LET'S TALK ABOUT ESP'S SECRET "EPIPHONE KILLER"...

[@agufish]

Sign up on ZenMarket with my link and receive 1,000 ZenPoints using my code AGUFISH: shorturl.at/vFGL1. The exchange rate has gotten even better since I filmed this, just saying... 🤘

[@russellzauner]

quick q, which luthiers/shops/etc got attached for ESP USA? That seems like it would be an interesting story - I mean, Samick bought Valley Arts and I have a couple of their "transition" basses and not only are they great players they look incredible. But there's so much history on the west slice here I've been curious for a while who they ended up with and how the teams assembled/shook out (I've got 3 guitars designed by Mike Lipe, pre-LACS - the Starfield/Heartfield/Prophecy/et al rabbithole is also fairly crazy, Hoshino was going nuts with side projects there for a while, even tandemly building guitars in Japan and USA of the same models and selling them simultaneously in the same tiny catalog, even signing artists like Richie Kotzen). Guess that wasn't quick - sorry lol but thanks for all the work and uploads, they are enjoyable!

[@vinniesworld459]

Grassroots are not exclusive to Japan. You can get them in HK, Taiwan and Singapore through their official distributors or, in the case of China, the ESP CN official store. Also, note that for the Edwards E-LP models starting at the end of 2023, they don't come with Duncans anymore, but rather "Edwards Legacy" pickups.

[@MCP34]

Where did you get that satin purple Edwards? I can't see them anywhere.

[@ReeseB-g7c]

@@MCP34…Did You find Any Info. on the Edward’s Satin Purple Finish ELP Guitar….? -I Couldn’t -Thanx, Reese, NYC

[@Fenderman4022]

I got a brand new Edwards off Reverb from Japan. Completely painless, no import duties, and quick shipping. I like it way more than my Gibson LP

[@firdaus125]

I bought an Edwards ELP130CD (basically an LP Custom) brand new where I live. It plays amazingly from the factory. I have not and don't plan to send it for a setup.

[@Damage42X]

Me too. Got an Edwards Explorer just before they discontinued them. I'm never thinking of getting another guitar ever again!

[@ReeseB-g7c]

@@firdaus125….Can You Please tell Me (someone) -Where can I find or Buy these ‘Edward’s’ LP (like that Satin Purple One showed through Out Hunters Video…. What is the Model Number (I’m hearing Only GREAT Reviews on This and I Completely want to Find This…. Thank You -ReeseB, NYC

[@firdaus125]

@@ReeseB-g7c I live in Singapore so I got mine from here - davisguitar.com/ Hunter's satin guitar is a special edition from awhile back, I don't think Edwards produces these anymore espguitars.co.jp/edwards_/

[@damonwolf7222]

Incredibly VALUABLE information, Hunter! I've been wondering for years how to get my hands on one of these without getting ripped off by overseas scammers. Thank you for this! 🙏

[@jezmez68]

This is the best ad for anything on KZbin I've ever seen. I normally fastforward through these types of things, but this was very informative!

[@metallixro]

More Japan only market guitars videos pls! :))

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

High Intergrity Grassroots LP!

[@retroquest3579]

I have to admit, for someone who does not like single cuts, you almost sold me on this, almost... nice job man :)

[@RomanChugz]

Great tone, great riffs, great guitar - YOU'RE THE MAN!! Couldn't find a patreon link though!

[@roderickvwenner6807]

I own the Edwards John Sykes model. Got it last semester. It’s been my main guitar ever since. I actually put the epiphone prophecy fishmans in it and now it can do anything.

[@R3dbudd]

They really need to drop EC256 prices. They’ve gone from $450 to $600 in a couple years.

[@denverrandy7143]

This is great!!!I'm always nervous about buying from overseas

[@keithramsay6923]

That thing is smooth like peanut butter and sweet like jelly!

[@jollyradtv9941]

GrassRoots and Edward, both made by ESP and thousand times better than any crap Epiphone out there. I have the aged White colored one that looks like Randy Rhoads' 70s Les Paul custom and the weight, playability is out of the world. I paid $475 to get that in mint condition from a guy.

[@aroundtheflatearth2388]

can you recoomend the greco or the burny?

[@jollyradtv9941]

@@aroundtheflatearth2388 if you can get one that is MIJ, then both are equally awesome! I like Les Paul custom version. both brand also makes Strat, Tele as well.

[@macncheesus6221]

400$ scalloped guitar is crazy 😭

[@wyvernx666]

I'd b ALL over that

[@mortalcoil1541]

Ikr!!!

[@joshpointoh]

I'm in

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

I have an Edwards guitar. Bought it on Buyee and imported it straight from Japan.

[@andrewcadorette5643]

I have heard about them. I did not know how to purchase them. Thank you!

[@silvestrslusis]

You can get these in Finland too as they have always had special relationship with Japan. ESP and other Japanese guitar companies have huge presence in Finland hence why most finns play japanese instruments - Tokai, ESP, Grassroots, Edwards, etc.

[@JP-jy7sk]

After watching your channel for a few years, I bought a 2013 LTD EC1000T. It’s incredible and totally scratches that 70’s LP custom itch. Thanks for the killer single cut content!

[@ZorroTheWevile]

Wow, kind of funny, that demo track was actually pretty good!

[@agufish]

haha I thought it turned out really well, actually! Good guitars bring out the riffs 🤘

[@sur7st_gt]

I am Japanese. In Japan, Grassroots and Edwards are sometimes disregarded because of a certain brand image. Since these makers are not sold outside of Japan, one has to overcome the “American complex” that is unique to Japan in order to use these makers. However, people who truly appreciate the instruments own them behind their backs. The frets are large, so if you modify them a little, they can be transformed into tough live gear! I was also surprised to see Digimat, INORAN, and SUGIZO models in the video outside of Japan, as they are very rare!

[@1thess523]

My son and I play Greco from 1979 and 1980's, Japan is where it's at

[@murasame3508]

I tried to import and Edwards Alexi in Pink to Germany and the customs said this is not in compliance with regulations and send it back. Luckily I managed to find one used in Germany for a reasonable price a few months later. Best guitar I ever played. I onw a Grass Roots LP custom in red. Besides 2 high frets its amazing. After I got it fixed it became one of my favourites. Also own the Pink Snapper 7 form Edwards and it also amazing. ESP just doesn't miss.

[@mofomartianp]

I live in Denmark and Customs is awful here as well.

[@dpedrosoliano]

@agufish.. thanks for the content u put out been following u for 3 years and a half now. super under the radar. you deserve more. and your riffs always so oof! haha , love from Malaysia!

[@sacreddangermoose5260]

Hunter, if you ever get a chance to play an esp Sugizo signature, do it. Trust me.

[@denverrandy7143]

Sounds damn good, brotha!!!👍

[@StoreBrandHoney]

Hunter, this is an awesome trove of info! I’ve always wondered how to get the goods from Japan, this is beyond helpful dude!

[@Parcolai]

I got to try the Grass Root Brand last year. I tried the Tele model. Better than a squier! Much better. And the neck finish is nice.

[@steelhead197]

Subscribed for the Grass Roots! Cheers mate!🇨🇦

[@王逸骏-m9z]

grassroots also do bangdream guitars under the bangdream logo， these are actually grassroots branded，specs and quality wise

[@SocksworthRiffs]

I love my Grassroots LPC, it's hands down one of the best things ever for the price.

[@SeanMusicFreak]

The demo track reminded me a lot of early era Scale the Summit.

[@EscoBlackJosh88]

I can’t wait to see it after the upgrades!!! Love the guitar. ❤

[@HeathenRenegade]

When I was in Japan, Grassroots guitars were absolutely everywhere. By comparison, Epiphone, for example, was almost rare to see (almost). I was even surprised to find that lower end ESP LTD guitars were nowhere to be seen most of the time. The only guitar I had while i was there was a Grassroots I got for about 200 bucks, and it honestly competed around the 600-ish range here (other than the pickups, which were not stock anyway)

[@davepatterson4774]

Been thinking about getting one of those or a Blitz made by Aria Pro ii for quite a while, now. Good to know that the bones are legit. Now I'm thinking seriously about one. Good review!

[@mattm121]

Great video, mate

[@dbecker33]

I sold my Edwards ES 335 a while back…slightly regret it. 😂

[@PulauSwan]

Only slightly??

[@dbecker33]

@@PulauSwan yeah slightly. I never played it so it didn’t get too attached to it. But I enjoyed it! I have two MM Stingrays and a Warmoth 72 Tele that have held captive on heart for longer. Someday I’ll get another since they aren’t astronomical in price.

[@timwhite5562]

I bought an Edwards ALS135 a decade ago to put on a Bigsby, instead of drilling into my Gibson. I paid $700 (used). It's an all-lacquer finish, I think they discontinued it a while ago. Came with Duncan Antiquities, Bournes pots, switchcraft switch and Jack, paper in oil tone caps, long neck tenon. It was lighter even though it wasn't weight relieved than my Traditional that was, and much more resonant. I never installed the Bigsby, sold the Gibson a few years ago and bought an S2 McCarty. I still play the Edwards far more than the PRS. *Never quite understood the lacquer taste thing. Whether you like nitro because you feel it sounds better, or you like the way it ages and wears out is kind of moot. They shoot it over the urethane. So if anything it has a heavier finish, and when it wears down there's just another coat under it that likely never will. The tops come kind of hazy, solid finishes are like a matte. Honestly I don't see any reason to get over the standard polyurethane finish. It's a thinner finish and it looks better.

[@MarcusW87]

That Zenmarket thing where they do the shopping for you and ship the guitar as well sounds really interesting. Thanks!

[@JerryWhite-ee5hy]

Nice Colective Soul riff., big fan here. I subbed

[@francisonehour8712]

Grass Roots has been on the market since the 90s. I've had the opportunity to play a GMM-60 when I started playing the guitar (2001-2002-ish). As you said, the hardware was not good. But man, it was all about the look and that was all I cared about at that time ^^

[@eakinj]

I have two Grass Root guitars, ones actually made in Korea and it's heavy and I have a gold top that was made in China and it's really light. They both play amazing. I did change to locking tuners on them though. The made in Korea one has become my "greeny" and I have 6 Edwards guitars, and the reason I don't talk about Grass Roots is because when people "Discovered" Edwards the prices went way up. now you have to look for deals. The toggles on both my Grass Roots are good, the tuners which were "vintage" sucked much booty. The made in Korea one I have had better hardware on it than the made in China one. They sound great even with the cheapy pickups but I've only played them through extreme high gain so... The biggest plus for me, is that they play really well and I don't care if they get dinged up, the made in korea one i got used and it's been played, it's got some scars, it feels like a well broken in glove. They at built well and you can beat on them.

[@JahmezFox]

Yo dude, thank you for making this video, my dream guitar is an Edwards E-FV and living in regional Australia it basically seemed impossible to actually own one, now that I know about Zen Market it seems downright inevitable 😬😅 cheers bro 🤘

[@biohazardspill]

GrassRoots certainly did have a period where they were rather naff however they have in recent years been getting unbelievably good. I have a Korean made GrassRoots G-TN-58G 'Reindeer' from around 2000-2001. Bought it on eBay for about £100. The quilted maple veneer is absolutely beautiful and the build quality is nuts. The neck is incredible. Honestly better than nearly every LTD I have ever played. Even the cheapo licensed Floyd bridge doesn't miss a beat.

[@artful_dodger59]

Random stuff 👉 I have an Edwards LP Custom in black, and it is flawless. Not one unfinished or crookedly drilled part on it. It is a higher quality build than my early 70s Gibson Custom. I love JP instruments and want to get a p90 Tokai also. Time to hit Reverb! History has been good to those Ibanez lawsuit guitars, because, although good guitars, especially for the 70s, they do not feel like a top-shelf instrument the Tokai/Navigator-level stuff does now. My cherryburst with Zebras was perfect for imitating Ace Frehley, though, but I digress ... The Edwards got pulled for a search by Customs in Chicago. Added two days and 150.00 to the cost, so just be aware that can happen. Hopefully not, but there is a chance. 🙂✌️

[@robertsole9970]

I have a ESP Eclipse from the Japanese custom shop and a 1998 R8 historic Les paul reissue. They sound very different from each other but both sound great. The ESP has active Seymour Duncan’s on it. I also have a ESP Lynch Kamikaze 1 from Japan too.

[@cinnamonoa]

just for a mod projects this is really cool

[@TheWelhaven]

I played a 80s Navigator S-style for a few years. Great guitar. Just bought a Japanese import E-II horizon in amethyst sparkle with Fishmans.

[@Cletusrazorburn]

I got my pink sawtooth from Kurosawa a few months back and it arrived in 2 days and without issue. I love it!

[@Blateyy]

Nice! 🤘

[@Vitsi5935]

I have the black and gold GrassRoots les paul. The ESP distributor had them on sale in my country, and it’s great. I’ll propably change out the pickups at somepoint, and I covered the diamond inlay on the headstock because I don’t like it, but other than that it’s perfect!

[@paula1543]

What are your thoughts on the new Squier Debut Stratocaster (Amazon Exclusive) ? Would love to see an unboxing/ review on your channel.

[@thesyncronisedgamer]

I’ve got a Edwards e-cs-130 (crying star rebel) and a grassroots yngwie Strat and I enjoy playing both of them, and I could potentially be getting a grassroots Les Paul and a grassroots horizon if all goes well

[@downfallofmankind]

Grassroots actually is quite popular in the South East Asia region, where the lower GDP = more difficulty accessing the big-name brands. Insanely high value-per-dollar instruments.

[@InvisibleJiuJitsu]

Customary comment :) "E-II was the absolute worst branding mistake. F ESP now"

[@davidstargle5123]

I've got an early ish Grassroots 60's LP standard lefty and it absolutely kills anything Epiphone offers and I'd put it up against Gibson or any other LP style, I did get it used tho, so bridge may have been replaced but the tuners, pickups all that was great in mine, holds tune much better than any Gibson I've played ...ever. I did swap pickups to some nice alnico 2 humbuckers and it is as good as anything else you can get Left handed.

[@dengplays7192]

When it comes to guitar craftsmanship nothing beats japanese I have the white one and it feels like a premium guitar. The frets are even better than my RG premium

[@GuitARPlayr100]

I actually just bought that Edwards Alexi pink sawtooth 2 weeks ago. Got from Japan to the US in less than 36 hours. I bought it from a Japanese music store on reverb, but I'll definitely check out zen market next time I decide to order something from Japan.

[@aritzgaraneda3782]

I appreciate that Sum 41 intro :)

[@garycoates4987]

I have two 80s Greco/Roland synth controller guitars , Greco is also under the radar ,I can't say enough about the Japanese guitar brand quality Even when you find the budget level import Japan based guitars , if you want a vintage strat for example snag an 80s Greco or one of the Yamaha strat copies

[@timlaine6268]

A have an Edwards and a Grassroots. Although the hardware and pickups are mediocre on the Grassroots it competes well with Epiphone. The Edwards is an very nice guitar.

[@he11bent6]

I have 4 Edwards and 3 Grassroots. Love them

[@chavito305]

I think it was meant to be that I ran into your video on TikTok and I then went ahead and searched for a whole week for my Burny, which is made by Fernandes but nevertheless a lawsuit guitar, if it wasn’t for your video, I would’ve never found my Burny, it’s EASILY the most comfortable & beautiful guitar. So Thank You lol

[@BrianKDey-gs5uh]

The only got pink guitar I would ever be willing to own is an LP in this set up. Triple bound w/b/w good hardware black plastic. I would tap the coils though and add two overdrive circuits to a mini toggle though to get that iron tusk sound

[@Cookie4yabro]

ESP uses the highest quality fretwire and really makes sure they are well polished. Even on the Grass Roots model

[@kevinsullivanTCR]

This is so sick, love the black and pink, and the fingerboard looks super nice!

[@ayeapprove]

1 have 2 old Made In Korea Grassroots LPs and holy cow they are on a different level than the Epiphones from Korea I have.

[@BrokenStrings231]

Looks like such a sick guitar. It sounds well.

[@schenker7559]

I have two Grass Roots Standard style guitars in my collection. One is a brown sunburst, which reminds me of Joe Bonamassa's "Willy Wonka", which has a pretty small neck. The other is cherry sunburst, and it's neck is much more like my USA Gibsons. My Gibsons will always win, for me, but, I like these so much that I sold my Epiphones. I actually take one of them to gigs, as a backup, instead of risking another very expensive Gibson.

[@markrosenquist8259]

Damn that Navigator!!!😍😍😍🔥🤘🏻

[@mkonji8522]

I'd love to see a build of this.

[@CrazyKnkb]

What software you use for those drums mate? They sound so dope!

[@judeiscool11]

New Agu!

[@benjaminnelsonguitars2134]

I was in Japan recently and managed to come across a grassroots T style guitar. The fret job alone was worth the price they were asking for imo.

[@rumman_huda]

Man decided to play Mudvayne riff :') Cool stuff dude.

[@rindred]

You might want to make sure your nut slots are clean and lubricated with graphite - that much tuning makes me think the strings are getting caught up. And always stretch your strings!

[@alijankhan3330]

You can use package forwarding to buy stuff from Japan that they may not normally sell to international customers.

[@thelolguy007]

My Edwards is one of my favourite guitars. Amazing

[@shawndunlap714]

I don't think I've heard of the grass roots but you told me about the Edwards, I want that pink flame top 😁😄😃😀

[@JoeyLevenson]

I seen Grassroots guitars in Japan for years when I go there. I always just saw they were cheap knock offs. I had no idea they were ESP. Yes Edwards and Navigator are amazing.

[@Broccoli_Highkicks]

Just out of curiosity, what kind of import duties do you pay in the States for this kind of stuff? Because the rates here in the EU are highway robbery...

[@nh8781]

@agufish Bro got a haircut between start and end of video😆. I thought there's something wrong with my eyes

[@TheShrededward]

I'm guessing that grass roots recently upped their game, because I have a grass roots LP, and while it was incredibly cheap at the second hand store I bought it from (about 15 dollars), it's made in Korea and the inlays are not exactly flat. The hardware is sufficient, and it does have HSS alnico pickups designed for the Edwards guitars, the inlays are its downfall since they aren't perfectly flush with the fingerboard. No problems (other than the inlays) with the guitar, but it's not an epiphone killer.

[@Ninjakutsueki]

Living in JP, I've been walking right past Navigators and Grass Roots so thank you for the info 😂!

[@nieko3038]

Nice. Why do these guitars and Burny’s get away with the headstock? Don’t know about shippingcost. Usually quite high from Japan.

[@KevinSilva-wv3yf]

I mean, if someone *really* doesn’t like the name… black tape and a Gibson or ESP sticker to match.. lol. I’m buying one of these! Very impressed.

[@addamsgomez6903]

@agufish I ordered a pink Grassroots Les Paul from Soundhouse via ZenMarket and am now already waiting for more than three weeks to even get a delivery date to the Zenmarket warehouse. The guitar seems to be available nowhere while it's still listed on ESPs website. Even ESP did not even reply to my email.

[@SoundAloneband]

I was just in Japan and played a ton of grassroots and edwards. They are awesome. They also are better qc then the American ltd guitars. Japan is very very precision and quality focused people. I should have bought them and kick myself now. Some of those guitars were $300-400 us and were perfect quality guitars. Japan is a totally different place man. I want to move there. They just do everything better.

[@cope847]

All of the Japanese Gibson knockoffs seem to be great guitars. I have a lower end Burny Les Paul custom. The hardware and electronics were kinda trash so I had to switch all of that out. Its a great guitar though. Almost indistinguishable from a real Gibson.

[@monkeyrater]

ESP makes absolutely awesome looking and affordable LP clones sold in the US.....EXCEPT for the sharp horn. Once ESP starts rounding of the horn I'll buy them

[@hardstones17]

I plan to look at ESP's when I am in Japan for 3 weeks! I intend to leave with a full on one. I have always dreamt of owning something with the real ESP on the headstock! The Stream-GTs really have my eyes.

[@chief9875]

Well, iam interested. But kinda worried about shipping from Zenmarket to Czech Republic. Any reviews or smth like that please ?

[@CryptToneMusic]

Have you seen the 400 dollar carbon fiber single cut travel guitar? I don't care about the built in FX and speaker but a carbon fiber super durable humidity proof guitar for 400 bucks seems awesome

[@christosfragias592]

Great review. Thank you. Are Grass Roots manufactured in Japan? 🤘🎸🎸🤘

[@KevinTheMetalhead]

They’re made in either Korea or China I think

[@bengirard1984]

Bruuuuhh....I knew about Edwards and Navigator, but not that one! Thanks!! There are many on Ebay coming from Japan! Even if many of them are used, the prices are great! I don't mind modifying a cheap guitar if the body's great.

[@88Nyman]

I remember seen leftie version of grassroots LP on white colour with golden hardware, on My local guitarstore who usually deliver and sell ESP ESP LTD and edwads guitars this was somewere on 2008-2009 pricetag was as high As epiphones at German market nowdays, 700 euroa... would not consider that Cheap...but Well all they ESP LTD's were also pretty much 800-1500€😂

[@wyvernx666]

I have a question, are there any LP build guitars that come with a dual way floyd rose? i know it's a super undesirable mod for a lot of people but i really wanf to try either a LP or V with a dual way whammy. My other axes are already fixed bridges so I want to try something new.

[@kidcaveman6961]

Looks sick

[@jerrodwatts55]

ive decided i like you brother. good perceptions...youre pretty rad

[@Masterfighterx]

I had a bolt on Grass Roots MX-250, wasn't very good, not sure if it could've been corrected, but the high e was off the edge of the fretboard at the highest frets..

[@greg24hoareau]

One of my friend had the same issue with his grassroots explorer...He ended filing another notch on the tune o matic. I used to own grassroots Kirk Hammett kh and it was kind od really great... For me Grassroots was the former LTD guitars...

[@ericcc546]

I'm getting one of these for my next guitar! You are a very nice and handsome young man! Hardware swaps from amazon instead of the name brand shit to save money!