ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
In stock
- SKU
- LKHVMGO-B
- Color
- Gold
Description
Sound & Tone
The EMG Bone Breaker set drives a high-output, aggressive voice: the ceramic bridge pickup delivers searing attack and cutting midrange for rhythm chugs and lead runs, while the alnico 5 neck unit rounds off the top end for smoother solo phrasing. Neck-thru korina construction with a Tone Pros locking bridge and string-through design pushes sustain and note bloom, and the 25.5" scale keeps low notes tight under high gain. With active electronics, an ebony fingerboard and 24 extra-jumbo frets on an extra-thin neck, it's aimed squarely at metal and hard rock players who spend time in the upper register.
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar — Metallic Gold B-Stock
The KH-V cuts a razor-sharp silhouette with its aggressive V-shaped body and neck-thru construction that locks your hand into a locked, responsive feel. The extra-thin U-shaped maple neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets deliver lightning-fast fret access and minimal finger fatigue, even during extended lead passages. Wrapped in Metallic Gold with matching gold hardware, this is Kirk Hammett's signature instrument—built for high-output aggression and stage presence.
Playability & Build
The three-piece maple neck with extra-thin U profile and macassar ebony fingerboard create an exceptionally fast platform for soloing and lead work. Neck-thru-body construction with solid korina ensures maximum sustain and resonance, while the Tone Pros locking bridge with string-through design and LTD locking tuning machines maintain pitch stability through aggressive playing and dive-bomb effects. On stage, this build stands up to the demands of touring musicians and hard-hitting performers.
Tone & Electronics
EMG Bone Breaker signature pickups (ceramic bridge BB-B; alnico 5 neck BB-N) deliver searing, high-output clarity with aggressive midrange punch ideal for metal and hard rock. The active electronics layout includes volume, tone, and three-way toggle switching for versatile tonal shaping without complexity—dialed in for live reliability and cut-through in a full band mix.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction for maximum sustain and resonance
- Solid korina body with Metallic Gold finish
- Three-piece maple neck with extra-thin U-shaped profile
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid wave inlays
- 25.5" scale length with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- EMG Bone Breaker signature pickups — ceramic bridge, alnico 5 neck
- Tone Pros locking bridge with string-through design
- Gold LTD locking tuning machines and gold dome knobs
- Molded nut (42mm width)
- Active electronics — volume, tone, three-way toggle
- Cream pickguard contrasting the metallic gold finish
- B-Stock condition — cosmetic blemishes only, full functionality
This is a professional-grade signature instrument with no compromises in construction or electronics—B-Stock pricing reflects appearance, not capability. Gigging musicians and serious players can rely on the same road-tested engineering and tone that define this design.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections typical of inventory overstock or display handling, with light marks on the body and headstock finish. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. You're securing a premium Kirk Hammett signature instrument at a significant B-Stock discount while maintaining full ESP manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD KH-V is Kirk Hammett's signature metal machine—a neck-thru powerhouse with an aggressive V silhouette, extra-thin U-shaped maple neck, and 24 extra-jumbo frets built for lightning-fast lead work and sustain-rich aggression. EMG Bone Breaker pickups deliver searing high-output clarity and midrange punch that cuts through any mix, while the Tone Pros locking bridge and LTD locking tuning machines hold pitch solid through aggressive playing and dive-bomb effects. This B-Stock unit offers professional-grade construction, playability, and tone at a discount—the cosmetic marks are purely superficial and zero impact on performance.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Lead work
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Acoustic-focused genres
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean for this guitar?
B-Stock means this KH-V is fully functional with no structural or tonal compromise—it carries only minor cosmetic imperfections such as light marks on the body and headstock finish, typically from inventory overstock or display handling. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity.
Is this guitar suitable for metal and hard rock, or can it handle other genres?
The KH-V is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, thrash metal, and high-gain lead work—its aggressive midrange punch, searing clarity, and active EMG Bone Breaker pickups are optimized for these styles. It is not designed for jazz, folk, or acoustic-focused genres and would be overspecced for those applications.
What skill level is this guitar for?
This is an intermediate-to-professional instrument—the extra-thin U-shaped neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets reward fast technique and extended soloing, but are most suited to intermediate, advanced, and professional players who can leverage its speed and sustain-rich response.
How does the KH-V compare to other high-end metal guitars?
The KH-V competes directly with the ESP LTD M-1000, Schecter C-1 SLS Elite, and Ibanez RG550—it distinguishes itself through neck-thru construction for maximum sustain, EMG Bone Breaker signature pickups for aggressive clarity, and Kirk Hammett's proven stage reliability in the most demanding metal environments.
What is included with this guitar?
The KH-V ships with a Tone Pros locking bridge, LTD locking tuning machines, EMG Bone Breaker pickups, active electronics with volume, tone, and three-way toggle switching, and all factory hardware. It does not include a case or strap—these are sold separately.
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