ESP hat angekündigt, in 2014, erstmals in der Firmengeschichte, eine Produktionsstätte in den USA zu eröffnen. Der Standort ist North Hollywood, unweit der Firmenzentrale. Dort soll eine neue ESP USA Gitarrenlinie hergestellt werden. ESP schreibt dazu:
The ESP Guitar Company is proud to announce the upcoming opening our first-ever USA-based factory. The new ESP USA factory is located in North Hollywood, CA, a short distance from our USA headquarters.
“This is a significant milestone for ESP,” says ESP President Matt Masciandaro. “For years there has been a demand for a domestic factory, allowing us to create guitars that are 100% made in the USA. Weʼre very excited about the new opportunities for ESP dealers, and new choices for our customers.”
But wait; the news gets even better. Opening in 2014, the factory will be producing a new line of ESP USA guitars. This new brand will be added to ESPʼs existing worldwide brands, including ESP, LTD, and the new E-II series, coming in 2014. The worldrenowned ESP custom shop will remain in its current location in Tokyo. The new USA facility will be crafting a series of production models on a limited basis during its first year of operation, ramping up as demand for the new line increases. ESP USA instruments will initially be available through a select group of ESP dealers.
To understand what huge news this is, here’s a little history for you. Ever since ESP was founded in 1975, we’ve done all of our manufacturing outside the U.S.A. with the exception of a few pieces during a very limited period over 12 years ago. Our premier quality ESP brand is made in the ESP-owned and operated Japan facility, and our more affordable LTD line is made in various locations throughout Asia. With the exception of the very small number of U.S.A. guitars from those earlier days, this the first time that a musician will be able to buy an ESP that’s made in the USA.
The official launch of the ESP USA brand will be at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show, and as usual, weʼll be posting information and photos the moment that these exciting new guitars are shown to the public. Stay tuned!
Hier noch ein paar Prototypen der neuen USA Gitarren:
Weitere Informationen gibt es hier: Link