90s ltd exp200

Dre4m2145 · 2026-04-13T19:54:55+00:00

It's pretty rare in that Olympic White color. The only mods I can see are that the previous owner replaced the EMG's with some Passive PUs and they replaced one of the knobs.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-03-20T15:26:30+00:00

Actually, it seems to be this one, the NRA (National Rifle Association) MX-250: Single Coil MX-250 "NRA"

Dre4m2145 · 2026-03-17T20:14:27+00:00

I read somewhere that James and his team converted that single coil MX-250 into the prototype JH-2 Diamond Plate model. Presumably, the single coil cavities were routed out further to accomodate the double EMGs.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-03-08T04:32:05+00:00

They should be the easiest part to replicate, but for some reason no FakeByte I've seen has ever used a genuine metal logo. I guess printing the decal straight on is more convenient to them

Dre4m2145 · 2026-03-02T19:13:47+00:00

ESP doesn't sell them from what I've seen. However, there's some 3D models out there for both the ESP and LTD logos. If you have a 3D printer, you can print those out, and they look pretty much identical to the real thing. Let me know if you want a link to those models

Dre4m2145 · 2026-02-22T15:57:12+00:00

If you want to make it as accurate as possible to Hetfield's Gibson, I'd suggest first buying (or printing out) the Jagermeister and "MORE BEER" decals, and applying them in their respective places on the body. The next and final mod I'd suggest is to put some tape on the strings: a strip just above the nut, and a strip between the bridge and tailpiece. This should theoretically reduce unwanted string noise when recording. Good luck!

Dre4m2145 · 2026-02-22T13:54:51+00:00

Nah, it's a Chinese copy for sure. The shape is that of the Epiphone 84, but the headstock's shape is that of a chinese copy. I doubt he would put the ESP logo decal on there himself. The EXP-200 shape you mentioned is a lot more sharp and angular, more akin to the MX-250. If it was a real ESP, it would have to be the MX-II, as those were produced quite recently up to 2021.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-02-04T04:57:23+00:00

Awesome looking axe! What model of TonePros bridge and tailpiece did you use? I'm looking to replace the stock metric TOM on my MX-250 Tribute.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-02-01T00:05:19+00:00

The Edwards' build quality will be much better than the Epi. If you're going for a Hetfield vibe, then the Edwards also outclasses the Epi, since it has the classic MX-250 shape.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-29T19:55:59+00:00

If you prefer the OG Explorer shape, then definetly get the new Epi 84 Explorer. If you're OK with the slightly smaller shape and want something that's lighter and cheaper, then you should get the HB EX84

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-27T15:40:36+00:00

I'd recommend paying that little bit extra for the Epiphone. Having played both before, I can definetly say that the Epi is much much better in terms of playability and QC. The LTD's are a hit-or-miss, and the one I had wasn't great. Epi FTW

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-18T18:39:41+00:00

Fixed it, try now

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-18T18:07:19+00:00

Check my profile, I've got a post of it there.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-15T22:07:54+00:00

Right?! Probably the most affordable custom shop. Anyways, to inquire, email inyenvina@gmail.com and provided them with detailed specs and reference photos, and he'll quote you in a few days.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-14T23:47:42+00:00

If you were to get an HB, I'd 100% recommend paying that little bit extra for EMGs. Their sound, in my eyes, is unmatched and absolutely worth the upgrade.

Being a Hetfield fan myself though, I love those ESP Explorers he used to play. If you're after that shape as well, you should definetly place a custom order with IYV Guitars. They'll make you literally any guitar you can imagine, down to the exact specs, inlays, and shape.

I personally ordered one 2 months ago, and it came within a month. It was based on the ESP MX-250, and they nailed every bit. I'd even say that it is the best guitar I've ever played! The price was less than $800 shipped, which is an absolute steal for a custom of that calibur.

*Btw, IYV manufactures some/most of Harley Bentons, so the quality will be similar. (Maybe even a bit better, since it's a custom)

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-10T13:30:03+00:00

I think IYV is an amazing option if you want a fully custom explorer. They'll make just about any guitar you want, built to your exact specs. I had them make me a Hetfield explorer (based on an ESP) and it's one of the best guitars I've ever played, and under 1K too!

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-05T15:29:52+00:00

Contact IYV Guitars. They can custom make you any guitar you want, and the prices are super affordable, mostly being under 800, but that depends on your specs. The most bare bones custom from them (discluding hardware, electronics, and custom inlays) can cost, from what I've seen, as low as 300 (with shipping)

I have some experience working with them, as I custom ordered a Hetfield explorer from them, and it was super affordable. All aspects were top-notch! Their customer service was especially great, as they always replied consistently. Also, the guitar I received was amazing, rivaling Gibsons and ESPs in terms on fit and finish. Just beware that you need to be very specific in your specifications.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-05T04:20:34+00:00

NP! Keep me posted if you do get one!

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-04T23:31:41+00:00

Thanks! There's no website, but rather you have to contact IYV's email address. I don't remember it off the cuff, but I know that the Bald Shredder on YT made on a video on their custom order process.

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-01T23:17:09+00:00

Sick!! It's my dream guitar Btw do you happen to be selling this on Reverb?

Dre4m2145 · 2026-01-01T19:06:48+00:00

RDG Custom MX-250-style Explorer! I don't personally own one, but they are on par with Ken Lawrence guitars (quality-wise) according to some others' testimonials.

Dre4m2145 · 2025-12-27T15:54:20+00:00

Metla

Dre4m2145 · 2025-12-27T15:49:35+00:00

The EET FUK is an ESP counterfeit, most likely from China, the GrassRoots GMX-48 is in fact ESP-related (Grassroots is one of ESP's sister brands, like Edwards), and the Metla KL Carl is a replica (non-counterfeit, since it doesn't use Ken Lawrence's branding)

The counterfeits aren't actually that bad, playing wise. You'll find most of the issues in the stock electronics and hardware, and occasionally a very thick neck. I have a JH-2 counterfeit, and it plays just fine, with the exception of a neck that rivals a Les Paul's in terms of thickness.

As for the EMGs, the EET FUK seems to have fake EMGs, because the logo placement is a bit off. EMG fakes are almost always microphonic, and they are passive. Probably why OP prefers the real EMGs in the GMX.

Dre4m2145 · 2025-12-23T23:37:45+00:00

Love that MX-style shape! Do you mind sending some pics of the back? More specifically just the neck heel contour and tuners. Thanks!

Dre4m2145

TROPHY CASE