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
Specifications
| Body Style | Other |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 24.75" Scale |
| Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickups | Active HH |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Original |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2022 |
| Made In | Japan |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar designed for?
The KH-3 Spider is built for advanced to professional players. The scalloped frets, extra-thin U-shaped neck, and 24.75-inch scale are optimized for rapid position changes and high-gain lead work, making it best suited to experienced players comfortable with aggressive playing styles and extreme tunings.
What pickup set does this guitar use, and what kinds of tones can it produce?
The KH-3 features EMG Bonebreaker signature pickups with active electronics designed for high-output aggression and articulate response across modern metal, thrash, and hard rock. The independent volume controls and toggle switch layout allow you to dial in aggressive cleans to extreme gain tones.
How does the Floyd Rose 1000 bridge and locking nut handle drop tunings and whammy bar abuse?
The Floyd Rose 1000 with a 42mm locking nut maintains precise tuning stability through extreme whammy bar work, aggressive bends, and drop-tuned riffing without slip. Neck-thru-body construction reinforces sustain and resonance to support the bridge's locking performance.
What makes the scalloped fingerboard useful?
Scalloped frets from position 17 to 24 eliminate friction during fast lead passages and whammy bar techniques, allowing for unobstructed access to upper registers and faster position changes without the fingerboard surface impeding your playing.
Is this guitar suitable for jazz, blues, or folk genres?
No. The KH-3 Spider is purpose-built for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and drop-tuned styles. Its high-output pickups, aggressive electronics, and scalloped upper frets are optimized for modern metal tones and lead work, not the tonal versatility or playability those genres require.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $385 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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