Edwards E-LP-85SD, bright red flame top, made in Japan around 2002. Edwards is the vintage style brand under the ESP Guitars umbrella, so they mostly trade in Fender and Gibson inspired offerings and are sold on the domestic Japan market. This is an earlier example, pre-dating the current serial system, so based on catalogs and specs it dates to 2000-03 . First up, the finish is spicy: the bright chilli red over a flame maple top looks sublime. The naturally aged hardware and plastics and the dark rosewood board round it out visually; it's a very pretty thing. The neck is quite thick, similar to Gibson '58 reissue models, with a chunky D style shape that sits in the hands nicely. Many Edwards models came with Duncan pickups, but usually you get the hotter '59/JB combo. This one has a pair of Alnico II Pro humbuckers, which are a bit lower in output, less compressed and deliver a singing clarity. Not all LPs clean up nicely, but this delivers a convincing rich clean tone brimming with nuance and sparkle. Paired with a dirty amp, the eloquence and dynamic responsiveness adds breath and sweetness to big chords, it's a refreshing sound to hear. Top marks, Edward.

Model: Edwards E-LP-85SD 
Made: Japan, 2002 approx, ESP plant (pre-serial model)
Finish: chilli red flame maple top, cherry back and sides, gloss poly
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, fat '58 style profile
Body: mahogany, flame maple cap, weight relieved
Weight: 3.920kg
Mods: strap pins replaced
Pickups: Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro humbucker x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of minor finish chips on the end and some light scuffs on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some minor dimples on the back and a little dent behind the 7th fret approx. The back has some scratches near the back edge, chips on the edge around the cavity, bottom horn and elbow area, and widespread light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body, as well as some small dents in the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has some dimples near the knobs and elbow area, as well as some standard play wear on the horns. It appears it never had a pickguard. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.