Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,016

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

For those who aspire to channel the electrifying energy of Metallica's legendary lead guitarist, the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar is your perfect companion. This meticulously crafted instrument combines a neck-through body design for exceptional sustain and stability, ensuring that your riffs and solos hit with precision and power. The double-cutaway alder body not only enhances comfort and playability but also delivers a robust tone, ideal for metal enthusiasts.

Equipped with the exclusive EMG KH Bone Breaker active humbuckers, this guitar offers a sonic palette as dynamic as Kirk’s own performances. Whether you're executing sharp, staccato riffage or soaring into face-melting solos, these pickups provide clarity and depth, cutting through the mix with ease. The Gotoh tuners and Floyd Rose Original tremolo system further guarantee flawless tuning stability and expressive dive-bombs, essential for any serious shredder.

Designed with the professional guitarist in mind, the ESP KH-2 is a testament to ESP's commitment to quality, made in Japan with a keen eye for detail. The skull and crossbones inlays add a touch of personality, making it as visually striking as it is sonically formidable. Join the ranks of guitar heroes with an instrument that embodies the spirit of metal.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain and stability
  • Alder body with a classic double-cutaway design
  • EMG KH Bone Breaker active humbuckers for versatile metal tones
  • Gotoh tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Floyd Rose Original tremolo system for expressive playing
  • Skull and crossbones inlays for unique visual flair
  • Made in Japan with exceptional craftsmanship and quality

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Kirk Hammett Signature KH-2
Body Material Alder
Top Material 3-piece Maple
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material 3-piece Maple
Neck Shape Extra Thin U
Neck Joint Neck-through
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Skull and Cross Bones
Number of Frets 24, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Locking
Bridge/Tailpiece Floyd Rose Original
Tuners Gotoh
Neck Pickup EMG KH Bone Breaker Limited Edition Humbucker
Bridge Pickup EMG KH Bone Breaker Limited Edition Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Elixir, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar have?

The ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar features EMG KH Bone Breaker Limited Edition Humbucker pickups, designed for powerful tones suitable for metal and rock genres.

How does the neck profile of the ESP KH-2 affect playability?

The ESP KH-2 features an extra thin U neck contour, providing fast and comfortable playability, ideal for shredding and intricate solos.

Is the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the ESP KH-2 is designed for heavy metal, featuring EMG active pickups and a Floyd Rose tremolo for aggressive tones and dive-bomb effects.

Does the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar come with a case?

Yes, the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar comes with a hardshell case for protection during transport and storage.

What is the scale length of the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar?

The ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar has a 25.5-inch scale length, providing a balanced tension and feel for standard and drop tunings.

How many frets does the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar have?

The ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar features 24 extra-jumbo frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for ESP Kirk Hammett KH-2 - Metal - How does it sound ? by Audiofanzine in English

ESP Kirk Hammett KH-2 - Metal - How does it sound ?

Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Video thumbnail for ESP KH 2 - Kirk Hammett Signature DEMO (with Pedals and Amp settings) by Julien MENARD

ESP KH 2 - Kirk Hammett Signature DEMO (with Pedals and Amp settings)

Julien MENARD

Julien MENARD

Video thumbnail for ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Review by Matt The Riff Master

ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature Guitar Review

Matt The Riff Master

Matt The Riff Master

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Week: ESP KH2 Kirk Hammett Signature by ELEGEE CUSTOM GUITARS

Guitar of the Week: ESP KH2 Kirk Hammett Signature

ELEGEE CUSTOM GUITARS

ELEGEE CUSTOM GUITARS

Reviews

PROS

  • Exemplary ESP craftsmanship with top-notch build quality

  • Iconic metal guitar aesthetics with skull and crossbones inlays

  • Equipped with high gain EMG 81 pickups for powerful sound

  • Affordable option for a signature ESP guitar

  • Sleek, black design suitable for stage use without brand association

  • Versatile playability with options for neck-thru and bolt-on configurations

  • Known for a chunky, aggressive sound ideal for metal genres

  • Thin, wide neck enhances playability and speed

  • Offers great value for a MIJ Custom shop guitar

  • Limited edition graphics and finishes add unique styling options

CONS

  • EMG pickups may lack tonal versatility

  • Neck might not suit players preferring thicker profiles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature.

Build quality

  • The $700 model features a bolt-on neck, which can limit fretboard access compared to the neck-through design of more expensive models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The $700 guitar uses an unfinished neck, similar to the higher-end KH-2, while the $1400 model has a finished neck.

    Source
  • Players new to Floyd Rose systems may inadvertently pull strings sharp during palm muting, requiring technique adjustments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The most expensive model uses an Original Floyd Rose bridge from Germany, while the mid-range features a Korean-made Floyd 1000.

    Source
  • EMG pickups, preferred by Kirk Hammett, are only available in the mid-range and high-end models, not the $700 version.

    Source
  • Users note the KH-2's neck-through design offers superior access compared to the bolt-on necks of cheaper models.

    Source
  • The KH-2 is noted to be a step up in playability and build quality from LTD models, often surprising even seasoned LTD owners.

    Source
  • The Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder is noted for having a Floyd Rose Special comparable to the 1500 series, and comes with EMG Retroactive Hot 70 and Sustainiac pickups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping the $700 model's pickups for EMGs can make its sound closer to the $1400 model.

    Source
  • The Gotoh GE1996T bridge, available for around $125, is recommended for replacing the subpar Floyd Rose Special on the KH-202 for improved tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners advise blocking the Floyd Rose with a wooden block to stabilize the bridge and prevent pitch changes during palm muting.

    Source
  • Replacing the KH-202's stock saddles with 1000 series steel saddles can address tuning issues caused by the original zinc saddles' wear and tear.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players transitioning from fixed bridges mention needing time to adjust to the floating tremolo system.

    Source
  • One owner reports needing to replace the low E nut bit and bridge mounting studs due to durability issues, indicating potential weak points in the KH-202's build.

    Source
  • A user highlights that when properly set up, the feel of the Floyd Rose Special doesn't differ from the 1000 series or Original Floyd Rose, though saddle quality varies.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Zven Kruspe uses ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature

Richard Zven Kruspe

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of the Tour Sehnsucht, you can see Richard playing his ESP KH2

See how Brian Dennis uses ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature

Brian Dennis

Guitarist

DAG

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we see Brian Dennis using the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar.

![Brian Dennis using the ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature guitar](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/152412/IMG_0711.jpeg)

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

Show yours
albertspider

albertspider

Gear IQ 93

More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42641