New Mustaine Signature Models from ESP

Mustaine and the DV8 (Click for a close-up)

ESP announced the addition of modern metal guitar hero Dave Mustaine to its artist roster. Mustaine, the main force behind legendary metal band Megadeth, has brought his vision and focus to a new line of ESP & LTD Signature Series guitars, to be introduced at Summer NAMM 2003.

ESP's new Dave Mustaine "DV8" Signature model will be available in both ESP and LTD versions. Both are "V" shaped guitars, with pickups, hardware and design all according to Dave's own specs.

Though Dave Mustaine left Megadeth in early 2002, in part because of a debilitating injury to his left arm and hand, he has begun work on a number of projects that show his tenacity and love for rock guitar. Massive amounts of physical therapy have brought him back to 100% guitar-playing power, and now Mustaine's ready to lay his latest licks on the public.

As singer/songwriter/guitarist, Mustaine was the main man behind Megadeth's amazing string of gold and multi-platinum records, including 1990's Countdown to Extinction and 1994's Youthanasia. Later this year Capitol Records will begin a massive re-release campaign of Megadeth's catalog, including an anthology and a box set (with rare tracks). This summer, DTS Entertainment will release a 5.1 surround audio DVD of Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? And, as if that weren't enough, Mustaine has begun work on a solo release, to come out in early 2004 on Sanctuary Records.

ESP & LTD DV8 Signature Model Specs:

• Construction/Scale: Neck-thru-body/25.5"
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck/Fretboard: Mahogany/ebony (ESP); Mahogany/rosewood (LTD)
• Inlays: 8-ball on 1st fret, 6mm dots till 12th fret, 4.5mm dots from 12th fret on, no dots on 24.
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB (bridge) + Jazz (neck)
• Electronics: 2 volume, 3-way toggle, tone
• Hardware: Black, including Sperzel locking tuners
• Bridge: TonePros tune-o-matic w/ string-thru-body
• Binding: White (neck & headstock only)
• Frets: 24 Jumbo
• Colors: Black, white, metallic silver
• US suggested retail: TBD

(Specifications subject to change without notice.)