LEC01FTBLK vs LKH602-B — Compare
ESP LTD EC-01FT Black Electric Guitar vs ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar Black B-Stock
The EC-01FT is a versatile, comfortable workhorse with a focused midrange tone and set-thru construction, while the KH-602 is a specialized metal machine with aggressive high-output pickups, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and neck-thru design for maximum sustain and upper-fret access. Choose the EC-01FT for balanced rock/metal playing and extended comfort; choose the KH-602 if you prioritize shredding speed, aggressive gain, and whammy bar expressiveness.
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ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar Black B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD EC-01FT Black Electric Guitar | ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar Black B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099.00 | $1,119.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD EC | — |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Maple |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tremolo |
| Year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD EC-01FT Black Electric Guitar
- ✓ Thin U-neck and 24.75" scale offer comfortable ergonomics for long sessions
- ✓ Set-thru construction with Seymour Duncan Custom 14 delivers focused, articulate midrange ideal for clean riffs and leads
- ✓ Passive electronics mean no batteries, simpler signal path, and lower maintenance
- ✓ Master volume push/pull gain control adds tonal flexibility without added complexity
Why choose ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar Black B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-through construction and 24 extra-jumbo frets enable seamless upper-fret access for soloists and shredders
- ✓ Dual EMG Bone Breaker active pickups deliver high-output aggression and noise-free crushing distortion
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system allows smooth dive bombs, whammy effects, and superior tuning stability under aggressive use
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers professional-grade Kirk Hammett signature specs at lower cost with full setup included
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference in construction between these two?
The EC-01FT uses set-thru construction, where the neck bolts into the body for strong sustain; the KH-602 uses neck-through construction, where the neck extends fully through the body for even greater sustain and easier access to the highest frets. Both maximize resonance, but neck-through is generally preferred for shredding and soloing.
Which guitar is better for beginners or intermediate players?
The EC-01FT is more forgiving for intermediate players due to its comfortable thin U-neck, passive electronics, and simpler control layout. The KH-602 is optimized for advanced/professional metal players and shredders with its extra-thin neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets; it demands technical proficiency and aggressive playing style to shine.
What are the key tone differences?
The EC-01FT delivers focused, articulate output with strong midrange—suited to balanced rock and metal tones. The KH-602's dual EMG Bone Breaker pickups are high-output and designed for crushing, aggressive distortion in tight high-gain contexts with superior clarity under saturation. The EC-01FT is warmer; the KH-602 is fiercer.
Why would I need the Floyd Rose tremolo on the KH-602?
The Floyd Rose 1000 enables smooth, expressive whammy-bar effects—dive bombs, flutter, and vibrato—plus maintains tuning stability during aggressive tremolo use and drop-tuning. The EC-01FT has no tremolo, making it better for standard tuning and stationary tones.