*RARE & MYSTERIOUS* 1995-ish ESP LTD M-2 HH (Japan) with LTD OHSC

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HISTORY: After exhaustive research, here's what I've discovered. The LTD M-2 is said to be one of the first LTD models conceived and manufactured in 1995 (date unconfirmed). No official ESP information was found for this model, and very little information was available from others in the music community. Based on the lack of information, it’s possible that this small run of guitars was prototypes produced in preparation for the launch of LTD guitars in 1996. This is only speculation. None of the LTD guitars are listed in the 1995 catalog. However, the ESP 1995 Retail Pricing sheet refers to the LTD M-2 with a list price of $795, but provides no photos or description. Unfortunately, the 1996 ESP catalog is missing from the ESP archive. The M-2 model then appeared in the 1997 ESP catalog with an HS configuration and “LTD” inlay at the 12th fret. After 1997, the M-2 disappeared, and a similar model, the M-200, was launched in 1998, which closely resembles the M-2 with HH configuration and “LTD” inlay at the 12th fret and no model number on the headstock.

Unlike other LTD models of the time, this guitar has an unusual sculpted neck joint with no metal connection plate. It also features a flamed maple neck, factory Gotoh tuners, after-market Seymour Duncan Jazz/JB (original pickups not included), new quality pots, wiring, and switch (professionally installed), and a Schaller SFT-70A licensed Floyd Rose (with knife blade inserts); known for its high-quality construction and performance. Knife blades are in very good condition. “M-2” was found handwritten on the end of the neck heel. No other markings were found in the neck pocket.

AI NARRATIVE: The 1995 ESP LTD M-2 is a guitar model that was produced during the mid-1990s, specifically between 1995 and 1997. This model is part of the ESP LTD series, which was launched in 1995 to cater to the US market, offering high-quality instruments at more affordable prices compared to the Japanese-made ESP models. The M-2 was one of the early models in the LTD series, and it was made in Japan during its initial production run.

The 1995 ESP LTD M-2 features a bolt-on neck with a satin maple neck and a bound rosewood fretboard, along with two humbucker pickups and a Floyd Rose licensed bridge and locking nut system. It also has a 24-fret design, which allows for a wide range of playable notes, and it is known for its excellent playability and sound quality.

Overall, the 1995 ESP LTD M-2 is a highly sought-after guitar among collectors and players due to its quality, rarity, and the historical significance of being one of the first models in the LTD series.

CONDITION: I conservatively judge it to be in very good condition. The body was refinished by the previous owner in a deep, metallic red. The original color appears to be blue. Has a few minor blemishes from normal play. Otherwise, the guitar appears to be structurally sound. The neck is straight, truss rod turns, and the frets are mirror-polished. See photos for detail. Includes whammy bar and LTD original hard-shell case in good condition (hold-open straps missing and minor tears in the cover material). Note: The LTD case is very unusual. I could find no other examples of a case labeled “LTD.” Cases for LTD guitars are typically labeled “ESP.”

WORK PERFORMED: Bridge completely disassembled, cleaned, polished, tightened, and lubed. The neck was shimmed with solid maple for proper alignment with the bridge. Frets had a slight amount of wear, so fret work was performed (seat, level, crown, dress, sand, and mirror polish), fretboard cleaned/conditioned, new strings (D’Addario EXL120 9-42), complete setup (truss rod, action, bridge float, intonation, pickup height). Guitar cleaned and lightly polished. All parts/electronics tested and fully functional.

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

MODEL: M-2

BODY STYLE: Mirage

SERIAL NUMBER: Unknown (sticker on back of headstock missing)

ORIGIN: Japan

WEIGHT: 7.2 lbs

CONSTRUCTION: Bolt-on (4 bolt) w/ all access neck heel

FINISH: Metallic Red

BODY: Unknown wood (assumed Alder) w/ comfort contours

NECK: 1-piece flamed Maple

HEADSTOCK: Reverse, tilt-back w/ string retainer, LTD logo, M-2 model name & blank truss rod cover

NUT: Locking

NUT WIDTH: 1-5/8”

FRETBOARD: Black Rosewood w/ abalone dot inlays & white side dots

FRETBOARD RADIUS: Appears to be 17” or 18”

SCALE LENGTH: 25-1/2”

FRETS: 24, Extra Jumbo

HARDWARE: Black/Black Chrome

BRIDGE: SFT-70A licensed Floyd Rose double locking tremolo

TUNERS: Gotoh, sealed, die-cast

PICKUPS: Seymour Duncan; Neck: Jazz (SH-2N) 7.68k, Bridge: JB (SH-4) 16.00k

CONTROLS: 1 volume, 1 tone, 3-way blade switch

ACCESSORIES: Whammy bar

CASE/GIG BAG: LTD original hard-shell case