LKH602PSP-B3239 vs LSN1HTBLKBLAST1 — Compare
ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammet Guitar Purple Sparkle B-Stock 3239 vs ESP LTD SN-1HT Electric Guitar Black Blast
The KH-602 is a signature model built for Kirk Hammett's aggressive metal style with a Floyd Rose tremolo, while the SN-1HT is a versatile workhorse with a hardtail bridge and Fishman pickup offering broader tonal range. Choose the KH-602 if you want extreme metal credentials and tremolo effects; pick the SN-1HT if you prioritize playability, tuning stability, and tonal flexibility across hard rock and alternative genres.
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ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammet Guitar Purple Sparkle B-Stock 3239
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammet Guitar Purple Sparkle B-Stock 3239 | ESP LTD SN-1HT Electric Guitar Black Blast | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.20 | $1,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Kirk Hammett | LTD SN |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Single Cutaway |
| 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 | — | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Hipshot |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammet Guitar Purple Sparkle B-Stock 3239
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 bridge enables extensive tremolo manipulation and extreme pitch shifts
- ✓ EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker signature pickups deliver authentic aggressive metal tone
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and resonance for lead work
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers savings on a professional-grade signature model
Why choose ESP LTD SN-1HT Electric Guitar Black Blast
- ✓ Thin roasted maple neck with scalloped frets (17–22) enables fast, expressive playing
- ✓ Hardtail bridge with string-thru-body provides superior tuning stability without tremolo complexity
- ✓ Fishman Open Core Classic pickup with push/pull voicing control expands tonal versatility
- ✓ Macassar ebony fretboard and stainless steel frets resist wear during aggressive playing
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal?
Both excel in metal, but the KH-602 is purpose-built for extreme metal with its Hammett signature pickups and aggressive voicing. The SN-1HT is equally capable in metal but also handles hard rock and alternative effectively, making it more genre-versatile.
What's the practical difference between the Floyd Rose and hardtail bridge?
The KH-602's Floyd Rose enables dive bombs, whammy effects, and extreme pitch manipulation—essential for Kirk Hammett's style but requires regular maintenance and setup. The SN-1HT's hardtail bridge stays in tune reliably without tremolo effects, ideal for players who prioritize stability over effects.
How do the pickups compare tonally?
The KH-602's EMG active humbuckers deliver high output, clarity, and natural sustain optimized for aggressive metal. The SN-1HT's Fishman Open Core pickup offers more tonal shaping through its push/pull voicing control, allowing adjustment between punchy and singing character.
Which neck feels faster and more comfortable?
The SN-1HT's thin U-shaped roasted maple neck with scalloped frets 17–22 is explicitly designed for speed and expressive bending. The KH-602's 3-piece maple neck is slightly thicker and optimized for heavy rhythmic playing and sustain rather than speed.