ESP / 9 strings / 2019 / 2020

ESP Custom Shop 9-String (2019 / 2020)

Confirmed

A one-off instrument, built on demand by ESP's Custom Shop in Tokyo, the pinnacle of Carpenter's extended-range evolution, built for the album Ohms (2020).

Known specifications

Year created: 2019/2020
Body: Alder, deep double cutaway
Construction: High-strength maple neck-thru
Scale: 28" (confirmed by official ESP technical support)
Fretboard: Ebony, no front inlays, XJ frets
Pickups: 2× multi-voice Fishman Fluence Signature for 9 strings
Factory tuning: C#-F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E

Historical significance

It allowed Carpenter to explore harmonic registers never before heard in the Deftones discography. The tone of the ninth string, an extremely low C-sharp (C#), is central to "The Spell of Mathematics".

28" scale, longer than the 27" of the 8-string range
Exclusive one-off prototype, with no plans for regular commercialization

Related albums

Ohms

2020

Confirmed

Built specifically for this album; featured on "The Spell of Mathematics".

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Tuning setup

C#-F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E

Ohms

Confirmed

Factory 9-string tuning.

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Anecdotes and history

Debate over the actual scale length

technical debate

In an Instagram post, Carpenter himself admitted he did not know the exact scale length of the instrument, assuming 27". ESP Japan technical support later officially confirmed that the actual scale is 28".

Rarity

Maximum. One-of-a-kind prototype, with no plans for regular commercialization.

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