“We were trying to make the best guitar that ever happened in world history”: ESP’s latest Richard ZK ESP and LTD signature guitars are heavy rock riff machines of the highest order
The Rammstein riffer rigorously road-tested his LTD RZK-III, which puts a fresh spin on the ESP Phoenix template
When it comes to hard rock and heavy metal music, you’d be hard pressed to find a brand more suitable for masterminding and constructing electric guitars that are up to the task than ESP. From heavy riffs to intricate leads and everything in between, such music requires a tool that can withstand the rigors of the genre – and ESP’s catalog has you covered.
Under the ESP and LTD umbrellas, the Japanese firm has put together a robust lineup of single-cuts, double-cuts, offsets and more across the guitar and bass spectrum, and has worked with the likes of Mick Thomson, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett for its signature guitar lineup.
ESP has also worked with Rammstein riffer Richard ZK (AKA Richard Kruspe) on numerous occasions over the years, and the two parties recently rekindled their partnership for another signature launch – the LTD RZK-III.
It joins Richard ZK’s previous two ESP models, which comparatively arrived with Eclipse-style and asymmetrical offset body shapes. Now, the Rammstein guitar hero has opted for a refined take on the Phoenix design, with some added spice for good measure.
During the development process, Richard ZK heavily road-tested his prototypes, having first fallen in love with the ESP Phoenix when he used one to shoot the music for his solo single, Freeze My Mind.
What followed was an intense R&D process that involved the development of a new three-a-side headstock (as opposed to the six-in-a-line common to regular Phoenix guitars), and the testing of numerous hardware setups.
After experimenting with Floyd Roses and string-through configurations, Richard ZK landed on a classic TonePros stoptail-style setup. However, despite opting for a stoptail for sound reasons, the LTD RZK-III lowers the bridge and tail piece to emulate the right-hand comfort of a Floyd Rose, which Richard ZK appreciates.
It is joined by Kruspe’s signature Fishman Fluence humbuckers, which are wired to an enlarged push/pull volume knob and a mini-toggle switch for voice selection. The more premium made-in-Japan ESP Custom Shop version, meanwhile, has a Fishman RZK in the bridge and a Sustainiac in the neck, for more E-Bow-like sounds.
There’s also a Kill Switch that offers two modes, each of which can be accessed via a small toggle. Far more flexible than a conventional Kill Switch, this particular function can either be used to press to turn the signal on, or turn the signal off.
The guitar also has a three-piece satin-finished neck, a neck-through-body design, and a 13”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 stainless steel frets and glow in the dark side dots.
As Richard ZK explains of his new signature in a video posted to the EPS site, “We were trying to make the best guitar that ever happened in world history.”
To find out more about the LTD RZK-III and to explore the entire range of ESP and LTD guitars, head over to the ESP website.
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Since 1980, Guitar World has been the ultimate resource for guitarists. Whether you want to learn the techniques employed by your guitar heroes, read about their latest projects or simply need to know which guitar is the right one to buy, Guitar World is the place to look.
