LEC256SW vs LKH202LH — Compare
ESP LTD EC-256/SW guitar vs ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
The EC-256/SW is a set-neck mahogany guitar optimized for balanced, versatile rock and blues tones with excellent sustain, while the KH-202 LH is a left-handed signature model built for aggressive metal and hard rock with a Floyd Rose bridge for dive-bombs and a tighter, more direct sound. Choose the EC-256/SW for classic rock flexibility; choose the KH-202 LH if you play metal, need a left-handed instrument, and want access to a whammy bar system.
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ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD EC-256/SW guitar | 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 | — |
| Body | Semi-Hollow Body | — |
| 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 | 2017 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD EC-256/SW guitar
- ✓ Set-neck construction delivers superior sustain and resonance for lead work and blues
- ✓ Coil-splitting via push-pull switch expands tonal range beyond metal into classic rock
- ✓ Balanced pickup design (LH-150s) works equally well for rhythm and lead across genres
- ✓ Mahogany body and neck create warm, natural character ideal for rock and blues
Why choose ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with fully mirrored hardware for comfortable playing
- ✓ Floyd Rose Special bridge enables dive-bombs, divebombs, and aggressive bending effects
- ✓ Aggressive high-output pickups (LH-301) optimized for metal and hard rock distortion
- ✓ Lighter basswood body and extra-thin neck profile maximize speed for rapid lead passages
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar has better sustain?
The EC-256/SW uses set-neck construction, which traditionally delivers longer sustain and more resonance compared to the KH-202 LH's bolt-on neck design. The KH-202 LH's bolt-on design prioritizes ease of maintenance and bright attack clarity, which suits metal but sacrifices some sustain.
Can either guitar handle styles beyond its primary genre?
The EC-256/SW is more versatile: coil-splitting and balanced pickups work for rock, blues, and moderate hard rock. The KH-202 LH is specifically voiced for metal and hard rock; its aggressive output and tight tone make it less suited for jazz, folk, or clean rhythm work.
Which scale length and neck feel should I choose?
The EC-256/SW uses a 24.75" scale with a thin U-shape, ideal for smooth position shifts and a slightly warmer tone. The KH-202 LH uses a 25.5" scale with an extra-thin U contour, providing standard tuning stability and a faster, more aggressive feel for metal lead work.
What whammy bar system does the KH-202 LH have?
The KH-202 LH is equipped with a Floyd Rose Special bridge, which allows aggressive vibrato, dive-bombs, and return-to-pitch bending. The EC-256/SW uses a TOM bridge with tailpiece, a fixed system that prioritizes tuning stability and sustain over whammy bar effects.