ESP Support

TOP QUESTIONS

CUSTOM SHOP

ELECTRONICS

I get a buzzing/humming sound but it goes away when I touch the volume. Is this normal?
Is it possible to fit EMG pickups into my guitar that came with regular ESP/LTD pickups or Seymour Duncan pickups?
How often do I need to replace my 9-volt battery in my guitar with EMG active pickups or circuits?
What Are EMG HZ Pickups and are they active or passive?

MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL

OPINIONS/COMMENTS

How can I submit my thoughts or comments about ESP products (whether good or bad)?

CASES

CUSTOM SHOP

Can I order a custom guitar made to my own specifications?
Yes. We have been building custom-ordered guitars since we started and are highly regarded in the guitar industry as "The" Custom Guitar Company. As long as the guitar you want us to build meets our expectations for functionality and does not infringe on any copyright matters with any other guitar manufacturing company, we can custom build it for you. For a price quote on a custom order. Please contact your nearest ESP Dealer who will be able to supply you with a quote.

Does ESP offer any guitars made in the U.S.A.?
No. Current ESP models that state USA in the name simply refer to the spec rather than the country of origin.

Can I still order the old EXP body shape when ordering a custom ESP?
The body style of the old EXP was retired and a new body style was introduced in 2000. It is now known as the EX model. You may ONLY order the new EX body style - we cannot produce the old EXP shape.

What is the standard delivery time on a custom order?
Custom orders take a minimum of 6-8 months to be completed.

ELECTRONICS

I get a buzzing/humming sound but it goes away when I touch the volume. Is this normal?
Yes. When you touch the strings or bridge on an electric guitar, your body acts as the ground and the circuit will be quieter.

Is it possible to fit EMG pickups into my guitar that came with regular ESP/LTD pickups or Seymour Duncan pickups?
Yes, except for 7-string models, all pickup routes are the same. This job has to be done by a professional repairperson to ensure the new parts are installed correctly. Please note: You cannot send your guitar back to ESP to do this type of work.

How often do I need to replace my 9-volt battery in my guitar with EMG active pickups or circuits?
Your battery life will depend on the amount you play your instrument. We recommend checking and replacing your battery every few months, although you may need to change it more frequently. Please visit EMG's website for more info.

NOTE: You will know your battery needs to be replaced when your signal becomes weak or distorted. To prolong your battery life, do not leave your cable plugged into your instrument when not in use - this will drain the battery.

What Are EMG HZ Pickups and are they active or passive?
All EMG HZ Pickups are passive. (They do not require a 9-volt battery to operate.) EMG HZ pickups are made in the USA. They are designed like traditional pickups, but incorporate an exclusive 5-wire quik-connect design, allowing pickups to be changed without any soldering. Current HZ models use ceramic magnets and over-wound coils, giving moderate output with a defined high end and plenty of punch and clarity. HZ bass pickups are high output bass humbuckers designed for low noise and plenty of output.

All EMG HZ pickups are fully shielded and have 4-conductor output, enabling after-market custom wiring options such as series/split/parallel/phase switching. These types of modifications can be performed by most any qualified repair technician and will not void the warranty.

For more information regarding EMG HZ pickups, please visit EMG.

MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL

Can I send my guitar to ESP for maintenance, repair, or upgrades?
No. ESP's shop does not perform any aftermarket work with the exception of warranty related repairs.

Where can I get my ESP guitar repaired?
We recommend returning your guitar to your place of purchase or to any qualified repair shop in your area.

What are Baritone models tuned to; what is the difference between them and regular guitars, and what are the string gauges?
ESP introduced baritones as a 6-string alternative to a 7-string. They feature a 27" scale length as opposed to a 25.5" scale (which is fairly standard for most guitars.) The increased scale length (distance measured from the bridge to the nut) allows the guitar to be tuned lower than standard, while still retaining proper string tension. ESP Baritone models come from the factory with .056/.046/.036/.026W/.017/.013 gauge strings and are tuned B/E/A/D/F#/B.

What gauge and type of strings are on my guitar or bass?
Starting for 2007 production, every ESP and LTD guitar is strung at our factory with SIT Brand nickel steel electric guitar strings. Here is a chart showing the gauges:

Factory String Gauges & Tunings
	String Gauge (Low to High)	Tuning (Low to High)
6-str w/trem	42/32/24/16/11/9	E/A/D/G/B/E
6-str non-trem	46/36/26/17/13/10	E/A/D/G/B/E
7-str & 7str baritone	56/46/36/26W/17/13/10	B/E/A/D/G/B/E
8-str guitar & baritone	68/56/46/36/26/17/13/10	F#/B/E/A/D/G/B/E
6-str baritone	56/46/36/26W/17/13	B/E/A/D/F#/B
6-str acoustic	52/42/32/24W/15/11	E/A/D/G/B/E
4-str bass	105/85/65/45	E/A/D/G
4-str bass (Detuned)	130/110/90/70	B/E/A/D
5-str bass	125/105/85/65/45	B/E/A/D/G
6-str bass	125/105/85/65/45/30	B/E/A/D/G/C
8-str bass	90/40, 70/35, 55/25, 40/20	E/A/D/G w/doubled octave strings

How do I adjust the bridge?
You must first determine what type of bridge is on your guitar. If you have a Floyd Rose licensed system, there are 2 studs which hold the bridge system in place. You may adjust either the high or low side up or down with a 3mm wrench to achieve the desired action height. If you have a tuneomatic style bridge, then you may adjust your action with a flat-head screwdriver on either the treble or bass side. (Some older models may only be adjustable by 2 thumbwheels located underneath both the treble and bass sides of the bridge).

Please Note: If you have a Tonepros Locking TOM system on your guitar, you must first loosen the 2 lock-down screws with a 1.5mm allen wrench before attempting to adjust action height. www.tonepros.com

How often should I change strings?
Although changing strings varies with each user, ESP recommends that you change your strings at least every 20 hours of playing time. Keep in mind that if you wipe your strings clean after each use, it will help prolong the life of the strings.

How do I know if my neck needs adjustment?
Generally, if a neck is out of adjustment, string buzz will be more noticeable in either the center of the neck or near the first few frets & open chording area. There are many factors that can be the source of string buzz, and not always does your neck need to be adjusted. Please consult any qualified repair technician if you are not sure or you do not know how to properly adjust a truss rod. You should not attempt to adjust the truss rod, unless you are qualified to do so.

How do I maintain my guitar?
Most information on maintaining your instrument can be found in the owner's manual.

I broke my neck. Can you fix it or sell me a new neck? Where do I get it fixed?
At this time ESP does not sell replacement necks, and replacements are only available under a warranty basis. If your neck broke due to a non-warranty issue, you should try and find a professional repairperson and see if the neck can be repaired.

What is set-thru construction?
Set-thru neck construction is an innovative technique in which the neck is glued to the body (like a set-neck), however the traditional bulky heel is carved away (similar to neck-thru-body construction). This makes access to the upper frets and the neck-to-body transition much smoother. Just as on a set-neck, you will get a combination of tone from both the neck and body with the set-thru construction. The sound will depend on the types of wood used, but generally will have a fuller, warmer tone when compared to most neck-thru-body guitars.

What is neck-thru-body construction?
Neck-thru-body construction utilizes the same piece of wood for the neck and the center column of the body. The guitar's body is made up of this center column (often referred to as the tone column) and the body "wings", which are additional pieces of wood glued to the center column to make the body shape. Since the neck and body are all connected through this one piece of wood, the tone transfer from neck to body is much better than a guitar with a bolt-on or glued-on neck. Neck-thru guitars have a lot of sustain and the tonal properties of the wood used for the center column, which is usually maple. Therefore, most neck-thru guitars tend to have a very bright sound with lots of sustain.

What is bolt-on construction?
Bolt-on construction was originally developed as a way to be able to produce guitars more efficiently and make them more affordable. The neck and body are bolted together using 4 or more screws and either a neck plate or screw inserts that hold the neck to the body. Tonally, a bolt-on guitar will have less sustain compared to both neck-thru and set-neck guitars, but it has its other advantages. Since the neck comes off the body, it can be removed, adjusted, repaired and replaced with more ease than a set-neck or neck-thru guitar.

OPINIONS/COMMENTS

How can I submit my thoughts or comments about ESP products (whether good or bad)?
Written comments may be sent to: Selectron (UK) Ltd, Unit 17D Upper Field Road, Eurolink Industrial Estate, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3UP United Kingdom

CASES

How can I order a hardshell guitar case for my ESP guitar?
ESP hardshell cases can be ordered from any authorized ESP dealer. For a list of authorized ESP dealers, please see our dealer locator.

Do all ESP cases have your logo on them?
Yes. If it doesn't say ESP or LTD on the case, it isn't a genuine ESP case. ESP cases are designed specifically to fit our own instruments, and therefore we do not recommend that you use generic cases, as they might not provide adequate support for your ESP instrument.