It is a sample/preproduction guitar. ESP makes the samples to test out various colors, finishes and to show to dealers prior to the actual model being built. They take them to shows like NAMM and start taking preorders for the new years model. Some Samples are never make it into production models.

The guitar is in new working order, it just got new strings and was set up by the techs at the ESP N Hollywood location. The finish is more of a See Thru Red rather than the Black Cherry.