Josh Middleton's ESP custom shop

[vortex_infinium]

I don't think the offset is going to look that bad once it's being worn.

Being less devil's advocatey, I'd probably do the same thing. Spec up a Jackson Dinky as a sig model, and then when the custom shop opened their doors to me, get a Warrior or a King V in total 90s spec.

No doubt I'd do this too. As long as I'm paying, I can spec up a super strat... But I'd totally go wild if my big brand custom shop was willing to do whatever I wanted.

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

I'm looking at an Ironbird and yeah, I see what he was trying to go for tbh. It just looks goofy with the Xiphos upper bout breaking the flow.

 

[Ataraxia2320]

I can't unsee this now and its making me anxious

If you look at the 3rd pic in the Instagram link, there's also what looks to be a black Strat shape with diamond inlays lying on the box...

I think it's cool that its a new variation on a shape, and its not just a straight copy of something else. But I just think even though this has probably been years in the making, the timing doesn't sit right with his signature model. I'm a Josh Middleton fan, and am kinda playing devil's advocate here, but in all the promotion for his JM-II sig model, he repeatedly states he prefers bolt-on necks, that the superstrat is the only shape for him, that the TOM bridge is the be-all end-all hardware for him, and how the LTD sig is the epitome of everything he wants from an instrument, but given the chance he chooses a custom that's completely different!

Being less devil's advocatey, I'd probably do the same thing. Spec up a Jackson Dinky as a sig model, and then when the custom shop opened their doors to me, get a Warrior or a King V in total 90s spec.

Also should be noted that he ordered this years ago. Tastes change a lot in that time. Wouldn't be surprised if he ordered this long before he was getting any kind of signiature guitar.

 

[Esp Griffyn]

in all the promotion for his JM-II sig model, he repeatedly states he prefers bolt-on necks, that the superstrat is the only shape for him, that the TOM bridge is the be-all end-all hardware for him

He used to wax lyrical about how Sylosis used vintage gear for an authentic sound and that was totally their thing. That didn't last either.

 

[JimF]

Also should be noted that he ordered this years ago. Tastes change a lot in that time. Wouldn't be surprised if he ordered this long before he was getting any kind of signiature guitar.

I recall reading that his post said it was the longest he'd waited for any instrument, so it makes sense.
Just to clarify, I seem to be bashing Josh, I'm not - I'm a fan! I just like writing things on the internet.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

I love the Xiphos, but not this (and not Ironbirds).

 

[Mathemagician]

Man I do not like wide forked headstocks. I’ll take Josh’s all day. Do wish the upper horn was a tad longer to clean up the look.

 

[Viginez]

its like a badly tuned car with different parts all over the place

 

[KnightBrolaire]

Like emperor guillotine said, it's just an anchang star with a xiphos upper horn. I generally love pointy guitars but this is a swing and a miss.

Had he used the quasar star headstock it might flow better.

 

[DiezelMonster]

The funniest thing about this post, this is a 6 string guitar being hotly debated in the 7 string category.

 

[Brayden Buckingham]

Weird seeing it have a trem , especially for Josh . I'm thinking this is going to be the main Sylosis axe , considering they are almost done / finished a new album . It would be cool to see Josh incorporate some whammy tricks , as with Architects all his guitars are hardtails and I believe he plays his production model signature for those shows .

Sylosis with some dive bombs combined with Josh's technical ability ... a man can dream !

 

[Kaura]

Looks fucking hideous.

Especially with that reverse headstock.

 

[gunshow86de]

First video "in action."

 

[Brayden Buckingham]

First video "in action."

Saw this earlier as well . Looks even better played . Sounds pretty nasty too

 

[Mprinsje]

Took me a month to decide if I like it or not, and I don't.

Do like that he came up with something original though and I love his playing. Would've looked much better without the reverse headstock imo.

 

[jephjacques]

lol at the little chode horn

 

[Vegetta]

i give it a hearty Meh. Would rather just have an Ironbird honestly.

 

[Dooky]

I think it's a real shame he doesn't play it in the "classical" position. Looks really awkward sat on his right leg and all that guitar sticking out the back.

 

[BusinessMan]

I just his STL tone demo yesterday. That guitar sounds sick with that plugin. Thought it looked like a xiphos.

 

[Elias_Kapravelos]

Finally a real guitar, love the pointy goodness 👹