Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$1,499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (6)
$1,499.00
Amazon
5.0 (8)
$1,499.00
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$1,367.45 New
$899.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$1,499.00
Thomann
4.6 (16)
$1,444.00
Gear4Music
£1,355.00

Average Price: $1,387

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Meet the ESP LTD 30th Anniversary Kirk Hammett EKH-3 Spider - a reissue of the legendary Spider 3 guitar, celebrating its 30th Anniversary. This special-edition instrument has been designed in collaboration with Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist of Metallica, and is a faithful representation of Hammett's favorite tour guitar from the '90s.

This guitar rocks a menacing black finish that serves as the perfect canvas for its unique spider/skulls inlays and spider silk graphic. The metallic silver graphic stretches across the solid alder body, catching the light and adding a touch of visual intrigue. The 3-piece maple neck features an extra thin U profile for swift playability and is topped by a 24-fret Macassar ebony fretboard.

The EKH-3 Spider comes with EMG Bonebreaker pickups, a signature feature that offers a range of heavy tones, from rich and full to tight and cutting. The 3-way toggle switch lets you select the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both at once for added tonal versatility. A Floyd Rose 1000 Series locking tremolo, Grover tuners, and extra jumbo frets ensure high-performance playability and tuning stability.

Key Features:

  • Solid alder body with menacing black finish
  • Unique spider/skull inlays and spider silk graphic
  • 3-piece maple neck with extra thin U profile
  • 24-fret Macassar ebony fretboard
  • EMG Bonebreaker pickups for a wide range of heavy tones
  • 3-way toggle switch for tonal versatility
  • Floyd Rose 1000 Series locking tremolo for tuning stability
  • Grover tuners and extra jumbo frets for effortless playability
  • Limited edition 30th Anniversary model, a must-have collector's item

Product specs

Available since November 2021
Artist KIRK HAMMETT
Colour Black
Style LP-Style
Body Alder
Neck Maple
Fretboard Ebony
Frets 24
Scale 629 mm
Pickups HH
Tremolo Floyd Rose
Incl. Case Yes
Incl. Bag No
Top None

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider have?

The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider features a thin U-shaped neck profile, which is designed for fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for shredding and intricate solos.

Are the pickups on the ESP LTD KH-3 Spider suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the ESP LTD KH-3 Spider is equipped with high-output humbucker pickups that deliver powerful, aggressive tones, making it well-suited for heavy metal and hard rock genres.

Does the ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider come with a case?

Yes, the ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider includes a custom-fitted case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

How does the Floyd Rose tremolo system on the ESP LTD KH-3 Spider enhance performance?

The Floyd Rose tremolo system on the ESP LTD KH-3 Spider allows for precise pitch control and stable tuning, enabling dramatic dive-bombs and expressive vibrato effects.

Is the ESP LTD KH-3 Spider suitable for advanced players?

The ESP LTD KH-3 Spider is designed with features that cater to advanced players, including 24 frets for extended range and a fast neck profile for technical playing styles.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH3 30th Anniversary - 90s Metallica Reborn!

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH3 30th Anniversary - 90s Metallica Reborn! by PMTVUK

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature KH3 30th Anniversary - 90s Metallica Reborn!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning playability with low action and smooth neck, ideal for fast lead passages

  • Scalloped frets offer unique playability uncommon in this price range

  • Bone Breaker pickups deliver crisp cleans and crushing metal tones

  • Exceptional build quality and finish for a guitar at this price point

  • Reliable Floyd Rose tremolo system maintains stable tuning

  • Versatile sound suitable for metal, blues, and even jazz

  • Ebony fretboard provides a premium feel and look

  • Heavy alder body enhances tone with a dark, crisp character

  • Neck pickup's Alnico magnet offers a beautiful clean tone

CONS

  • Initial setup required for optimal performance and playability

  • Floyd Rose can be challenging for beginners to tune and maintain

  • Some may find the skull and spider graphics cheesy

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider.

Build quality

  • The KH-3 Spider is notably heavy; a 3-inch leather strap is recommended for comfort during extended play.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with previous ESP models, like the KH-2, find the KH-3 Spider to be a favorite due to its reliability and playability over the years.

    Source
  • Users often find the Floyd Rose setup challenging for frequent tuning changes, suggesting it's better suited for those committed to a specific tuning.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user transitioning from a Jackson RR-1 to the KH-3 notes a significant quality improvement in craftsmanship and performance.

    Source
  • The KH-3 Spider is a Korean version of the KH-3 Eclipse, closely resembling the Les Paul style with a unique spider graphic.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The neck on the KH-3 is compared to the KH-2, both featuring an Extra Thin U Shape, but the KH-3's neck may feel slightly wider and thinner.

    Source
  • Floyd Rose systems on the KH-3 offer superior tuning stability but require extensive setup for tuning changes and string gauge adjustments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The KH-3 Spider comes equipped with EMG Bonebreaker pickups, offering a distinct tonal character tailored to Kirk Hammett's preferences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The KH-3 Spider, with its EMG Bonebreaker pickups, is excellent for lead playing, making it suitable for metal and rock genres.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP's 30th Anniversary KH-3 Spider is a Metallica fan's dream come true | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

ESP's 30th Anniversary KH-3 Spider is a nostalgic nod for Metallica fans, featuring signature EMG pickups and a stunning Pushead graphic. The guitar’s neck-through build and scalloped frets cater to shredders, ensuring playability at high speeds. However, while it captures the essence of Kirk Hammett's iconic axe, some may find its hefty price tag hard to swallow, especially for a model that echoes a vintage design. Ultimately, it's a compelling piece for collectors and die-hard fans, but less dedicated players might question its value.

positive

ESP Unveils Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider 30th Anniversary - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kirk Hammett uses ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Sweetwater

Kirk Hammett uses the ESP LTD 30th Anniversary Kirk Hammett EKH-3 Spider, as evidenced by a photo shoot where he is seen posing with the guitar. The guitar is available for purchase at retailers such as Guitar Center, as noted by Sweetwater.

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 LTD Kirk Hammett KH-3 Spider, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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