EFRXCTMSTBLKSB-2 vs EKH3 — Compare
ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst vs ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
The ESP FRX Kiso Custom is a versatile professional instrument suited for hard rock, metal, and progressive styles with balanced tonal character, while the ESP KH-3 Spider is a signature model optimized specifically for thrash metal and high-gain applications with Kirk Hammett's aggressive tone. Choose the FRX for genre flexibility; choose the KH-3 if metal is your primary focus.
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ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
Specs side by side
| ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst | ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,499.00 | $5,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP E-II FRX | — |
| Body | Single Cutaway | 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 | HH | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Floyd Rose Original |
| Year | 2013 | 2022 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP FRX Kiso Custom Guitar See Thru Black Sunburst
- ✓ Set-thru construction with quilted maple top for warm midrange and bright snap
- ✓ 25.5-inch scale and thin U neck ideal for both rhythm and extended lead work
- ✓ Seymour Duncan '59 and Distortion pickups offer versatile tonal range beyond pure metal
- ✓ Striking see-thru black sunburst finish with premium visual appeal
Why choose ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
- ✓ Neck-thru-body construction maximizes sustain and resonance for metal applications
- ✓ Scalloped fretboard on upper registers eliminates friction for speed and vibrato techniques
- ✓ EMG BoneBreaker active pickups deliver Kirk Hammett's signature high-output aggression
- ✓ Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile optimized for fast metal lead work
Frequently asked questions
What's the main construction difference between these guitars?
The FRX Kiso uses set-thru construction, where the neck is partially set into the body, while the KH-3 Spider features full neck-thru-body construction. Neck-thru typically offers slightly more sustain and resonance, while set-thru provides a balance between sustain and tonal character.
Which guitar has better playability for fast lead work?
The KH-3 Spider edges ahead with its extra-thin U-shaped neck profile and scalloped upper fretboard (frets 17–24), specifically designed to minimize friction during speed passages. The FRX's thin U neck is also capable but not scalloped.
How do their pickup systems and tones differ?
The FRX uses passive Seymour Duncan pickups (warm '59 neck, aggressive Distortion bridge) for a balanced, versatile voice across multiple styles. The KH-3 uses active EMG BoneBreaker pickups engineered for maximum high-output aggression and articulate cleans in high-gain contexts.
Which guitar is better for genres beyond metal?
The FRX Kiso Custom is rated for hard rock, metal, and progressive music, making it more suitable for players who want tonal flexibility. The KH-3 Spider is optimized specifically for metal and thrash metal applications.