ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Black Sparkle 0576
Description
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Black Sparkle
The KH-V grips like a weapon in your hands—the extra-thin U-shaped neck profile cuts through fatigue during marathon sets, while 24 extra-jumbo frets let you navigate the board with surgical precision. Neck-thru-body construction in three-piece maple and korina adds 7.8 lbs of focused density that anchors the instrument and sends pure resonance through your rig. The Black Sparkle finish with wave inlays and black hardware commands attention under stage lights and pairs with the machine-like reliability this signature demands.
Playability & Feel
The extra-thin U-shaped maple neck meets a macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid wave inlays, creating a fast playing surface that rewards aggressive lead technique and complex fingerings without fighting you. Graphite nut and LTD locking tuners lock in tuning rock-solid even through the heaviest riffing, while the 25.5" scale delivers the string tension and pitch response hard rock and metal players expect—no surprises mid-show.
Tone & Electronics
EMG BoneBreaker active humbuckers—ceramic in the bridge position and alnico 5 at the neck—cut through a mix with high-output clarity, pronounced midrange, and sustain built for the signature metal tones Kirk demands. The active electronics with volume, tone, and three-way toggle selector keep things straightforward: dial in your aggression and trust it stays locked across every dynamic shift in your playing.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction with three-piece maple neck and korina body
- 25.5" scale length
- Extra-thin U-shaped maple neck profile
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid wave inlays
- 24 extra-jumbo frets
- EMG BoneBreaker BB-B ceramic bridge humbucker
- EMG BoneBreaker BB-N alnico 5 neck humbucker
- Active electronics with volume, tone, and three-way toggle controls
- Locking TOM-style bridge with string-thru design
- LTD locking tuners and graphite nut
- Black Sparkle finish with black hardware and black pickguard
- 6-string configuration; 7.8 lb weight
This Kirk Hammett signature model pairs meticulous ESP craftsmanship with components voiced specifically for high-gain aggression—a tour-ready instrument built to handle the demands of serious live players and collectors of signature iron.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The KH-V is Kirk Hammett's signature thrash metal machine—a neck-thru-body powerhouse with an extra-thin U-shaped neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets that let you shred upper register runs with minimal hand fatigue. EMG BoneBreaker active humbuckers (ceramic bridge, alnico 5 neck) pump out aggressive midrange and sustain with laser-focused stage projection, while the graphite nut and locking tuners keep you locked in during the most demanding live sets. Built for intermediate to pro players chasing metal ferocity with zero-compromise reliability.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar designed for?
The KH-V is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The extra-thin neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets excel at rapid lead work and upper register access, making it ideal for metal and hard rock styles where speed and precision are essential.
What pickup configuration does it have?
It features two EMG BoneBreaker active humbuckers: a ceramic-loaded bridge pickup for high-output aggression and an alnico 5 neck pickup for slightly warmer character. Active electronics give you consistent gain and tone control across dynamic playing.
Is this guitar suitable for jazz or acoustic styles?
No, the KH-V is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and thrash—not recommended for jazz, folk, or worship applications. Its aggressive tone profile, active electronics, and high-output pickups are optimized for high-gain contexts.
What keeps the tuning stable during heavy playing?
The guitar uses LTD locking tuners and a graphite nut to lock in pitch, plus a string-thru TOM-style bridge designed for demanding performance conditions. This combination ensures tuning stability even under aggressive bending and tremolo use.
How does the neck construction affect tone and weight?
The neck-thru-body design uses a three-piece maple and korina construction that delivers 7.8 lbs of focused density, adding sustain and resonance while maintaining a fast, responsive playing feel. This mass contributes to the tonal authority needed for stage projection.
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