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 workhorse for hard rock and studio work with a warmer tone and set-thru construction, while the ESP KH-3 Spider is purpose-built for metal and thrash with scalloped frets and aggressive active electronics optimized for extreme gain. Choose the FRX for tonal range across multiple genres; choose the KH-3 if metal and drop tunings are 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 Original | ESP Kirk Hammett |
| 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
- ✓ Warmer, more versatile tone with Seymour Duncan passive pickups suited to classic rock through modern high-gain
- ✓ Set-thru construction provides excellent sustain while maintaining traditional feel
- ✓ Longer 25.5" scale and 305mm radius fingerboard accommodate diverse playing styles
- ✓ Quilted maple top delivers striking visual appeal
Why choose ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
- ✓ Scalloped upper frets (positions 17–24) eliminate friction for speed and whammy bar fluidity
- ✓ Neck-thru-body construction maximizes sustain and resonance across full frequency range
- ✓ High-output EMG Bonebreaker active pickups deliver tight, articulate aggression optimized for extreme gain
- ✓ Shorter 24.75" scale and extra-thin U-neck accelerate position changes in lead work
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
Both excel in metal, but the KH-3 Spider is purpose-built for it with scalloped frets, high-output EMG actives, and a shorter scale optimized for drop tunings. The FRX Kiso handles metal equally well but is equally suited to classic rock and progressive styles.
What's the key hardware difference?
Both have Floyd Rose bridges and 42mm locking nuts. The KH-3 features the Floyd Rose 1000 with active EMG electronics; the FRX uses a Floyd Rose Original with passive Seymour Duncan pickups.
How do the neck constructions differ?
The FRX uses set-thru construction (body wings around the neck base) while the KH-3 is full neck-thru-body. Neck-thru offers slightly superior sustain; set-thru is a traditional design that still delivers excellent resonance.
Which is better for lead work speed?
The KH-3 Spider's scalloped upper frets and extra-thin U-neck profile are optimized for speed and friction-free bending. The FRX Kiso has a thin neck too but with traditional (non-scalloped) frets, making it more versatile for rhythm playing.