The ESP Random Star is one of ESP’s defining guitars of the 1980s, and most people link it to Akira Takasaki of Loudness. But the shape didn’t start with him. This article covers how the Random Star really began in 1981, where the shape came from, and what it inspired. For the brand as a whole, see the ESP guide.
ESP Random Star Quick Facts
- First model: RS-120, in the 1981 Navigator catalog
- Original setup: bold headstock, one humbucker
- Famous player: Akira Takasaki of Loudness
- Shape roots: often linked to the late-1970s Charvel Star
- Inspired: Gus G models, the Crying Star and BanG Dream!
Prefer to watch? This article is based on my own video below.
1981: The RS-120 in the Navigator Catalog
The first model, the RS-120, appeared in the 1981 catalog of Navigator, ESP’s first house brand. It had a bold headstock and a simple one-humbucker setup. Its strong sales encouraged ESP to adopt the Random Star into its main lineup.
How the Random Star moved from a catalog model to an icon
Akira Takasaki and Loudness
Akira Takasaki, guitarist of Loudness, the Japanese heavy metal band that broke into the US in the 1980s, picked it up, and it became one of his signature guitars. Many people, including myself, might assume ESP designed the shape for him. The order was the other way around.
Where the ESP Random Star Shape Really Came From
It is often said that the body came from the Charvel Star, used in the late 1970s by players like George Lynch. Once you notice it, the headstock even feels like a Danelectro.
| Possible influence | What the Random Star shares |
|---|---|
| Charvel Star (late 1970s) | The star-shaped body |
| Danelectro | The feel of the headstock |
| Eddie Van Halen’s star guitar | The one-humbucker layout and a similar headstock vibe |
Some believe the early Random Star was ESP’s take on Eddie Van Halen’s star guitar, which would explain the single humbucker. Eddie, by the way, played a Japanese guitar himself: see Eddie Van Halen Destroyer.
What the ESP Random Star Inspired
| Spin-off | What it is |
|---|---|
| Gus G models | Star-shaped signature guitars inspired by the design |
| Crying Star | A spin-off of the Random Star shape |
| BanG Dream! | Japanese anime and game franchise; Kasumi Toyama of Poppin’Party plays a Random Star |
The ESP Random Star Today
More than forty years later, the Random Star still stands out. ESP keeps it alive with Akira Takasaki models, including “THE KING OF RANDOM STAR THE RISING SUN” for the 45th anniversary of Loudness.
| You want… | Look for |
|---|---|
| The original | A vintage Navigator RS-120 (1981) |
| The Takasaki guitar | ESP Akira Takasaki Random Star models |
| The shape on a budget | Star-shaped models from ESP’s other brands |
Final Thoughts
I used to think the Random Star was designed for Takasaki, and I suspect many players still do. In fact it started as a one-humbucker Navigator model whose roots point back to the late-1970s star guitars of America, and Takasaki is the one who made it legendary.
FAQ
When did the ESP Random Star come out?
The first model, the RS-120, appeared in the 1981 Navigator catalog with a bold headstock and a single humbucker.
Who plays the ESP Random Star?
Akira Takasaki of Loudness made it one of his signature guitars, and the shape later inspired models for Gus G.
Was the Random Star designed for Akira Takasaki?
Many people assume so, but the RS-120 appeared first. It is often said the body came from the late-1970s Charvel Star, and Takasaki picked up the shape later.
Where did the Random Star shape come from?
It is often said that the body came from the Charvel Star of the late 1970s, while the headstock feels like a Danelectro. Some see it as ESP’s take on Eddie Van Halen’s star guitar.
What is the ESP Crying Star?
A spin-off of the Random Star shape, sold in Japan.
Is the ESP Random Star still made?
Yes. More than forty years later, ESP still offers the shape, including Akira Takasaki models for the 45th anniversary of Loudness.
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