ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Guitar
Description
ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Guitar
The KH-602 is a neck-thru workhorse built for lead players who prioritize precision, sustain, and uncompromising tuning stability. This signature model channels Kirk Hammett's approach through a compact, ergonomic double-cutaway designed for speed and control under pressure. The extra-thin U-shaped maple neck and locking nut system lock your pitch solid through extended solos and aggressive bends.
Playability & Feel
Neck-thru construction and an extra-thin U-shaped maple neck deliver immediate fret access without hindering upper-register runs. The 25.5" scale and macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets let your fingers work fast and clean, while the 350mm (13.75") fingerboard radius and 42mm nut width give you a gripped feel that supports both speed and articulation on stage and in the studio.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG 60 humbucker in the neck position and EMG 81 in the bridge cut through the mix with high-output definition, tracking every pick attack without drowning out the mid-range. Three-position pickup selection and dedicated tone controls let you dial between voiced clarity and searing aggression, all anchored by the Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo bridge for stable whammy work and expressive pitch control that stays locked in.
Key Features
- Neck-thru construction with alder body
- Double-cutaway design
- 3-piece maple neck
- 25.5" scale length
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- 350mm (13.75") fingerboard radius
- 42mm (1.65") nut width
- Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile
- Locking nut
- Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo bridge
- EMG 60 and EMG 81 Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups
- Black hardware and finish with skull-and-bones inlays
This is a purpose-built instrument for players who demand stability, speed, and aggressive tone in a single package.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD KH-602 is Kirk Hammett's signature thrash-metal platform—a neck-thru, extra-thin U-shaped maple neck with 24 extra-jumbo frets and Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo that locks in tight tuning for aggressive lead work and dive-bombs. Built for intermediate to advanced players and professionals chasing articulate, high-output tone from EMG 81 and 60 humbuckers without sacrifice to definition or speed, this double-cutaway rewards fast technique and upper-fret access on stages and in the studio. Choose it for razor-sharp responsiveness, roadworthy tremolo stability, and the ergonomic balance that made Kirk's lead style possible.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Lead Work
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar built for?
The KH-602 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who have developed speed and technique. The extra-thin neck profile, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and tight upper-fret access reward fast lead work, while the aggressive pickup character and tight tremolo system demand confident, controlled playing.
What genres and playing styles does this guitar excel at?
This is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and thrash metal—particularly lead work and soloing. The high-output EMG pickups, articulate definition, and pitch-manipulation capabilities of the Floyd Rose make it ideal for aggressive playing; it is not designed for jazz, folk, or country applications.
How does the neck-thru construction and extra-thin profile affect playability?
Neck-thru design eliminates body-joint dead zones and provides immediate responsiveness across all frets. The extra-thin U-shaped maple neck with 350mm (13.75-inch) radius and 42mm nut width balances speed and precision grip, while the 25.5-inch scale and 24 extra-jumbo frets support fast, articulate lead technique without fatigue.
What electronics and controls does the KH-602 include?
The guitar features EMG 60 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups with three-position pickup selection and dedicated tone controls, allowing quick access to mid-range sweetness or searing treble. A Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo bridge with locking nut keeps tuning stable during intense playing and pitch manipulation.
How does this compare to other metal lead guitars?
The KH-602 sits alongside the Ibanez RG550, Jackson Soloist SL2Q, and Schecter Hellraiser C-7 as a high-performance lead platform. ESP LTD's neck-thru construction, extra-jumbo frets, and the signature EMG pairing deliver aggressive tone with articulate definition specifically tailored to Kirk Hammett's thrash-metal style and technique.