Wondering which ESP left handed guitar and bass models are currently available? Well, you’re in the right place!
Throughout this guide, we’ll discover a little about the brand, explain the differences between the various ranges of instruments ESP offers, and look at all of the lefty guitars and basses we can choose from.
A Brief History of ESP
ESP is a Japanese manufacturer of guitars, founded in 1975 by Hisatake Shibuya in the capital city of Tokyo. The company started out by providing custom replacement parts for guitars, but very quickly built a name for themselves after introducing their own high-end guitar designs.
Today, ESP is one of the world’s largest guitar brands, and is particularly popular amongst the hard-rock and metal playing community.
Does ESP Make Left-Handed Guitars?
Yes! At the time of writing, ESP currently offers a healthy selection of 69 lefty guitars and 8 basses in total. This includes models from the more affordable LTD Series all the way up to the range-topping ESP Original Series, and even Custom Shop masterpieces.
The ESP Family Explained
ESP Original Series
The ESP Original Series represents the pinnacle of ESP’s craftsmanship. Handcrafted in Tokyo, Japan, these guitars are the embodiment of precision, detail, and unmatched quality.
Designed for professionals and discerning collectors, the Original Series offers custom-level specifications, top-tier tonewoods, and impeccable finishes, making them the flagship of the ESP lineup.
ESP Ltd Series
The ESP Ltd Series was introduced in 1996 in order to bring the prestige and quality of ESP to a more wallet-friendly price point, and therefore to a much larger audience.
The more premium models such as the ESP Ltd EC-1000 left-handed range are made in Korea, while the more affordable guitars are manufactured in the brand’s Indonesian factory.
Left handed Ltd guitars form the bulk of ESP’s southpaw range. For example, the Ltd EC-401 left-handed is one of the most popular southpaw single-cut guitars for rock and metal players.
ESP E-II Series
The E-II Series is designed to bridge the gap between the mass produced ESP Ltd guitars and the Japanese built Custom Shop models. These guitars are made in the same factory as the custom models, but are mass-produced as opposed to being hand-crafted one by one.
This results in a higher quality, premium guitar, but without the hefty price tag that the Japanese ESPs command.
ESP Signature Series
In collaboration with some of the world’s top guitarists, the ESP Signature Series showcases instruments designed to meet the specific needs of well-known artists.
These guitars often feature unique shapes, custom finishes, and specialized hardware, reflecting the artist’s personal preferences and playing style.
From rock legends to the world’s best shred guitarists, the Signature Series offers a chance to step into the shoes of your favorite players.
ESP USA Series
Crafted in California, USA, the ESP USA Series offers a mix of classic ESP designs and new innovations. With a commitment to the highest quality standards, these guitars use hand-selected tonewoods, and top-of-the-line components.
Select USA models can be ordered left-handed for a small upcharge. You can even use the brand’s virtual guitar builder to customise certain elements of the guitar.
The builder will present you with a mockup of how the guitar will look before you commit to ordering. Very cool!
ESP Custom Shop
The ESP Custom Shop stands as a testament to the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship. Nestled in Tokyo, Japan, this is where ESP’s master luthiers bring to life the unique visions of musicians, crafting instruments that are as much works of art as they are tools of musical expression.
Each guitar or bass produced here is a bespoke creation, tailored to the exact specifications of the artist or customer.
From exotic tonewoods and intricate inlays to innovative hardware configurations and one-of-a-kind finishes, the ESP Custom Shop offers an unparalleled experience in guitar customization.
Left Handed ESP Guitars
If you are into heavier styles of music, the range of ESP left handed electric guitars is probably going to overwhelm you with choice.
According to the ‘Guitar Finder’ on the brand website, there is currently a whopping 69 ESP lefty guitars available. The vast majority of these are the more affordable Ltd left handed guitars.
The brand also offers a selection of interesting niche guitars such as left-handed ESP 7-string, Explorer, Flying V, and Firebird-type models.
I’m not going to waste my time (or yours!) by listing every single model here. Instead, I’ll encourage you to head over to the brand’s website and use their ‘Guitar Finder’ to narrow down the results to guitars that interest you personally. You’ll find a link at the bottom of the page.
Left Handed ESP Bass Guitars
The range of left handed ESP bass guitar models doesn’t quite compare to the number of electric guitars available. Currently, there are 8 ESP left handed bass guitars listed on the brand website.
All of the production lefty basses are from the more affordable LTD series, and 4, 5, and 6-string models are all available.
You can see a selection of the left-handed basses above, but please head over to the ESP website (link below) to see the full range.
ESP Guitars Website
When visiting the brand’s website, the best way to find the full list of the left handed ESP guitars is to head to the ‘Guitar/Bass Finder‘. You’ll find this option in the ‘Products’ menu.
Here, you will be able to select a check-box to show only the left-handed models. You will also be able to use further filters to narrow down the results to guitars or basses that you are specifically interested in.
For More Information:
ESP Guitars Website
ESP FAQ
Where Are ESP Guitars Made?
ESP Original Series, E-II Series, and Custom Shop guitars are crafted in Tokyo, Japan. The brand’s USA Series is built in California, USA. The more affordable ESP Ltd range is made in either Korea or Indonesia.
Who Plays ESP Guitars?
A number of high-profile players currently have signature guitars with ESP. This list includes Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Nill Kelliher, Javier Reyes, Stephen Carpenter, and the late Alexi Laiho amongst many others.
What Does ESP Guitars Stand For?
ESP stands for Electric Sound Products. This relates back to the brand’s early days when they started out as a business making replacement parts for guitars.