ESP Guitar Serial Number Lookup/Decoder
Founded in Tokyo in 1975 by Hisatake Shibuya, ESP (Electric Sound Products) is a premier manufacturer of high-performance electric guitars and basses, renowned for its strong ties to heavy metal and hard rock. Originally a replacement parts manufacturer, ESP gained prominence in the 1980s through custom-shop instruments for artists like George Lynch and Metallica.
ESP Serial Number Lookup/Decoder FAQs
Where can I find the ESP serial number?
Most ESP guitars list the serial number on the back of the headstock. Some acoustics place it inside the soundhole on a paper label, and older instruments may use a neck plate or stamped marking. If you cannot find it, check the headstock back and the neck joint first.
What can this ESP serial number lookup/decoder tell me?
It typically identifies the production year, factory or plant code, and country of origin. Some serial formats also hint at model lines or production sequence, but that varies by era.
Why won't my ESP serial number decode?
Serial formats change over time, and limited runs or custom shop instruments can deviate from standard patterns. Try removing spaces or hyphens, and if it still fails, reach out so we can review it and improve the decoder.
Decoder Note
Note: If you try a serial number and the decoder is not able to decode it, please contact us and let us know so we can check the number and fix the decoder. Thank you!
How to decode a ESP serial number
ESP guitar serial numbers are generally found on the back of the headstock, with formats varying by era and factory. Modern ESP/LTD models typically use a 7-digit code where the first two digits indicate the year (e.g., “15” for 2015). Other formats include letters for the month (A=Jan, B=Feb) or factory codes (E, R, U) for earlier 2000s Korean models.
Decoding ESP/LTD Serial Numbers
- Modern Models (Approx. 2004–Present): Format is typically 7 digits (e.g., W15XXXXX). The first two digits are generally the year of production (e.g., 15XXXXX = 2015, 22XXXXX = 2022). The first letter indicates the factory (e.g., “W” for World Musical Instruments, Korea; “E” or “K” for others).
- Early 2000s (LTD): Format often uses 6 digits starting with letters like E, R, or U. These are often sequential, but the first two digits are not necessarily the year.
- Pre‑1998/1999: Serial numbers may be found on the end of the fretboard rather than the back of the headstock.
Important Nuances
- Month of Manufacture: In some configurations, a letter at the start represents the month (A=Jan, B=Feb, …, L=Dec).
- Verification: For specific models (especially older or Japanese‑made), contacting ESP Customer Service with pictures of the headstock (front/back) and serial number is the best method to confirm details.
Common Serial Locations
- Back of Headstock: Most common for modern models.
- End of Fretboard: Used on older LTD models.
- Neck Plate: Some models may have serials on the neck plate.
