LEC256SW vs LKH202LH — Compare
ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Snow White vs ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
The EC-256 is a set-neck mahogany guitar optimized for balanced, versatile rock and blues tones, while the KH-202 LH is a left-handed signature model built for aggressive metal with a Floyd Rose bridge and faster neck geometry. Choose the EC-256 for traditional rock versatility; choose the KH-202 LH if you're left-handed and want a metal-focused instrument with advanced bridge hardware.
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ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Snow White
ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Snow White | ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD EC | LTD Kirk Hammett |
| Body | Semi-Hollow Body | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Year | 2017 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Snow White
- ✓ Set-neck construction and mahogany body deliver warmer, sustained tone ideal for rock and blues
- ✓ Coil-split switching via push-pull tone knob extends tonal range beyond metal into cleaner styles
- ✓ TOM bridge and tailpiece provide stable, resonant tuning without learning curve of Floyd Rose
Why choose ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with properly mirrored hardware—essential for left-handed players
- ✓ Floyd Rose Special bridge enables aggressive dive-bombs and bending for thrash and metal
- ✓ Extra-thin U-contoured neck and 25.5" scale optimize speed and rapid lead transitions
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for metal?
The KH-202 LH is specifically designed for metal, with aggressive pickup voicing, Floyd Rose bridge for extreme bending, and Kirk Hammett's signature configuration. The EC-256 works well for rock-tinged metal but is more versatile across genres.
What's the neck difference?
The EC-256 has a thin U-shaped mahogany set-neck at 24.75" scale; the KH-202 LH has an extra-thin U-contoured roasted Jatoba bolt-on at 25.5" scale. The KH-202 LH neck is faster and lower-profile for lead speed, while the EC-256 offers warmer sustain and traditional set-neck resonance.
Can I play both styles on either guitar?
The EC-256 can handle metal with its articulate pickups and aggressive playing, but lacks the Floyd Rose bridge for extreme techniques. The KH-202 LH can play rock and blues, but its high-output pickups and metal aesthetics make it less naturally suited to those genres.
What about the bridge hardware?
EC-256 uses a TOM bridge with tailpiece for stable, easy tuning and classic tone. KH-202 LH uses a Floyd Rose Special for extreme bending, dive-bombs, and whammy bar effects—more complex to set up but essential for thrash metal techniques.