Pricing and availability

Average Price: $30,807

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rock legend with the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst, a guitar that embodies the ferocious spirit of Metallica's lead guitarist. Designed for those who crave powerful sound and exceptional playability, this solid body electric guitar is crafted with precision to meet the demands of high-energy performances. The guitar boasts a neck-thru-body construction that provides remarkable sustain and stability, making it perfect for both studio sessions and live gigs.

Equipped with dual EMG 81/60 active pickups, the Kirk Hammett ESP delivers a crisp, clear tone that's ideal for heavy riffs and soaring solos. Its finely contoured alder body and comfortable thin U-shaped maple neck ensure a smooth playing experience, while the rosewood fingerboard offers a touch of warmth to your sound. The 24 extra-jumbo frets allow for effortless bending and speedy runs, catering to both lead and rhythm guitarists.

This axe features a Floyd Rose tremolo system, allowing for expressive dive bombs and pitch shifts without compromising tuning stability. The signature skull-and-crossbones inlays add a touch of character, making it as visually striking as it is musically potent. Guitarists who seek an instrument that can handle the rigors of the road and the intensity of heavy metal will find their match in the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst.

Key Features:

  • Neck-thru-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • EMG 81/60 active pickups for powerful sound
  • Alder body with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets for easy playability
  • Floyd Rose tremolo system for dynamic playing techniques
  • Signature skull-and-crossbones inlays for added style

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model KH-2 SE Kirk Hammett Signature
Finish Greenburst
Year 2011
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Green
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of neck does the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst guitar have?

The Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst features a neck-through construction with a maple neck, offering excellent sustain and access to higher frets. This design is favored for its stability and comfortable playability, especially for lead guitarists.

What pickups are used in the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst, and what tones can they produce?

This guitar is equipped with an HH pickup configuration, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for metal and rock. The pickups are designed to deliver high output and clarity, making them ideal for heavy distortion and fast solos.

Is the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst is a high-quality instrument with professional features, it may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players due to its specialized design and premium price point.

What type of bridge does the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst have?

The Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst features a locking tremolo bridge, which allows for stable tuning and expressive pitch modulation, making it suitable for dive bombs and other dynamic playing techniques.

How does the body material of the Kirk Hammett ESP Green Burst affect its sound?

The guitar's body is made from alder, known for its balanced tone with pronounced mids and clear highs, making it ideal for cutting through mixes in band settings.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Kirk Hammett's Green Burst doesn't replicate the original's headstock break; it only has crack lines on the finish.

    Source
  • Recent Kirk signature models like the LTD KH-602 and KH-3 Spider come with EMG Bonebreaker pickups, customized to Kirk’s preferences, offering a modern tonal update.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's unique tone comes from reversed magnets in the pickups, creating an out-of-phase sound that can't be easily replicated.

    Source
  • The KH-2 and KH-602 have dual EMG 81 pickups used by Kirk from the late '80s to 2011, offering a consistent tonal signature.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite the high cost, these guitars sold out quickly, indicating strong demand among collectors and investors.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners prefer Heritage guitars for their Gibson-like quality, suggesting alternatives for those seeking similar mojo without the signature name.

    Source
  • The KH-602, KH-3 Spider, and KH-WZ White Zombie are similar in quality to ESPs, unlike lower models like the KH-202.

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User experience

  • Some buyers view the guitar as a historical piece, valuing its heritage over just the Kirk Hammett connection.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Floyd Rose bridges provide superior tuning stability but require complex setup for tuning changes, making them less ideal for beginners or frequent tuning adjustments.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Kirk Hammett uses ESP KH-2 SE Kirk Hammett Signature

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

Kirk Hammett also plays a ESP Green Burst guitar. "It's to match the pedal," Hammett's tech says in this interview at (7:50), in reference to Hammett's signature Dunlop Crybaby Wah pedal.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP KH-2 SE Kirk Hammett Signature, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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