LKH202 vs LM200FMSTBLK — Compare
ESP LTD Kirk Hammet KH-202 Signature Electric Guitar Black vs ESP LTD M-200FM Electric Guitar See Thru Black
The KH-202 is a compact, drop-tuning specialist with a focused aggressive voice and extra-thin neck ideal for metal players seeking fatigue-free shredding, while the M-200FM offers a more versatile rock-metal platform with a flame maple top, coil-split humbuckers, and broader tonal range for players wanting studio and live flexibility.
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ESP LTD Kirk Hammet KH-202 Signature Electric Guitar Black
ESP LTD M-200FM Electric Guitar See Thru Black
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Kirk Hammet KH-202 Signature Electric Guitar Black | ESP LTD M-200FM Electric Guitar See Thru Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | — | LTD M |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Jatoba |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Tremolo |
| Year | 2017 | 2018 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Kirk Hammet KH-202 Signature Electric Guitar Black
- ✓ Signature model designed specifically for Kirk Hammett's metal aesthetic and playing style
- ✓ Extra-thin U-shaped neck reduces hand fatigue during extended metal sessions
- ✓ Focused midrange and aggressive character tailored for drop tunings and palm muting
Why choose ESP LTD M-200FM Electric Guitar See Thru Black
- ✓ Flame maple top in See Thru Black finish provides striking visual appeal and balanced weight
- ✓ LH-150 humbuckers with push/pull coil split offer greater tonal versatility beyond pure metal
- ✓ Slightly wider nut width and roomy fretboard spacing suit diverse playing styles
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for genres beyond metal?
The M-200FM excels in rock, hard rock, and studio work because its LH-150 humbuckers with coil split provide punchy highs and thick chords suited to multiple styles. The KH-202 is optimized specifically for metal and drop tunings.
How do the pickups differ?
The KH-202 uses ESP Designed LH-301 pickups (neck/bridge) for focused midrange and articulate highs in a metal voice. The M-200FM uses LH-150 humbuckers with a push/pull coil split for versatile crispcut clarity and thick saturation across more genres.
What is the practical difference in neck feel?
Both have extra-thin U contours and 25.5" scale, but the KH-202 has a 42mm nut width optimized for metal techniques like palm muting, while the M-200FM has a slightly wider 1.69" (43mm) nut for broader string spacing and diverse playing styles.
Which has better visual appeal?
The M-200FM features a striking figured flame maple top in See Thru Black gloss finish with minimal inlay ornamentation. The KH-202 channels Kirk Hammett's signature metal aesthetic without the flame top.