EFRXCTMSTBLKSB-2 vs EKH3 — Compare
ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst vs ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
The FRX Kiso Custom is a versatile workhorse suited to hard rock, progressive, and studio work with warm midrange and balanced pickup options, while the KH-3 Spider is a signature metal instrument optimized for extreme lead playing and aggressive tones with active pickups and scalloped frets. Choose the FRX for stylistic flexibility; choose the KH-3 if you're committed to metal and want Kirk Hammett's touring-proven design.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
Specs side by side
| ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst | ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,499.00 | $5,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II FRX | — |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Other |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Rosewood |
| Neck | — | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | 2013 | 2022 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
- ✓ Set-thru neck construction with quilted maple top offers striking aesthetics and warm, articulate tone
- ✓ Seymour Duncan passive pickups provide classic rock versatility alongside high-gain capability
- ✓ 25.5-inch scale and 305mm radius fingerboard suit a wider range of tunings and playing styles
- ✓ Intermediate to professional skill range makes it accessible to growing players
Why choose ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
- ✓ Neck-thru-body construction maximizes sustain and resonance—industry standard for metal
- ✓ Scalloped fretboard (frets 17–24) eliminates friction for speed work and vibrato techniques
- ✓ EMG BoneBreaker active pickups deliver high-output articulate aggression tailored to extreme metal
- ✓ Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile optimized for rapid lead passages and shredding
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
The KH-3 Spider is purpose-built for metal with scalloped frets, active EMG pickups, and a shorter 24.75-inch scale that favors lower tunings. The FRX Kiso Custom handles high-gain but is more versatile across genres.
What's the key difference in neck construction?
The FRX uses set-thru construction (body wraps around neck base), while the KH-3 uses full neck-thru-body (one piece from headstock to body end). Neck-thru provides slightly more sustain; set-thru balances sustain with tonal character and is easier to repair.
Which has easier upper-fret access?
The KH-3 Spider excels with its scalloped fretboard on frets 17–24, designed for rapid vibrato and lead work. The FRX offers 24 jumbo frets across a standard fingerboard—excellent but not scalloped.
Are the pickups different enough to matter?
Yes. The FRX uses passive Seymour Duncan pickups (warm, touch-responsive, flexible tone shaping) while the KH-3 uses active EMG BoneBreaker pickups (high-output, articulate, consistent aggression). Active pickups suit metal; passive pickups suit mixing rock and prog tones.