LALEXIRIPPED-B2311 vs LKHVMGO-B — Compare
ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311 vs ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
Both are metal-focused signature guitars with neck-thru construction and 24 extra-jumbo frets, but the Alexi Laiho Ripped prioritizes tuning stability through a Floyd Rose 1000 and offers scalloped frets for expressive lead work, while the Kirk Hammett KH-V emphasizes high-output active EMG pickups and a string-through bridge for sustained aggression. Choose the Alexi if you need dive-bomb effects and bending control; choose the KH-V if you want raw output and simplicity.
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ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311 | ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,439.20 | $1,439.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Snakebyte | — |
| Body | Flying V | 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 |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Fixed |
| Year | 2021 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Alexi Laiho Ripped Pinstripes Purple Fade Satin B-Stock 2311
- ✓ Double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 bridge handles extreme pitch shifts and stays in tune
- ✓ Scalloped frets (19-24) enhance bending and vibrato control for expressive solos
- ✓ Dual EMG HZ pickups offer versatile passive tone with mid-rich clarity
- ✓ Glow-in-the-dark side markers add stage visibility
Why choose ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
- ✓ Active EMG Bone Breaker signature pickups deliver higher output and searing clarity
- ✓ String-through bridge with Tone Pros locking design maximizes sustain and resonance
- ✓ Extra-thin U-shaped neck and solid korina body optimize speed and tone
- ✓ Simpler active electronics (volume, tone, 3-way toggle) for straightforward control
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for dive-bomb and whammy effects?
The Alexi Laiho Ripped. Its double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 bridge is engineered specifically for extreme pitch shifts and maintains tuning stability through radical effects, while the KH-V's string-through bridge is designed for aggression but not radical whammy work.
How do the pickup systems differ?
The Alexi uses passive EMG HZ pickups (bridge humbucker and neck stacked single coil) for versatile aggression, while the KH-V uses active EMG Bone Breaker signature pickups (ceramic bridge and alnico 5 neck) for higher output and searing clarity. Active pickups require batteries but deliver more volume.
Which offers better sustain and resonance?
The Kirk Hammett KH-V has a slight edge due to its solid korina body paired with string-through bridge design, which maximizes resonance. The Alexi Laiho also offers excellent sustain through its three-piece maple neck-thru construction, but the KH-V is optimized specifically for sustained tones.
Are these good for beginners?
Both are listed for intermediate to professional skill levels and are built for technical metal lead work. They are not ideal for beginners due to their aggressive V-shaped bodies, high-gain pickups, and advanced bridge systems; a beginner would benefit from a more forgiving body shape and simpler electronics.