ESP Kamikaze 1/2
An early non-serial number Kamikaze. From what information I gathered on the net, it is most likely, based on the finality of design, ESP logo, and specs, a very early (86/87) pre-mass production GLK. No serial number but I doubt it was a prototype as apparently most prototypes had maple fretboards, and were in varying stages of development of the graphics. What it does have that differentiates it from present-day Kamikazes are hand-painted bombs, non-recessed solid oldschool Floyd Rose tremolo (non-recessed as insisted upon by none other than EVH who said, it's all about the sustain) no back cavity cover, ESP Power Rail single and handwound unbranded Seymour Duncan pickup. For simplicity's sake, referencing the modern paint scheme which everybody is familiar with (Kamikaze I-IV) this is; for lack of a better term, a Kamikaze 1/2. As you can see, the tan part is more brownish, and the red part is brighter, versus the mass-released Kamikaze 1 which has a more beige/flesh tone and a darker red. GL's early guitars clearly bear this original browner paint scheme, as we assume he intended for it to be.
This guitar looks like it rolled out the custom shop last month, not in 1986. Testament to the amazing quality of 80s ESP guitars. The non-recessed tremolo looks cool vintage and early Duncan DDJ pickup is hot and the 80s hair metal sound readily jumps out through any Marshall. Even with my clumsy fingers a brown, articulate tone for fast Lynch legato runs seems effortless.
This is a powerful guitar that is almost as colourful as GL's pants.
This guitar looks like it rolled out the custom shop last month, not in 1986. Testament to the amazing quality of 80s ESP guitars. The non-recessed tremolo looks cool vintage and early Duncan DDJ pickup is hot and the 80s hair metal sound readily jumps out through any Marshall. Even with my clumsy fingers a brown, articulate tone for fast Lynch legato runs seems effortless.
This is a powerful guitar that is almost as colourful as GL's pants.