Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,499

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The ESP Mirage is a solid body electric guitar that combines modern design with classic craftsmanship, making it a standout choice for both aspiring and seasoned musicians. Engineered for those who demand precision and versatility, this guitar offers an exceptional playing experience that's both reliable and inspiring. At the heart of the Mirage is its set-thru neck construction, ensuring smooth access to the upper frets, while delivering sustained resonance and enhanced playability. The Mirage's sleek, contoured body not only looks stunning but also feels comfortable during extended playing sessions.

Equipped with high-output pickups, the ESP Mirage is ready to rock any stage or studio. These pickups provide a full spectrum of tones, from crunchy rhythms to soaring leads, catering to a wide range of musical styles. The guitar's hardware is designed for durability and precision, featuring a locking tremolo system for those dive-bomb effects and stable tuning.

Every detail of the Mirage has been meticulously crafted to meet the demands of the modern guitarist. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down solid riffs, the ESP Mirage is a reliable companion that won't let you down.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Set-thru neck construction for enhanced playability
  • High-output pickups for versatile sound
  • Sleek, contoured body for comfort
  • Locking tremolo system for stable tuning and dive-bomb effects
  • Durable hardware designed for precision

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model Standard Mirage
Finish Black, Gunmetal Blue, Metallic Gold, Natural, Pearl White, See Thru Blue, See Thru Green, See Thru Purple, See Thru Red, Transparent Blue, Transparent Cherry Red
Year 1984 - 1997
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Natural, Purple, Red, Tan, White
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What kind of music is the ESP Mirage best suited for?

The ESP Mirage, with its HSS pickup configuration and locking tremolo bridge, is versatile but particularly excels in rock and metal genres, offering powerful tones and stable tuning for aggressive playing styles.

What is the neck profile of the ESP Mirage like?

The ESP Mirage features a slim, fast neck profile, making it ideal for players who favor speed and precision, especially in genres that require quick fretboard navigation.

Does the ESP Mirage come with a locking tremolo bridge?

Yes, the ESP Mirage is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, which enhances tuning stability and allows for expressive pitch modulation techniques.

How many frets does the ESP Mirage have, and what is the scale length?

The ESP Mirage has 24 frets and a 25.5-inch scale length, providing a wide range for solos and a familiar feel for players used to standard full-scale electric guitars.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP Mirage's body and neck?

The body of the ESP Mirage is made from alder or ash, while the neck is constructed from maple, offering a balanced tone and sturdy build quality.

Nick Percev

Nick Percev

ESP The Mirage (Japan, 1990x) - demo by Nick Percev

Video thumbnail for ESP The Mirage (Japan, 1990x) - demo by Nick Percev by Nick Percev

ESP The Mirage (Japan, 1990x) - demo by Nick Percev

Nick Percev

Nick Percev

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Mirage.

Setup and maintenance

  • Indonesian models may have polished frets, while Korean models might require additional attention to achieve similar smoothness.

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  • Korean models were reported to arrive with better setup, requiring less initial adjustment compared to Indonesian models.

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  • An LTD owner reported needing a full setup, including intonation adjustments for 4 strings and action adjustments, upon receiving the guitar.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners enjoy the humbucker/single coil combination for its versatility, reminiscent of "Jackson" headstock guitars.

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Features and functionality

  • The seafoam green color is highly appreciated by owners, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the guitar.

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  • The ESP Mirage Deluxe features a top-mount tremolo, allowing for more flexibility, such as installing a D-tuna, which floating bridges often can't accommodate.

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Value and pricing

  • An original '80s ESP Mirage Deluxe was purchased for $630, considered an extraordinarily low price compared to past values.

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  • The original ESP models are considered rare collectibles, expected to appreciate in value, while LTD models are more affordable and readily available.

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Build quality

  • Finish cracking near the neck pocket is common in '80s models due to tension changes, not affecting wood integrity.

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  • Differences in pickup cavity shapes and finishes were noted between Korean and Indonesian models.

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  • The ESP Mirage Deluxe is praised for its superior Japanese craftsmanship, with a neck that's noted for its exceptional playability and low action.

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  • Indonesian models often have a darker fretboard, possibly due to better polishing.

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  • Indonesian models have smoother neck edges, while Korean necks exhibit more detailed inlays with sharper numbers.

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User experience

  • Original '80s ESP Mirage Deluxe models are prized for their unique wear and story, adding character to the instrument.

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  • Some LTD models are reported to be made in Korea, offering slightly better build quality than their Indonesian counterparts according to owners' experiences.

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Comparisons

  • The Korean '87 Deluxe is said to rival the E-II Horizon in build quality, while Indonesian 1000 series are close but slightly inferior.

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  • Owners noted the LTD's neck profile as a standout feature, with some preferring its Extra Thin U profile over other guitars they own.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mick Ronson uses ESP Mirage

Mick Ronson

Singer, Guitarist

The Spiders from Mars

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1993 performance video of "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday" with David Bowie, Mick Ronson is seen playing an ESP Mirage guitar.

See how Vernon Reid uses ESP Mirage

Vernon Reid

Guitarist

Living Colour

...
Verified via YouTube

Vernon Reid was known to make use of an ESP Mirage earlier in his career with Living Colour, it is equipped with two EMG SA pickups in the middle and neck and an EMG 81 in the bridge and a Floyd Rose locking tremolo system.

See how Mieszko Talarczyk uses ESP Mirage

Mieszko Talarczyk

Guitarist

Nasum

...
Verified via Photo

This picture of a Nasum rehearshal in 94 shows Mieszko playing his ESP Mirage.

See how Wiley Arnett uses ESP Mirage

Wiley Arnett

Guitarist, Composer

Sacred Reich

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

In this interview with ESP, Wiley Arnett, one of the earliest endorsees on the ESP artist roster, says :

I had a great talk with Matt about who I was, what I was all about as a musician, and how much I love the quality of ESP guitars. Matt gave me a cost deal on an ESP Mirage Custom. It was a white neck-thru-body design, and had EMGs. It was the coolest guitar I’d ever played, let alone owned. I got that guitar in time to use it to record our Surf Nicaragua record and the supporting tour. I’ve been a loyal ESP player ever since.

Album Usage

The ESP Mirage has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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