Brazilian-born guitarist Max Cavalera has endorsed ESP guitars since 1997 (just after leaving Sepultura). Max employs a savage rhythm guitar style all his own in his bands Cavalera Conspiracy and Soulfly. Cavalera's first ESP signature model was a Brazilian Green Viper model with Brazilian flag graphic. This model was so instantly recognizably Max Cavalera with its Brazilian flag that if you weren't Max himself you might feel strange playing it. The subsequent Max Cavalera models have been more subtle - but still recognizable to the discerning eye by their Soulfly symbol inlays and Max signature on the headstock. These later ESP signature models were the 2007 X-shaped AX, the 2011 Explorer shaped EX and the 2016 RPR model which combined the AX and EX shapes with a beveled edge. For each Japanese made ESP Max Cavalera Signature model there is also a lower cost LTD equivalent version.
 | ESP MAX CAVALERAThe ESP Max Cavalera signature model was introduced in 2001. The ESP Max Cavalera is based on the offset SG ESP Viper body shape. Finish was Brazilian Green with a custom Brazilian flag graphic and painted humbucker pickup. The ESP Max Cavalera had an alder body with neck-through maple neck and ebony fingerboard. Fingerboard inlays were Soul-Fly logos up to the 9th fret and XXX's from the 12th fret upwards. This model had a single Seymour Duncan SH-6 (Distortion) humbucker in the bridge position controlled by a single volume knob. |
 | ESP MAX CAVALERA AXThe ESP Max Cavalera AX model was introduced in 2007, replacing Cavalera's green Viper signature model. The ESP Max Cavalera AX had an X-shaped pointy alder body with neck-through maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The single humbucker was a Seymour Duncan SH-6 Distortion - like on Cavalera's Brazilian flag Viper model. Finish was white until 2009 and then it was changed to Urban Camo finish. The LTD version of this model was the LTD MAX-600. |
 | ESP MAX CAVALERA EXThe ESP Max Cavalera EX model was introduced in 2011. The ESP Max Cavalera EX has a pointy Explorer shaped alder body with neck-through maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The single humbucker was a Seymour Duncan SH-6 Distortion. Finish is Urban Camo. The LTD version of this model was the LTD MAX-200 |
 | ESP MAX CAVALERA RPRThe ESP Max Cavalera RPR model was introduced in 2016. The ESP Max Cavalera RPR has a bevel edged body shape that combines Cavalera's previous two signature models (the X-Shaped AX and the Explorer shaped EX). The body is alder with neck-through maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The single humbucker is a Seymour Duncan SH-6 Distortion. Finish is satin Black Desert Camo. The LTD version of this model is the LTD MAX-200-RPR |
 | LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA)The LTD MAX-200 was the LTD version of the ESP Max Cavalera EX model, both were introduced in 2011. . The LTD MAX-200 had a pointy Explorer shaped alder body with bolt on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. The LTD MAX-200 was the only 2 pickup Max Cavalera model with 2 ESP LH-150 humbuckers. Finish was snow white. |
 | LTD MAX-200 RPRThe LTD MAX-200 RPR was introduced in 2016 and is based on the ESP Max Cavalera RPR signature model. The The LTD MAX-200 RPR has a bevel edged body shape that combines Cavalera's previous two signature models (the X-Shaped AX and the Explorer shaped EX). The body is basswood with bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. The MAX-200 has two ESP LH-150 humbuckers. Finish is black with white bevels. |
 | LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA)The LTD MAX-600 is the LTD version of the ESP Max Cavalera AX model, both were introduced in 2007. The LTD MAX-600 had identical specifications to the ESP version: an X-shaped pointy alder body with neck-through maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The single humbucker was a Seymour Duncan SH-6 Distortion - like on Cavalera's Brazilian flag Viper model. Finish was white until 2009 and then it was changed to Urban Camo finish. |
 | LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERAIntroduced in 2003, the LTD MC-200 was the entry level Max Cavalera Viper model. It had a basswood body with bolt-on maple neck, Brazilian green finish and a single Duncan Designed HB-103B humbucker. This model was discontinued by 2007. |
 | LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERALTD manufactured the MC-500 (MAX CAVALERA) between 2001 and 2002. It was based on the ESP Max Cavalera Viper signature model - with a neck through SG-style body and Brazilian green finish. The MC-500 had Soul-Fly logo inlays up to the 9th fret and then "X" inlays with an "MC-500" inlay at the 24th fret. The single humbucker was a Duncan Designed HB-103B. |
 | LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERALTD introduced the MC-600 model in 2003. It was a Brazilian green Max Cavalera Viper model which replaced the LTD MC-500, but it had the Brazilian flag graphic on the body (like the ESP Max Cavalera Viper) and had the same Seymour Duncan SH-6 Distortion humbucker as the ESP model. Unlike the ESP version the MC-600's pickup is not painted blue to match the Brazilian flag. |
Specifications:
| Model | Image | Finish colors | Graphics | Made in | Binding | Number of strings | Scale length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESP MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2007 |  | green finish | flag graphic | Japan | neck binding, white binding | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | - |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA AX 2007 |  | white finish | camouflage graphics | Japan | neck binding | 6 strings | 25.5 inches scale-length | - |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA EX 2011 |  | - | camouflage graphics | Japan | neck binding | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | - |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA RPR 2016 |  | - | camouflage graphics | Japan | neck binding | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | - |
| LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA) 2011 |  | white finish | - | - | - | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | - |
| LTD MAX-200 RPR 2016 |  | black finish | - | - | - | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | - |
| LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA) 2007 |  | white finish | camouflage graphics | Korea | neck binding | 6 strings | 25.5 inches scale-length | - |
| LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 |  | green finish | - | - | neck binding, white binding | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | - |
| LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2002 |  | green finish | - | Korea | neck binding, white binding | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | - |
| LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 |  | green finish | flag graphic | Korea | neck binding, white binding | 6 strings | 24.75 inches scale-length | 3.86 kg |
| Model | Number of control knobs | Volume controls | Controls material | Pickup selector controls | Tone controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESP MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2007 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | - | - | - |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA AX 2007 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | black controls | - | - |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA EX 2011 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | black controls | - | - |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA RPR 2016 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | black controls | - | - |
| LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA) 2011 | 2 control knobs | 1 volume control | black controls | 3-way selector switch | 1 tone control |
| LTD MAX-200 RPR 2016 | 2 control knobs | 1 volume control | - | 3-way selector switch | 1 tone control |
| LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA) 2007 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | black controls | - | - |
| LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | black controls | - | - |
| LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2002 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | black controls | - | - |
| LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | 1 control knob | 1 volume control | black controls | - | - |
| Model | Pickups brand and model | Pickups configuration |
|---|---|---|
| ESP MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2007 | Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA AX 2007 | Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA EX 2011 | Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA RPR 2016 | Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA) 2011 | ESP LH-150 pickup(s) | 2 humbucker pickups |
| LTD MAX-200 RPR 2016 | ESP LH-150 pickup(s) | 2 humbucker pickups |
| LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA) 2007 | Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | Duncan Designed HB-103B pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2002 | Duncan Designed HB-103B pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickup(s) | 1 humbucker pickup |
| Model | Body material | Body shape features | Body style |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESP MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2007 | alder body | double cutaway | SG-style body |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA AX 2007 | alder body | - | X shaped body |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA EX 2011 | alder body | - | Explorer-style body |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA RPR 2016 | alder body | - | - |
| LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA) 2011 | basswood body | - | Explorer-style body |
| LTD MAX-200 RPR 2016 | basswood body | - | - |
| LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA) 2007 | alder body | - | X shaped body |
| LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | basswood body | double cutaway | SG-style body |
| LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2002 | alder body | double cutaway | SG-style body |
| LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | maple body | double cutaway | SG-style body |
| Model | Bridge | Hardware color | Tailpiece | Tuners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESP MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2007 | Tone Pros locking bridge, tune-o-matic bridge | black hardware | strings through-body tailpiece | Gotoh tuners |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA AX 2007 | Tone Pros locking bridge | black hardware | - | Gotoh tuners |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA EX 2011 | Tone Pros locking bridge | black hardware | - | Gotoh tuners |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA RPR 2016 | Tone Pros locking bridge | black hardware | - | Gotoh tuners |
| LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA) 2011 | tune-o-matic bridge | black hardware | stop tailpiece | - |
| LTD MAX-200 RPR 2016 | tune-o-matic bridge | black hardware | stop tailpiece | - |
| LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA) 2007 | Tone Pros locking bridge | black hardware | - | Gotoh tuners |
| LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | tune-o-matic bridge | black hardware | strings through-body tailpiece | - |
| LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2002 | tune-o-matic bridge | black hardware | strings through-body tailpiece | - |
| LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | Tone Pros locking bridge, tune-o-matic bridge | black hardware | strings through-body tailpiece | - |
| Model | Fingerboard material | Fingerboard position markers |
|---|---|---|
| ESP MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2007 | ebony fingerboard | soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA AX 2007 | ebony fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA EX 2011 | ebony fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA RPR 2016 | ebony fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA) 2011 | rosewood fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| LTD MAX-200 RPR 2016 | rosewood fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA) 2007 | ebony fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | rosewood fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2002 | rosewood fingerboard | dot fingerboard position markers |
| LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | rosewood fingerboard | cross fingerboard position markers, soulfly logo fingerboard position markers |
| Model | Neck joint | Neck material | Number of frets | Nut | Tuner layout | Neck profile | Neck width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESP MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2007 | neck through body | maple neck | 24 fret | graphite nut | three-each-side | - | - |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA AX 2007 | neck through body | maple neck | 24 fret | bone nut | three-each-side | thin neck profile | 1.65 inches wide at nut |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA EX 2011 | neck through body | maple neck | 22 fret | bone nut | six-in-a-row tuners | thin neck profile | 1.65 inches wide at nut |
| ESP MAX CAVALERA RPR 2016 | neck through body | maple neck | 22 fret | bone nut | six-in-a-row tuners | thin neck profile | 1.65 inches wide at nut |
| LTD MAX-200 (MAX CAVALERA) 2011 | bolt on neck | - | 22 fret | bone nut | six-in-a-row tuners | thin neck profile | 1.65 inches wide at nut |
| LTD MAX-200 RPR 2016 | bolt on neck | maple neck | 22 fret | - | six-in-a-row tuners | thin neck profile | 1.65 inches wide at nut |
| LTD MAX-600 (MAX CAVALERA) 2007 | neck through body | maple neck | 24 fret | bone nut | three-each-side | thin neck profile | 1.65 inches wide at nut |
| LTD MC-200 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | bolt on neck | - | 24 fret | - | three-each-side | - | - |
| LTD MC-500 MAX CAVALERA 2001 to 2002 | neck through body | maple neck | 24 fret | - | three-each-side | - | - |
| LTD MC-600 MAX CAVALERA 2003 to 2006 | neck through body | maple neck | 24 fret | - | three-each-side | - | - |