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 60 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) active pickups, just as Kirk’s own guitar uses. Available in Black finish, the KH-2 Vintage comes with a premium hard shell case and a Certificate of Authenticity from ESP.
EMG 60:
The 60 humbucker packs plenty of output with a balance of thick, boosted mids, big lows and singing highs. Featuring close aperture coils, similar to a mini-humbucker, this model produces rich harmonic overtones with plenty of sustain. Due to its ceramic magnets, the EMG 60 has a full treble response and loads of output great for distinct single-note solos. The 60 provides clarity and character to your guitar and works very well in the neck position. Like all EMG active guitar and bass pickups, the 60 installs without the use of a soldering iron, making it easy to do at home.
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.
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