LCSIIQMVN vs LKHVMGO-B — Compare
ESP LTD CS-II Electric Guitar in Vintage Natural vs ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
The CS-II/QM is a premium signature model engineered for modern metalcore with splittable versatility and figured quilted maple aesthetics, while the KH-V is a mid-tier thrash and hard rock platform optimized for aggressive lead work and stage presence. The CS-II suits players who want tonal flexibility and pristine build quality; the KH-V fits players prioritizing speed, sustain, and classic metal aggression on a tighter budget.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD CS-II Electric Guitar in Vintage Natural
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD CS-II Electric Guitar in Vintage Natural | ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799.00 | $1,439.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | — | Explorer |
| Body Type | — | Solid |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | — |
| Pickup Configuration | — | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | 2023 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD CS-II Electric Guitar in Vintage Natural
- ✓ Splittable bridge pickup adds tonal range beyond standard metal voicings
- ✓ Figured quilted maple top with Vintage Natural finish for visual depth
- ✓ 25.5" scale and 350mm radius fingerboard support both lead and chord work
- ✓ Neck-thru mahogany construction for superior resonance and sustain
Why choose ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Metallic Gold B-Stock
- ✓ B-stock pricing places it in mid-tier, offering signature-spec gear at lower cost
- ✓ Extra-thin maple neck profile prioritizes speed and reduced finger fatigue
- ✓ EMG active pickups deliver aggressive midrange punch with searing clarity
- ✓ Proven Kirk Hammett signature design with established metal pedigree
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar has better fret access for lead work?
The KH-V's extra-thin U-shaped maple neck and 24 frets prioritize speed and minimal fatigue during extended solos. The CS-II's thin U-shaped mahogany neck with 22 extra-jumbo frets supports lead work equally well but is slightly thicker and designed for broader versatility across playing styles.
Can either guitar handle drop tunings and aggressive playing?
Both are built for metal and handle drop tunings without issues. The CS-II's neck-thru mahogany and Seymour Duncan Custom 14 offer defined aggression with sustain; the KH-V's neck-thru korina and EMG active pickups deliver searing high-output clarity. The KH-V's string-through bridge excels at dive-bomb effects, while the CS-II's Gotoh locking bridge focuses on stable tuning retention.
How do the pickup systems compare?
The CS-II uses passive Seymour Duncan humbuckers with a splittable bridge for tonal range—bridge offers aggression, neck offers clarity. The KH-V uses active EMG ceramics and alnico designs that deliver consistently high output with aggressive midrange punch but fewer on-the-fly tonal options beyond the three-way toggle.
What does B-stock mean for the KH-V?
B-stock typically indicates a return, open-box, or minor cosmetic blemish—functionally identical to new but priced lower. The KH-V meets the same specifications and performance standards as new inventory at a mid-tier price.