ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
Description
ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left-Handed Electric Guitar
The KH-202 LH delivers a comfortable, fast playing experience built around a lightweight basswood body and extra-thin U-contoured maple neck that feels responsive in hand. This left-handed signature model channels Kirk Hammett's design priorities: aggressive aesthetics paired with practical hardware and genuine playability for both studio work and live performance. The iconic skull-and-bones inlays and black finish reinforce its metal-focused identity without compromising versatility.
Playability & Design
The 25.5" scale and extra-thin U neck contour create a fast, low-profile platform ideal for lead work and rapid position shifts. 24 extra-jumbo frets with a 350mm fingerboard radius and 42mm locking nut provide both articulation and stable tuning retention, especially critical when using the Floyd Rose Special bridge for aggressive bending and divebombs on stage.
Electronics & Tone
The passive electronics configuration features ESP Designed LH-301N and LH-301B pickups paired with straightforward Volume/Volume/Tone/3-Way Switch controls, delivering direct signal path clarity for punchy midrange and articulate highs without unnecessary coloration. Stock D'Addario EXL120 strings (9-42 gauge) come pre-installed, ready for immediate play and gigging out of the box.
Key Features
- Left-handed configuration with all hardware properly mirrored
- Bolt-on neck construction for sustained resonance and easy maintenance
- Basswood body with black finish
- Roasted Jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Extra-thin U neck contour for speed and comfort
- 25.5" scale length with 350mm fingerboard radius and 42mm locking nut
- Floyd Rose Special bridge for reliable tremolo performance
- LTD tuners and black hardware throughout
- ESP Designed LH-301N (neck) and LH-301B (bridge) pickups
- Passive electronics with Volume/Volume/Tone/3-Way Switch controls
- Skull-and-bones signature inlays
- Includes D'Addario EXL120 strings (9-42 gauge)
This instrument combines proven signature-series engineering with left-handed accessibility, delivering solid gigging reliability and distinctive style at a mid-market price point.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD KH-202 LH is Kirk Hammett's left-handed signature design built for metal and hard rock players who demand speed, aggression, and stage reliability. The extra-thin U-contoured neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and Floyd Rose Special bridge make rapid lead work and aggressive bending feel effortless, while the ESP Designed pickups deliver tight lows and articulate highs that cut through a live mix. Left-handed players get a fully mirrored, road-ready instrument at a mid-market price without compromise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Lead Work
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this guitar suitable for metal and hard rock, or does it work in other styles?
The KH-202 LH is optimized for metal and hard rock lead work; the aggressive midrange, tight low end, and direct signal clarity are designed for those genres. It is not well-suited to jazz, folk, or worship music, where a different tonal character is typically preferred.
What skill level is this guitar for?
This model is built for intermediate to advanced and professional players who are comfortable with fast neck work, tremolo systems, and active stage performance. The extra-thin U neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets reward confident technique.
What comes in the box and what strings are included?
The guitar ships fully assembled with D'Addario EXL120 strings (9-42 gauge) pre-installed and ready to play. A standard gig bag or case is not mentioned in the specs, so verify what carrying case you may need separately.
How does the Floyd Rose Special bridge perform in live and studio use?
The Floyd Rose Special is engineered for reliable tremolo performance, stable tuning retention, and the ability to execute aggressive bending and divebombs without drift—critical for metal lead work on stage or in the studio. The 42mm locking nut at the headstock locks the strings securely to prevent tuning instability.
How does this compare to other metal-focused left-handed guitars like the Ibanez RG or Jackson Dinky?
The KH-202 LH competes directly with the Ibanez RG Standard and Jackson Dinky as a mid-market metal platform; it combines a lightweight basswood body, extra-thin neck contour, and Floyd Rose bridge in a left-handed configuration. Direct comparison of tone and feel requires hands-on testing, as each brand has its own pickup voicing and body resonance.