guitar conducts the family tree from the legendary Ganesa I - the first guitar created by ESP for Kaoru. The aggressive looking instrument is equipped with the EMG sound pickups and the Floyd Rose tremolo-system. The guitar is focused on an uncompromising, heavy sound.

Today Kaoru uses the guitars belonging to the popular family Viper. Kaoru's new guitar, D-KV-440, is the most perfect instrument in this family. The interesting feature of this guitar is the ESP Flicker-III tremolo-system.
Released under the Edwards brand, the E-K-130VP and the E-K-150VP have kept the same sound pickups as the D-KV-440, but they are equipped with a fixed bridge. Two replicas of guitars of the Ganesa family are also being released. They are the E-K-117GA/TM and the E-K-105GA. The last one is the inexpensive version of the K-GA-650. The E-K-117GA/TM is a replica of the Ganesa VIII no longer serially released. This black-blue guitar is equipped with the same sound pickups and the fixed bridge as the prototype.

ESP D-KV-440

BODY : (Top) Ash, (Back) Mahogany
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Rosewood , 24frets
INLAY : MOP Dot, Cross at 12fret
SCALE : 648mm (Long)
NUT : Carbon
JOINT : Set-neck
TUNER : GOTOH SG360-07
BRIDGE : ESP FLICKER-III
PICKUPS : (Front) Seymour Duncan SH-1n
(Rear) Seymour Duncan SH-4
CONTROL : Master Volume , Master Tone , PU Select Switch
COLOR : Black In White



One of the magnificent guitarists of Dir en grey and a very talented musician, Die has repeatedly said that he admires the playing of Ichiro "Cipher" Takigawa, the guitarist of legendary D’ERLANGER. It has left a certain mark on his instruments and style of playing. At the same time his skill and approach to the guitar sound have led to the creation of a number of interesting instruments by Die and ESP.

Today Die's main guitar, the ESP D-DR-300, is a baritone-guitar focused on an aggressive sound. Also interesting to note is the aggression that underscores the pointed headstock.

At the beginning of Dir en grey's career, Die's main guitars were created on a base of the Telecaster. This explains the relation of the musician to the sound of this classical electro guitar and his technique of playing. Fortunately for the admirers of Die, the version of his previous guitars is available - the ESP D-TE-580. This red guitar is equipped with the EMG SA sound pickups.
Replicas of both guitars are released under the Edwards brand. But in fact the E-D-95DR is an independent instrument, though outwardly it resembles the ESP D-DR-300. With its normal scale length, it is not a baritone-guitar, which gives this instrument a different sound. The E-D-85TE is a replica of the ESP D-TE-580.


ESP D-DR-300

BODY : Alder(47mm)
NECK : Hard Maple
FINGERBOARD : Ebony , 22frets
SCALE : 686mm(Super Long)
NUT : Carbon
JOINT : Bolt-on
TUNER : GOTOH SG360-07
BRIDGE : GOTOH GE103B & GE101Z
PICKUPS : (Front) Seymour Duncan SH-1n
(Rear) Seymour Duncan SH-6b
CONTROL : Master Volume , PU Select Switch
COLOR : See Thru Metallic Dark Red


Toshiya started to co-operate with ESP simultaneously with Die and Kaoru. Now the company releases his bass guitar, the D-TR-300. It is a very interesting instrument with respect to both sound and appearance. Also noteworth are the sound pickups closed by plastic and the scheme of their switching.
The Edwards E-T-100TR is a replica of Toshiya's main bass guitar. Despite the simple sound pickups this guitar has kept many features of the senior model and it is an excellent acquisition for any bassist.
ESP D-TR-300
BODY : Alder
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Rosewood, 22frets w/White Binding
SCALE : 864mm(Long)
NUT : Bone
JOINT : Bolt-on
TUNER : GOTOH GB707E
BRIDGE : GOTOH J510SJ-4
PICKUPS : (Front) Seymour Duncan SJB-1n (Plastic Covered)
(Rear) Seymour Duncan SJB-1b (Plastic Covered)
CONTROL : Master Volume , 2 Band EQ , Dummy
COLOR : White

Akiya - Kagrra
Undoubtedly, Kagrra, is one of the outstanding phenomena in the Japanese rock scene. First of all this talented band has attracted attention with their interesting and carefully thought-out music. The main guitars of the musicians are released serially by ESP.

Akiya's main guitar is the ESP Mugen-AK. This guitar is for those who need a low sound. The Mugen-AK is a seven-stringed guitar with a long baritone-scale. Its version, called E-AK-120 Mugen-AK, is released under the Edwards brand.

ESP MUGEN-AK

BODY : (Top) Hard Maple
(Back) Alder
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Rosewood , 24frets
SCALE : 686mm (Super Long)
NUT : Bone
JOINT : Set-neck
TUNER : GOTOH SG360-P8
BRIDGE : LP77BRD & LP77TAIL
PICKUPS : (Front) Seymour Duncan SH-1n-7
(Rear) Seymour Duncan SH-4-7
CONTROL : Master Volume , Master Tone(w/Coil Split)
Mini Toggle PU Selector Switch
COLOR : See Thru Brown

Also from Kagrra,, Sin's main guitar is the ESP HIMAWARI. This instrument is based on the Telecaster, but differs from the classical guitar in its
selection of sound pickups. Two singles and a humbucker are set on the HIMAWARI. The appearance of the instrument is also noteworthy- the guitar has kept the natural colour of wood, with an inlay of black
.
The E-S-120 HIMAWARI is released under Edwards. This instrument has kept sound pickups of the same model as the ESP HIMAWARI.


ESP HIMAWARI

BODY : Swamp Ash
NECK : Hard Maple
FINGERBOARD : Rosewood , 22frets
INLAY : MOP Dot
SCALE : 648mm (Long)
NUT : Bone
TUNER : GOTOH SD91-05M
JOINT : Bolt-on
BRIDGE : TE Flat HM
PICKUPS : (Front) Seymour Duncan SSL-1
(Center) Seymour Duncan SSL-1
(Rear) Seymour Duncan TB-59
CONTROL : Master Volume , Master Tone
Toggle PU Selector Switch
COLOR : Burner

Nao - Kagrra
Nao is the bass guitarist of Kagrra,. ESP releases his signature bass guitar ESP Doumin no yume. This rather interesting instrument is notable for the unusual form of the body.

The version of this bass guitar released under Edwards is called E-N-125. It has kept the main features of the senior model.
ESP 道民の夢

BODY : Swamp Ash
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Rosewood , 24frets
SCALE : 889mm (Super Long)
NUT : Bone
JOINT : Bolt-on
TUNER : GOTOH GB707E
BRIDGE : GOTOH J510SJ-5
PICKUP : Seymour Duncan SMB-5A
CONTROL : Master Volume
3 Band EQ (ESP cinnamon)
COLOR : 3 Tone Sunburst

the GazettE needs no introduction. This band is one of the most successful J-rock collectives in recent years. Initially they ordered their instruments in the ESP Custom shop, and now the main guitars have begun to be released serially.
Aoi's main guitar is the ESP A-1. First of all this guitar attracts attention with its aggressive appearance. Like many others, Aoi wanted to get a guitar with a unique appearance. If one looks at the instrument attentively, you can see a number of peculiarities, fpr instance the set of four sound pickups - two humbuckers and two singles. The scheme of their switching allows for simultaneous usage of humbuckers or singles. It also allows for the broadest range of sounding - from aggressive, characteristic for hard rock, to pure and warm for ballads. Also this guitar is equipped with the Floyd Rose tremolo-system.

The version of this guitar, called G-A-68, is released under the GrassRoots brand. Unfortunately, it has not kept the interesting switching of sound pickups from the A-1, but nevertheless, in itself it is a good instrument.
ESP A-I 艶～en～

BODY : Alder
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Ebony , 24frets
SCALE : 648mm (Long)
NUT : Lock nut (42mm/R2)
JOINT : Neck-thru-body
TUNER : GOTOH SG360-07
BRIDGE : Floyd Rose
PICKUP : (Front) Lace Sencer Gold & Seymour Duncan SL59-1n
(Rear) Lace Sencer Gold & Seymour Duncan SLSD-1b
CONTROL : Master Volume, Mini Toggle PU Selector
2 Way Sound Vriation System Mini Switch
COLOR : Black

Reita - the GazettE
Reita is the bass guitarist of the GazettE. His new bass guitar, the ESP RF-00SL, is notable for its extended scale. This allows for its low sound low that we hear in the band's recent releases.

There is also an RF-00 it the catalogue; It differs from the previous model in standard scale. The ESP Cinnamon system is set on both the RF-00SL and the RF-00 what gives a wide range of sound
.
GrassRoots has an inexpensive version of the RF-00, which has kept many features of the senior model.



ESP RF-00SL

BODY : Alder
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Rosewood, 21frets w/White Binding
INLAY : MOP Four Diamond at 12fret
SCALE : 889mm (Super Long)
NUT : Bone
JOINT : Bolt-on
TUNER : GOTOH GB707E
BRIDGE : GOTOH 510B-4
PICKUP : (Front) Seymour Duncan SJB-1n
(Rear) Seymour Duncan SJB-2b
CONTROL : Master Volume
3 BAND EQ (ESP Cinnamon)
COLOR : Snow White

Uruha - the GazettE

Another member of the GazettE, Uruha differs from Aoi in his thirst for the sound of classical sound pickups. Therefore, after SUGIZO and INORAN, he began to use the SP-90. His guitar ESP U-01 Hellion presented in the catalogue is equipped with two sound pickups of that type. Uruha wanted an instrument with a classical appearance; Therefore the U-01 Hellion looks like LesPaul. However, unlike classical guitars, on the U-01 Hellion the switch of sound pickups is transferred to the volume circuit. This placing corresponds more to Uruha's playing style.

The inexpensive version of this guitar is released under the GrassRoots brand, iand is called the G-U-65. Unlike the senior model, it is equipped with GH-1 humbuckers. Nevertheless, it is an interesting and at the same time inexpensive instrument.
 

ESP U-01 [HELLION]

BODY : (Top) Hard Maple, (Back) Mahogany
w/Pearloid Binding
NECK : Mahogany
FINGERBOARD : Rosewood, 22frets w/Pearloid Binding
INLAY : Flag, ESP at 12fret
SCALE : 628mm (Medium)
NUT : Bone
JOINT : Set-neck
TUNER : GOTOH SG360-07
BRIDGE : GOTOH GE103B & GE101Z
PICKUP : (Front) Seymour Duncan SPH90-1n
(Rear) Seymour Duncan SPH90-1b
CONTROL : Master Volume, Toggle PU Selector
COLOR : Black

Sakito-Nighmare

A guitarist in Nightmare, Sakito's main guitar, the ESP N-SS-500, is being released serially. The appearance of this guitar was developed according to the wishes of the musician. It is necessary to note the application of tuning keys unusual to electro guitars.

The GrassRoots G-NS-70 is a replica of Sakito's main guitar. Its main difference is the application of standard tuning keys and less expensive sound pickups. Nevertheless, this instrument is close enough to its prototype.
 

ESP N-SS-500

BODY : Alder
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Ebony, 24frets w/White Binding
SCALE : 648mm (Long)
NUT : Lock nut (42mm/R2)
JOINT : Set-neck
TUNER : GOTOH SG360-07
BRIDGE : Floyd Rose
PICKUP : (Front) Seymour Duncan SSL-1
(Rear) Seymour Duncan TB-11
CONTROL : Master Volume, Toggle PU Selector
Coil Split Switch
COLOR : Black





Hitsugi - Nightmare


Histugi is the other guitarist for Nightmare. His main guitar, the ESP N-HH-460, is the unusual red instrument which draws attention to its appearance. This guitar is equipped with the Seymour Duncan sound pickups and the Floyd Rose tremolo-
system.The replica of this instrument is released under Grassroots, and is called G-NH-70. This instrument has kept the bright appearance of its prototype, but the GH-1 sound pickups are set on it.

ESP N-HH-460 <～HAOOOMARU～>

BODY : (Top) Whtie Ash
(Back) Mahogany
NECK : Hard Maple 3P
FINGERBOARD : Ebony , 24frets
SCALE : 648mm (Long)
NUT : Lock nut (42mm/R2)
JOINT : Neck-thru-body
TUNER : GOTOH SG360-07
BRIDGE : Floyd Rose
PICKUP : (Front) Seymour Duncan SH-1n
(Rear) Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b
CONTROL : Master Volume
Master Tone (w/ Coil Split Switch)
Toggle PU Selector
COLOR : Burner Red

Thats is view resume from view Japanese Rocks musician. I hope this page helping who those read it. Thank you.