The ESP Standard line had been completely discontinued by this time. E-II guitars initially resembled several Edwards designs, however in 2015 many new models and finishes not available to Edwards were released. In 2016, E-II receives many new and first-time models, including Eclipse guitars with a sculpted neck joint similar to Gibson's Axcess heel to improve playability. According to ESP, E-II is the direct successor to ESP Standard with no difference between the two except the name. ESP Custom series ESP also builds custom guitars and basses, made to the specifications of the customer and the quality of such custom guitars exceed that of the Original series. These can be ordered from ESP USA but they are made in Japan. Generally speaking custom guitars cost as much, or even more than Navigators depending on the choices of the consumer and are considered to cater for the top-end of the market. There is flexibility with the orders, as the guitars produced, do not have to be based on existing lines of guitars and basses. ESP Artist series The ESP Artist, or Signature series guitars are mass-produced versions of artist's personal guitars and basses. The quality of the ESP Artist/Signature models lie between Navigator/Custom Shop and the ESP Original series. The Edwards, Grassroots and LTD artist models are in the higher-end segments of the respective lines of guitars and basses. References External links (Global) Japan website Hisatake Shibuya Interview NAMM Oral History Library (2010) Manufacturing companies established in 1975 Guitar manufacturing companies Manufacturing companies based in Tokyo Musical instrument manufacturing companies based in Los Angeles Japanese brands Japanese companies established in 1975 Musical instrument manufacturing companies of Japan Music in Tokyo