ESP KH-3 Spider Kirk Hammett 30th Anniversary Guitar

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.