ESP Original Series Mystique CTM FM Marine Blue
The guitar shown above is the one I bought in December 2017, delivered 2 days before Christmas Eve direct to my door. Its serial number is K1352201 and ESP USA have confirmed that it was made in the Kiso custom factory and completed and stamped on Christmas Eve 2013, and shipped out to California (before being sent to Bax Europe) ready for the introduction of the series into the catalogue for 2014... Nice co-incidence !.
So, when I purchased it, it was already 4 years old (I guess you could call this New Old Stock). What can I say apart from it is stunning in every respect. Fantastic workmanship, with one of the most comfortable necks I have ever played..... In my 45 years of playing, I wish I could have had this 40 years ago...but it was worth the wait..............wow....what a guitar !!!!
The synergy of the tonewoods and those SD pickups make my 8 year old Fender HRD bog standard, well gigged valve amp, sustain like a rare Dumble....an odd very pleasing experience, I can honestly say... it leaves me in amazement every time I plug it in.
Someone said to me that they did not like the headstock shape very much, but I love it... the recessed tuners and flame maple headstock demonstrate a quality build, that is hard to find and really makes it stand out from the crowd........you see many other USA Maryland high end guitars players, all sporting the same guitar more or less, but I have yet to see another ESP Mystique on the band circuit.
It's very expensive, but boy, it is worth it.
Just a point on buying from BAX. I have spent a good amount of Cash with these people over the past 2 years since turning late 50's when I began spending the kid's inheritance (big smile) and have had occasions when I have needed to return items. My experiences have always been without issue, and they have never let me down.