ESP CULT '86 PROTOTYPE - 1 OF 2!
This is the ESP/LTD "MS-400" Vernon Reid prototype which was used for ESP's 2016 Winter NAMM Show. It was the catalyst behind the official production-run of 86 Vernon Reid "Cult 86" guitars. (If you search YouTube "ESP Guitars - Full Walk Thru - Winter NAMM 2016," at 6:10 minutes into the video you will see this guitar being featured by the ESP booth representative.) ONLY 2 of these were ever produced and exist in the world, with the other one being presented to the artist himself.
The guitar comes with the official ESP limited edition "Cult 86" hardshell case, and various paperwork attesting to this guitar's authenticity (a letter from ESP stating that the MS-400 was NEVER put into production, the original dealer's message which describes the interesting story behind the "Cult 86's" development and how they were able to obtain this rare prize, and a page from ESP's 2016 product line-up that makes only a brief reference to the MS-400 model.)
Between the prototype and the eventual assembly-line guitars (a total of 86 production models were made), the prototypes feature an unpainted lacquered, natural-finish 3 piece maple neck with a rosewood fret board. Also the guitar is finished in a different pattern AND (unlike the production models) fluorescent paint was used on it which is much more accurate to his original guitar. Nut width is 42 mm, a 25 1/2" scale length, and the neck profile is a soft C shape. Being the dealer / trade-show sample, it does have very minor handling marks but NO play wear or damage.
You can definitely see, hear and feel the difference between a 1-off (okay, 2-off) guitar versus a mass production model. The attention to detail for fit, finish, tone and play-ability of this guitar is simply amazing. (And I don't think ESP would display an inferior instrument at a NAMM show, given all the competition there.)
"In the early 1980s, ESP connected with an up-and-coming guitar hero named Vernon Reid, who was putting together a band which became known as Living Colour. For their debut album Vivid, which became a double platinum-selling recording with a lasting cultural impact, Vernon was most closely identified with his ESP guitar that was customized in a swirling multicolored finish. The LTD Cult ’86 is a limited-edition tribute to the guitar that helped put Vernon and Living Colour on the map, having been used to write and record the rock classic “Cult of Personality". Much like the original version, the LTD Cult ’86 offers bolt-on construction with an alder body, a three-piece maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. It uses a three-pickup configuration, with two EMG SA pickups in the neck and middle position, and an EMG 81 at the bridge. A Floyd Rose Special locking tremolo is provided to allow for the kind of uninhibited and expressive playing for which Vernon Reid is renowned. Much like the Vernon’s original ESP, the LTD Cult ’86 is based on the ST body style, and features the distinctive multiple swirls of color that immediately make it identifiable with its original designer. Note that while Vernon is not a current ESP artist endorsee, the new LTD Cult ’86 is meant to commemorate an era in both Vernon’s and ESP’s history that marked a launching point for great things to come."
I purchased this spectacular guitar not only because I'm a huge fan of Vernon and Living Colour, but I also thought of playing this in live venues to wow audiences. After seeing and holding it in person, however, I just can't bring myself to do it. In my own humble opinion, it's simply too nice and too rare and should rather be displayed behind glass in someone's home or even a Hard Rock Cafe somewhere out there. ;-)
Own a piece of history!