Custom ESP HORIZON - MIJ 1988 Original Horizon Run - Excellent Condition - Copper / Rose - RARE

BACKGROUND

I got this guitar about a year ago from a small used guitar shop. I don't think at the time I knew it was so rare, but being an ESP Horizon fan I couldn't resist the unique color and the lawsuit headstock. Afterwards I did a little research, and as far as I can tell this is part of the first run of the first model of the series and was included in the 1987 catalog.  (see last pic)

Issue is I really don't have room for so many guitars and I know this guy would be better off with someone to give it the playing time it deserves.

This guitar's serial number is 25018150 which, as far as I can tell, dates it at Jan 25th 1988 (DD/MM/Y) number #150. As far as I can tell this is the first official horizon model offered in their 1987 catalog (see last pic)

CONDITION

After spending a year gazing on this guy, I can say its pretty near perfect. There are 2 dings on the back of the guitar (one in the center and one on the back side) and a tiny chip on the back bottom. (See the last pic). Other than that I don't see anything else except the expected buckle rash. I don't even see any chips in the headstock or front.

COLOR:

So the color is obviously the most unique aspect of this guitar. I don't know what color it's called because I can't seem to find it on the internet, but to my eyes I would call it a copper / rose. In bright light it looks almost like a new penny, and in moderate / dark like it shows a bit more of the rose. It seems to have a metallic finish and has a ton of depth. I like how the color compliments the arch top. You can really make out those aggressive horns well with this color. I took a pic inside so you guys can compare against the outside pics. Overall I never felt it was too "pink" as the catalog pic suggests. I would say that it looked more orange at times, but that's just me.

HARDWARE:

As far as I can tell its all original all the way down to the Floyd Rose. The only one part that I am not sure of is the pickups (specifically the neck) which seem original, but I could never be sure. I comparing this to the catalog pic and some google images I was able to come across, they seem that they are original, but have seen versions with the rails in the neck having a small ESP logo. So I can't tell for sure, but if I had to bet these are also both original ESP. ESP was a small shop back then and did very small runs. Small inconsistencies are expected.

NECK / FRET BOARD: 

I have played this guy a bunch of times and it seems fine to me. Action is where I like it and seems straight to the eye. The fretbaord is nice blank ebony and really pops against the body color and the binding.

Setup:

The only small thing I noticed is when you are switched to the neck pickup and have the neck volume knob all the way up, the sound will cut out if you tap the knob. Might be a bad pot or a loose connection but its an easy fix that should be included in any setup. Everything else seems fine as far as playability. Just keep in mind you might have much more picky standards on how you like your guitar setup. 

Case:

Comes with an amazing thin fitted case. I have many ESPs and this is the best one. I tried fitting another horizon of mine in it so I could keep it for myself but the case wouldnt close :(  So the lucky buyer of this guitar gets this amazing case included.

SPECS:

The only other specs that I was able to dig up on this model is below. I can't verify them but at a glance it seems right

Alder Body, Maple Neck Thru-Construction, Ebony Fretboard, 24 Jumbo Frets, 25.5" Scale, ESP "Rails" Neck pickup, ESP Humbucker Bridge Pickup, 3 Way pickup Selector, 2 Volume pots, 1 Tone pot


Notes:

Whammy bar included.

If you have any doubts please don't hesitate to email me. As there is very little info available on this guitar these days so I can only give you my observations. An expert might be able to better point out some details that I missed so please reach out if you have any doubts.

No returns accepted on this so please reach out with any questions and I will respond ASAP.

US Shipping only

Product Specs

Condition:Excellent Make:ESP Model:HORIZON Finish:Copper / Rose Categories:Solid Body Year:1988 Made In:Japan