ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
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- SKU
- EKH3
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The active EMG BoneBreaker set pushes a high-output, tightly focused voice with plenty of upper-midrange bite, while the alder body, neck-thru construction and Macassar ebony fingerboard keep notes clear and sustaining under heavy gain. The 24.75" scale adds a touch of warmth and slinkiness to palm-muted riffing, and the extra-thin neck with scalloped upper frets favors fast lead runs and expressive vibrato. Best suited to thrash, modern metal and hard rock players who lean on the Floyd Rose for dives and want articulate, aggressive rhythm and solo tones.
ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar
The ESP KH-3 Spider reissue captures the sonic aggression and precision that defined Kirk Hammett's studio and touring work throughout Metallica's 90s era, rebuilt with the exacting standards of ESP Japan's custom shop. The neck-thru-body construction and scalloped upper fretboard deliver the sustain and resonance critical for tracking high-gain lead work and layering complex rhythm parts, while the extra-thin U-shaped neck profile ensures rapid access to upper registers during session overdubs. The aggressive spider graphic and skull inlays across the black finish make a visually distinctive statement in any recording environment.
Playability & Build
Neck-thru-body construction with a 24.75" scale maximizes sustain and tonal coherence across the full frequency range—essential for capturing articulate leads and sustaining notes during multi-tracked sessions. The three-piece maple neck with extra-thin U-shaped profile enables precision work across the fretboard, and the scalloped fingerboard from frets 17–24 reduces friction during lead passages and vibrato techniques, critical for repeatable takes in the studio.
Tone & Recording Applications
The EMG BoneBreaker pickup set—Kirk's signature design—delivers the articulate, high-output character essential for cutting through dense mixes and tracking aggressive rhythm and lead parts with clarity. Active electronics with independent volume controls for each pickup enable quick tonal adjustments between takes, allowing you to dial in the exact aggression needed for each session. The Floyd Rose Original bridge maintains tuning stability through extreme whammy bar techniques while the locking nut prevents slip during aggressive bends, keeping your tracking sessions locked in time.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction for superior sustain and resonance
- 24.75" scale with three-piece maple neck
- Alder body with black finish and metallic silver spider graphic
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets and spider/skull inlays
- Scalloped fingerboard from frets 17 to 24
- EMG Bonebreaker signature pickup set (Neck and Bridge)
- Floyd Rose 1000 bridge with locking nut (42mm width)
- Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile for rapid position changes
- Active electronics with Volume/Volume/Tone/Toggle Switch layout
- Grover tuners for precise, stable tuning
- Form-fit hard case included with Elixir Nanoweb Super Light strings (.009–.042)
This 30th-anniversary edition delivers authentic KH-3 specifications with the build quality and electronics required for professional studio tracking and session work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
Specifications
| Body Style | Other |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 24.75" Scale |
| Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickups | Active HH |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Original |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2022 |
| Made In | Japan |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Thrash Metal, Hard Rock, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High-output, articulate aggression, tight sustain, aggressive cleans, extreme gain-friendly |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar designed for?
The KH-3 Spider is built for advanced to professional players. The scalloped frets, extra-thin U-shaped neck, and 24.75-inch scale are optimized for rapid position changes and high-gain lead work, making it best suited to experienced players comfortable with aggressive playing styles and extreme tunings.
What pickup set does this guitar use, and what kinds of tones can it produce?
The KH-3 features EMG Bonebreaker signature pickups with active electronics designed for high-output aggression and articulate response across modern metal, thrash, and hard rock. The independent volume controls and toggle switch layout allow you to dial in aggressive cleans to extreme gain tones.
How does the Floyd Rose 1000 bridge and locking nut handle drop tunings and whammy bar abuse?
The Floyd Rose 1000 with a 42mm locking nut maintains precise tuning stability through extreme whammy bar work, aggressive bends, and drop-tuned riffing without slip. Neck-thru-body construction reinforces sustain and resonance to support the bridge's locking performance.
What makes the scalloped fingerboard useful?
Scalloped frets from position 17 to 24 eliminate friction during fast lead passages and whammy bar techniques, allowing for unobstructed access to upper registers and faster position changes without the fingerboard surface impeding your playing.
Is this guitar suitable for jazz, blues, or folk genres?
No. The KH-3 Spider is purpose-built for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and drop-tuned styles. Its high-output pickups, aggressive electronics, and scalloped upper frets are optimized for modern metal tones and lead work, not the tonal versatility or playability those genres require.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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