Introduction:
There’s just something different about those late-’90s ESP USA Custom Shop builds — especially when you’re talking about a Horizon with a bolt-on neck and a sunburst finish that’s aged like fine whiskey. This circa 1997 piece isn’t your run-of-the-mill ESP. It’s custom shop craftsmanship at its peak, and it plays like it knows it too.
Specifications:
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Model: ESP Custom Horizon (USA Custom Shop)
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Year: c.1997
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Finish: Sunburst – warm, vintage-style burst with natural aging
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Body: Likely Alder or Mahogany (common for this era)
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Top: Figured Maple cap – adds some sparkle to the tone
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Neck: Maple, bolt-on construction – punchy, articulate, old-school ESP feel
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Fingerboard: Rosewood – smooth, classic, and broken in just right
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Frets: 24 – original, with plenty of life
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Pickups: Custom-wired humbuckers (likely Seymour Duncans – sounds huge and versatile)
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Bridge: Original Floyd Rose – buttery smooth and holds tuning for days
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Tuners: Gotoh
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Controls: Volume, tone, 3-way selector
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Condition: Very good – some minor dings and honest play wear, but nothing structural or ugly
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Case: Comes with original ESP USA hardshell case
The Story:
This Horizon’s been with me for a while, and I can tell you — it’s got soul. That bolt-on neck gives it a sharpness and snap that’s just different from the neck-through stuff ESP usually puts out. It’s quick, it’s alive, and it absolutely sings with some gain. The sunburst finish has mellowed over the years into this warm, vintage glow that just oozes character. No artificial aging here — it earned every mark on stage and in the studio.
If you know ESP’s USA Custom Shop history, you already know how rare this one is. Especially with this combo — bolt-on + sunburst + Floyd? It’s not something you see every day.
Conclusion / CTA:
If you’re the kind of player who appreciates a rare ESP USA Custom Shop build with real history and character, this c.1997 Horizon is gonna feel right at home in your hands. It’s clean, it’s been loved, and it’s ready for the next chapter. Send me a message if you’ve got questions or want to come give it a spin — I’ve got a feeling you’re gonna fall for it like I did.
And tell me — are you taking this one into a rock set, or are you giving it a bluesy new life? I’m dying to know.
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