Purchased this while on a pilgrimage to Sweetwater. Originally went to exchange a Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite where the fingerboard wasn't completely glued to the neck! Figured I'd go for the brass ring and look at Les Paul Customs while I was there. I want to like Gibson, but they are making it very difficult with fit and finish issues. Looked at four Les Paul Customs and every one of them had a fit and finish issues!

Saw the ESP Original in the showroom and decided to give it a try. Previously owned an E-II Eclipse and thought it was a good guitar, though the E-II branding bugged me. The E-II is like buying a Ferrari and them putting a Toyota badge on it :(

Anyways, the fit and finish on the ESP Original is stellar. Frets so polished you can see reflections in them, a beautifly cut nut, and an absolutely perfect finish. The Andromeda color isn't something I'd normally go for, but it is growing on me. The playability of this guitar is also excellent. The EMG Het set pickups also deliver the goods.

I think ESP is an excellent alternative to Gibson. Giving the guitar four stars because I've only had it a week and I'm very much used to Fender style guitars.

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This thing is truly on a different level. As far as ESPs go, I've had/have an EII Horizon III that I thought was absolutely terrific, and from that experience my next buy was an EII Eclipse with active EMGs. Also, an excellent guitar. This time around, I felt I needed to step it up to the real deal. I looked into the USA mades, but was uncertain about cost/value based on descriptions, and the assumption of higher labor cost involved in pricing. That led me back the Custom Originals. The custom paint and Hetfield pickups( top notch, they roar) were selling points, but ultimately I was kind of rolling the dice based on those EIIs, ESPs reputation, and the want for a solid step upwards. My only gripe is that it has a full heel at the neck joint, unlike the super-comfy cutaway on the EII, but I suspect its a necessity for the overall composure of the guitar. That said, this Andromeda makes those EIIs feel like Fender Squires. No joke. I've had some solid guitars over the years; SG standard, Hamer Californian Elite, USA Strats... I'll never downgrade to those again, this thing sets a new standard for me. If you're pondering the idea, serious about your playing, and can squeeze out the peanuts, DO IT. I've long promoted the idea that quality gear elevates your playing, and this is just another affirmation of that ideal.
Keep in mind that I'm a metalhead... stalwarts of conflicting genres may have conflicting opinions.

I couldn't be happier with my transaction here. Kudos to Sweetwater for having a no-interest payment plan, speedy delivery and a solid support crew. Shout out to Matt L.

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