LALEXIRIPPED-B2311 vs LKHVMGO-B — Compare
ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311 vs ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
Both are mid-tier signature metal guitars with neck-thru construction and scalloped ebony fingerboards, but the Alexi Laiho features a Floyd Rose bridge for radical pitch shifting while the Kirk Hammett uses a Tone Pros locking bridge for stability. Choose the Alexi for technical lead work with whammy bar tricks; choose the Kirk Hammett for aggressive soloing and straightforward tuning reliability.
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ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311 | ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,439.20 | $1,439.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Snakebyte | — |
| Body | Flying V | Explorer |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2021 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311
- ✓ Double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 bridge enables extreme pitch bends and dive-bomb effects
- ✓ Scalloped frets (19-24) provide enhanced bending control and finger speed
- ✓ EMG HZ neck pickup offers mid-rich clarity for tonal versatility beyond pure aggression
- ✓ Glow-in-the-dark side markers improve visibility during live performance
Why choose ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
- ✓ EMG Bone Breaker signature pickups deliver higher output and searing clarity optimized for lead work
- ✓ Tone Pros string-through bridge design maximizes body resonance and sustain
- ✓ Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile reduces finger fatigue during extended soloing
- ✓ Simpler active electronics (volume, tone, 3-way toggle) for easier tonal control on stage
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for lead soloing?
Both excel at lead work. The Kirk Hammett's higher-output Bone Breaker pickups and simpler bridge design make it more straightforward for aggressive solos, while the Alexi Laiho's scalloped frets and Floyd Rose offer superior control for technical bending and pitch effects during extended passages.
What's the main hardware difference?
The Alexi Laiho uses a double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 for extreme whammy effects and pitch shifts, requiring regular maintenance. The Kirk Hammett uses a Tone Pros locking bridge with string-through design, offering simpler operation and maximum body resonance without whammy bar capability.
Are the pickup sets different in character?
Yes. The Alexi Laiho pairs an EMG HZ bridge humbucker with an EMG HZ neck stacked coil for versatile aggression and clarity. The Kirk Hammett uses EMG Bone Breaker pickups (ceramic bridge, alnico neck) that are higher-output and more searing, optimized purely for aggressive metal tone.
Which neck feels faster for technical playing?
Both have extra-thin U-shaped maple necks with 24 extra-jumbo frets for speed. The Alexi Laiho's scalloped frets (19-24) provide a slight advantage for expressive bending, while the Kirk Hammett's unscalloped board offers a traditional feel with minimal fatigue during long sessions.