ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett Signature, Black

The ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett Signature in Black brings the unmistakable look and metal-focused performance of Kirk Hammett’s ESP guitars to a more accessible price point.

Designed for fast lead playing, heavy rhythm work and expressive tremolo techniques, the KH-202 combines a lightweight basswood body with a fast maple neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets and Kirk’s iconic skull-and-bones fingerboard inlays.

A pair of ESP Designed LH-301 humbuckers delivers the output and definition needed for rock and metal, while the Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo allows dive bombs, vibrato effects and dramatic pitch changes with dependable tuning stability.

Whether you are learning classic Metallica riffs, developing your lead technique or looking for a distinctive stage-ready metal guitar, the KH-202 offers signature styling with serious performance potential.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	KH-202
Artist	Kirk Hammett
Finish	Black
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Condition	Brand New
Construction	Bolt-on
Body Material	Basswood
Scale Length	25.5 inches
Fingerboard	Roasted jatoba
Frets	24 extra jumbo
Pickups	ESP Designed LH-301 humbuckers
Bridge	Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo
Main Appeal	Kirk Hammett styling with fast metal-focused playability
Best For	Metal, hard rock, thrash, shred and expressive lead playing
Skill Level	Beginner, intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Brand New Condition

This ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett Signature is offered in brand new condition and has not been previously owned.

Every new instrument is inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before dispatch to confirm that its electronics, hardware and general playability meet our standards.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett Signature electric guitar

• Floyd Rose tremolo arm

• No case or gig bag is included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before dispatch, our team checks the guitar’s pickups, volume and tone controls, pickup selector, output socket, tuners, locking nut, Floyd Rose bridge, neck, frets and general playability.

The tremolo system is checked for correct operation, and the guitar is assessed for stable tuning and consistent electronic performance across all three pickup-selection settings.

Service and Setup Work Performed

The guitar receives a general inspection, tuning check and playability assessment before leaving Fair Deal Music.

A Floyd Rose-equipped guitar may require additional adjustment when changing string gauge or moving to a substantially different tuning, as string and spring tension must remain correctly balanced.

Why Choose the ESP LTD KH-202?

Kirk Hammett Signature Styling

The KH-202 captures the recognisable visual identity of Kirk Hammett’s signature instruments.

Its gloss Black finish, pointed ESP headstock, black hardware and skull-and-bones fingerboard inlays give it a bold appearance closely associated with Metallica’s lead guitarist.

It is designed for players who want an unmistakably metal-focused instrument without moving into the price range of ESP’s higher-end Kirk Hammett models.

Fast Double-Cutaway Body

The KH-style double-cutaway body provides easy access to the highest frets while retaining the sharp, aggressive appearance associated with ESP guitars.

Its sculpted shape works particularly well for lead guitarists who frequently play in the upper register.

Lightweight Basswood Construction

Basswood offers an even tonal response with a strong midrange and controlled high frequencies.

It provides an effective foundation for high-output pickups because it helps distorted tones remain full without introducing excessive brightness.

Its relatively manageable weight also makes the KH-202 comfortable for longer rehearsals, practice sessions and performances.

Extra Thin U Maple Neck

ESP’s Extra Thin U neck contour is designed for speed and precision.

Its slim profile allows the fretting hand to move easily between positions, making it particularly suitable for:

• Fast alternate picking

• Legato playing

• Scale runs

• Tapping

• Wide stretches

• Rhythm and lead transitions

• Upper-register soloing

The bolt-on maple neck also contributes to the guitar’s immediate attack and clear note response.

25.5-Inch Scale Length

The KH-202 uses a 25.5-inch scale, providing firm string tension and a defined attack.

This helps palm-muted notes remain tight and controlled when using distortion. It can also improve clarity when using reduced tunings, provided that the tremolo system is correctly balanced for the selected strings and pitch.

Roasted Jatoba Fingerboard

The roasted jatoba fingerboard provides a smooth and responsive surface with a firm playing feel.

Its dark appearance complements the guitar’s Black finish and provides a striking background for the skull-and-bones inlays.

Skull-and-Bones Inlays

Kirk Hammett’s skull-and-bones position markers are one of the KH-202’s defining visual features.

They give the fingerboard a distinctive signature appearance while still allowing fret positions to be identified quickly during playing.

24 Extra-Jumbo Frets

The KH-202 provides 24 extra-jumbo frets, giving the player a full two-octave range on every string.

The larger fret size supports a lighter fretting touch and makes bends, vibrato and fast lead techniques feel smooth and controlled.

ESP Designed LH-301 Humbuckers

The KH-202 is fitted with an ESP Designed LH-301N neck pickup and LH-301B bridge pickup.

These passive humbuckers provide a strong signal with enough output for distorted rock and metal tones while remaining capable of clear clean sounds.

LH-301B Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup delivers a focused and aggressive response suitable for:

• Heavy rhythm playing

• Palm-muted riffs

• Thrash metal

• Hard rock

• Power chords

• Artificial harmonics

• Cutting lead tones

Its strong attack helps individual notes remain clear through high-gain amplification.

LH-301N Neck Pickup

The neck pickup offers a warmer, smoother sound for:

• Sustained lead playing

• Fluid legato

• Clean arpeggios

• Warm rhythm sounds

• Melodic solos

• Blues-influenced lead tones

Its fuller response provides a useful contrast to the sharper bridge pickup.

Familiar Three-Way Pickup Selection

The three-way selector provides quick access to:

• Neck pickup

• Both pickups

• Bridge pickup

Separate volume controls allow the output of each pickup to be balanced, while the master tone control adjusts the overall brightness.

Floyd Rose Special Tremolo

The Floyd Rose Special is a double-locking tremolo designed for expressive pitch control and strong tuning stability.

The strings are locked at the bridge and nut, helping prevent movement during dramatic tremolo use.

It can be used for:

• Deep dive bombs

• Upward pitch bends

• Wide vibrato effects

• Harmonic screams

• Subtle chord movement

• Classic metal lead techniques

Fine tuners on the bridge allow precise tuning adjustments after the locking nut has been secured.

Why Choose a Double-Locking Tremolo Guitar?

A double-locking tremolo allows more extreme pitch manipulation than a traditional non-locking vibrato system.

Because the strings are secured at both ends, the guitar can return to pitch more reliably following dramatic tremolo movements.

This type of bridge is particularly suitable for players interested in:

• Metal and shred techniques

• Expressive soloing

• Dive bombs and pull-ups

• Wide vibrato effects

• Harmonic tremolo techniques

• Lead styles inspired by Kirk Hammett and other metal guitarists

A double-locking system requires a more considered approach to restringing and setup than a fixed bridge, but it provides creative possibilities that a hardtail guitar cannot reproduce.

Who Is It For?

Metallica and Kirk Hammett Fans

The signature inlays, aggressive body design and Floyd Rose tremolo make the KH-202 an obvious choice for players inspired by Kirk Hammett’s sound and visual style.

Beginner Guitarists Interested in Metal

A committed beginner can start on the KH-202 and gain experience with the same type of double-locking tremolo used on many professional metal guitars.

The guitar also provides enough performance potential to remain useful as the player develops.

Intermediate Players

Developing guitarists will appreciate the fast neck, extended 24-fret range and versatile dual-humbucker layout.

Lead Guitarists

The Extra Thin U neck and Floyd Rose bridge create a strong platform for fast solos, bends, vibrato, tapping and expressive tremolo techniques.

Rhythm Guitarists

The LH-301 bridge humbucker and firm 25.5-inch scale provide the attack and definition needed for tight distorted rhythm playing.

Live Performers

Its signature appearance and bold Black finish give the KH-202 a strong stage presence, while its double-locking bridge supports energetic performances.

Sound and Playing Character

The KH-202 has a direct and responsive playing character with a strong midrange, clear attack and plenty of output for rock and metal.

Bridge Pickup Sound

The LH-301B bridge pickup provides:

• Defined palm-muted notes

• Powerful distorted chords

• Strong upper-midrange attack

• Responsive harmonics

• Focused lead sounds

• Clear fast-picked passages

Neck Pickup Sound

The LH-301N neck pickup offers:

• Smooth sustained solos

• Warm clean tones

• Fluid legato response

• Rounded rhythm sounds

• Clear melodic lines

• Expressive overdriven leads

Combined Pickup Sound

Selecting both pickups creates a broader and more balanced sound.

This setting works well for clean chords, medium-gain rhythm parts and sections that need warmth without losing the bridge pickup’s attack.

Black Finish and Signature Detailing

The gloss Black finish gives the KH-202 a classic, understated metal appearance.

Its black bridge, tuning machines, pickup covers and control hardware create a coordinated look, while the white skull-and-bones inlays provide bold contrast along the fingerboard.

The overall design is immediately recognisable without relying on an elaborate body graphic.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	Kirk Hammett Signature Series
Model	KH-202
Orientation	Right-handed
Instrument Type	Solid-body electric guitar
Finish	Black
Body Shape	KH double cutaway
Construction	Bolt-on
Scale Length	25.5 inches / approximately 648mm
Body Material	Basswood
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Profile	Extra Thin U
Fingerboard Material	Roasted jatoba
Fingerboard Radius	350mm
Fingerboard Inlays	Kirk Hammett skull and bones
Number of Frets	24
Fret Type	Extra jumbo
Nut Width	42mm
Nut Type	Locking
Neck Pickup	ESP Designed LH-301N humbucker
Bridge Pickup	ESP Designed LH-301B humbucker
Pickup Type	Passive
Controls	Neck volume, bridge volume and master tone
Pickup Selector	Three-way toggle switch
Bridge	Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo
Tuning Machines	LTD
Hardware Colour	Black
Factory Strings	D’Addario XL120
Factory String Gauges	.009, .011, .016, .024, .032 and .042

Power Requirements

The ESP Designed LH-301 pickups are passive and do not require a battery or external power supply.

ESP LTD KH-202 Compared with Other Kirk Hammett Models

Compared with the ESP LTD KH-602

The KH-602 is a higher-level Kirk Hammett signature model with neck-through construction, premium active pickups, upgraded hardware and a Macassar ebony fingerboard.

The KH-202 offers the essential KH styling, fast neck and double-locking tremolo at a more accessible price point.

It is an excellent choice for developing players and Kirk Hammett fans who do not require the professional specification of the KH-602.

Compared with the ESP KH-2

The ESP KH-2 is a Japanese-built professional instrument based closely on Kirk Hammett’s own guitars.

It features significantly higher-level materials, construction, hardware and finishing. The KH-202 captures the visual identity and core playing concept of the KH design at a fraction of the price.

Compared with a Fixed-Bridge Metal Guitar

A fixed bridge is simpler to restring and makes frequent tuning changes easier.

The KH-202’s Floyd Rose Special requires more setup knowledge but provides access to dive bombs, pull-ups and dramatic pitch effects unavailable from a hardtail bridge.

Compared with a Traditional Dual-Humbucker Guitar

The KH-202 has the familiar tonal range of two humbuckers but combines it with a faster neck, 24 frets and a double-locking tremolo.

This gives it a distinctly modern, metal-focused playing experience.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD KH-202 works particularly well with:

• High-gain guitar amplifiers

• Modern modelling amplifiers

• Distortion and overdrive pedals

• Boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Wah pedals

• Delay and reverb effects

• Medium or heavy guitar picks

• Professional instrument cables

• Suitable replacement strings for Floyd Rose setups

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ESP LTD KH-202 suitable for beginners?

Yes, particularly for beginners interested in metal and lead guitar. The Floyd Rose system requires more care during restringing and setup than a fixed bridge, but learning to use it can be valuable for players interested in expressive tremolo techniques.

Is the KH-202 only suitable for Metallica songs?

No. Although it is inspired by Kirk Hammett, its dual humbuckers and fast neck make it suitable for metal, hard rock, punk, alternative music and shred-oriented playing.

Can the Floyd Rose produce dive bombs?

Yes. The Floyd Rose Special is designed for dramatic downward and upward pitch effects while maintaining strong tuning stability when correctly set up.

Can the KH-202 be used in lower tunings?

Yes, but changing tuning can affect the balance of the floating tremolo. A setup may be required when moving to a substantially different tuning or string gauge.

Are the pickups active?

No. The ESP Designed LH-301 pickups are passive and do not require a battery.

Can the KH-202 produce clean tones?

Yes. The neck pickup provides warm clean sounds, while the combined pickup position offers a broad and balanced response.

What is the benefit of having 24 frets?

Twenty-four frets provide a full two-octave range on every string and give lead players access to higher notes than a traditional 21- or 22-fret guitar.

What are the benefits of the locking nut?

The locking nut prevents the strings from moving through the nut during tremolo use, helping the guitar return to pitch after bends, dive bombs and pull-ups.

How is the guitar tuned after the nut is locked?

Fine tuners positioned on the Floyd Rose bridge allow small tuning adjustments after the locking nut has been secured.

Is the tremolo difficult to maintain?

It is more involved than a fixed bridge, particularly when changing all six strings or altering tuning. Replacing one string at a time and using the same string gauge helps maintain the bridge’s existing balance.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett Signature is an excellent gateway into the world of fast-playing signature metal guitars.

Its Extra Thin U neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets and Floyd Rose Special tremolo provide the tools needed for fast solos, expressive vibrato and dramatic pitch effects. The ESP Designed LH-301 humbuckers deliver punchy rhythm tones and smooth lead sounds, making the guitar capable of far more than simply recreating Metallica riffs.

With its iconic skull-and-bones inlays, gloss Black finish and accessible price, the KH-202 offers genuine signature appeal alongside the performance required by developing rock and metal guitarists.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

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Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available. It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.