ESP Guitars: LTD Josh Middleton Signature Series JM-II

Josh Middleton is the acclaimed and highly influential guitarist of UK-based progressive metal/metalcore bands Sylosis and Architects, and his first ESP Signature Series guitar is one that lives up to this musician’s extraordinary talent. The LTD Josh Middleton Signature Series JM-II offers a bolt-on construction alder body with quilted maple top, a three-piece roasted maple neck in an extra-thin u-shaped profile, and a Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Components on the JM-II include a set of Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker pickups (alnico in the neck and ceramic in the bridge), with push-pull control to select voicings. It also offers LTD locking tuners and a recessed Gotoh TOM bridge with string-thru-body design. Available in Black Shadow Burst finish.
"New for 2021" Preview Phase 1: www.espguitars...
"New for 2021" Preview Phase 2: www.espguitars...

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Good Lord thats gorgeous

[@thehoppo]

Come on to Josh's twitch tomorrow it will make its Twitch debut (the guitar)

[@clemensmoeller4549]

Maybe you could review one? :)

[@ericv215]

Still can't take Denver lightly. They have beat everyone in our division this year with defense.

[@stewartneff1782]

Fluff is tight!

[@dmitryowens]

@@thehoppo Twitch is gay.

[@ShredBird]

Totally deserving of a signature model. I don't think anyone could find fault in the way he's spec'd it, that guitar is perfect.

[@tylerm8145]

Shit man I hate to be that guy but...I have to haha? TOM bridge wouldn't be my or tons of people's first choices vs say a hipshot. Honestly tho I don't mind toon o matics horribly, and this thing is still a 10/10 and I want one VERY badly. Oh yeah the construction too. A lot of people are EXTREMELY, like unbelievably opposed to a bolt on neck. Bolt ons are my preference, but neck through and some set neck guitars are incredibly neat too. I own/have owned all of the above. PS fuck yes. He's incredibly deserving and I'm super stoked he finally has a sig model. Cheers y'all

[@ShredBird]

@@tylerm8145 Oh definitely, It's the perfect guitar in the sense that a perfect guitar does not mean your only guitar, haha. 😬

[@sG_Chimera]

I only question the color choice, and hear me out. Josh is one of my biggest influences and I know it’s inspired by the esp’s he’s been playing. But the tops usually aren’t very good on LTD’s and that darker brown is hard to pull off without a fantastic top. This is knitpicking and we won’t know until they are out, but it concerns me.

[@ShredBird]

@@sG_Chimera You mean the quality of the quilt or the finish itself? I've been lucky in that my LTD tops have some pop to them as far as wood pattern goes. Deluxe models definitely more so.

[@djandrewification]

@@tylerm8145 I get what he’s saying about the feel of the bridge. I’ve actually snapped my low e on my hipshot soooo many times because of the way my palm gets placed when chugging. Tunomatics never gave me this problem because I felt like I could feel the bridge on the bottom side of my palm. That’s just my personal impression/experience with it tho

[@connorwhite560]

Josh is an absolute monster of a player, I don’t think anyone has deserved a signature more than him this year

[@rileyioacura]

Absolute legend and one of the most beautiful guitars I have ever seen

[@BA99253]

Right!? So long overdue Josh is one of the best out there and that guitar looks absolutely awesome.

[@Tima239]

So happy for Josh, he totally deserves a signature model! Hope this beauty will inspire him to write new Sylosis album))

[@jessefearns1556]

So long overdue for this absolute beast of a guitar player to get his own sig. I can't think of many players that have his combination of lead chops and killer riff writing skills. Congrats and well deserved.

[@drewsmithbass]

I remember seeing a fan made video for Dark Revelations back in 2006 and he was rocking LTD. Now he's got his own signature! How cool!!!

[@XxDavidxXPantera]

I think this guitar looks pretty good, and I love seeing an M series guitar without a trem system. However for that price, I really would appreciate the headstock having a matching finish instead of it just being flat black. Just my opinion

[@chesterchen2331]

Aweeeeeesomeeee, glad that Josh has his signature guitar. So happy that he chose the bolt on design :-)!

[@Metalltool]

What a beauty! I'm glad he finally gets the recognition he deserves, Josh's an incredible musician.

[@lucasmerieri]

what a great musician! truely inspired and massively talented! Sylosis are a great point of reference in Death metal, and Josh always reminds me of Chuck Schuldiner, expecially today

[@kevinwhite6172]

Definitely going to get one of these.

[@TheSpineSplitter1990]

Super glad it doesn't have that annoying block inlay with the model number.. Fret board looks clean.

[@UMCmetal]

Amazing specs! just all you need for Metal!

[@flooder57]

possibly my favorite current generation shredder! such a FANTASTIC player

[@jackharrisguitar]

Been a long time coming! Can't wait to buy one of these - Josh IS THE MAN!!! :)

[@flashbackshape]

That’s the best looking 2021 model I’ve seen so far.

[@chriskoutsoumpas6772]

Congrats Josh, you are surely deserve it!

[@Rocky_Gaming15]

Been agonising over a new guitar as a treat and this has really caught my eye

[@DavidNwokoye]

It's about time 😍😍😍

[@mark7166]

Congrats, Josh! You definitely earned it.

[@briancarroll1412]

Finally this man got what he deserved. Been waiting to see Josh get a signature.

[@jasonstallworth]

This is a nice axe! And I’d love to have my own signature ESP or LTD. 🤘

[@clickbaitsnags1983]

Dude you're lessons have been so helpful learning how to play metal guitar. Played bass as a teen and getting back into in my 30s now. You shred! One day you'll have a Sig ESP 🤟

[@sofianeben1701]

One of my favorite guitar player ever

[@the_og_shockwv3182]

Im only starting out with my electric but I feel like saving up for this bad boy cause it seems like the only guitar I'll ever need!

[@mikeomaly]

I want one of these so bad! Lol! Josh is such a down to earth dude. The guitarists guitarist. Much respect!

[@proddreamatnight]

The low profile tune-o-matic is really nice

[@ClaudioRusso]

absolutely stocked about this guitar. will buy it.

[@HelloROMIX]

Beautiful guitar! Damn, I gotta own a 1 ESP guitar someday. I just couldn't find a color I like.

[@marka9261]

"ESP elipse CTM" is nice one

[@GraemePuttock]

Congratulation Josh - well deserved!

[@skutterbuster666]

I would buy this guitar instantly if i had the cash. I now Josh is a total nerd when it come to guitars, so it would be the best guitar you ever bought, regardless of what guitar you already have.

[@VoVikoktotororL]

First LTD or ESP model in probably 15 years that I actually would consider buying. Nice!

[@REZNAP]

Agree... and I’m sure you’re like me... we need another guitar like we need a hole in the head

[@manosassassin]

You have NOT discovered their guitar line enough then lol. It looks super generic.

[@Israfel518]

Congratulations man! Absolutely deserved!

[@nolangoldenberg8843]

Good enough to be a signature model. That axe is incredible

[@Milosz_Sosnowski]

One of the most underrated guitarits on the metal scene!

[@nelsonsimon237]

Congrats Josh! You deserve it. 🔥

[@ashen11x22]

I never wanted a guitar more than this one and I didn’t even knew who Josh Middleton is before seeing this video. Checked out Sylosis, love their music.

[@doomguy1430]

Welcome to the club!

[@haveagoodone5830]

Then you want generic guitars

[@nckhed]

@@haveagoodone5830 Ooo, you got 'em...

[@patcolucci]

That guy can play👍🏻

[@AnteraxxX]

1:48 - I feel that point 🤷‍♂. The Mayones Setius do have the same style of bridges too, which are a bit "digged into" the body. Now we need an Bariton 6 String with this too^^...

[@mitchoburrito2836]

I cannot wait for this to come out so i can get my hands on one! Looks like the perfect cross of the m and mh series with a few modern twists.

[@oli7120]

About time. Happy for Josh! If I pick guitar up again I'll be getting one of these.

[@shaunreiner7671]

Awesome guitar! I have mine ordered and can’t wait to receive it!

[@Its_LumberJack]

Definitely gonna pick one up. What a sexy guitar, and with the exact specs that I like!

[@gkfrandsen7739]

I bought one yesterday and its every bit as good as the E-2 Horizon I had a few yrs ago. I read someone thought the neck joint was clunky, its facet is shaved down and very easy to play on the upper neck. It shipped with .10's , too light for for me, esp tuned to E flat, swapping them out. Pickups are the best active pup's I've heard, clean or driven. They really project. I didn't like the recycle graphics on back of headstock. Binding is beautiful and neck joint fit is excellent. Frets finished nicely. Excellent guitar for $1499, not cheap but worth it. And the dark brown burst is really subtle and beautiful. I'm not sure what the push pull on the tone knob does, it doesn't boost the volume that much, any thoughts?

[@espguitarsusa]

The push-pull selects between the voicings on the Fishman pickups. One is for more of an active pickup response, while the other is more dynamic like a passive pickup.

[@5urg3x]

Thanks for doing SS frets...I wish other LTD guitars had them.

[@greekfreak1980]

It´s 2020 and ESP is still putting a thick block on their bolt-on neckheels, like seriously?!

[@tylerm8145]

Yeah wtf...that's just about the only thing I don't love besides the toonomatic. I don't understand the continued use of the square-ass neck joint by builders when things like ibanez' AANJ have existed for what, 20 years? Other than a to fit the vintage look, but come on man. Strange choice but I still love it a ton and this will be a strong contender if I ever need another 6 string super strat

[@manosassassin]

I know right hahaha

[@RemmyRiffs]

I would LOVE an E2 version of this with a neck thru.

[@Shark_Sandwich]

Specc'd to perfection!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Man, what a great guitar. I can't wait to see all the new LTDs for 2021 with stainless frets. It's about time someone offered the same on a guitar with all the pro features, but affordable and this is one of them. I hope to get an LTD with stainless frets and maybe a floyd EC series or M2 series with either a set neck or neck thru for playing comfort. I'm actually waiting to buy. I was going to pull the trigger on a premium Ibanez S series, but I don't like the burl poplar finish or top. Plus I'll save a couple hundred dollars probably and get a better looking and playing guitar. I like lightweight guitars and care less about the wood. I DO CARE ABOUT THE TUNERS, NUT, FRETS , NECK PROFILE, PICKUPS. Hardware in general is where it's at and that is what determines your tone. THANK YOU ESP.

[@JayBruceWorld]

IMO LTD is reaching the point where they are no longer “affordable”. Compared to a $3000-$4000 custom shop model? Of course but they’re passed the point of being extreme bang for the buck and now they’re at the price point that they better deliver. The H3 1000 deluxe I got earlier this year was Indonesian made, frets were gritty as hell. The mid 2000s 400 series LTDs I’ve had are better than my new 1000 series.

[@greekfreak1980]

Joe Satriani doesn´t have ss-frets on his super expensive Ibanez guitars, PRS core models don´t have ss-frets guitars because Paul Reed Smith thinks that nickel frets are perfectly fine and easier for the strings, hell Andy James´ Kiesel signature doesn´t have ss-frets despite the fact that Kiesel offers ss-frets as standard on their normal models, because Andy specifically asked for nickel frets. But every bedroom shredder is whining about ss-frets on mid-range budget guitar videos. "I would have bought this Made in Indonesia guitar if it had ss-frets yada yada...."

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@greekfreak1980 Good for them

[@lukzriffs1564]

I need this guitar! 😍My favorit Guitar Player, and now a Signature guitar! Awesome!

[@wilkinsos]

The best in the game !!

[@louiekeyser2769]

Love the sig Josh! Knocked it right out the ballpark!

[@Sublight77]

I finally got it, could not be happier, if you want a simple, strong no tremolo guitar, this is a good choice. it stands up in the mix, solid low-mid end range with really good chunk. i personally dont play floyds anymore because i break and go through strings way too much to constantly change them on a floyd system, my hands also wear all the little metal parts and they get stuck and changing strings is just way too annoying on a floyd . a sneakily nice thing on this guitar is the body shape where your arms rests, its really nicely contoured. the guitar is fairly light i guess but not too light, it still has a little bit of weight which is good, i dont like super light flimsy, and the body is pretty thick, which i also like, its a nice piece of steak lol. overall, simple, strong, but sneakily versatile id say, very 'alive' sounding. not the perfect guitar for everyone but definitely for me. it really does kinda sit between the ltds and the e2s in quality and sound. if you want an e2 but cant quite afford it, this might be a good choice

[@cezarsguitarchannel]

Look very, very classic

[@zzr7502]

First LTD I might actually pick over E-ii.

[@aaronash8571]

still there's a different between indonesian made guitar and japan's made....

[@bryanmchugh1307]

One of the greatest electric guitars I have ever played has been believe it or not the old MIJ Jackson DKMGT. This JM LTD sig to me is the ultimate Jackson DKMGT thus I will buy this new JM. GC wants 1300 for it and it is not even out for the public yet from what I can tell. I would gladly trade my like new ESP E II Horizon for this JM sig.

[@Mk14Mod0_]

Great guitar, nicely done.

[@mikeomalley5761]

I gotta get one of these!

[@MelissaEvila]

Beautiful guitar!

[@ESPE2M1]

That guitar is spec'd out very well

[@AutoBodyEverything]

I bought a set neck BC Rich Warlock Deluxe that I customized with JB and Jazz pickups, bone nut, Gibson pods, coil splitters and I even stripped the guitar to the wood and refinished it as a thru-neck., like the stained mockingbird where the neck bindings run through the body... yea it was sick and it played as if it was part of my skeletal structure. However I grew out of it, idk how but the magic wore off after 15 yrs being my main guitar. The one thing that I never got to do was replace the steel set bridge with a counter sunk self sprung bridge. I forgot the name but some of y’all know what I’m talking about, it’s not the regular Floyd but some boutique guitars had them. My Warlock, when I stripped the paint off the face of the head, it said (neck thru series) and as I sanded past that paintjob, it said (NJ Series) beneath that.... it also has two serial numbers behind the head stock. The neck was painted 3 times and the body was painted twice. I have pictures of it all if anyone wants to see. Some ppl said that the guitar would be worth lots of money bcs of what the factory did with the guitar, that it’s kinda boutique for collectors. I did sell it 15 yrs from the time I bought it. I paid around $600 for it and sold it for $400

[@AnthonyDiFiglioOfficial]

This is awesome! Huge sylosis fan here. I’d love to review one of these on my channel whenever they release 🎸

[@N8TheGr8M8]

This guitar is perfect. I want to buy one

[@VIQID44]

Looks and sounds sick. Only thing i wish esp would improve on would be the bolt on joint which looks quite bulky and fendery for todays standards.

[@red240red2]

I wonder why he chose pickup rings , anything to do with the bridge height? Guitar is definitely not my thing but looks like it plays amazing. Looks like every other esp very basic specs and very early 2000s style.

[@sereban82]

Amazing player and such is the guitar

[@IainFrame]

Oof that's a belter. I fitted Fishman Fluence Moderns into my ESP Horizon after watching his earlier video, so I reckon it's pretty similar, but I'd happily lay down cash on that badboy.

[@RemmyRiffs]

I have ESP 57/66's in my Horizon because of Josh as well from when he was playing them. I now want Fishman Moderns lol.

[@MrSleepyj85]

Congrats man you deserve it!

[@stephendre2902]

I feel like this would look so similar to what Jake Kiley of Strung Out would do. Maybe with just no top inlays at all and just a single bridge pickup and single volume knob. 🤷🏼‍♂️, but absolutely gorgeous guitar.

[@sG_Chimera]

So excited

[@EmpyrealDepth]

A guitar worthy of the Empyreal sweeps

[@ipodcollector]

true

[@nothingisasitseems4778]

Bel video e bella chitarra complimenti !🤟

[@Ravennevarr]

Esp forever

[@Norman0507]

MUST HAVE!

[@zezuntxiduntxi]

The boss.

[@Jordan-ht6oo]

wow all these specs sound really nice, especially that tune o matic bridge i would dislike how all gibsons have this downward positioning for where my palm rest when i chug and this sound pretty dope

[@czito]

Mine is on preorder:)

[@aakaashbulani9237]

Please tell me why is he emphasizing at Bolt on thing of the specs,,,, bolt on are inferior in comparison with set or set through one... Or am I wrong...... Please correct me if I'm wrong.....

[@espguitarsusa]

That is not correct. There are both advantages and disadvantages of bolt-on versus neck-thru and set-neck designs. It's up to you which you prefer. Josh specifically wanted his signature model to have a bolt-on neck.

[@aakaashbulani9237]

@@espguitarsusa thanks...

[@blackmetalbreadstick]

It’s literally perfect

[@Bierce88]

It is awesome, but I am really questioning the pickup selector spot would be annoying as hell lol.

[@viruxsolutions5990]

WHEN IS THIS COMING OUT!?!?!?!?!

[@Soldar70]

Love it!

[@samlomax9191]

When is this gonna be getting released?

[@masonenfinger3135]

Oh shit this might be my perfect guitar

[@jonnykanesantos]

I wonder if he was playing lead stuff he normally would with a trem and that's why his hand moved down a couple times lol, if so I feel a lot better about doing that myself cuz he's way better than me!

[@denislavstoychev7240]

What is the scale lenght? How do you play the really low tunings, in case it is a 25.5''? Kemper detuning?

[@_errnest_]

My guess is STD E, and D, STD C# and Drop B would be in 25,5 with TOM bridge Std C# with lowest string G# would be 25.5 with Evertune (like his custom ESP) Std C# with F# would be 27” LTD with TOM. Altough he does not prefer baritones as much, he used baritone for this tuning in latest live with Architects

[@MaestroHide]

please made this available in left handed too

[@brunojrodrigues7]

Going to get one for sure ! Any estimated price yet ?

[@Bierce88]

my guess would be around 999-1200$.

[@limi.]

I need to get this one but mann I define broke.

[@joshlawless1022]

Hey ESP, any more colors coming soon for JM model?

[@danteantivola6132]

Is there a version of this with a maple fretboard?

[@espguitarsusa]

No. The only current M-II model we're offering with a maple fingerboard is this E-II: www.espguitars.com/products/20485-e-ii-m-ii-nt-hipshot

[@xosemusic]

Amazing, how will handle Architects low tunings?

[@emmanuelpaige8898]

How much will it cost?

[@jordanstrife5616]

What sort of price range we looking here?

[@RockCoversMusic]

Amazing sound!

[@musicinsession]

Where can I get one? Looks great!!

[@dmitryowens]

I never heard any guitarist say that a bolt-on has better tone.

[@Shark_Sandwich]

Misha from Periphery says that about his bolt on sigs, as does Rabea about his Chapman sig. Personal preference basically.

[@dmitryowens]

@@Shark_Sandwich Well, maybe it's a thing with new school guitarists. In the 70's, 80's and 90's, everyone said that neck-thru-body guitars had more sustain and a fatter tone.

[@Shark_Sandwich]

The thing seems to be that bolt on guitars have a ‘snappier tone’, as this is what each of these guys with bolt on sig have said. All are principally self confessed rhythm players, so I think that’s the key to it.

[@dmitryowens]

@@Shark_Sandwich Well, I love my Strat - it makes me play funkier and groovier, and I can also pick faster. But my first guitar was a Gibson V and it definitely had a fatter heavier sound. And listen to Slash and Gary Moore (both Les Paul players) for the perfect example of how warm and full-bodied a neck-thru-body tone can be.

[@chrisfaurlin5731]

When will this be available for purchase?

[@danieljwillen1993]

I kinda need to know pricing to save lol

[@griffincl]

Willing to bet it's gonna be between $1000 and $1250 usd. Don't know for sure though

[@5urg3x]

Aww man...No Evertune bridge? :[