The Players
Behind Edwards
ESP's Japanese signature line is built hand-in-hand with the artists who define heavy music. Meet the legends — and the guitars we stock.
A signature guitar is more than a spec sheet — it's a portrait of the player who made it. Edwards has spent decades building instruments alongside the musicians who shaped metal and visual kei in Japan and beyond.
Alexi Laiho
FinlandFew players reshaped 21st-century metal like Alexi Laiho. As the founder, frontman and lead guitarist of Children of Bodom, he fused neoclassical shred with melodic death metal and made it look effortless. After his passing in 2020 he left behind one of the most devoted followings in guitar — and Edwards keeps his legacy alive with a full signature line in the finishes he made famous.
Akira Takasaki
JapanThe godfather of Japanese metal. With Loudness, Akira Takasaki became the first Japanese rock musician to break through internationally in the 1980s, charting in the US and touring the world. His blistering, exotic phrasing and signature Random Star shape are pure heavy-metal history.
Sugizo
JapanGuitarist, violinist and visual-kei pioneer, Sugizo helped define the sound and spectacle of LUNA SEA before joining X Japan. As much an artist as a shredder, his playing blends soaring melody with experimental texture — and his distressed, road-worn Edwards signatures carry the same theatrical edge.
Dir en grey
JapanDir en grey are one of Japan's most uncompromising and globally touring metal acts, and three members carry Edwards signatures. Leader Kaoru and guitarist Die drive the band's crushing dual-guitar attack, while bassist Toshiya anchors it from below — each on an instrument built to spec.
Uruha
JapanLead guitarist of the GazettE, Uruha is known for his melodic, emotive lead lines and one of the most recognisable tones in modern visual kei. His Edwards signatures pair a refined single-cut body with looks that match the band's cinematic style.
SYU
JapanThe engine of Galneryus, SYU is one of Japan's premier power-metal virtuosos — lightning-fast neoclassical lead work delivered with flawless precision, built for high-velocity playing on his seven-string signature.
Takayoshi Ohmura
JapanA first-call guitarist who has held the support role for B'z and led his own acclaimed projects, Takayoshi Ohmura is celebrated for taste as much as speed. His Snapper signatures come in a run of striking sparkle and metallic finishes.
Mikio Fujioka
JapanA revered session and solo guitarist, Mikio Fujioka was a key member of Babymetal's legendary Kami Band, bringing world-class musicianship to one of Japan's biggest global exports before his untimely passing in 2018. His Snapper Custom signatures honour an exceptional player.
Hizaki
JapanA leading figure of symphonic neoclassical metal with Versailles and Jupiter, Hizaki is famous for his aristocratic image and intricate, baroque-influenced guitar work. His ornate "Maiden" signature is as much a statement piece as an instrument.
Mana
JapanOne of the most influential aesthetes in visual kei, Mana shaped the gothic-elegant world of Malice Mizer and now leads Moi dix Mois. His Edwards JF-X signature mirrors his unmistakable dark, theatrical identity.
TOKI
JapanGuitarist of Aldious, one of Japan's most successful all-female metal bands, TOKI combines melodic hard-rock songwriting with serious lead chops — topped off by her flip-flap pink CHUNPA-V signature.
Own a Piece of the Legend
Every Edwards signature is the genuine Made-in-Japan article — shipped across Europe with full warranty.
Browse all Edwards guitarsAll prices include 23% VAT. Stock and pricing are live — please check the product page for current availability. Edwards® is a registered trademark of ESP Co., Ltd. Artist and band names are referenced for descriptive, identification purposes only.