ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
Description
ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
The ESP KH-3 Spider reissue captures the sonic aggression and precision that defined Kirk Hammett's studio and touring work throughout Metallica's 90s era, rebuilt with the exacting standards of ESP Japan's custom shop. The neck-thru-body construction and scalloped upper fretboard deliver the sustain and resonance critical for tracking high-gain lead work and layering complex rhythm parts, while the extra-thin U-shaped neck profile ensures rapid access to upper registers during session overdubs. The aggressive spider graphic and skull inlays across the black finish make a visually distinctive statement in any recording environment.
Playability & Build
Neck-thru-body construction with a 24.75" scale maximizes sustain and tonal coherence across the full frequency range—essential for capturing articulate leads and sustaining notes during multi-tracked sessions. The three-piece maple neck with extra-thin U-shaped profile enables precision work across the fretboard, and the scalloped fingerboard from frets 17–24 reduces friction during lead passages and vibrato techniques, critical for repeatable takes in the studio.
Tone & Recording Applications
The EMG BoneBreaker pickup set—Kirk's signature design—delivers the articulate, high-output character essential for cutting through dense mixes and tracking aggressive rhythm and lead parts with clarity. Active electronics with independent volume controls for each pickup enable quick tonal adjustments between takes, allowing you to dial in the exact aggression needed for each session. The Floyd Rose Original bridge maintains tuning stability through extreme whammy bar techniques while the locking nut prevents slip during aggressive bends, keeping your tracking sessions locked in time.
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 authentic KH-3 specifications with the build quality and electronics required for professional studio tracking and session work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The KH-3 Spider's neck-thru construction and articulate EMG BoneBreaker pickup set capture the aggressive, sustain-rich tones essential for metal recording, with tight low-end definition that translates cleanly to tape and digital. The scalloped upper fretboard and active electronics give you precision control over tone shaping during tracking and overdubs, while the Floyd Rose bridge lets you layer dramatic pitch effects without fighting tuning drift. A versatile studio tool for any producer or engineer tracking heavy music with a focus on articulation and dynamic range.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KH-3 Spider suitable for jazz or blues playing?
No; the KH-3 Spider is purpose-built for metal and hard rock. The high-output EMG BoneBreaker pickups, aggressive scalloped fretboard design, and Floyd Rose bridge are optimized for lead-driven metal work and sustained high-gain playing, not the dynamic expression and smooth sustain that jazz or blues playing requires.
What makes the scalloped fretboard beneficial?
Scalloping on frets 17–24 eliminates friction between your fingers and the fretboard, allowing you to execute rapid lead passages, wide vibratos, and extreme pitch bends without fighting string resistance. This is essential for speed-heavy metal technique and sustained vibrato effects.
How does the neck-thru-body construction affect tone and sustain?
Neck-thru-body construction creates a solid wood path from headstock to body end, delivering superior sustain and resonant low-end definition across the full frequency range. This design is favored for high-gain metal where articulation and long-decaying notes are critical.
What is included with the guitar?
The KH-3 Spider ships with a form-fit hard case and a set of Elixir Nanoweb Super Light strings in .009–.042 gauge, ready for immediate use and touring.
How stable is the tuning system during heavy whammy bar use?
The Floyd Rose 1000 bridge combined with a locking nut provides exceptional tuning stability during aggressive whammy bar dives and bends. This is essential for modern metal performance where pitch effects are a core part of the playing style.
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