ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Black Sparkle 0576
In stock
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- SKU
- LKHVBLKSP-B0576
- Color
- Black
Description
ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Black Sparkle
The KH-V captures aggressive, articulate tones in the studio with its extra-thin U-shaped neck profile and 24 extra-jumbo frets enabling rapid note definition and seamless upper-register tracking. The neck-thru-body construction combines three-piece maple and korina for substantial mass and resonance—7.8 lbs of focused density that translates to controlled sustain and direct string-to-body energy transfer. The Black Sparkle finish with wave inlays and black hardware presents a visually distinctive platform that photographs and films distinctly.
Playability & Recording Feel
The extra-thin U-shaped maple neck and macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid wave inlays provide a responsive platform for tracking intricate lead passages and complex fingerings with consistent velocity and timing. Graphite nut and LTD locking tuners maintain session stability across multiple takes and overdub passes, while the 25.5" scale preserves traditional pitch response and string tension that integrates predictably into mixed arrangements.
Tone & Recording Electronics
EMG BoneBreaker active humbuckers—ceramic in the bridge position and alnico 5 at the neck—deliver high-output clarity with pronounced midrange presence and natural sustain that sits well in dense mix contexts. The active electronics configuration with volume, tone, and three-way toggle selector provides straightforward control suited to achieving consistent tonal character across session layers and production edits.
Key Features
- Neck-thru-body construction with three-piece maple neck and korina body
- 25.5" scale length
- Extra-thin U-shaped maple neck profile
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with pearloid wave inlays
- 24 extra-jumbo frets
- EMG BoneBreaker BB-B ceramic bridge humbucker
- EMG BoneBreaker BB-N alnico 5 neck humbucker
- Active electronics with volume, tone, and three-way toggle controls
- Locking TOM-style bridge with string-thru design
- LTD locking tuners and graphite nut
- Black Sparkle finish with black hardware and black pickguard
- 6-string configuration; 7.8 lb weight
This Kirk Hammett signature model combines meticulous ESP craftsmanship with components specifically voiced for high-gain recording applications, making it a serious instrument for engineers and producers demanding professional-grade capture fidelity and tonal definition.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The KH-V is a high-output metal tracking machine that captures dense, aggressive tones in the box with punchy ceramic bridge clarity and pronounced midrange character ideal for heavy riffing and lead overdubs. Its active EMG BoneBreaker pickup set delivers consistent session performance across multiple takes, and the straightforward three-way toggle plus volume/tone controls give you intuitive real-time shaping during recording without menu diving. A serious choice for producers and engineers tracking metal, hard rock, or high-gain rock where tonal authority and harmonic density matter.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this guitar designed for?
The KH-V is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The extra-thin neck and 24 extra-jumbo frets excel at rapid lead work and upper register access, making it ideal for metal and hard rock styles where speed and precision are essential.
What pickup configuration does it have?
It features two EMG BoneBreaker active humbuckers: a ceramic-loaded bridge pickup for high-output aggression and an alnico 5 neck pickup for slightly warmer character. Active electronics give you consistent gain and tone control across dynamic playing.
Is this guitar suitable for jazz or acoustic styles?
No, the KH-V is purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and thrash—not recommended for jazz, folk, or worship applications. Its aggressive tone profile, active electronics, and high-output pickups are optimized for high-gain contexts.
What keeps the tuning stable during heavy playing?
The guitar uses LTD locking tuners and a graphite nut to lock in pitch, plus a string-thru TOM-style bridge designed for demanding performance conditions. This combination ensures tuning stability even under aggressive bending and tremolo use.
How does the neck construction affect tone and weight?
The neck-thru-body design uses a three-piece maple and korina construction that delivers 7.8 lbs of focused density, adding sustain and resonance while maintaining a fast, responsive playing feel. This mass contributes to the tonal authority needed for stage projection.
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