Description
Perhaps no other guitar is as closely associated with Metallica’s massively influential lead guitarist Kirk Hammett than the ESP KH-2 Vintage. A special adaptation of Kirk’s standard ESP KH-2 model, the KH-2 Vintage is based on one of Kirk’s personal guitars that saw duty in the studio and on stages around the world during Metallica albums and tours. The resulting “lived in” vibe, including distressed paint with small chips and pitting, lightning-fast neck, and famous “CAUTION HOT” sticker and “KIRK’S GUITAR” label, are perfectly recreated by the luthiers at the world-class luthiers at the ESP Custom Shop in Japan. But the KH-2 Vintage is more than just its cool looks. It’s a neck-thru-body shred machine, with a comfortable alder body, extra-thin U-shaped maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets and Kirk’s skull & bones inlays, and high-end components including Gotoh tuners, a Floyd Rose Original bridge, and a set of EMG 81 active pickups.
EMG 81:
One of the most popular EMG’s, the 81 is the one that started a revolution. Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut, and fluid sustain. Traditionally used in the bridge position of your guitar, this humbucking pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix. When used in both neck and bridge positions the sound can only be described as blistering.
ABOUT ESP:
ESP Company, Limited is a Japanese guitar manufacturer, primarily focused on the production of electric guitars and basses. They are based in both Tokyo, Japan and Los Angeles, California, United States, with two distinct product lines for each respective market. ESP Company manufactures instruments under several names, including “ESP Standard”, “ESP Custom Shop”, “LTD Guitars and Basses”, “Navigator”, “Edwards Guitar and Basses”, and “Grassroots”. www.espguitars.com