ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
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- SKU
- EKH3
- Color
- Black
Description
Sound & Tone
The active EMG BoneBreaker set pushes a high-output, tightly focused voice with plenty of upper-midrange bite, while the alder body, neck-thru construction and Macassar ebony fingerboard keep notes clear and sustaining under heavy gain. The 24.75" scale adds a touch of warmth and slinkiness to palm-muted riffing, and the extra-thin neck with scalloped upper frets favors fast lead runs and expressive vibrato. Best suited to thrash, modern metal and hard rock players who lean on the Floyd Rose for dives and want articulate, aggressive rhythm and solo tones.
ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
The ESP KH-3 Spider reissue puts you behind the instrument that defined Kirk Hammett's touring rig during Metallica's most explosive decade. Built by ESP Japan's custom shop with neck-thru-body construction, an extra-thin U-shaped neck profile, and scalloped upper frets, this guitar cuts through the mix on stage with commanding sustain and effortless upper-register access. The aggressive spider graphic and skull inlays across the black finish establish visual authority that matches the sonic firepower.
Playability & Build
Neck-thru-body construction with a 24.75" scale anchors your lead work with maximum sustain and frequency response that carries across any stage. The three-piece maple neck's extra-thin U-shaped profile sits naturally under your hand for rapid position shifts, and the scalloped fingerboard from frets 17–24 eliminates resistance during lead passages and vibrato techniques—critical for the speed and precision metal demands.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG BoneBreaker pickup set—Kirk's signature design—captures the articulate, high-output aggression that cuts through a wall of amplifiers without losing definition. Active electronics with independent volume controls for each pickup let you shape your tone on the fly, while the Floyd Rose Original bridge and locking nut lock in tuning stability through aggressive whammy bar work and extreme bends that define your signature sound.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction for superior sustain and resonance
- 24.75" scale with three-piece maple neck
- Alder body with black finish and metallic silver spider graphic
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets and spider/skull inlays
- Scalloped fingerboard from frets 17 to 24
- EMG Bonebreaker signature pickup set (Neck and Bridge)
- Floyd Rose 1000 bridge with locking nut (42mm width)
- Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile for rapid position changes
- Active electronics with Volume/Volume/Tone/Toggle Switch layout
- Grover tuners for precise, stable tuning
- Form-fit hard case included with Elixir Nanoweb Super Light strings (.009–.042)
This 30th-anniversary edition delivers the authentic KH-3 specifications and build quality that professional touring and studio players depend on for reliability and tone night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP KH-3 Spider is a neck-thru-body metal machine built to Kirk Hammett's exact specifications, featuring a scalloped fretboard, EMG BoneBreaker pickups, and Floyd Rose Original bridge for aggressive tones and rock-solid tuning stability under extreme whammy work. The extra-thin U-shaped neck and scalloped upper frets make speed runs and solos effortless, while the high-output active electronics cut through a mix with articulate, tight aggression. Built for touring professionals and serious metal players who demand uncompromising build quality and road reliability.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Acoustic Folk
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar designed for?
The KH-3 Spider is built for advanced and professional players. The extra-thin U-shaped neck, scalloped fretboard, and Floyd Rose Original bridge require familiarity with high-performance metal instruments and aggressive playing techniques.
Does this guitar come with a case and strings?
Yes, the KH-3 Spider includes a form-fit hard case and a set of Elixir Nanoweb Super Light strings (.009–.042 gauge).
What genres is this guitar best suited for?
The KH-3 Spider is engineered for metal, thrash metal, and hard rock. The high-output EMG BoneBreaker pickups and tight low-end response excel in heavy genres; it is not designed for jazz, blues, or acoustic folk styles.
How does the scalloped fretboard work?
The fingerboard is scalloped from frets 17 to 24, eliminating wood between the frets in that range to reduce friction during lead passages and vibrato techniques. This makes rapid position changes and bending smoother in the upper register.
What makes the Floyd Rose bridge suitable for touring?
The Floyd Rose Original bridge with locking nut (42mm width) maintains tuning stability through aggressive whammy bar dives and extreme bends, essential for professional live performance and studio work where tuning precision cannot slip.
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