ESP Michael Wilton M-II Custom 1990 NYC Graffiti Graphic "Queensryche"

ESP Michael Wilton M-II Custom “NYC Graffiti” made in 1990. This iconic guitar is one of the rarest Queensryche related models with only 4 documented to have been made 3 of which were for Michael Wilton of Queensryche. Michael can be seen playing the Graffiti model in the music video for the song “Empire”. This guitar was purchased in 1994 by the previous owner who was told it was used by Michael in the music video, however after asking Michael about this guitar he confirmed that it is not the exact one that he used. Although it is possible someone could have custom ordered this guitar at the time there is wide speculation as to whether or not this custom paint job was an option as it was made by artist Eddie Meeks.

This ESP M-II custom features an alder body, 3-piece maple neck and rosewood fretboard. The guitar comes equipped with a Floyd rose tremolo with locking nut, Gotoh tuning machines and black hardware. The guitar neck has a 25.5” scale length with a thin U-shape profile, off-set block inlays and cream binding. The original Seymour Duncan pickups have been replaced with EMG 81 & 85’s and are controlled by a single volume knob and 3-way switch.

The guitar is in excellent condition for its age with only light belt buckle rash on the back of the body and very small dings on the face of the guitar back of the body and neck (see photos). This guitar is especially fun for me to list as I have been the second guitar player in Queensryche for the past 12 years. The guitar has been freshly re-strung and setup in standard A440 tuning with .10-.46 gauge strings and comes with the original ESP hardshell case. 

Specifications:




• Make: ESP
• Model: M-II Custom
• Year: 1990
• Finish: NYC Graffiti Graphic
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Serial #045503
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 8lbs 10.9oz.
• Body Type: Solid
• Body Wood: Alder
• Scale Length: 25.5”
• Neck Joint: Neck Thru
• Neck: 3-Piece Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 12”
• Neck Profile: Thin U Shape
• Inlays: Offset Blocks
• Nut: Locking
• Nut Width: 42mm
• Frets: 24 Extra Jumbo
• Pickups: EMG 81 & 85
• Controls: 1 Volume
• Switch: 3-Way
• Hardware: Black
• Tuning Machines: Gotoh
• Tailpiece: Floyd Rose
• Knobs: Black Dome Knob
• String Gauge: .10-.46
• Case: Original ESP Hardshell Case