ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Guitar
Description
ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Guitar
The KH-602 is engineered as a neck-thru recording and live platform built for capturing aggressive lead tones with precision control. This signature model delivers a compact, ergonomic double-cutaway that tracks cleanly at high gain, performing reliably through tracking sessions and mix work alike. The extra-thin U-shaped maple neck and locking nut system maintain tuning stability under demanding studio conditions and intense performance takes.
Playability & Recording Performance
Neck-thru construction and an extra-thin U-shaped maple neck enable fast articulation and upper-fret access essential for capturing lead passages without phasing or tracking artifacts. The 25.5" scale and macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets support clean, defined lead recordings, while the 350mm (13.75") fingerboard radius and 42mm nut width provide ergonomic consistency across long session days without hand fatigue compromising take quality.
Tone & Studio Electronics
The EMG 60 humbucker in the neck position and EMG 81 in the bridge are voiced for high-output clarity at saturation—retaining definition in dense mixes without losing harmonic content or punch. Three-position pickup selection and dedicated tone controls allow fast switching between focused bridge aggression and warmer neck tones within a single session, supported by the Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo bridge for stable, expressive pitch work that locks in between takes.
Key Features
- Neck-thru construction with alder body
- Double-cutaway design
- 3-piece maple neck
- 25.5" scale length
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- 350mm (13.75") fingerboard radius
- 42mm (1.65") nut width
- Extra-thin U-shaped neck profile
- Locking nut
- Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo bridge
- EMG 60 and EMG 81 Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups
- Black hardware and finish with skull-and-bones inlays
A purpose-built instrument designed to deliver stability, articulation, and aggressive high-gain tone—track after track, session after session.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The KH-602 is a precision lead-work machine—neck-thru construction with an extra-thin U-shaped neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets delivers fast, articulate tracking for heavy riffs and solos in your recordings. EMG 81 and 60 pickups pack high-output aggression with tight mid-range character and searing treble that cuts through dense mixes, while the Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo stays locked for expressive pitch effects without tuning drift during layered takes. Pick this for controlled, articulate lead tones and dependable stability across session after session.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Lead Work
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar built for?
The KH-602 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who have developed speed and technique. The extra-thin neck profile, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and tight upper-fret access reward fast lead work, while the aggressive pickup character and tight tremolo system demand confident, controlled playing.
What genres and playing styles does this guitar excel at?
This is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and thrash metal—particularly lead work and soloing. The high-output EMG pickups, articulate definition, and pitch-manipulation capabilities of the Floyd Rose make it ideal for aggressive playing; it is not designed for jazz, folk, or country applications.
How does the neck-thru construction and extra-thin profile affect playability?
Neck-thru design eliminates body-joint dead zones and provides immediate responsiveness across all frets. The extra-thin U-shaped maple neck with 350mm (13.75-inch) radius and 42mm nut width balances speed and precision grip, while the 25.5-inch scale and 24 extra-jumbo frets support fast, articulate lead technique without fatigue.
What electronics and controls does the KH-602 include?
The guitar features EMG 60 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups with three-position pickup selection and dedicated tone controls, allowing quick access to mid-range sweetness or searing treble. A Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo bridge with locking nut keeps tuning stable during intense playing and pitch manipulation.
How does this compare to other metal lead guitars?
The KH-602 sits alongside the Ibanez RG550, Jackson Soloist SL2Q, and Schecter Hellraiser C-7 as a high-performance lead platform. ESP LTD's neck-thru construction, extra-jumbo frets, and the signature EMG pairing deliver aggressive tone with articulate definition specifically tailored to Kirk Hammett's thrash-metal style and technique.
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