Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,412
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "ESP KH Purple Sparkle". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The ESP KH Purple Sparkle is a testament to Kirk Hammett's legendary influence in the rock and metal world. This signature solid body electric guitar combines a contoured alder body with a neck-thru maple construction, offering both durability and resonance that guitarists crave for seamless playability. The extra thin U-shaped neck, paired with 24 extra-jumbo frets on a Macassar ebony fretboard, ensures that shredding across the frets is as smooth as it gets.
Equipped with Hammett’s signature active EMG Bone Breaker humbuckers, this guitar delivers a robust and articulate sound perfect for both bone-crushing metal riffs and nuanced clean tones. The Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system ensures that you can dive and bend to your heart's content without compromising on tuning stability, thanks to its locking nut that keeps your strings in check.
Aesthetically, the ESP KH Purple Sparkle is as striking as it is functional, adorned with black hardware and skull-and-crossbones inlays that echo Hammett's iconic style. Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in the studio, this guitar promises a performance that matches its breathtaking look.
Key Features:
- Kirk Hammett Signature Model
- Alder body with neck-thru maple construction
- Macassar Ebony fretboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Extra Thin U neck profile
- EMG Bone Breaker active humbucker pickups
- Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system
- Locking nut for stable tuning
- Black hardware and skull-and-crossbones inlays
- Includes a protective case
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Kirk Hammet Signature |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Polyurethane Gloss |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Maple |
| Neck Shape | Extra Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Neck-through |
| Radius | 13.77" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Kirk Hammett Skull/Bones |
| Number of Frets | 24, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.653" |
| Nut Material | Molded |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Floyd Rose 1000 |
| Tuners | LTD |
| Neck Pickup | EMG KH Bone Breaker Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG KH Bone Breaker Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario XL120, .009-.042 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the ESP KH Purple Sparkle electric guitar?
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The ESP KH Purple Sparkle features an Extra Thin U neck profile, which is designed for fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for shredding and complex solos.
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What kind of pickups are used in the ESP KH Purple Sparkle, and what tones can I expect?
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This guitar is equipped with EMG KH Bone Breaker humbuckers, which offer high output and clarity, perfect for metal and hard rock tones with tight lows and aggressive mids.
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Is the ESP KH Purple Sparkle suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the ESP KH Purple Sparkle is designed with advanced features such as a neck-through construction, Floyd Rose 1000 bridge, and 24 extra jumbo frets, catering to experienced players seeking high performance.
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Does the ESP KH Purple Sparkle come with a case?
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Yes, the ESP KH Purple Sparkle includes a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
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What is the body material of the ESP KH Purple Sparkle, and how does it affect the sound?
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The guitar's body is made from alder, which is known for its balanced tone with clear highs and strong mids, making it versatile for various music styles, especially rock and metal.
Videos
MET FX
ESP KH-2 PURPLE SPARKLE - MESA BOOGIE TRIAXIS / 2:90 - G-MAJOR 2
ESP KH-2 PURPLE SPARKLE - MESA BOOGIE TRIAXIS / 2:90 - G-MAJOR 2
MET FX
ESP MIJ KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature Purple Sparkle - The Guitar Bay
The Guitar Bay
ESP KH-2 Purple Sparkle vs Hanneman vs Purple Tiger. Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier.
TIGHTEN
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent tone for thrash and metal with KH Signature EMGs
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Thin neck designed for shredding, comfortable for fast playing
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Reliable Floyd Rose 1000 series keeps guitar in tune during heavy use
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High-quality attention to detail in construction and components
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Comes with a premium ESP hard case, adding value
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Striking purple sparkle finish with unique skull and crossbones inlays
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Versatile pickups that handle both aggressive and clean tones
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Neck-through construction enhances playability and sustain
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Well-balanced for comfortable playing, even during long sessions
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Suitable for both seasoned players and those new to signature models
CONS
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Back of the neck is painted, some prefer feeling the wood
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Not the lightest guitar, may not suit everyone
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Minor cosmetic issues like paint ripples and flakes reported by some users
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Battery compartment issues noted in some units, affecting ease of use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP KH Purple Sparkle.
Use cases and applications
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Owners appreciate the guitar's heavy build due to the neck-thru maple neck, which some find preferable for certain playing styles.
Source -
Bone Breaker pickups are praised for their versatility, offering improved lows and tamed highs compared to EMG 81, suitable for a range of styles beyond metal.
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Known for its exceptional playability and sound, fans of Metallica or similar metal styles find the tone and build particularly suited to their needs.
Source
User experience
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Bone Breaker pickups in the neck offer clear, defined tones without muddiness, even when used for clean settings in various music genres.
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Multiple owners express that despite the guitar's weight, they enjoy the substantial feel it provides during play.
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The purple sparkle finish is highly praised among enthusiasts, with many considering it a dream guitar finish due to its striking appearance.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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The ESP version uses rosewood for the fretboard, while LTD models may use pau ferro, providing a brighter tone than rosewood.
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ESP models have scalloped frets from 17-24, unlike the LTD versions, which may influence finger positioning for solos.
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The ESP model includes Gotoh tuners and strap locks, whereas the LTD uses different tuners and lacks strap locks.
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The neck shape of the ESP KH Purple Sparkle is noted to feel identical to early ESP LTD models, specifically the 1995 LTD M-2.
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Bone Breaker pickups are often compared to the EMG 81, with some users noting a preference for the unique sound profile they offer.
Source
Features and functionality
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The LTD KH model features a neck radius of 350 mm, while the more expensive ESP version has a 305 mm radius, affecting playability.
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The Bone Breaker pickups are praised for their ability to sustain harmonics for prolonged periods and deliver versatile tones, including excellent clean tones.
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The guitar includes three knobs: two for volume (neck and bridge) and one for tone, distinguishing it from models with only two knobs.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In a live performance of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in Barcelona, Spain, 2018, as seen in a multicam video by MetallicaLiveHD on YouTube, Kirk Hammett plays the ESP KH Purple Sparkle guitar. This model, part of the Kirk Hammett Signature Series, features neck-thru-body construction, an alder body, a three-piece extra-thin U-shaped maple neck, and a pau ferro fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets. It includes Kirk's signature skull-and-bones inlays, a Floyd Rose 1000 bridge, and EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker Signature pickups, making it ideal for professional recording and live performance.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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