ESP KH-2 Kirk Hammett Signature

I think mines a 2006,I bought it used and haven't got the COA yet but believe thats the year.Made in Japan with EMG 81/81. You know the features so lets move on shall we...
Oh, mines a bolt on neck.

Firstly you'll notice that this is one of the only guitars Ive ever played where the EMG's sound different and seem to be more organic then on other guitars I have with the same ones. It is definitely bright and doesn't sound as full as my Dean MAB1 but not to say in a bad way. Its very clear and as one other reviewer states its like you hear the strings and the wood more.
I use it threw a BOSS ME-70 to either my Randall RM50 head using a KH-1 module (clean) and a Marshall G100RCD head into a 412 w/ Celestion G12 30MG's and a Crate V212B with Hellatone 60L's. The nice thing is the Hellatones have more bottom end so the brightness of the guitar helps even out the tone. I'd describe the tone as Rich but thin
I would like a EMG 85 in the neck as its not full enough in my opinion but certainly has its own character, I mention this cause its not what I'm used to when I play clean an at first I was a bit concerned. I would say that it can be limiting if you were to ask if it could play anything.
I like everything about its tone thus far. Dislike that I think the 81 in the neck limits you tonally a bit.
I have to mention in this section that The Tone King states a musical gimme in that a KH-2 or a Randall RM100 KH amp probably wont make you able to play like Kirk but in this case I disagree, the KH-2 is incredibly easy to play and I think It will elevate your skill level. It gets a 9 cause nothing is perfect. And yes the sustain is really crazy good.

I got it used and when I got it the action was actually to low, no fret buzz but seemed to be muting the sustain almost (easy fix). The neck is wider then my Dean MAB1 and I thought I wasnt gonna like that but its now what I like more. I have small hands and used to think thinner was better but Im proven wrong here. Its similar to a Charvel or other high end Jackson, nice natural finish. The only thing i that the locking nut is smaller then the neck so theres a bit of raw neck on either side and it just doesnt seem like it should be like that but it is.
As far as the finish, I hate all black guitar's! This is the only guitar I made an exception for, however the Black is extremely rich and perfect mirror. I think its hard to see the guitar when its all black, I'm going to get some high end Vinyl diecuts of the Ouija design so that will give the guitar some definition.
The biggest thing about the fit is that it seems like the neck is so well secured to the body that it actually seems like theres less tension on the strings ( I know this might be impossible but...),I have 9's on there and they feel like 7.5's its crazy how easy it is the fly around the fretboard and bent anywhere you want.
I've also never seen suck attention to detail in turns of the guts, they've got soft foam everywhere to prevent the battery from bouncing around and the wires are all braided. It also feels really light for a solid Alder axe,Im thinking that adds to why its so bright.
The floyd is solid, they use the direct mount screws right into the body as opposed to using pivot posts inside of sleeves, no play period!
It gets a 9cause of the color,theres 3 colors available this year and if I had $2350 I'd get one but this will due at the $750 I got it for.
The skull and Xbone inlays are uniform on these newer models and I wish they were all different like in the older ones but they are really well done,theyre just big enough to see in low light.
Its taking some getting used to having 2 volume pots but since the bridge volume is in the middle this eliminates me hitting it while playing and effecting its setting, if I hit the neck volume its no big deal. This is a big plus in my book. And I think all guitars should have reverse headstocks! Its just more natural to adjust then regular and looks sick! Plus I would be less apt to catch the tip as its pointed up and not down like my Charvel's which I nick every now and then.

This guitar would have to be as reliable as you can get so yes on that.
I would use a backup in case of string break and also if I want to get a deeper tone my Dean would be better. Some Megadeth songs I play song better on the Dean, better as in fuller/darker.

Couldn't tell ya.

Ive been playing for 25 years, the only other gear I have is a 1986 original Charvel which I bought new in 86. At first you'll notice yourself playing different then youre used to and not know what to think. Then you'll realize that you've never played a guitar this nice before. I wish there were more color choices but thats the rub in a signature unit, I guess you could get a MII and be fine but who knows if those play the same. I thought I found my dream guitar when I got my Dean and then I got this and its everything the hype says it is. I'm never selling this and yes I'd get one again without hesitation. You will be thinking about playing it when youre not at home and it will make you a better player. Get it if you're thinking about it.

ESp model.U already know everything(bolt on neck).I tooked it used 3 years ago and i think it has 6-8 years now.

Acustic sound is very good - for me this is where you can se first if guitar sounds ok, before u plug it in amp. It is not so heavy and warm sounded as gibsons or mahagony guitars but it ok.
It sounds great for playing blues,country,rock.I like to play hendrix, clapton,bb king,slash.
But with emgs this guitar rocks for hard rock and metal. My main influenses are Zakk Wylde, Dimebag, Friedman, Randy. FOr first three guys you can say that are very,very good benders and thats where my playing starts.I didn't buy this guitar because Kirk use it, i think that he sucks, and has no feel(see his bending, hahaha).But let go Kirk.
I like 81 in all positions,one is good for riffs and screaming soloes, another for woman(wery dark) tone in soloes (not good for riffs).
The best thing on this guitar is neck, it's very easy to play, and sound has lots of sustain and doesn't lose tone on different frets.

Acton was low but i fixed it because i realy hate low action and i made it very high so the acustic sound got more bigger and guitar more funny to play.The pickups has been adjusted fine and i left them as they were.

The guitar is very heavy when u consider material and shape, and i love it this way.IT is good for the sound.
Finish is ok.

This guitar is a high quality guitar. The only problem that i found was hardware - flying rose, but i have to took color down and put a new one and it will be ok.
I did almost every gig with kh2 and there has been no problem. i totaly relay on this guitar.

I've benn playing for 13 years now and playing similar guitars as jacksons and ibanez i found this guitar a best buy. I tried a lot of ESP guitars and they are all good, LTD a less good but ok for the price rang.
It it were solen i would buy a new one , but now i realy hope to buy ESP ECLIPSE vinage black (the one with ebony fingerboard) for lower tunings and fatter tone.I played it and it's the new think that i'm searching for.
If you want a profesional guitar and you like it's design and shape, and you play metal or rock this guitar is one of the best that market offers u.
ESP ROCKS.

I got this off ebay, 2nd hand for even less than half of the retail price.
The features have been listed here countless times, so I won't bother saying it again.
I love the features, active EMGs, original floyd rose, 24 frets, just what I love in a guitar. Also, this is the first original floyd rose I've tried and I can really tell the difference between one of these and the crappy licensed ones.

This guitar sounds brilliant for lead, just perfect. High output pickups are just the best. I do understand what some people are saying about it not being a rhythm guitar, even in the neck position, it wouldn't be too suitable. This is a solid lead sound you get, and why would you buy it if you are not a lead player. I'm giving this a 10, though I do agree an emg 60 would add more bass and warmness to the sound, this is for LEAD and this is what Kirk Hammet wanted for HIS guitar, so you can't really complain as it's a sig guitar, if this were a standard though, it would be a different matter.

Seeing as I got it second hand, I can't say much about the action, though it is great the way it is now, the guy i got it from had it professionally setup and all that. Though, ESPs factory setups are extremely good, as I got a Horizon NT-II new from them back in september and it was perfect.
This guitar is very solid, and feels like it, the finish looks great and feels very hard. The bridge is stunning, I've tried pushing the whammy bar up and down like crazy and this things stays in tune perfectly. Also, the inlays look so cool, skull and crossbones, awsome, they are all done perfectly, right up to the 24th fret. Everything on this guitar is top quality.

This guitar WILL withstand gigging, i mean DUH, kirk hammet uses the same guitar, and it survives metallica's gigs right??
The finish seems like it'll take a hit without showing damage, the floyd rose is as stable you're gonna get and everything is built solidly, which you'd expect from customshop.

Haven't had to deal with ESP.

I have been playing 4 years, I'm only 16, I own an ESP horizon nt-II and play through a Line6 HD147 and Orange cab. If this were stolen, I would save my ass off to get another one, coz deals like what I got don't happen everyday!
I love the floyd rose bridge on this, it's fun to play around with, that has to be my favorite feature. If I had the choice, neck-thru would have been a bit nice for upper fret access and sustain, but it makes little difference to me, this is still daaaamn nice!! I have sort of compared this to my Horizon, but in my opinion, they are two completely different playing experiences, this is for lead, and the horizon is for a bit of both.
To be honest, I like Metallica, they're great, but I'm not mad about them, my style is more kind of Children Of Bodom/Trivium style, but I saw this guitar and thought 'it looks sweet and has every feature I want' so I got it, plus it's customshop, and you won't find any of these brand new anymore, seeing as signature models are now being produced in the Standard ESP factory, rather than customshop, not that it will affect the guitar, but it'll be interesting to see future reviews on 2006 models of this guitar.
Overall, I'm very pleased with getting this, it's the best guitar I've played and it will last.

1994 KH-2 made in the ESP Custom Shop... This is a pre-mass production piece and was hand made by the custom shop. I have played KH-2's procduced almost every year dating back to 2000 and the difference is astonishing. I was lucky to find this one.
24 Jumbo Frets
active EMG 81's... don't change them, these get much better with age.
Still has all original hardware as well, though a few saddles have been replaced on the Floyd after normal wear and tear.

I generally play progessive metal and this axe more than fits the music... I also play some blues with it, but it's more suited for metal. At first, I wasn't happy with the EMG's, but I stuck with them and years of cooking them made me very happy I didn't. The neck pickup is superb for really fast sweep and alternate picking and has a silky smooth tone that still cuts through. With the neck pickup there's no harmonic that is unhittable. Use 'em both for a little bluesy/jazz tone... wonderful sound.
I generally play through my old Rivera K-100 and custom made cab loaded with Vintage 30's.. a Line 6 Pod rack unit provides effects.

I cannot say anything about the setup from the factory since I bought it in 1996, but I worked in a guitar shop and have played nearly every make of guitar there is, and I've never like the feel of a guitar more. Though, like I said, i've played some of the later models of the same guitar that were CNC made and was quite disappointed. I'd recommend finding a older hand made one. The only way I'll find a better feeling guitar is to make it myself.
I've had people say they do not like KH-2's play my guitar and say they've never picked up a guitar that was so easy to play...

This thing has withstood years of gigging and studio work. There's one chip in it from being dropped by a drunk idiot who was dying to see it. I use car wax on it that goes for $25 a bottle, and the finish is still as perfect as the day I bought it 10 years ago.
Still has all factory hardware, save for a few saddles on the Floyd.

This guitar has been flawless for the 10 years of service to me, so I have never had to deal with ESP's customer service.

I have had Anderson guitars, Ibanez Prestige's, several Gibson's as well as PRS's... They've all come and gone, but I cannot get rid of this axe, for I have yet to find it's equal in feel. I will likely never get rid of this guitar. If I found this particular guitar, pre-CNC made, then I would not hesitate to buy it again. Though if it were stolen, I would not likely by another unless I could find one of the older hand made ones.

My KH-2 is a 2005 model made in the ESP Custom Shop in Japan.

The neck is bolt-on construction with a 25.5 inch scale. It has 24 extra jumbo frets. The body is alder with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. Sweet skull & bone inlays! It has 2 EMG 81 active pickups. 2 volume & 1 tone control with a 3-way slotted switch. All of the hardware is black. The Bridge is an Original Floyd Rose.

Came with an ESP Harshell Case - very high quality. I got the guitar from a dealer in Colorado called Drum City Guitar Land. They set the guitar up to my preference and threw in free strings, picks, a strap, ESP catalog and an ESP t-shirt. I HIGHLY recommend DCGL.

I am, obviously, a huge Metallica fan but metal is not all I play. I also like Satriani and Eric Johnson. I am a huge Pink Floyd fan as well as bands like Dave Matthews. I promise you, this guitar can do it all. Don't let the fact that it has two EMG 81s put you off. The 81 in the bridge sounds nothing like the 81 at the neck. The bridge PUP sounds great for lead tones and the neck PUP does cleans beautifully. The neck PUP is warm and full - as long as you can dial in your amp this PUP can sound amazing. I do not get any noise from them either.

As I stated above this guitar was set up professionally by the dealer that sold it to me. The used the strings and the tuning that I wanted. The action is PERFECT! I did not even have to tune it and it was shipped across the US. The frets are flawless as well as everything else on the guitar. The black paint is super glossy. This is my first ORIGINAL Floyd Rose and I finally see what all the fuss is about. It is sturdy and hold tune perfectly. I have yet to come across a flaw on this guitar.

Seeing as Kirk has been using this guitar since 1987, I think it goes without saying that it would withstand live playing. I think this guitar could take a beating and not even go out of tune. It is very balanced when standing which is something that I love. You do not need to support the neck or the body. It just holds in place.

I would never gig without a backup, but this sucker wouldn't let me down. I think it could be your main guitar for a LONG time.

I did not deal with ESP only with DCGL. I also had to wait about 7 months to get this guitar because ESPs are so hard to get. DCGL were great and gave me a KILLER deal because I waited so long. Even shipped the guitar for FREE! I can not say enough good things about them. If you need a guitar and want the best deal - call Drum City Guitar Land in Wheat Ridge Colorado. They ROCK!

I have been playing for about 14 years. This is by far the best guitar I have ever owned. Keep in mind it is made in the Custom Shop so it is of the highest quality out there. I own Ibanez, Gibson and Takamine guitars. This was my first ESP and might be the last guitar I ever NEED to buy. For the neck alone this guitar is worth getting. If you have never played one, I HIGHLY recommend checking them out. You pay a little more because Kirk's name is on it, but I think it is worth every penny.

If this guitar was stolen I would definitely get it replaced. I think this is the best guitar I have ever played.

bolt-on construction; 25.5? scale; alder body; maple neck; rosewood fingerboard; skull & bones inlays; EMG 81 active pickups; 2 volume & 1 tone control with 3-way slotted switch; black hardware; Original Floyd Rose bridge; 24 XJ frets

came with hardshell case

I play mostly hard music (like Megadeth, Metallica BEFORE they became homos, In Flames...) but I also play some bluesish tunes like SRV and TRY to play some Vai, although I usually fail miserably, he is damn good!

This guitar is obviously geared toward "rock on" Beavis and Butthead types, and so I was a little concerned about how it might sound considering my diverse tastes. I was surprised! A little tweaking of sound here and there...voila, pretty much any sound (except strat-ish single coil sounds) Of course, it could be contributed to the GT-6 I run it through to a Marshall AVT 150.

The sound straight from the guitar without effects or distortion is pretty bright.

The best part is the neck, definitely. I tore off the factory 9s and put on 10s instead. The 9s choke off too early when muting, 10s can give that low end CHUNK that I really like.

The guitar was set up almost perfectly from the factory. The only thing bad about it was that the locking nuts were not tightened down. No big deal, other than that, the guitar's set up was excellent (other than the 9s...but that is simply preference).

I think in most respects, this guitar is solid and would withstand a lot. One of the pots for the neck volume is a little gritty sounding when turning it, I am expecting that to wear out quickly.

N/A

This guitar is exceptional and fullfills almost every aspect of my playing. I thought it would have a specific niche and not be good for anything other than Metallica-sounding stuff...was I ever wrong. I even got it to sound like an electric acoustic!

24XJ frets, alder body, bolt on maple neck w/ rosewood fingerboard and 'skull and crossbones' inlays. Two volume and 1 master tone, 3-way switch, 2 EMG 81's, Original Floyd Rose, something like a 16in. radius neck very flat. Neck is very thin at 1st fret and regular thin at 12th, and fairly wide. Feels wider than my Stratocaster. 25.5" scale. Black paint and hardware.
A 10 for quality of components.

The EMG 81's are very quiet pickups being that they are active and run on a 9-volt battery. I've heard you can run them off of 2 9'volts (18 volts) for a different tone. Never tried it myself.
I never cared for the overall tone of the guitar; the EMG81's and the full-floating Floyd Rose take all the low end away from the guitar. Not really that versitile, but great for hard rock and overdriven tones. I just found it to be a thin sounding, again the full-floating Floyd Rose and the 81's certainly dont help. EMG 81's are not for me I dont think.

Despite not liking the tone too much the guitar does play exceptionally well. Better than anything I've played yet. The fret work was top-notch and the Floyd Rose stayed in tune after the worst of wammy dives and pull-ups. Setup correctly this thing will never go out of tune.
Neck is thin and wide but its great for fast runs and is comfortable.

See above. No problems with reliability and durability. All electronics and parts are top of the line for sure.

Never delt with them. No comment

Been playing for 8 years. Also own a Mexican Strat, Gibson Les Paul Standard and a Jay Turser Telecaster (a fine guitar for the money).
If the ESP had been stolen when I had it I wouldn't buy another one because I didnt like the thin tone the guitar had. I thought about changing the pickups to some passives but just sold the guitar instead.
I liked that it had the best-of-the-best in hardware and excellent fretwork. You can get the action insanely low (probably 2-3/64th's), that low for me anyway.

Made in 2005 in Japan, 24 XJ frets, one tone pot and two volume pots, double 81 Active Humbuckers.
The body is Alder colored in black and the neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard.
I'm not sure what the neck finish is but it's really really smooth when you slide your hand on it!
An original Floyd Rose tremolo bridge with a locking nut, I actually thought the tuners were gotoh but my warranty card says they are ESP tuners (They are fine though I don't really care what brand they are)
The neck 25.5" standard length and it is thin but no too thin it's just the amount you want it to!
I got a case with it and some wrenches and ofcourse an ESP 2005 guitar catalog.
I'm giving it a 10 because although it may not have so much features but IMO it has just enough.

I play Rock and Metal and it fits it very well! I like the way it sounds.
I'm running it into a Boss GT-8 unit which goes directly into my Fender M80's PA.
I can go really high in gain and it's still dead quiet except when you take it close to the amp for some feedback and then it SCREAMS!
People say that this guitar sucks at clean, but it's fine for me.. I'm not such a tone snob.

Everything was set-up very well on the guitar except for the action that was a little bit higher than what I'm used to. (I don't care that much though because it came with .09-.42 ghs strings and I'm gonne get it set up for .10-.46 Ernie Ball strings soon)
The pickups were adjusted fine, all the routings were really good and it had no flaws what so ever.
I'm giving it an 8 because the action could have been a little better...

Although I've had it for a short time I'm sure it could take some beating and still be as wonderful as it is now.
It is an Original Floyd Rose tremolo that I'm sure will outlast me :) and I don't have any problems with the strap buttons but just to be safe I recommend to install some straplocks (I got Dunlop's)
I can definately depend on it and I won't need any backup for it live although I would probably have another guitar if I wanted a different tuning because tuning with the tremolo is a pain.

Never dealt with them, most chances I never will...

I've been playing for about a year and this is my first electric guitar (although I tried A LOT others before I bought it).
I should have tried to ask about the tuning machines before but they are just as good as is so I don't regret I didn't that much.
I love the Skull N' Bones inlays really much, makes it real sexy looking.
The thing I hate is that it gets dirty from the fingers real quick, it could be wiped off really fast though, no worries for real permament damage to finish.
I've compared it to a Gibson SG Standard but I bought this one because of the XJ frets and the active 81/81 pups.
I wish it had an active EMG AfterBurner booster switch, but the pickups are quite hot as is.
If you like to play quality guitars try this one, I'm pretty sure you'll like it very much!
I gave it a 9 because the price is a little high and probably some of it is just because ESP is written on the headstock, but most of it is "You get what you pay for" ;)

2005 ESP Kirk Hammett made in Japan. 24 frets, with EMG 81/81 config. Floyd Rose equipped. This is the Neck Through version, the bolt-on is all ESP sells in the states I believe.

This guitar sounds amazing and get get almost any "crunch" sound you can think of. Using it with a Peavey XXX. Very nice responsive controls too.

The guitar came setup well from the factory, everything was adjusted right with the exception of the neck (which I straigtened out). Although it does have 2 blemishes on the fretboard which shouldn't exist on a guitar of this price. The 22nd fret has a "nub" on it between the E and A strings, and the fretboard has a gouge on it around the middle of it.

I'm sure it could easily withstand live playing if one were to put on some straplocks. The finish scratches very easily though and the clearcoat seems thin. Wouldn't use it on the gig without a back because of the floating trem.

Comes with a lifetime warranty, that is about all I know of ESPs customer service

Been playing for 4 years, if it were stolen I'd definatly get another one, the feel of this thing blows away my Les Paul. I with it had a different neck pickup. That is it

I come from thailand.

24 frets
2 volume 1 tone and 3 way slot switch
2 EMG 81 active set
alder body,maple neck and rosswood fingerboard
floy rose original bridge
and skull&bone inlay (it's great)

i'm play rock,metal and hardcore music style.I think that sound perfect for metal and rock.the sound is clear and full.I had 2 guitars----> Washburn N2 and Epiphone lp custom
but KH2 is veryyyyyy better than 2 guitars,thus ESP KH2 is main guitar

The action was good low action but not buzzing,easy to play fast

It's strong