ESP Explorer Guitars

The ESP Explorer is actually just an Explorer shaped guitar. It is actually called the ESP FX-260. It has been reviewed on other competing guitar sites, but we would like to see some guitarist input in our forum here.

About ESP Explorers

Having never owned an FX260 Explorer shaped guitar, the only information I have is what I have gathered through reading internet forums and magazine articles. I don't have any musician friends who actually play the FX260 either.

The ESP FX260 doesn't mimic the Explorer shape exactly but it gives the player that explorer feel instead.

With 22 frets and a set neck coupled to a Mohagany body, the FX-260 has everything you need for a fine-sounding electric guitar plus the cosmetic splash of the Explorer style. There's just something about a guitar with that Explorer style body, it captivates the audience every time.

From a distance musicians and bystanders alike both invision the guitar as Explorer and some even call it so. unfortunately, the FX260 can no longer be seen with all its specs at espguitars.com, I think it has been dropped from production.

ESP guitars are a Japanese company that have been around since the 1970's. I just recently learned that ESP actually is an abbreviation for "electric sound products", go figure. The ESP guitar line has always had ties to the heavy metal alliance.

The sound, the look, not sure if it's a combination of the two, but they fit the hard-rock and heavy metal profile perfectly. These guitars have aligned themselves with the metal crowd for years.

ESP Guitars for Sale

Finding ESP guitars for sale may be easier than you think. You can buy ESP guitars from several places, including: Authorized ESP Dealers (ESP guitars are available through a network of authorized dealers worldwide. You can visit the official ESP website to find a list of authorized dealers in your region.), online retailers (many reputable online music stores and retailers offer ESP guitars for purchase. Websites like Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Reverb often have a wide selection of ESP guitars available for online purchase), or the ESP Custom Shop. If you are interested in custom-built ESP guitars, you can contact the ESP Custom Shop directly to discuss your specifications and preferences for a personalized instrument.

However, most players simply look to the online guitar stores for stock items mainly for ease of finding ESP guitars for sale, but also for convenience of the "shop from home" lifestyle.

ESP Explorer Forum

Stand by for the return of the ESP guitar forum...

ESP for Dummies

The first ESP guitar was made in 1976. ESP (which stands for Electric Sound Products) Guitars is a Japanese guitar manufacturer founded by Hisatake Shibuya in 1975. Initially, the company's primary focus was on making replacement parts for guitars and basses. However, in 1976, ESP began producing their own custom guitars, marking the introduction of the first ESP guitar.

The early ESP guitars gained popularity among local Japanese musicians due to their high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and innovative designs. ESP's reputation for building exceptional instruments led to increased demand, both domestically and internationally.

Over the years, ESP has become renowned for producing a wide range of guitars and basses that cater to various musical genres and playing styles. They offer instruments at different price points, from affordable models to high-end custom shop guitars, making ESP a popular choice among musicians of all levels, including many renowned artists.

The quality and craftsmanship of ESP guitars have contributed to their success and recognition as a respected and reputable guitar brand worldwide.

ESP Guitars has a worldwide network of distributors and authorized dealers. As a well-established and renowned guitar brand, ESP guitars are available in many countries across the globe.

ESP's global distribution network ensures that their instruments are accessible to musicians and customers in various regions. Through authorized dealers and distributors, players can purchase ESP guitars and have access to customer support, warranty services, and other benefits offered by the brand.

Whether you're in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, or elsewhere, you can find ESP guitars through local music stores, online retailers, and dealerships that carry the brand. If you are interested in purchasing an ESP guitar, you can visit the official ESP website to find a list of authorized dealers and distributors in your country or region.

Please note that while ESP guitars have widespread availability, the specific models and options may vary depending on the region and the dealer's inventory.

ESP (Electric Sound Products) guitars are very popular among heavy metal musicians. ESP is often associated with the heavy metal and hard rock genres due to the high-quality, powerful, and aggressive tones that their guitars are capable of producing. There are several reasons why ESP guitars are favored by heavy metal players:

1. High-Output Pickups: Many ESP models come equipped with high-output pickups, which produce a strong and thick sound ideal for heavy distortion and aggressive playing styles.
2. Solid Construction: ESP guitars are known for their solid build quality, often using premium tonewoods and components that contribute to excellent sustain and resonance.
3. Playability: ESP guitars typically feature fast and comfortable neck profiles, making them suitable for intricate riffing and shredding, which are common techniques in heavy metal.
4. Extended Range Models: ESP offers a wide range of guitars with extended range options, including 7-string and 8-string models, which are popular among modern metal players seeking lower tunings and extended musical range.
5. Endorsements: Many famous heavy metal guitarists endorse ESP guitars, which further contributes to the brand's association with the genre.

ESP also has a division called the "ESP Custom Shop" that offers custom-made instruments tailored to the specific needs and preferences of individual artists, including many heavy metal musicians.

Overall, ESP guitars' combination of high-quality construction, aggressive tones, and eye-catching styles has solidified their reputation as a top choice for heavy metal players worldwide. Other genres also embrace the ESP lifestyle but metalheads have taken it to a new level.

Other Explorer style guitars...

See also: Agile | Aria Pro | Cort | Dean | Dommenget | Epiphone | ESP | Gordon Smith | Hamer | Ibanez | Jackson | Kramer | LTD | O Hagan | Peavey | Tokai