6SGK-001 vs EKH3 — Compare
ESP GK-001 SNAPPER-CTM 40th Anniversary See Thru Black Electric Guitar vs ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
The GK-001 is a limited-edition collector's piece designed for versatile rock and studio work with balanced playability, while the KH-3 is a purpose-built metal touring instrument optimized for speed and high-gain aggression. Choose the GK-001 if you play rock, blues, and hard rock in varied settings; choose the KH-3 if you're committed to metal and need a signature pro-level workhorse.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP GK-001 SNAPPER-CTM 40th Anniversary See Thru Black Electric Guitar
ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
Specs side by side
| ESP GK-001 SNAPPER-CTM 40th Anniversary See Thru Black Electric Guitar | ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,999.00 | $5,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Body | SG Style | Other |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Rosewood |
| Neck | — | Maple |
| Neck Construction | — | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | — | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Floyd Rose Original |
| Year | 2015 | 2022 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP GK-001 SNAPPER-CTM 40th Anniversary See Thru Black Electric Guitar
- ✓ One-off custom shop collectible from 2015 with flamed maple top and see-thru finish
- ✓ Versatile pickup mix with Seymour Duncan SSL-5 and SH-14 for multiple tonal ranges
- ✓ Compound radius fretboard (240–305R) balances barre chords and precision lead work
- ✓ U to V neck contour offers comfort for extended playing sessions
Why choose ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
- ✓ Neck-thru-body construction delivers maximum sustain for metal and high-gain tones
- ✓ Scalloped frets (17–24) and extra-thin U-shaped neck enable rapid lead passages and vibrato techniques
- ✓ EMG BoneBreaker active pickups provide articulate, high-output aggression tailored for modern metal
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original bridge and locking nut ensure tuning stability during extreme whammy bar work
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar suits beginners or intermediate players?
The GK-001 is rated for intermediate to professional players, while the KH-3 is advanced to professional only. Neither is ideal for beginners; the KH-3's scalloped frets and thin neck are especially demanding for developing technique.
Which plays better for blues and rock versus metal?
The GK-001 excels in blues, rock, and hard rock with its versatile pickup blending and compound radius fretboard. The KH-3 is purpose-built for metal and thrash with high-output pickups and features that support extreme techniques, making it less suited to blues.
What are the key construction differences?
The GK-001 uses bolt-on neck construction with a 22-fret hard maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The KH-3 features neck-thru-body construction with a 24.75-inch scale and scalloped frets (17–24), delivering greater sustain and speed optimized for lead work.
Which is the better investment or collectible?
The GK-001 is a numbered one-off from ESP's 40th Anniversary Limited Exhibition Series built in 2015, making it a genuine limited collectible. The KH-3 is a reissue of Kirk Hammett's signature model, valued more for professional touring capability than scarcity.