ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammet Electric Guitar Purple Sparkle
Description
ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar in Purple Sparkle
The LTD KH-602 is engineered for capturing aggressive, articulate tones in the studio and delivering consistent, responsive performance during tracking sessions. Its neck-through construction and extra-thin U-shaped maple neck provide the sustain and upper-fret access needed for layered riff work and lead recording, while the lightweight alder body balances tonal resonance with the comfort required during long mixing-focused sessions. This Purple Sparkle finish brings professional-grade hardware and electronics to a price point accessible to home-studio owners, producers, and working musicians tracking high-gain material.
Playability & Feel
The three-piece extra-thin U-shaped maple neck paired with a pau ferro fingerboard and 24 extra-jumbo frets enables precise position shifts and aggressive playing techniques essential for studio tracking. At 25.5" scale length with a 350mm fingerboard radius, the KH-602 delivers the ergonomic comfort and accurate fretwork needed for consistent takes and complex layering, while the 42mm locking nut ensures tuning stability throughout recording sessions, especially when using the tremolo for controlled modulation and effects.
Tone & Recording Clarity
A matched pair of EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups with active electronics deliver high-output, articulate tones optimized for clarity at extreme gain levels—critical for cutting through dense mixes and maintaining definition during heavy processing. The 2 volume, 1 tone, and 3-way slotted switch configuration provides immediate real-time control over pickup selection and tone shaping during tracking and overdubs, while the Floyd Rose 1000 bridge enables both subtle vibrato texturing and dramatic pitch effects for specialized recording applications.
Key Features
- Neck-through-body construction for superior sustain and upper fret access
- Alder body with Purple Sparkle finish
- Three-piece extra-thin U-shaped maple neck
- Pau ferro fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets and Kirk's skull-and-bones inlays
- 25.5" scale length with 350mm fingerboard radius
- EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups with active electronics
- Floyd Rose 1000 bridge with 42mm locking nut
- 2 volume, 1 tone, 3-way slotted switch
- LTD tuners with black hardware
- Includes hard case and full manufacturer warranty
The LTD KH-602 combines professional-grade construction, signature pickups, and reliable hardware to deliver studio-ready tone and tuning stability required for tracking high-gain material and achieving polished, aggressive recordings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD KH-602 is a high-output metal workhorse designed for recording engineers and producers tracking aggressive guitar tones that cut through dense mixes without losing articulation. Its active EMG pickups and neck-through body provide tight sustain and clarity at extreme gain levels, while the Floyd Rose bridge offers expressive pitch control for layered metal takes. This is a dependable studio player that captures heavy saturation while maintaining note definition in the mix.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar built for?
The KH-602 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its fast neck geometry and 24 extra-jumbo frets suit complex riffing and rapid position shifts, making it well-suited to metal and hard rock but not recommended for jazz, folk, or country playing styles.
How does the Floyd Rose 1000 bridge perform for tuning stability during aggressive use?
The Floyd Rose 1000 is paired with a 42mm locking nut that locks the strings at the headstock, ensuring tuning stability during both subtle vibrato effects and dramatic pitch manipulations typical of metal performance. Neck-through construction further supports sustained intonation under high-demand use.
What pickups are in this guitar and how do they sound?
The KH-602 features a matched pair of EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups with active electronics. They deliver high-output, articulate tones optimized for heavy saturation and maintain clarity even at extreme gain levels, making them ideal for metal and hard rock.
What is included with the guitar?
The KH-602 includes a hard case and full manufacturer warranty. It ships with LTD tuners, black hardware, and all factory-installed electronics and bridge components.
How does the neck design support extended playing sessions?
The three-piece extra-thin U-shaped maple neck is paired with a lightweight alder body, delivering superior sustain while reducing fatigue during long studio sessions or live performances. The 25.5 inch scale length and 350mm fingerboard radius provide ergonomic comfort for complex lead work and aggressive techniques.
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