ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
Description
ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
The ESP KH-3 Spider reissue puts you behind the instrument that defined Kirk Hammett's touring rig during Metallica's most explosive decade. Built by ESP Japan's custom shop with neck-thru-body construction, an extra-thin U-shaped neck profile, and scalloped upper frets, this guitar cuts through the mix on stage with commanding sustain and effortless upper-register access. The aggressive spider graphic and skull inlays across the black finish establish visual authority that matches the sonic firepower.
Playability & Build
Neck-thru-body construction with a 24.75" scale anchors your lead work with maximum sustain and frequency response that carries across any stage. The three-piece maple neck's extra-thin U-shaped profile sits naturally under your hand for rapid position shifts, and the scalloped fingerboard from frets 17–24 eliminates resistance during lead passages and vibrato techniques—critical for the speed and precision metal demands.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG BoneBreaker pickup set—Kirk's signature design—captures the articulate, high-output aggression that cuts through a wall of amplifiers without losing definition. Active electronics with independent volume controls for each pickup let you shape your tone on the fly, while the Floyd Rose Original bridge and locking nut lock in tuning stability through aggressive whammy bar work and extreme bends that define your signature sound.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction for superior sustain and resonance
- 24.75" scale with three-piece maple neck
- Alder body with black finish and metallic silver spider graphic
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets and spider/skull inlays
- Scalloped fingerboard from frets 17 to 24
- EMG Bonebreaker signature pickup set (Neck and Bridge)
- Floyd Rose 1000 bridge with locking nut (42mm width)
- Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile for rapid position changes
- Active electronics with Volume/Volume/Tone/Toggle Switch layout
- Grover tuners for precise, stable tuning
- Form-fit hard case included with Elixir Nanoweb Super Light strings (.009–.042)
This 30th-anniversary edition delivers the authentic KH-3 specifications and build quality that professional touring and studio players depend on for reliability and tone night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP KH-3 Spider is a neck-thru-body metal machine built to Kirk Hammett's exacting standards, featuring a scalloped fretboard, EMG BoneBreaker pickups, and Floyd Rose Original bridge for tuning stability through aggressive whammy work. The extra-thin U-shaped neck and upper-fret scalloping make it a speed player's dream, delivering articulate high-output tones and sustain that cuts through a live metal mix. This 30th-anniversary reissue combines touring-grade reliability with unmistakable visual aggression—built for professionals and serious metal players who demand playability and road endurance.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KH-3 Spider suitable for jazz or blues playing?
No; the KH-3 Spider is purpose-built for metal and hard rock. The high-output EMG BoneBreaker pickups, aggressive scalloped fretboard design, and Floyd Rose bridge are optimized for lead-driven metal work and sustained high-gain playing, not the dynamic expression and smooth sustain that jazz or blues playing requires.
What makes the scalloped fretboard beneficial?
Scalloping on frets 17–24 eliminates friction between your fingers and the fretboard, allowing you to execute rapid lead passages, wide vibratos, and extreme pitch bends without fighting string resistance. This is essential for speed-heavy metal technique and sustained vibrato effects.
How does the neck-thru-body construction affect tone and sustain?
Neck-thru-body construction creates a solid wood path from headstock to body end, delivering superior sustain and resonant low-end definition across the full frequency range. This design is favored for high-gain metal where articulation and long-decaying notes are critical.
What is included with the guitar?
The KH-3 Spider ships with a form-fit hard case and a set of Elixir Nanoweb Super Light strings in .009–.042 gauge, ready for immediate use and touring.
How stable is the tuning system during heavy whammy bar use?
The Floyd Rose 1000 bridge combined with a locking nut provides exceptional tuning stability during aggressive whammy bar dives and bends. This is essential for modern metal performance where pitch effects are a core part of the playing style.
Similar Guitars
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this guitar.