LKH202LH-B vs LVIPER256STBC-B — Compare
ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric B-Stock vs ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock
The KH-202 LH is a left-handed thrash-metal specialist with a faster 25.5" scale and Floyd Rose bridge for aggressive bending, while the Viper-256 is a right-handed all-rounder with a warmer, more versatile mahogany body and coil-split humbuckers. Choose the KH-202 if you play left-handed metal; choose the Viper-256 if you're right-handed and want tonal flexibility across hard rock, metal, and blues.
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ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric B-Stock
ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric B-Stock | ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.20 | $399.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | — | LTD Viper |
| Body Type | — | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | — | 6 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | — | Jatoba |
| Neck | — | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | — | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | — | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | — | 2021 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric B-Stock
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with properly mirrored hardware
- ✓ Floyd Rose Special bridge enables divebombs and aggressive vibrato techniques
- ✓ Faster 25.5" scale and extra-thin neck ideal for rapid lead work
- ✓ Kirk Hammett signature design with metal-focused aesthetics
Why choose ESP LTD Viper-256 Guitar in See-Thru Black Cherry Finish B-Stock
- ✓ Set-neck construction delivers enhanced sustain and resonance
- ✓ Coil-split humbuckers provide warmth and single-coil brightness versatility
- ✓ Mahogany body with see-thru finish offers visual appeal and full-bodied tone
- ✓ Slightly shorter 24.75" scale feels more traditional and comfortable for chords
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
Both handle metal, but the KH-202 LH is purpose-built for thrash with its Floyd Rose bridge and aggressive pickup output. The Viper-256 works for metal but excels equally in blues and hard rock due to its coil-split flexibility and warmer character.
What's the key difference in how they feel to play?
The KH-202 LH has a faster, lower-profile 25.5" scale and extra-thin neck optimized for lead work and position shifts. The Viper-256's 24.75" scale and set-neck feel more traditional and provide better sustain for sustained chords and solos.
Why is the KH-202 left-handed only while the Viper-256 isn't specified?
The KH-202 is a Kirk Hammett signature model available in left-handed configuration for left-handed players. The Viper-256 is listed as a standard right-handed model; these are the orientations available from this retailer.
Which offers more tonal versatility?
The Viper-256's coil-split humbuckers and mahogany body provide broader tonal range from warm to bright. The KH-202's direct signal path and single pickup configuration are more focused on aggressive, articulate metal tones.