2018 Prototype Previews
2018 Prototype Previews
Hey ESP peoples. We've started sending out pictures of our prototype samples for 2018 model guitars and basses. ESP members should already have received the first preview pic in their email this morning. If you have any questions about these pictures, feel free to discuss them here.
I'm a big fan of the EC-1000 series and welcome any new finish options. The old EC with the green quilt top is a great looking finish too. I do miss the abalone inlays and binding which set the 1000 series apart visually from the lower end models. I have four EC-1000s and one EC-400AT, and I personally prefer the EMG pickups in them over the Duncans. I have quite a few guitars loaded with the JB/59 combo and I don't like the tone of any of them. I play a lot of legato and that pickup combo just doesn't carry enough gain for me to get the job done. My two cents on the pickup debate would be to offer both the EMG and Duncan pickups in each finish. I recently purchased an EC-1000ET in See-Thru Black based on the finish over the electronics, and it is the worst sounding guitar I own. I knew when I ordered it that the pickups may be an issue, but I did not want the standard black finish (which is loaded with EMGs). I don't think anyone gets excited about dropping $1,100 on a guitar and then another $200 plus for a pickup upgrade, not to mention the work of routing or paying someone to do it, and don't forget about the need to also purchase a quality hardshell for the $1,100 guitar to live in. I did not mind the model number being on the twelfth fret. I found it an easy way to identify some of the EC models, especially since the 1000 series doesn't necessarily have the abalone anymore. These are just my opinions based on my playing and experience.
I just got the mail about the new EC and I have to say that it is just beautiful. Used to love just black and camo guitars, but I have been digging the color ones. And the new you have made in green was just beautiful.