ESP 48th Street Customs Super Strat 1980s

Thinning the herd and hoping this unique instrument finds a home with someone who’ll appreciate its history and vibe.

Up for sale is a rare piece of NYC guitar history: a 48th Street Customs Super Strat, likely built for the legendary session guitarist Ronny Drayton during his time as an ESG artist (see the writing in the neck pocket, but I have no proof of this).

Specs:

- Genuine Floyd Rose tremolo for rock-solid tuning stability and expressive play
- Gotoh tuners
- 16 in neck radius - so flat and fast you won't believe it
- ESP LH-200 Humbucker and SS-120 single coil pickups
- Deep Blue Classic Super Strat body

48th Street Custom Guitars was a renowned guitar shop located on New York City's legendary "Music Row" on 48th Street, an area famous for its concentration of high-end music stores. The shop played a significant role in the New York guitar scene during the 1980s and was closely associated with ESP Guitars, a major Japanese guitar manufacturer.

Relationship with ESP Guitars
Close Partnership: 48th Street Custom Guitars had a strong relationship with ESP Guitars from Japan. While ESP was known for supplying high-quality replacement parts and custom instruments, the luthiers at 48th Street Custom hand-built guitars to customer specifications, often using ESP components and materials.

Custom Builds: Unlike many stores that simply assembled imported parts, the 48th Street shop had a full-service workshop. They built bodies and necks on-site, sprayed finishes, and completed all aspects of guitar construction. This allowed them to offer fully custom instruments tailored to the needs of professional musicians, including touring and session players.

ESP's New York Presence: ESP established its US headquarters in New York in the mid-1980s, initially in Chelsea and later moving to 48th Street. This proximity fostered collaboration between ESP and the 48th Street Custom shop, with ESP using the location to stay connected with American artists and trends.

Notable Aspects and Legacy
Artist Connections: The shop was a hub for prominent musicians, including Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Jimi Hazel, and Akira Takasaki (Loudness), who were known for playing custom ESP guitars built or set up at 48th Street Custom Guitars.

Craftsmanship: The guitars produced at 48th Street Custom were known for their exceptional build quality, unique finishes, and innovative features. The shop was famous for its willingness to experiment with designs, colors, and specifications, making each instrument highly individualized.

Cultural Impact: The shop's influence extended beyond ESP; it carried other boutique brands like Schecter, Charvel/Jackson, and Robin guitars. The staff included both Japanese and American luthiers, fostering a unique blend of craftsmanship and innovation.
About Ronny Drayton:
Ronny Drayton (1953–2020) was a revered New York guitarist whose career spanned rock, funk, jazz, R&B, and more. Starting as a drummer in Queens before switching to guitar, Drayton became a sought-after session player and collaborator with artists like James Blood Ulmer, Edwin Birdsong, Wilson Pickett, Roy Ayers, The Chambers Brothers, Nona Hendryx, Defunkt, and 24-7 Spyz. His style was an electrifying blend of technical mastery and deep soul, inspiring countless musicians. Drayton’s innovative approach and genre-blending sound made him a fixture in NYC’s progressive music scene for nearly five decades.

The guitar is in excellent playing condition, with all electronics working perfectly. The Floyd Rose is set up for smooth action, and the pickups deliver everything from glassy cleans to searing distortion. Includes what is likely the original soft case it left the shop in (pictured). There is some bad routing

in the Floyd Rose pocket, pictured. I have no idea when this was done or by whom.

Serious inquiries only. If you’re looking for a killer NYC Super Strat with real history—and a direct link to one of the city’s most respected guitarists—this is the one.

48th Street Customs, ESP, Schecter, Gibson, Fender, Martin, PRS, Paul Reed Smith, Charvel, Jackson, Robin, Gotoh, Seymour Duncan, Floyd Rose