"Deftones' White Pony album turns 25, mind-blowing that a fan owns an ESP Horizon Custom guitar worth $55,000, the very one used in the Back to School video, owned by Stephen Carpenter"
In the world of heavy metal, few guitars hold as much historical significance as the one wielded by Stephen Carpenter during Deftones' groundbreaking album "White Pony." This custom Turquoise Horizon model from ESP was not just a touring guitar for a few years; it appeared on live TV performances, graced the cover of music videos, and played a pivotal role in two genre classics.
The guitar's journey began during the early 2000s, when it was used to track "White Pony" and the band's previous album, "Around the Fur." Over the years, it has been a part of Deftones' meteoric rise to fame, and its association with the band has significantly boosted its value.
The guitar's value is influenced by several key factors. Its connection to influential recordings and performances, such as "White Pony," adds authenticity and collectible appeal. The guitar's model, a custom Horizon from ESP, and its specific build features, including Seymour Duncan pickups, impact its worth. The guitar's condition, though less than perfect, has been well-preserved, as evidenced by its previous sale on Reverb for around $6,000 nine years ago.
The guitar's distinctive sound and superior playability, particularly crucial to Carpenter's signature tone, add to its desirability. The reputation of its signature pickups and features, like Carpenter's own signature pickups, further enhance its value.
The guitar's cultural significance is undeniable. It has been featured in a music video that was on regular rotation on MTV and was used in the "Back to School" music video. The band's recent release of platinum records further cements its iconic status.
However, the price of the guitar is also influenced by market demand and rarity, as well as inflation and the band's current popularity. In 2018, the guitar was sold for $4,500, but its value may have increased since then.
Despite its historical significance, the guitar is currently in the ownership of a fan, continuing its legacy and inspiring the next generation of heavy metal musicians. As for Carpenter, he has since switched to Fishman Fluence humbucker pickups and, more recently, Kiesel guitars. Yet, the memories and the music created with his iconic ESP guitar remain a testament to Deftones' enduring impact on the genre.
[1] Guitar.com. (2021). The Best Electric Guitars of 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.guitar.com/best-electric-guitars-of-2021/
[2] MusicRadar. (2021). The best electric guitars ever made: 50 legendary axes. [online] Available at: https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-electric-guitars-ever-made-50-legendary-axes
[4] Reverb.com. (2021). Stephen Carpenter ESP Guitar. [online] Available at: https://reverb.com/item/35005311-stephen-carpenter-esp-guitar
[5] Ultimate Guitar. (2021). Stephen Carpenter ESP Guitar. [online] Available at: https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11328591
- A signed electric guitar used by Stephen Carpenter from Deftones, a custom Turquoise Horizon model from ESP, is listed among the best guitars of 2021.
- The ESP guitar used by Carpenter during the recording of Deftones' albums, including the groundbreaking "White Pony," is featured on the list of the best electric guitars ever made.
- The Gibson Brands company, known for producing high-quality amplifiers, could increase the value of Carpenter's ESP guitar by providing an ideal match for its distinctive sound.
- The entertainment industry's influence, driven by platforms like MTV, has further elevated the cultural significance of Stephen Carpenter's ESP guitar, making it a sought-after collectible among heavy metal fans and guitar enthusiasts.
