OLD Esp M-5, Explorer guitar. Any info?

[Asomodai]

Hey guys.

I might have the chance to buy a ESP M-5 guitar, there is ZERO info on the net about the guitar, i cant even find it in any of the catalogues.

Its a Old Made in Japan Explorer, Mint green, bolt on, strat style trem, banana headstock with matching green paintjob. Serial number is XXX79. Single humbucker non slanted. Looks like a Dimarzio but no external markings. The guitar is in 9/10 condition.

Its a lovely player. Any info or what i should be paying for one?

Rob.

 

[Banana Wedgie]

Mmmmm I want one.

 

[Asomodai]

Oh i just remembered, It didnt say M-5 It was actually M-V as in the roman numeral.

 

[Scar Symmetry]

This is what the current MV looks like.

No idea what you should be paying for it in the UK though, I've never seen one in the UK before.

 

[Asomodai]

This is what the current MV looks like.

No idea what you should be paying for it in the UK though, I've never seen one in the UK before.

Yup totally not that, This says M-V on the headstock. Explorer etc.

 

[Banana Wedgie]

No idea what you should be paying for it in the UK though, I've never seen one in the UK before.

Neither have I but Bristol is further than the Moon from me

 

[Scar Symmetry]

Yup totally not that, This says M-V on the headstock. Explorer etc.

Yeah you said yours was green, just giving a current model as an example.

I'm pretty sure MVs are Mahogany w/Maple neck.

 

[Banana Wedgie]

I'm pretty sure MVs are Mahogany w/Maple neck.

Wouldn't surprise me a bit, they majority of ESP are aren't they?

 

[Scar Symmetry]

A lot of ESPs are also Alder, but yeah the majority of ESPs are Mahogany.

 

[Banana Wedgie]

A lot of ESPs are also Alder, but yeah the majority of ESPs are Mahogany.

My favourite ESP, the NV, is alder. Another adding feat to why I should save up for it.

 

[x3030150hates]

Get some pics of it man, I'd love to see it.

 

[Kagami]

probably a custom

 

[sPliNtEr_777]

probably a custom

from what the OP said, I would second this theory, I cant find any info on it either.

In answer to the OP's question, I dont know when it is from, but it if is a custom shop guitar, and is in 9+/10 condition, I'd expect to see it listed for $800-$1200 USD depending on age, or more with endorsed provenence. I got an ESP M-I custom from '91 with full Ed meeks airbrush job but quite a bit wear and it cost me $500, so try your best to haggle a good price. Pay only what you think it is worth

 

[Banana Wedgie]

Mmmmm if it is a custom get it nao.

 

[Asomodai]

Heres a helpful quote from someone on the ESP forum.

Alright!

Badass guitar... here's what I can tell you. Yes, it's legit. That neck is from the 1984-1985 Kramer Focus guitars, which were built by ESP. I think they must have had a bunch leftover after Kramer switched to the pointier style headstocks in 86, and I've seen those used on old ESP M-1s and a few others from that time era. ESP also didn't use Floyd Rose trems on many guitars until after 1986, so it makes sense that it has a vintage trem. And lastly... the square neckplate. Those were common on all the early ESP guitars until ESP started using the angled/sorta triangular plates on the Mirage and Horizon guitars around 1987. So... all in all, that's a super rare model from 1985-1986 or so. I've never seen that particular guitar before, but I can tell you that everything from that time era checks out and makes sense.

Not sure if i am going to buy it yet. Not sure how much its really worth.

 

[x3030150hates]

My advice, is definitely buy it. I've never heard of it, and if they say it's legit definitely go for it.