LKH602PSP-B3239 vs LTH1000SW — Compare
ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammet Guitar Purple Sparkle B-Stock 3239 vs ESP LTD TH-1000 Electric Guitar Snow White
The KH-602 is a signature metal weapon with neck-thru construction and EMG pickups optimized for aggressive, high-gain tones, while the TH-1000 is a versatile professional workhorse with tone-switching capability and swamp ash resonance suited to broader studio and live contexts. Choose the KH-602 if metal and hard rock are your primary focus; choose the TH-1000 if you need tonal flexibility across rock subgenres and recording work.
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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 TH-1000 Electric Guitar Snow White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.20 | $1,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | — | LTD TE |
| 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 | HH |
| Bridge | Tremolo | Hipshot |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammet Guitar Purple Sparkle B-Stock 3239
- ✓ Neck-thru design maximizes sustain and resonance for metal tone
- ✓ EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker pickups deliver signature high-output aggression
- ✓ Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo enables extreme pitch manipulation
- ✓ Purple Sparkle finish and metal aesthetic match the playing style
Why choose ESP LTD TH-1000 Electric Guitar Snow White
- ✓ Three-voice active pickups provide real-time tonal switching without hand repositioning
- ✓ Swamp ash body delivers clarity, articulation, and natural sustain across multiple genres
- ✓ Hardtail fixed bridge offers maximum tuning stability without tremolo limitations
- ✓ Thin, fast neck profile suits extended touring and studio session demands
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar is better for metal and hard rock specifically?
The KH-602 is purpose-built for metal with its neck-thru construction, EMG high-output pickups, and Floyd Rose tremolo. The TH-1000 works well in rock but lacks the metal-specific voicing and tremolo system that define the KH-602's character.
Can the TH-1000 handle metal, or is it only for classic rock?
The TH-1000 is versatile enough for hard rock and heavier styles thanks to its responsive pickups and tight low-end definition, but its tone-switching design and hardtail bridge prioritize studio versatility over the extreme aggression and extended tremolo manipulation the KH-602 specializes in.
What's the main playability difference between these two?
The KH-602 features a moderately curved pau ferro fingerboard suited to both lead and rhythm in a neck-thru design. The TH-1000 offers a faster, thinner U-shaped roasted maple neck that favors extended lead playing and touring comfort, with stainless steel frets that require less maintenance.
Why would someone choose the TH-1000 over the KH-602 if the KH-602 has more sustain?
The TH-1000's three-voice switching, hardtail bridge stability, and swamp ash resonance make it ideal for studio and touring musicians who need tonal flexibility across multiple songs and styles without the tuning drift risks of tremolo systems during a long set.