LALEXIHEXED vs LKHVMGO-B0282 — Compare
ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Fade Satin vs ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold 0282
The Alexi Laiho Hexed is a premium, single-pickup signature model built for extreme speed and articulate lead work, while the Kirk Hammett KH-V offers dual pickups and mid-tier pricing with more tonal versatility. Choose the Hexed if you want maximum responsiveness and a boutique pro instrument; choose the KH-V if you need flexible tones and a more affordable entry point to professional-grade metal guitars.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Fade Satin
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold 0282
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Fade Satin | ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold 0282 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799.00 | $1,439.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Explorer |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | — |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Licensed | Fixed |
| Year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Fade Satin
- ✓ Scalloped ebony fingerboard enhances vibrato control and intonation precision
- ✓ Neck-thru-body offset V design with thin U-profile optimizes speed and comfort
- ✓ Single EMG HZ F-H2 pickup delivers punchy, articulate attack with cutting clarity on palm-mutes
- ✓ Glow-in-the-dark side markers and sawtooth inlays blend function with aggressive aesthetics
Why choose ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold 0282
- ✓ Dual EMG Bone Breaker pickups (ceramic bridge, alnico neck) provide high-output aggression with tonal switching versatility
- ✓ Tonepros locking TOM-style bridge with string-thru design ensures rock-solid tuning stability
- ✓ Mid-tier price makes professional-grade construction accessible without premium markup
- ✓ Active electronics with volume, tone, and three-way selector give you rhythm and lead flexibility
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for switching between rhythm and lead tones?
The Kirk Hammett KH-V has a three-way pickup selector and dual EMG Bone Breakers (ceramic and alnico) that let you dial in different voices for rhythm and lead. The Alexi Laiho Hexed uses a single bridge pickup with volume control only, designed for pure lead articulation without tonal switching.
Are these guitars suitable for someone learning metal?
The Kirk Hammett KH-V is rated for intermediate players and up, making it accessible to advancing learners. The Alexi Laiho Hexed is marked for advanced/professional skill levels and its scalloped fretboard and extreme speed-focused design are less forgiving for developing technique.
What is the main difference in pickup design?
The Hexed has one passive EMG HZ F-H2 humbucker with a straightforward signal path for maximum clarity. The KH-V has two active EMG Bone Breaker pickups—ceramic in the bridge for aggression and alnico in the neck for warmth—offering more tonal range and output flexibility.
Which has better tuning stability?
The Kirk Hammett KH-V features a Tonepros locking TOM-style bridge with string-thru design and LTD locking tuning machines, explicitly designed for reliable tuning stability. The Alexi Laiho Hexed's bridge specifications are not detailed in the provided information, making direct comparison impossible.