The ESP Guitar Company

For the past six days, we’ve been hearing from hundreds of concerned ESP players and friends around the world, wanting to be sure that all of us at ESP Guitars (and our US-distributed brands Takamine Guitars and ENGL Amplification) are okay in the midst of the devastating wildfires in Southern California.

First and foremost, your thoughts are very much appreciated. The good news is that as of the morning of Monday, January 13, while we had some sporadic closures last week due to issues like dangerously hazardous air quality and power outages, our dedicated staff has kept things running, and we remain on schedule in delivering guitars to our customers, and in getting ready for next week's NAMM Show and our special “New for 2025” announcements later this week.

In any case, thus far we’ve thankfully not been directly in the fire zone itself. ESP’s US headquarters is located in an area of Los Angeles that’s almost directly in between the two largest and most damaging fires — the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. We have a number of ESP staff who do live in affected areas, and have had to deal with evacuations and dangerous conditions. Above all else, their safety comes first.

ESP is located in an area of Los Angeles that places us directly between the two major fire zones.

Our thoughts are with our fellow Los Angeles-area residents who have been affected by this ongoing situation… including the many musicians who live and work in this wonderful part of the world. We're confident that LA residents are strong and proud people who will make it through this tragedy. To assist that process, there is a developing list of resources that have been created to help musicians in need, including those who lost instruments and gear in the fires, or who need help getting situated with housing and basic living necessities.

MusiCares
MusiCares, the nonprofit organization that is a resource to music professionals impacted by natural disasters and more, is providing short- and long-term relief to eligible industry members, including $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card. This money can go towards evacuation and relocation costs, instrument replacement/repair, home damage, medical care, mental health services, and other living needs. Anyone whose livelihood depends on music is eligible, from musicians to road crew, engineers, producers, and more. Applicants must possess documentation of employment history for a minimum of five years employment in the music industry, or six commercially released recordings or videos (singles). You can also donate at the link, if you’re able.

musicares.org

Guitar Center
Renowned musical instrument retailer Guitar Center, along with their Guitar Center Music Foundation, is offering assistance for musicians who lost gear due to the Los Angeles fires. They’ve launched a special one-time grant to allow musicians to directly replace instruments and gear. Proof of loss or address may be required. Apply (or donate) below.

guitarcenterfoundation.org/fires

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is accepting donations and applications for musicians and music industry workers impacted in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Financial relief will go toward the loss of equipment, medical bills from the resulting events, and living expenses. To be eligible, you have to have made at least 50% of your income from the music industry for at least three years, show proof of employment, a biography (or a resume or discography), and documentation of loss and destruction.

sweetrelief.org/naturaldisasterfund.html