Ikebe Grandey Jungle (Japan)<\/b><\/a><\/p>\nWhen walking into the ESP Exhibition booth at the NAMM Show this year in April of 2023, no one could pass without paying regard to the two guitars in display cases guarding the entrance. I\u2019ll report that it was true that due to their fine craftsmanship they were off limits to everyday people who might want to play them, just like museum worthy pieces of art. I had to find out more about them so I asked one of the ESP representatives Jeff K. a few questions, as I am accustomed. The two guitars depicted the Japanese deities Rajin, the God of Thunder and Fujin the God of Winds, are brothers who defend the entrances to temples.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhile we talked, I noticed that the demon brothers had gold eyes that were rimmed with red, and I\u2019ve since discovered that this is a tradition in their portrayal. The first guitar was Rajin, who paradoxically is a drummer who uses large hammers to hit Taikos which produce thunderous booming sounds during storms. You can see that the drum is in his right hand with the hammer on this guitar, and the left hammer goes into the pick ups. This pattern from the top of the drums, is repeated again on the fretboard in a ruby color. His motion is represented in the swirling fabric which seems to wind, carved around the muscular and all powerful horned demon with his fangs. The gravity defying hair he\u2019s known for tells all \u2026 This is certainly one of my favorite Metal Gods.<\/span><\/p>\nThe second guitar was Fujin, the Japanese God of Wind. Again it is the motion in the swirling fabric that looks like air blowing wind. According to tradition, he is carrying a large bag of wind across his shoulders. <\/span>He is described as a terrifying wizardly demon, resembling a red-headed green-skinned human-like being who wears a leopard skin. You can even see the detail in the pattern of the rope which is holding the bag of wind closed. You may also notice that there seems to be a cloud which he is upon, he must share Rajin\u2019s clouds.<\/span><\/p>\nSuper neat-o!<\/span><\/p>\nEvery year we are never disappointed, just struck with awe like lightning by the guitars at the ESP limited exhibit. The luthier work is very fine and the fancy ornate inlay designs on the fretboards of each guitar are a sight to behold. The colors of the wood finishes and use of different materials for their designs are so artful that a musician can only dream of just playing one. Indeed all of these breathtaking instruments can be regarded with curiosity not just for the gimcrack.<\/span><\/p>\n
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