User Manual

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GUITAR ANATOMY
1. Tuning Key
2. Tuning Post
3. Truss Rod Cover
4. String Retainer
5. Nut (Locking)
6. Fingerboard
7. Frets
8. Position Markers
9. Neck Pickup
10. Bridge Pickup
11. Pickup Selector
12. Pickup Height Screw
13. Pickup Mounting Ring
14. Controls
15. Bridge (Tremolo)
16. Pivot Studs
17. Tremolo Arm
18. Strap Button
19. Headstock
20. Neck
21. Neck Bolts / Neck Heel
22. Neck Plate
23. Body
24. Tremolo Spring Cavity
25. Control Cavity
26. Battery Compartment
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Your ESP instrument is built to give you many years of satisfaction. Please keep in mind that keeping your
instrument functioning properly will require periodic care and maintenance. Follow the simple maintenance
guidelines outlined below to make sure your instrument continues playing properly and looking its best. Note:
Although your instrument has been inspected by our quality control team, ESP highly recommends that you
take your guitar to a qualified repair shop for an initial setup to be performed. As every player may have their
own setup preferences matched to their playing style, this will ensure that your guitar works best for you.
Cleaning
Cleaning your guitar regularly is one of the best ways to maintain the finish and prolong string life. Clean
your guitar after each use, making sure to wipe the fingerboard and strings as well as any of the plated
parts such as tuners, pickups, bridge etc. Make sure to remove all perspiration, as it can lead to corrosion
and rusting in metal hardware and strings. We recommend that all metal bridge parts be thoroughly
cleaned and lubricated each time when changing strings to prevent corrosion and rusting caused by
perspiration. For gloss-finished surfaces, such as the body, back of neck, and headstock, we recommend
using any type of polish formulated specifically for musical instruments. Use lightly with a soft guitar
polishing cloth or cotton rag. Using any other type of cloth will most likely scratch the finish on your
instrument. Do not use any solvents or abrasive cleaners! Note: To clean a satin finish, use a dry cloth
and simply wipe lightly to remove any dust or build-up.
Accessories
Be careful when using plastic, vinyl or synthetic leather guitar straps; guitar stands and wall hangers that use
surgical rubber tubing or any other accessories that may touch your instrument’s finish. These materials may
react with or cause damage to the finish on your Instrument. Before using any guitar strap with your guitar,
make sure the strap buttons and your strap are both secure when connected. A wooden guitar body can only
withstand so much force with the factory strap button screws and is intended for use under normal playing
conditions. If you intend to subject your guitar to more physical force than normal playing conditions, you
may want to use larger or longer screws. If you do decide to change your strap buttons or screws, make sure
the new buttons are installed correctly to avoid damaging your guitar (we suggest having a qualified repair
technician do this for you).
Note: Any damage as a result of strap button failure or damage that occurs from
changing your buttons will not be covered under the ESP limited lifetime warranty.
Fingerboards
Rosewood and ebony fingerboards contain natural oils that may dry out over time. Sharp or protruding
fret edges as well as a lighter appearance in the color of the fingerboard may be indications of dry wood.
In either case, you may restore the wood to its original luster and prevent It from drying out by applying
some lemon oil periodically. Remove all the strings, then apply a small amount of the oil to a clean lint-
free cloth. Rub the oil into the entire fingerboard (only a small amount is needed). Wipe the fingerboard
immediately to remove excess oil using a clean lint-free dry cloth.
Storage
When not playing your guitar, keep it in its case. If you don’t own a case, we strongly recommend
purchasing an ESP hardshell case or gig bag. Using a case will offer the best possible protection against
damage and will keep your instrument from gathering dust, which makes it harder to clean. Keep your
guitar tuned to pitch under normal playing and storage situations. If you plan to store your guitar for a
long period of time, or when traveling by air, loosen the strings to relieve some of the tension, but don’t
remove them (One or two turns of each tuning key will be plenty). Always store your guitar at room
temperature. Avoid exposing your guitar to any extremely hot, cold, damp, or dry conditions. NEVER leave
your guitar in a hot or cold car or trunk–This will most likely cause severe damage to your guitar! Note:
Damage to your instrument caused by neglecting or subjecting your instrument to extreme temperatures
will not be covered under the ESP limited lifetime warranty.
TUNING YOUR GUITAR
Tune your instrument using the tuning keys to raise or lower the pitch. Note: On a guitar with a locking
tremolo system, you must first loosen the locking nut before you can adjust the tuning with the tuning
machines. Although locking tremolo systems have fine tuners located on the bridge, they only allow
limited (fine) tuning. Counter-clockwise rotation of the tuning keys will raise the pitch of the string while
clockwise rotation will lower the pitch of the string you are tuning. Tune your guitar starting with the
lowest to highest strings. After you have done this once, go back and double-check the tuning again.
On some instruments you will have to do this a few times, especially if the strings are new or you have
a guitar with a floating tremolo bridge. Tuning one string may affect the other strings and it is necessary
to recheck the tuning until all strings are staying at the desired pitch. Note: New strings tend to stretch
and detune until they settle. It is a good idea to stretch the strings when you have just put on a new set.
Do this after the initial tuning by bending notes and physically stretching each string by pulling away
from the fingerboard (be careful no to pull too hard as you may break a string that way). After thoroughly
stretching the strings repeat the tuning process. Note: For standard guitar and bass tunings please refer
to the chart under factory string gauges.
STRINGS & TUNING MACHINES
We strongly recommend that you change your strings fairly often. If you play daily, we recommend that you
change your strings every 1 or 2 weeks. A new set of strings will sound clear and precise, while an old set will
sound dull and can produce unusual buzzing and dead notes. If you notice that your strings have become dirty,
discolored, or produce an unusual buzzing or dull sound, then it is definitely time to put a new set of strings on
your guitar. Always check your new strings and make sure they are smooth and free of defects before installing
them. If there are any irregularities, such as kinks, twists, or any other manufacturing defects, they will cause
buzzing and untrue notes as well as sound distortion. We recommend replacing one string at a time, so that
all the tension is not taken off of the neck. This will make it easier to re-tune and setup the neck. If your
guitar has a double-locking tremolo, please refer to the section on re-stringing those models.
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