Very rare ESP CUSTOM SHOP BRUCE KULICK SIGNATURE MODEL with an interesting backstory for sale
In the mid 90s (then) Kiss lead guitarist Bruce Kulick was offered his own signature model by ESP. Due to some disagreements with Gibson these were discontinued after only making around 100 units. About 35 set neck and 65 bolt-ons. Kulick himself bought some of the remaining stock and sold of himself. This one is from his stock. I bought it in the early 2000s via a third party seller. I was fortunate to meet Kulick in Oslo in 2009 at an event and brought the guitar along. He happily signed it and tested it after the gig. An extremely nice and down to earth person.
The guitar was also signed previously on the back of the headstock, so this one is double signed.
The dedication to me is easy to remove so that just Kulick’s signature remains. It is protected by a laminated sheet so you can gig with this guitar with no worries. I have a couple of these sheets, one with an ESP logo and one without. It is attached with tac-it and is easy to remove and doesn’t damage the finish of course. I think one of the problems with signed instruments is that they become useless to gig with due to the signature, but on this guitar that problem is solved. You can gig with it at night and display it during the day. Best of both worlds
Even without the backstory this is an excellent guitar on its own. Handmade by the skilled craftsmen at the ESP custom branch in Japan (note this is a true ESP not Ltd.).
This is the bolt on version and they used to have some decent ESP humbuckers from the factory installed, but for some reason this one actually has been shipped with Seymour Duncan pickups which is a great upgrade (JB and 59 I believe). The neck is super comfortable (not sure of the profile but I am guessing a C shape) and the fretwork is excellent. The contoured body feels great and the shape is a mix of an SG and a BC Rich Eagle according to Kulick. If you look closely I am sure you could find some evidence of use, but as mentioned this one is barley played by me and is in fantastic condition for a nearly 30 year old guitar.
You don’t have to be a hard core Kiss fan to enjoy and gig with this guitar. It stands well on its own terms and is just one of those great guitars that you rarely see.
The guitar has never been gigged with (only studio sessions) and is in great condition. I have oiled the fretboard and changed strings once in awhile to keep it fresh, as well as had a professional set up, but other than that is has either been displayed or sitting in its original ESP case. It comes with the check card from 1997, truss rod key and of course the original COA. It is almost like a time machine back to the 1990s.
I am slimming down my collection and, though I know I will instantly regret selling it, something needs to go. The guitar is located in Norway but can be shipped to selected countries. No trades on this listing . Sold as described
About the artist:
Bruce Kulick was the lead guitar player in Kiss for over a decade, has played with artists such as Michael Bolton and Meatloaf and is currently a member of Grand Funk Railroad
Some specs:
- Finish: Black, with chrome hardware.
- Bolt-on-body construction.
- Neck: Maple.
- Scale: 24.75′
- Fretboard: Rosewood, with ‘Parallelogram’ inlays and creme binding.
- Frets: 22 jumbo
- Bridge: Tune-o-matic with stoptail.
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB & ’59 humbuckers.
- Electronics: 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 3-way toggle switch.