ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Black Sparkle
Description
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Black Sparkle
The KH-V cuts through with immediate aggression and articulation via neck-thru-body construction that locks in sustain and clarity across every bend and dive. The Extra Thin-U neck profile and contoured body sit naturally in your hands during marathon studio and stage sessions, whether you're driving brutal riffs or executing intricate lead passages. Built to handle the punishment of heavy metal and hard rock, this signature model responds with punch and precision across the entire fretboard.
Build & Playability
The three-piece maple neck paired with korina body construction delivers responsive, singing sustain through the string-through body design, while the 24 extra-jumbo frets and 350mm radius macassar ebony fingerboard feel fast and forgiving under your fingers. The Extra Thin-U neck profile combined with locking hardware means your tuning stays locked in during the most demanding live sets and studio takes, reducing hand fatigue across long sessions.
Tone & Electronics
Dual EMG BoneBreaker active humbuckers—ceramic in the bridge position and alnico 5 at the neck—deliver articulate, aggressive output with controlled dynamics that sit perfectly in a live mix. The custom-voiced preamp balances volume and gain for clarity that cuts through dense arrangements without losing definition or note separation.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction with three-piece maple neck and korina body
- Black Sparkle finish with black hardware and black pickguard
- 25.5-inch scale with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Extra Thin-U neck profile
- 350mm radius macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid wave inlays
- EMG BoneBreaker BB-B ceramic bridge and EMG BoneBreaker BB-N alnico 5 neck humbuckers
- Custom-voiced preamp balancing volume and gain
- Locking tuners and Tonepros Locking TOM bridge
- Graphite nut
- String-through body for extra sustain
- Form-fitting hardcase included
The KH-V merges road-tested hardware, hot pickups, and ergonomic design into a gigging workhorse engineered for high-output playing styles and built to last.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD KH-V is Kirk Hammett's signature metal machine—a neck-thru-body shredder with dual EMG BoneBreaker humbuckers and an Extra Thin-U profile neck that lets you tear through brutal riffs and technical solos without breaking a sweat. Built for intermediate to pro players chasing aggressive tone that cuts through a full band, this guitar delivers articulate highs, tight lows, and sustain that demands respect on stage or in the rehearsal room. The lightweight body, locking hardware, and string-through design mean you can count on it night after night.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What neck profile does the KH-V have, and who should play it?
The Extra Thin-U neck profile is fast and comfortable for extended sessions, designed to reduce fatigue during demanding play. It suits intermediate to advanced players comfortable with aggressive playing styles and tight neck geometry.
What pickups are in this guitar?
The KH-V features dual EMG BoneBreaker humbuckers: a ceramic pickup in the bridge position for maximum output and a alnico 5 pickup at the neck for balanced articulation. Both are paired with a custom-voiced preamp that balances gain and clarity.
Is the KH-V good for metal and hard rock?
Yes. The aggressive output, tight low end, articulate highs, and high sustain make it purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and thrash. The neck-thru-body design and string-through construction maximize clarity and punch in dense mixes.
What hardware and build features keep this guitar stable and reliable?
The KH-V includes locking tuners, a Tonepros Locking TOM bridge, a graphite nut, and a three-piece maple neck with korina body. The string-through design adds extra sustain and the neck-thru-body construction ensures long-term stability.
What comes with the guitar?
The KH-V includes a form-fitting hardcase. The Black Sparkle finish ships with black hardware and a black pickguard.
Similar Guitars
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this guitar.