LTD / ESP - FM-408 - ODD QUESTION

[T0mass]

I recently purchased a ESP / LTD FM-408 8-string from an authorized Canadian ESP Dealer. However it doesn’t fit with the description or picture of the FM-408 listed on the ESP website or in the 2008 catalogue.

See “Typical” specs here:
The ESP Guitar Company :: LTD Standard Guitars - FM-408

The model I have is a bizarre hybrid. The body (pick-ups, tone knob volume knob & switch configuration) is exactly like the “STEF B-8” Model. The neck and head stock are as per the typical LTD FM-408 (right down to the 12th fret “FM-408” inlay)

“STEF B-8” specs here:
The ESP Guitar Company :: Stephen Carpenter Signature Series

I’ve tried to contact ESP via their website (submitted my Serial number ect.) but It’s been a few weeks and I have yet to hear back. Can anyone here shed some light on what I’ve got here. Some kind of early run of the FM-408 or something else?

 

[hmmm_de_hum]

Esp announced the FM418 or something in their 09 summary, you could have an early new model...or just a freak of nature.

 

[Dusty201087]

 

[romper_stomper]

No crap, Post those pics!!!! I bet it looks awsome!

 

[AZ7]

Please post pix
That is one of the 3 models I am considering getting ... so you may be in fact helping me and others out with potential purchasing decisions
Sucks that ESP isn't getting back to you.
Thanks

 

[T0mass]

I'll take some better pictures this weekend but here's what I have for now...

Me gooned on N.Y.E. playing away on my new toy.

This is not an actual picture just a mock-up of what it looks like.

I can't find where this thing exists ANY WHERE. It is not on the ESP site, or in the 2008 catalog. I'll take a few more pictures when I get home from work in a couple of hours.

 

[Kagami]

that's weird as hell looks like somebody just screwed it up somehow

 

[Ze Kink]

Haha, wtf? That's pretty damn weird How the hell has that gotten through quality control?

 

[gunshow86de]

I need to see a pic of the whole guitars. Otherwise, methinks we have a prankster on our hands.

 

[T0mass]

Haha, wtf? That's pretty damn weird How the hell has that gotten through quality control?

And it did indeed have the ESP Q.C. sticker on the back electronics bay stuck on to that clear protective plastic that you rip off.

This is no joke it does exist... another hour or so and I'll be home and you'll all have your pictures.

 

[auxioluck]

Drinking on the job is highly underrated.

 

[twiztedchild]

that is weird. is it still the 25.5" scale?


and If it says FM-408 on that inlay then it isn't the FM-418. I think.

 

[Kagami]

we have seen some 22 fret LTD eclipses with 24-fret pickup spacings before (the bridge pickup is toward the neck) and recently one which had something like the KH-JR pickup spacing, the bridge pickup was a good inch and a half from the bridge

 

[T0mass]

Feast you eyes on this....

So please some one tell me what is she?!

Oh and I'm pretty sure (99%) that it's a 25.5" scale.

 

[gunshow86de]

Well, I stand corrected. Maybe the F-408's originally were going to have the SC layout, and this was one of the test runs. Otherwise, someone at ESP needs to set the bong down and do some real work.

 

[yevetz]

what A fuck?

 

[eegor]

I'm not going to lie, that thing is pretty sick. Weird as hell, but sick.

 

[twiztedchild]

Well, I stand corrected. Maybe the F-408's originally were going to have the SC layout, and this was one of the test runs. Otherwise, someone at ESP needs to set the bong down and do some real work.

But hey at least, if no more show up, you can say you have a One ofa kind FM-408

 

[Shannon]

Man, that's awesome! I'd buy that if it was 25.5. Is it?

 

[guitarbuilder93]

that's pretty slick screw-up on esp's part! nice score, and welcome!