Introducing the JD-1: Joe Duplantier’s Signature Guitar from ESP
NAMM 2026: the highly anticipated Joe Duplantier signature guitar has finally made its debut, arriving nearly a year and a half after ESP announced their collaboration with the Gojira frontman.
In the summer of 2024, Duplantier captivated audiences worldwide as he took center stage at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, showcasing a unique custom ESP guitar that left fans buzzing with excitement.
This performance ignited a flurry of speculation, with manny wondering if Duplantier had switched allegiances to another guitar brand after he was seen playing a striking chrome-plated XJ-1 rather of his usual Charvel signature model.
However,the mystery was soon resolved when ESP confirmed Duplantier as a signature artist in August. Although the announcement was brief and did not explicitly mention a signature guitar, it was clear that fans were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a model designed for the Gojira icon.
After a lengthy wait, the JD-1 has finally arrived, albeit with a surprisingly low-key launch from ESP. This new six-string is a single-pickup, Silverburst LTD offset guitar crafted specifically for duplantier, and it has quietly joined the ranks of ESP’s 2026 lineup.
Despite the understated release, the JD-1 is a significant addition to the metal guitar scene, marking the first signature model for the Gojira frontman and showcasing the growing trend of heavy metal offsets in guitar design.
The JD-1 is equipped with a single humbucker setup, mirroring the custom guitar Duplantier used during the Olympics, featuring a DiMarzio JD Fortitude pickup. While details remain scarce, it appears to be a Duplantier-inspired variant of the original Fortitude humbucker.
Additionally, the guitar boasts a Hipshot Tone-A-Matic bridge paired with a Stopbar tailpiece, diverging from the EverTune bridge found on the custom model. Other notable features include a GraphTech TUSQ nut, 22 stainless steel frets, and a sleek single volume knob. And let’s not forget that striking black anodized scratchplate!
At its core, the JD-1 features a mahogany body, a three-piece roasted maple neck, and a Macassar ebony fretboard with a 13.7″ radius, ensuring a premium playing experience.
One of the standout features of this model is its unique body shape. While it draws inspiration from the flagship XJ offset, Duplantier has made subtle enhancements, including a PRS-like bevel on the lower cutaway. Additionally, the upper cutaway appears slightly sharper, adding to its distinctive look.
Reflecting on his transition to ESP, Duplantier shared with Guitar World that the connection was facilitated by none other than James Hetfield, who personally reached out to him about the brand.
“At the end of the day,I just love guitars,whether it’s Fender or Gibson,” he remarked. “I’ve had a long-standing relationship with ESP. Hetfield called me up one day and said, ‘Dude, have you tried an ESP?’”
“I wanted to explore new avenues,” he continued. “it feels like I’m expanding my horizons, and ESP has so much to offer. I’m not abandoning anyone; I want to embrace all instruments!”
The JD-1 is set to retail for $1,799 upon its release later this year.
For more details, visit ESP Guitars.
