LOUDNESS 45th Anniversary Limited Models by ESP
ESP has announced official limited models to commemorate the 45th anniversary of LOUDNESS. The lineup consists of one Random Star guitar and two bass versions (Alder and Ash). All models will be available from February 16 to May 15, 2026.
According to the official source, LOUDNESS performs not only in standard tuning but also in D tuning (one whole step down). For this project, bass models compatible with down tuning were produced in two body materials. It is stated that both versions maintain string tension and playability even in D tuning.
ESP THE KING OF RANDOM STAR -THE RISING SUN-
This model is based on the Random Star platform and released as part of the LOUDNESS 45th anniversary lineup. It features roasted tonewoods and Custom Shop pickups, along with anniversary-specific details such as the 45th logo case and certificate.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Body | Roasted Swamp Ash |
| Neck | Roasted Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard | Flamed Maple |
| Scale Length | 648mm (25.5″) |
| Frets | 22 (EXJ-SS) |
| Inlays | Abalone Dot (Top), Yin-Yang Tai Chi at 3rd & 9th fret |
| Side Inlay | Luminlay SBM-23L |
| Nut | Lock Nut (42mm / R2) |
| Construction | Bolt-on (T-5 Ultimate Access) |
| Tuners | GOTOH SG360-07 |
| Bridge | GOTOH 510TS-LS1 w/ ESP Custom Lab Tremolo Tone Spring TYPE-2 |
| Pickups | Seymour Duncan Custom Shop “THUNDER IN THE EAST” (Neck / Bridge) |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone, Toggle PU Selector, ON/OFF Switch |
| Color | Burner |
| Accessories | 45th Logo Hybrid Case, Certificate |
| Production | Limited (Feb 16 – May 15, 2026) |
LOUDNESS 45th Anniversary Bass (Alder / Ash)
For the anniversary project, bass models were produced in two body materials: Alder and Ash. The source states that LOUDNESS performs songs in both standard tuning and D tuning, and that these basses were created to support down tuning. It is specified that both body versions maintain string tension and playability even in D tuning.
Specifications (Alder / Ash)
| Specification | Alder Version | Ash Version |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Alder | Ash |
| Neck | Hard Maple 3P | Hard Maple 3P |
| Fingerboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 864mm | 864mm |
| Frets | 24 (EXJ-SS) | 24 (EXJ-SS) |
| Inlays (Top) | Acrylic Dot | Acrylic Dot |
| Side Inlay | Luminlay SGW-23L | Luminlay SGW-23L |
| Nut | Carbon (40mm) | Carbon (40mm) |
| Construction | Neck-thru-body | Neck-thru-body |
| Tuners | GOTOH GB707E | GOTOH GB707E |
| Bridge | ESP BB-I | ESP BB-I |
| Pickups | Neck: Seymour Duncan SPB-3 ×2 / Bridge: Seymour Duncan SJB-3 | Neck: Seymour Duncan SPB-3 ×2 / Bridge: Seymour Duncan SJB-3 |
| Controls | Neck Volume ×2, Bridge Volume, Master Volume | Neck Volume ×2, Bridge Volume, Master Volume |
| Color | Black | Black Satin |
| Accessories | Certificate | Certificate |
| Production | Limited (Feb 16 – May 15, 2026) | Limited (Feb 16 – May 15, 2026) |
Production Details
- Release Date: February 16, 2026
- Order Period: February 16 – May 15, 2026
- Random Star: Limited production
- Bass (Alder / Ash): Limited production
These models mark the 45th anniversary of LOUDNESS with limited instruments designed to support both standard tuning and D tuning, as stated in the official source.
Source: ESP Official website
What are the LOUDNESS 45th Anniversary models?
The LOUDNESS 45th Anniversary models include the ESP “THE KING OF RANDOM STAR -THE RISING SUN-” and the Mark-IV bass models (AL for Alder and AS for Ash), released as official 45th anniversary instruments.
When are the LOUDNESS 45th Anniversary models available?
All models are available as limited, made-to-order production from February 16 to May 15, 2026, with sales beginning on February 16, 2026.
What are the main features of THE KING OF RANDOM STAR -THE RISING SUN-?
Based on the 40th anniversary “THE RANDOM STAR,” this model features a roasted swamp ash body, roasted hard maple neck, and flamed maple fingerboard. It includes Yin-Yang Tai Chi inlays at the 3rd and 9th frets and introduces an asymmetrical V-shaped headstock design for the Random Star series.
What accessories are included with THE KING OF RANDOM STAR -THE RISING SUN-?
The model includes a certificate and a special hybrid case printed with the 45th anniversary logo.
How do the Mark-IV (AL/AS) bass models support down tuning?
LOUDNESS performs songs in both standard tuning and down tuning. For this project, two body versions (Ash and Alder) were produced for down-tuning compatibility. The source states that both versions maintain string tension and playability even in D tuning. For tuning lower than D, the ash body is recommended for clearer note definition, while for players mainly using standard tuning with occasional D tuning, the alder body is recommended for a thicker tone compared to ash.
