ESP Viper 1997/1998 black

1997 or 1998 ESP Custom Guitars Viper Standard (ESP did not have a very good serial number system at this time).  This is the real deal.  Japanese craftsmanship at its best.  The Original REAL DEAL ESP's from the late 90's are killer players.  Japanese custom shop built bodies and necks assure awesome playability.  Here is a solid, 1 piece mahogany body paired to a 1 piece maple neck (you can see a little extra maple glued to the very top edges of the headstock to complete the shape) with a thick rosewood fretboard outfitted with Jumbo frets with plenty of life left in them.  The pickups are old school ESP pickups with nickel covers.  Hardware is made by Gotoh.  I replaced the original vintage width Gotoh bridge with a more modern and wider Gotoh bridge that accomodates downtuning (more saddle travel for proper intonation).  The original pearl tuner buttons have been replaced with gotoh metal buttons, the nut has been replaced with an Earvana compensated nut, the original pickup rings have been replaced by plastic chrome rings, and the strap buttons have been replaced with Schaller straplocks. The original pickup rings, strap buttons, nut, bridge, strap locking mechanisms and original pearl tuner buttons are in the case.  

The wiring has been replaced, using a single 500K  Seymour Duncan Liberator volume pot for both pickups and no tone control.  The hole has been plugged with a plastic plug. The Liberator allows for quick and easy pickup changes, and the liberators case and screwdriver are included.

Form fitted case is included!

Now, the nitty gritty:

THIS IS A PLAYERS CONDITION GUITAR!  There are numerous dings and nicks around the body, and worming seen on the back, along with scratching from the previous owner removing a sticker they had apparently put on (a mudflap girl outline can be seen).  This guitar has seen many stages! (and rocked them all, ahem)  I have tried to include the worst of the dings and nicks and tried to capture the buckle rash sctraching on the back.  The neck is in great shape with great fret life.

The road wear is nothing but a testament to how great this guitar plays.  I have owned over 35 ESP's since my gigging days, and currently have 4 ESP Vipers from this era (2 red, 1 black, 1 custom color) in my collection.  They are all killer guitars in a killer shape.  I quit gigging in 2013 and these guitars have stayed in their cases since, and I need to thin my collection.

Please ask any questions prior to the sale.  This is sold as is!  With any guitar with a good amount of wear, it is best to get things clarified before hand.  This guitar is a great playing guitar, but it's not going to win any awards for being mint condition!

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