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Description

The ESP Custom Shop M-II is a powerhouse for musicians who demand precision and reliability in their electric guitars. Crafted by the skilled artisans at ESP's renowned Custom Shop, this solid body electric guitar stands out with its exceptional build quality and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, the M-II delivers professional-grade performance with ease.

This guitar is equipped with a set of EMG 81/85 active humbuckers, providing a high-output, aggressive tone perfect for metal and hard rock genres. The neck-through-body design ensures incredible sustain, while the thin U-shaped maple neck allows for fast and fluid playing. The ebony fingerboard features 24 extra-jumbo frets, offering a smooth and responsive playing surface.

The ESP Custom Shop M-II also boasts a Floyd Rose Original tremolo system, allowing for expressive pitch bending and tuning stability. Its hardware is designed to withstand rigorous live performances, ensuring it remains a dependable part of your setup.

Key Features:

  • Set of EMG 81/85 active humbuckers
  • Neck-through-body construction
  • Thin U-shaped maple neck with 24 extra-jumbo frets
  • Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Floyd Rose Original tremolo system
  • High-quality hardware designed for durability
  • Made in ESP's Custom Shop for unparalleled craftsmanship
Arthur Amity

Arthur Amity

ESP M-II Custom Kiso Custom Shop 2002

Video thumbnail for ESP M-II Custom Kiso Custom Shop 2002 by Arthur Amity

ESP M-II Custom Kiso Custom Shop 2002

Arthur Amity

Arthur Amity

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Custom Shop M-II.

Build quality

  • Some owners find discrepancies in pickup alignment and neck pickup routing, contrasting with the typically flawless reputation of the ESP Japan Custom Shop.

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  • The ESP Custom Shop M-II from Japan is noted for its high-quality construction and finish, with particular admiration for the unique textured finishes like Liquid Metal Red.

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  • The neck on the M-II DX Sado is thicker compared to the 1997 ESP Horizon Standard, providing a more substantial and comfortable grip for some players.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Floyd Rose bridges can be shimmed improperly, affecting string height, particularly the A string, requiring careful adjustment.

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Comparisons

  • Some users have found Ibanez Prestige guitars to arrive with better build quality than their ESP Custom Shop counterparts.

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User experience

  • Owners with multiple ESP guitars attest to the high quality and rarity of defects, suggesting potential dealer mishandling rather than factory flaws.

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Features and functionality

  • The Cast Metal finish is a textured overlay applied to the wood, not carved, providing a unique aesthetic and tactile experience.

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  • The guitar features Fishman pickups, known for delivering a powerful and aggressive tone, enhancing its appeal for metal players.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite its heavy metal aesthetic, the textured finish does not impact comfort, making it versatile even for non-metal genres.

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Value and pricing

  • A direct purchase from dealers can cost around $4,000 plus shipping and import tax, with secondary market purchases saving only a couple hundred dollars due to additional fees.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often swap the stock JB bridge pickup for Bare Knuckle Aftermath to achieve tighter and more articulate tones suited for progressive metal.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Mick Thomson uses ESP Custom Shop M-II

Mick Thomson

Guitarist

Slipknot

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Verified via Photo

In this picture from Instagram posted by Stacy (Mick's wife), you can see that she's holding ESP M-II Custom. Mick played it live in Knotfest Japan.

See how Bruce Kulick uses ESP Custom Shop M-II

Bruce Kulick

Guitarist

Kiss

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Verified via Photo

Here you can see Bruce Kulick with his black ESP Custom Shop M-II

A

Alexander Kuoppala

Guitarist

Children of Bodom

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Verified via Photo

esp custom shop guitar Alexander Kuoppala AK, I believe it is an M-II Custom previously it was painted with a white camouflage

See how Gaku Taura uses ESP Custom Shop M-II

Gaku Taura

Drummer

Crystal Lake (Japan)

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Verified via Photo

Gaku Taura is pictured playing an ESP Custom Shop M-II with a natural wood finish during a live performance, as shown on his official Instagram account.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP Custom Shop M-II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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