LEC256BLK vs LKH202LH — Compare
ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Black vs ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
The EC-256 is a set-neck, mahogany-bodied workhorse suited to intermediate and advanced players seeking warm, balanced tones across rock and metal; the KH-202 LH is a left-handed signature model with aggressive voicing, Floyd Rose bridge, and extra-jumbo frets optimized for speed and thrash metal. Choose the EC-256 for traditional playability and tonal warmth, or the KH-202 LH if you're left-handed and want a dedicated metal platform with advanced hardware.
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ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Black | ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD EC | LTD Kirk Hammett |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Year | 2020 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar in Black
- ✓ Set-neck construction provides superior resonance and sustain
- ✓ Warm, mahogany-based tone suits both clean and overdriven playing
- ✓ Familiar 24.75 inch scale and balanced U contour for extended comfort
- ✓ Straightforward passive electronics with real tonal flexibility
Why choose ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
- ✓ Left-handed setup with properly mirrored hardware eliminates adapter frustration
- ✓ Floyd Rose Special bridge enables aggressive bending and divebombs
- ✓ Extra-thin U contour and 24 extra-jumbo frets optimized for lead speed
- ✓ Higher-output LH-301 pickups deliver aggressive, tight mid-range character
Frequently asked questions
Can the EC-256 handle metal as well as the KH-202 LH?
Yes, the EC-256 is explicitly designed for metal and hard rock with punchy, articulate output that responds well to overdrive. The KH-202 LH emphasizes thrash metal and aggressive bending through its Floyd Rose bridge and higher-output pickups, but both are capable metal instruments.
What's the main playability difference between these guitars?
The EC-256 uses a 24.75 inch scale with standard frets and set-neck construction for stability and sustain. The KH-202 LH features a longer 25.5 inch scale, extra-jumbo frets, and bolt-on construction optimized for rapid lead work and extreme techniques.
Is the KH-202 LH only for left-handed players?
Yes, the KH-202 LH is left-handed only with mirrored hardware throughout. The EC-256 is available for right-handed players.
How do the pickup tones compare?
The EC-256 uses ESP Designed LH-150 pickups that deliver clear, articulate output balanced between warm rhythm and punchy leads. The KH-202 LH uses higher-output LH-301 pickups designed for aggressive, tight mid-range tones suited to thrash metal.