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

I dont know what year mine was made. I purchased it new in 1997.I was told that it was made in Japan.It has a bolt on neck. Two EMG 81 , alder body,maple neck , floyd rose,and the skull and crossbone inlays.I really like the fact that it has 2 independent volume knobs.I wish it had an EMG PA-2 boost/cut switch on it.It took me a while to get used the "FLAT-U" neck after playing my Jackson with the ultra-thin neck.

It sounds awsome! All I play is SlAYER. I use a JCM 900 and a BOSS metal zone and E-Q.This particular Guitar has the best metal sound of any guitar that I have played. I played 5 different KH-2's at different stores.None of them compaired to this one.It
was also the heaviest and loudest when not pluged in. I have had a Gibson Explorer,Les paul stuido,SG,Jackson dinky Fender strat,Lead2 and a Yamaha I cant remember which one.I have played a friends PRS and a custom ESP M-2 neck through on my setup and NOTHING , that I have played, compares!

Perfect for 9-42's and standard tuning. I had to change it when I tuned flat. The fit and finish is better than any other guitar I have had in my hands. Including custom made 1960,s Gibsons and Gretch. Everything was and still is perfect after 6 years.

read above

never had a reason to.

I have been playing for 15 years.I still have my old Jackson and a ESP viper .The guitar has perfect workmanship. It stays in tune forever.There are no secondary buzz or rattles.It is built like a tank with a $20.000 paint job.If it was stolen I would cry then I would give ESP the serial # have have them make another one from their custom shop.I would give it a 11 rating if I could

My piece has been produced July 1st, 2003; 24 XJ frets; Skulls and Crossbones inlays; original floyd rose; 2 volume, one tone knobs, 3 way toggle; EMG 60 and EMG 81; NECK THRU (!) contruction; including case (with allen key and screw driver) and COA;

I mainly play Metallica and other heavy stuff and I had an ESP Explorer before. So in comparison I am very impressed with the sound. The guitar is way lighter than the Explorer was and it still has a very fat sound. Not as full as an Explorer but fat enough. Soloing sound is beyond imagination. In my wildest dreams I would have never expected such a perfect solo sound. This guitar has a wide range of sound options.

Now here comes the downer. It took me about 6 hours to set the guitar up properly. There are so many screws to set this thing up, that was really a pain in the a$$ and tuning the floyd rose is no fun. On the other hand if you are done with this you dont have to tune it for another year easily.

Additionally some words to action and finish. I have never ever seen a guitar in such a high qualitiy like this piece. There is not one edge to sharp or round, not one screw sloppy, no button sticky, no inlay lofty, simply most perfect craftsmanship .

I dont have the guitar long enough to judge upon it at this point.

As for all guitar companies their customer service is not really too good. Although their message board owns and if you wanna know anything about guitars or have a problem, thats the place to be. People there know everything about guitars!

I've been playing on a Mesa Boogie Rect-O-Verb with a Zoom Player 2020 and a Rocktron Intellifex Online in the FX loop. This guitar is by far the best I ve ever played on. Guitars can only be equally good than this. It has a very fast fretboard and is easy to grip and bend. This guitar is a perfect guitar for lead guitarists who dont wanna neclect their rythm guitar skills. A very impressive instrument and a clear 10.

Features two emg 81's bridge and neck. floyd Rose Bridge, tuned it for christmas thats when i got it and its still tuned and today is january 8th. 24 fret's with skull and cross bone inlays. and neck Thru i had to special order it to get neck thru dint want a bolt-on cause neck thru's got more sustain and plus kirk really doesnt use a bolt on.

SOUNDS killer!.. i own a ESP Grynch baritone james hetfield series guitar. a Gibson Explorer 76' with a emg 81 in the bridge and a emg 85 in the neck. a Schecter Vampira with some crappy seymore duncan pickups . a gibson Les paul standard plus on the way also. well anyways the kh2 neckthru i got threw my Mesa-Boogie Dual Rectifier with a mesa boogie 4x12 Cab. Blows all my other guitars away! so bad thats its not even funny. never played a guitar that sounds so good from prs's to gibson's to fender's the kh2 has the most killer tone. if you want killer distrotion. the clean tone is not as bad as i thought the guitar was gonna be the Clean is killer for your blues. but i suggest the emg 85 in the neck more then a 81 in the neck. the 85 has alot more bass got the 85 in my explorer. but still the 81 is more of a Cleaner blues tone. but this is the ultimiate guitar if your looking for Distrotion love it i will never sell it ever in my life. but i dont know how the bolt on's sound

WELL!!! first of all the main reason i bought this Guitar. is for the action.. the action is SOOoooOO. low that you will absolutely LOVE IT. you can speed threw this neck like never before.. just go to a ESP dealer and try one out and you will see for your self how low the action is.. its the no compareing ACTION is the best then any guitar ever.. please you must go try one out. and see for your self you will be amazed. the Finish on it i love its like a mirror BUT.. gets finger prints on it VERY easy. you must love the skull and cross bone inlays thats just a must.

well first of all you have to give this a 9.. on playing it live you have to back up more then 1 guitar thats just a must and plus if you play with emg's they run on 9-Volt battery's. the only thing is though i belive if you bump this guitar into somethin your finish is killed.

never called ESP never want too Either i pray i never have too.

well For Tone/Action/Finish/Look/Style you must give this guitar a 10. all around. i paid 2400 on it for the neck thru body. which sucked. but was it worth it.. i hate to say it but Yes.. the guitar is that good. if this guitar was Stolen... oh it would be a man hunt with a ak 47 in his mouth. with a 45 magnum to his head. and a Shot gun to the toe. and a gernade in his mommas mouth. i love metallica and i love that guitar. ive been playin for???????.. i think 6-7-8 years?. not sure?. but please go out and try out one of these guitars you will love it.. (i Gaurantee it)

(one thing you should keep in mind if you see the low price i payed for this,the neck pickup was replaced,and i didn't get a hard case with this,but sine I don't give a F#CK for these accesoires,...)An super nice guitar in every way. it plays like a dream and the sound is gr8. My guitar is a 1995 edition which was made in the ESP american factory and it is the best guitar i have EVER played.

This guitar sounds realy F#CKIN' insane.Altough the neck pick up is replaced by a symour duncan from lesser quality than te EMG 81,it still sounds great in every way.I play this guitar trough a mesa boogie dual rectifier,and I think you all know the result,INCREDIBLE!I also have a Boss ME-50 effectsprocessor,can do some freaky stuff with this combination

This guitar was perfect as I recieved it.Altough I bought it used,the action was perfect for me,and the finish hasn't lost anything of here glory.(only a small scratch on the back,nothing to talk about)The only problem I had was that one of the locking nut screws snapped of,no big deal tough

Did one gig whit it,and it didn't break down,so guess that 's a good thing?well,I havn't got this guitar long enough to judge about this,but my guess is it's build to last.

never dealt with these boys.

well i've been playing since i'm 6,that must be 11 years now.well,since I have a little experience with guitars (wich everybody with a guitar like this probably has) i can advise you one thing:RUSH OF TO YOUR MUSICSTORE,NOW DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This guitar has all the features a Metallica nut like me wants. 24 frets, EMG 81s, Skull and Cross-Bone inlays, Floyd Rose bridge, etc... Oh and of course it is ALL BLACK. Looks amazing.

Well, being that Metallica ismmy favorite band it pretty much suits me fine. Right now I have a Randall 20 watt practice amp (has amazing sound though). I plan on getting either a Fender Princeton 65DSP or a Marshall MG50DFX so it should sound even better with those. Some people don't like the dual EMG 81s, but you have to remember it is a lead guitar. It is meant to scream and that's what it does. I think that the 81 sounds amazing the neck.

The only reason this gets an 9 instead of a 10 is because I bought it used and it is kind of beat up. Dings and scratches scattered all over the body. I actually like it that way though and it's the reason I don't buy new guitars. I would have paid $1800 for this new which I would never do. Instead I got a broken in one used for $800. Still sounds and looks great, just doesn't look brand new. I also like not having to worry about babying it either. The action on this is lower than anything I have played. It is so easy to play and the inlays are amazing. You can tell some time went into those. Also I like the look of the headstock. It could probably be used as a weapon if needed.

First of all I do not play in a band so I wouldn't have to worry about gigging. However, if I was I would always have my LP DC there with me as my alternate tuning guitar, because the Floyd can be a b*#ch to mess with. I have EMG 81 and 85 in that and it is just much easier to change tuning for stuff like Sad But True and Feul, etc... This thing would definitely pass the test as a main guitar. Just ask Kirk.

Never dealt with them...

I have been playing for about 5 years and have wanted this since I started. Metallica has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I know I could have just bought another guitar and put EMG 81s in it like someone stated but it is the total package that I like. It would be hard and expensive to get the inlays which is the main reason I like this guitar. It just completes the look for me. So considering I got my "dream" guitar and saved $1000 over a new one I am very happy with it.

As far as other gear - I have a 99 Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway Standard Lite with the Diamond Blue finish. I put the EMG ZW setup in that and it sounds amazing. I also have a Tacoma DM9 Acoustic and a Randall RG20 Amp. It is a pretty old amp but it actually sounds great.

If your reading this, I'm sure you know all the features by now...but here are a few gripes.
Two things I think it should have is some LOCKING TUNERS(what the hell were they thinking??!!) and an easy access compartment to change the battery(Again, what the hell...). I hope it really gets the 3000 hours people are claiming! Still gets a 10.

I play a wide array of stuff. This guitar can do it all. You might feel funny playing a blues/jazz gig with it visually screamin evil and death...but I think it can certainly do it all.
One thing I don't like is if you have the selector switch in the middle for both pickups and the volume is all the way down on one of the pickups, you get nothing. I would have thought you would at least get the juice from the other pickup. This does not of course alter my opinion of the guitar. It rocks.

When I bought it, someone ignorant idiot must have played it and left their finger prints all over it. I was excited, but dissapointed. I exepected it to be clean. Anyway, I cleaned it up in the store to make sure there weren't any real scratches(this guitar is very succeptable to fine scratches(you have to angle the guitar to see them), there is NO way around it...it's worth it though). I used what I think is called a "micro-fiber" rag, I would recommend that because it doesn't leave any traces, and it is VERY smooth. After cleaning it I almost blew my load all over it, almost had to clean it again! The action is crazy. I have several other axes that scream (EB Silhouette, Ibanez S, Fender Jeff Beck sig(the midnight purple one, It actually is a shredding Strat, and an ESP M-1 Custom). They are all great feeling guitars...but this one in my opinion feels nicer than them all. Obviously for the price I could have bought a PRS...Oh well!!!

It is true. The Floyd does NOT come out of tune. I beat the CRAP out of it and it really screams!! I would bring a backup (as you should, just in case) but I probably wouldn't need it. I would consider this axe very reliable. I mean come on, dont you remember when Kirk drags it around stage beating the crap out of it in LSB&P??? I think it even stayed in tune!!

Let's all give a big "F@#$ You" to ESP(US) for being so damn hard to get a hold of. UK and Japan on the bright side to care about there customers alot more. Not putting any contact info on your site is not a good thing, especially when your customers are throwing down a mortgage payment on a guitar. For some reason I did not get a certifacate of authenticity and I bought it from an authorized dealer(of course), I'm dealing with ESP now to see if they can send one out to me. Hope that works out. I'll take 1 point away for ESP US. Maybe I will change my mind if they ever send me my COA!!!(Just found out they stopped the COA thing in 2001...too many to keep track of!)

I have been playing most of my life (about 17 years), I am 23(not like how long you play defines your playability...anyway). Right now I am playing it through my Johnson Millenium and it is better than I expected. I can't wait to play it through my HeartBreaker(If I ever get it back from service), it will probably be too overwhelming. This has been my dream guitar for about 10 years now and I finally got it. Worth every $$$. As I said, I own some nice axes...I am actually getting rid of 2 sweet Ibanez S series and an American Strat because this thing makes those feel like crap, respectfully. If somebody stole or damaged this guitar, I would honestly stick it up...YES, I'm sure you get the idea...maybe "ride the lightening" would be a good song to play at that time!!! If you could drop the cash on one...go buy it now!!! If you can't save up and buy it later, or do payments!! Let the repo man take the car!! If you are thinking about it and need some positive reinforcment, shoot me an e-mail...I might be able to convince you. 10 - Fantastic Value

An exeptional guitar in every way ( what else would you expect from an ESP) it plays a dream way better than my ibanez RG and the EMG 81s sound gr8. This guitar was an early (95) edition which was made in the ESP american factory non of this japanese crap and it is the best guitar i have EVER played well worth the 2000 new price!

METAL METAL and more metal this guitar is not for anything else it sounds great with tons of distortion and the 81s really shine through giving a clear yet extreamly heavy sound. in a word fukin awsome

shiny black finish is flawless action is perfect

not broken down on me yet!! strings break if u go over the top wit the floyd rose tho

not delt with them

sounds gr8 even wit crap amps but shines on boogie! worth every penny

Made in Japan shredding monster. 24 fret Original Floyd Rose equipt beast with two EMG 81 active pickups. 2 Volume and a tone and a 3-way Strat type selector. Bolt-on neck and "reverse pointy" head stock. Essentially a Soloist body shape. Black as can be with Skull and Cross Bones inlays.
Goofy Skull and Cross Bones sticker on the trem plate seems cheap though.

Twin active EMGs, what'd you expect. Built for Heavy Metal. You either like them, or you don't.

Flawless.

Takes a kick'n and keeps on shredding!

Never dealt with the company...

I'm really happy with this guitar. A bit pricy for a bolt-on, but I guess that comes with a signature guitar.

http://groups.msn.com/TheArmitageGearPage/

P.S. I couldn't care less about Kirk, (no disrespect) I bought the guitar on it's own merits.

when I saw the package had arrived in the postal service I had to go to my room and jerk off. I alredy all about the features but I was so happy, I put on a jacket and to the post office the little paper said where to pick it up. then I came home with it and tore the package right out of existence. then I saw the case (I was horny there) I had to call my wife she didn't understand a word I said because I was drooling and babbling then I just opened the case and saw the most perfect guitar on earth even more beautiful than in the pictures with those emg 81 active pickups, the 24 frets, skull and crossbone inlays, the 3 way switch, the 3 knobs (2 volume 1 tone) the floyd roise tremolo, and the floyd roise neck put together perfectly in the most remarkable black finish I have ever seen. I just tought it was unreal!right now I still can't believe it and even now descriging the model makes me feel excited.

The day it arrived I was too babbled to play, but by the time I had been over the fact that the guitar was real and it really did arrive in my home I ran up to my attic to pickup my mesa boogie (which I had bougth a while back but my wife does't let me use too much because she says it is way too loud which is true but that day was a special ocassion) ran to a guitar store bought two instrument cables and took my roland vg-8 almost threw my old fender strat plugged everything in (the guitar came tuned) and just played till my fingers bled of joy, and I have to tell you that the sound accomplished by this guitar is like no other it is so awesome that you have towitness it for yourself. It is truly the greatest sounding instrument I have ever heard.

the action in this guitar it's like ACTION!!!! it fits perfectly to almost anyone, and the finish is like a mirror.

this guitar is made to last and for the time that I have had it never goes out of tune, NEVER!!!

in my oppinion without exaggerating this guitar is one of the finest out there. it is defenetly the best I have! better than my gibson les paul standard premium plus. worth every penny I paid and a lot more.

Got this brand new guitar from my local dealer in singapore. Was made in 2002. For your information, all esp signature series guitars are made in japan, even those listed on the espguitars.com website. I used to think they were made in the usa but it is made in japan. You know the specs already. I chose this guitar cause it has dual emg 81's which are great for metal and a floyd rose bridge, which means metal again. The floyd isnt really a pain to tune, and once you have got it set up properly, you can divebomb the whole night away and it will be still in perfect tune.

Finish is great, but im just afraid it will be scratched easily. I thought of putting a layer of clear plastic film just below the strings cause it dosent have a pickguard.

Neck is really good, thin and fast compared to my yamaha. However the fret spacing seems sligtly further apart.

Came with a free hardshell case.

Ah, this guitar is perfect for my style, and it screams metal. The neck is really fast and i played it side by side with a kh3. The kh3 had a thicker neck which made it harder to play fast unless you have got fairly large hands.

The emgs have great distortion and the clean sounds great too. Sparking clear. However i use this guitar for metal 90% of the time so the pickups are functioning as it was made to - to play metal.

Im using this together with a morley bad horsie 2 and a marshall avt50. Will be planning to get either a peavey 5150 or an xxx in probably 2 years time to complete my metal setup.

Overall this guitar again is great for shredding and metal, but certainly can be used to clean and blues too, although the image might just not cut it.

The action was fairly high when i got it. I prefer low action so i had it setup at the dealer when i bought it. It comes preset with 9-42 strings but i use 9-46 so i had the intonation set up the moment i bought it.

Pickups were adjusted fine. However on the 24th fret, there is just a tiny tiny nick on the inlay. Its really hard to notice but i did.

Otherwise finish was flawless on the neck, body and headstock

This guitar will definitely withstand live playing. The finish is black gloss so im really afriad i will scratch it, but i guess thats just part of playing guitar.

Strap buttons are really solid and do not seem to come off easily at all.

Well, since this has a floyd rose, if a string snaps, its a headache changing it, so i would probably bring a backup along.

The USA esp website has quite bad customer support. Firstly, they dont have an email which you can send them, and secondly, they are quite hard to reach via phone. However the JAPAN esp website has good email customer support.

I have a lifetime warranty with the local guitar dealer so it should not give me any problems

Have been playign seriously for a year and a half. Bought my first guitar, a yamaha pacifica 3 years ago.

If it was lost, id get another same guitar. I think this guitar suits my style perfectly. However, getting additional guitars for variety wouldnt hurt.

Was choosing between a gibson les paul studio, an ibanez jem, and the esp kh3. This had emgs which are suited for metal and it had a floyd which the studio didnt have. Also, the inlays make it look appealing too

rose wood fret board, maple bolt on neck, alder body. two emg 81,pickups, three way switch, two volumes and amaster tone. original floyd rose black.skull and cross bone inlays and nice case

this guitar comes intonated really nice,, the action is very low without buzz.
i use a bogner =UBERSCHALL FULL STACK, with a DBX-noise gate in the loop and a morley bad horsie-2 in front. that is it
the guitar is very tight in the bass, more so than i thought. but it lacked the super high presance ( bite ) that my sg or viper has with the same pickups.
the bass travel is really tight.
in light of this i removed the tone control and that opened the sound a little more, ( gave it more air ) but i still needed a little more edge.
so i got an =EMG-VMC= ( the ultamate -cut- boost- active tone control)
so i boost the high end of the-81- just a tad.
that works great, i should of bought this guitar years ago . it plays really fast and is so well putogether,, stays in tune great ,,, i always feared the floyed rose ,,, butr tis is not a problem,, with this ax.
i keep the pick up flat to the body on the neck pickup as i do with my other guitars with =EMG-81's) IN THE NECK,, FOR A CLEARER TONE AND TO AVOID PICK SCRAPES.
WITHE THE NECK PICKUP SET LOW AND USEING THE =emg-vmc= I CAN GET ALL KINDS OF SINGLE COIL COIND TO THE MOST NOZZLY HONK'N= HALF COCKED WAH SOUNDS,,
THE FLOYD REALLY STAYS IN TUNE WELL,, AND I AM NEW TO THE FLOYD. I ALLWAYS USED STANDARD BRIDGE'S OR KAHLERS.
THE ROSEWOOD FRET BOARD IS REALLY DARK ANDTHAT IS WHAT I WAS HOPEING FOR.
SUSTAIN IS FANTASTIC. THIER ARE NO BINDINGS AND I THINK THAT MAKES THE NECK FEAL EVEN FASTER AND SMOOTHER,, THE NECK IS THIN ,, VERY THIN, BUT NOT SILLY THIN LIKE SOME OTHER GUITARS.

THE PAINT JOB IS PERFECT, BUT IT IS SO PERFECT THAT YOU CAN'T TOUCH IT WITH SUPER CALISED FINGER TIPS LIK MINE WITHOUT GIVEING FINE SCRATCH'S... AND FINGER PRINTS,, I WISH IT HAD A RUBBER COATED BODY.

WELL I THING THIS IS THE BEST MADE GUITAR I HAVE OWNED, EVEN BETTER THAN MY =gibsons=... but i do not like that out of tune thing it does when it is subgected to tepatere change, but when tuned back up it is back in action.

esp == will is very cool...

if you are looking for a guitar that is going to give you great balenced tone, this is a great guitar, but beware floyd rose trems are tricky some times and if youdo not have have an ear for that micro note it could drive you nuts

I own a strange KH2 left handed with a shaller floyd rose tremolo and its serial number is 1099. I bought it from Germany in 1993. 2 EMG 81's.

It has a great overdrive tone but no clean tones at all.

Action is just perfect. the most comfortable guitar I have ever played. The alder wood body is top quality. nice sustain. The neck is really hard that you can set a really great low action.

This is the best guitar you can buy if you play heavy metal but it is not for every single style. forget clean tones....

My ESP KH-2 was made in February of 1998. Mine is signed by Kirk Hammett in silver paint pen on the back plate covering the trem cavity. I think it was made in the USA. It has a 24 fret maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. There are 2 volume knobs (one for each pickup), 1 tone knob, and a three way slotted toggle switch. The pickup config. is dual EMG 81's. The EMG 81's run off of a 9 volt battery and are active as you probably guessed. The body is alder and the neck is maple. The finish is gloss black. All out heavy metal. The body style is a jackson soloist shape. The bridge is an Original Floyd Rose Tremolo. The tuners are non-locking gotohs. The neck is a thin-flat shape. It came with the ESP case, Certificate, allen wrenches, and the trem bar.

I play strictly heavy metal ranging from Kill Em All Metallica to anything else you can think of. I use it with a Crate 1200GFX Head and a Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet and the sounds I can get are incredible. The guitar is very silent. The sounds are awesome for rhythm, lead, and clean tones. There is more than enough variety of sounds. This guitar is a shredders dream. I like everything about it.

The guitar was set up perfect. The action is incredible. Its very close to my Jackson USA RR1 if not better. The pickups are also incredible. The guitar has no flaws whatsoever, its in mint condition.

This fine piece of art would definitely withstand live playing. The hardware is rock solid. The finish is exceptional also. I will change the strap buttons to Schaller Strap Locks only because thats what all my guitars have on them. I wouldn't play a gig without a backup not because I'm insecure but because I use a few different tunings and wouldn't want the hassle of unlocking the nut and tuning down.

I've never had to deal with ESP yet but I heard that they're great with customer service.

I have been playing guitar for 4 and a half years and own 2 Ibanez RG's which are nothing compared to my Jackson and ESP and I own a 1985 Ibanez Acoustic-Electric. I have a vintage 1970 Yamaha combo and a variety of pedals. If it were stolen I'd have to save up the cash to definitely buy another one. I love everything, especially the EMG 81's. They are extremely incredible. This guitar has everything I want in a guitar. Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

When I got this guitar for my 15th birthday I was so stoked. Nothing beats it still. I've got another Gibson Les Paul Elegant (Firemist) with EMG-89's as well. I can't believe the distortions I've been able to hit with this. I can make any girl come with this puppy in my arms! I got it for aroung $1700 brand new because I sort of weasled the bastards down from a whopping $2150. I called up ESP an wasn't even put on hold. I was able to talk to very informative employees everytime I called, and once again: I wasn't even put on hold.

The REAL Floyd-Rose tremolo is one of the things that impressed me the most about this beast. I never would have seen this type of honestly flawless work from Ibanez or any of those nasty off-brand companies. The neck flys just like you'd dream of. Even if you're working up a sweat your hands will still be able to fly up and down the neck with ease. 24 frets are a nice bonus as well.

The active pickups have been blowing my ears away through a Marshall 4x12 slant powered by a Mesa Boogie dual-rec. You'll have to replace the battery about once in 3 months. Unplug the guitar when your done with each session or the battery will drain. ESP shipped it with very durable case padded with the nicest interior I've felt. The 3-way selector between the H/H EMG-81 pickup-setup operates flawless and doesn't feel loose or cheap like anything Ibanez.

The Gotoh tuners are excellent. Work nice and quickly.

Nothing beats one of these for hard-powerful metal. Throw your highs up, mids in the middle, and lows up high, with the pickup setting toggled to the humbucker closest to the neck and you'll have the illest punchy-distortion you've ever heard!

As with all guitars, ESP would have shipped this with 9's. But, since I called in, it was shipped with 10's and the bridge was set perfectly. I tinkered with the action for less than 10 minutes before I was perfectly satisfied.

Can you say: "SOLID" ?!! What a beast! It'll take any thrashing and the REAL Floyd-Rose with Gotoh tuners combo makes me tune it seriously less than once in two weeks even with the amount I play it and how hard it's played. Even when I do tune it I'll just have to tap the bridge tuning system and wham, back to normal.

I've already explain all this above. Perfect.

I'm set. I've played so many different Ibanez guitars and Jackson stuff. I'm over all of those, ESP is mine forever. I've still got an Ibanez RG-470 and I hate it, what a pile! I've got a PRS Singlecut as well, but that's on a different level than this KH-2. I told about my other Gibson Elegant with EMG-89's. I use that one for stuff that's not so heavy, but still distortion-related.

Standard KH-2

When I first got this guitar, used on ebay, I was very disapointed with the sound. Some of the fret positions rang out for no particular reason, and the neck pickup acted real wierd.

Then I discovered the thing has a battery in it!! I put a new battery in and whamo, now I sound just like JH himself (IMHO!).

fabulous

so far so good, just remember to change the battery (and note take it out of the smoke detector like I did!).

no idea

If you love matalica, sooner or later you will want one of these.

dunno what year, don't know anything except how it sounds, feels, plays, etc. and costs. damn thing's a ripoff. you could buy an M100 for 200 bucks, stick EMG-81's and a real floyd for another 200/300, and even at 500 it's much cheaper than the 1500 KH-2 and sounds just as good, you just won't have the inlays and kirk's spray-painted signature. three knobs, three-way pickup selector (which works fine), 24 frets, bolt-on piece of shit (although one of the better bolt-ons i've played), typical maple/alder combo. pretty cool inlays. the best thing about this guitar is the pickups. more on that below:

7 because for something that costs so much, it should be at least a neck-through

the sound. played it for an hour at sam ash (wonderful store, just go in and play and nobody bugs you, you don't even have to buy anything). the clean sound is...eh...heard better. on neck position, it's decent for clean sounds. on bridge, it gets some really raw crunchy chords, but it's in the middle position where this guitar really shines. really thick, really crunchy, great full tone. perfect for leads. however, not what i expected from all the hype about EMG-81's. maybe it was the noise in the music store, but they're not THAT much better than stock crap HZ's or duncan designeds. wonderful pickups, would probably sound even better with a third 81 in between the other two, but not as full or as smooth as i would have liked. worth buying after-market though, i'm getting 707's because of them. great for heavy rock leads, maybe metal too, but not a very scooped sound. they go very well with some mids. 9 because they're not as great as they claim to be sometimes. and what's really depressing is that my M207 with stock pickups gets more sustain than this thing with 81's, which are advertised on the ESP website as having "incredible sustain". not so. then again it could have just been the crap store guitar.

average finish, average action. can't really judge because it's been through countless people and a sam ash (read: somewhat abused) store. nothing really wrong with it, although i would have put the pickups a bit higher for more output.

never counted much on reliability, never had a guitar break and snapped a string only once in over a year of playing bass and guitar. seems fairly solid, not like fall-apart fender crap (they seem really flimsy), but nothing like a solid neck-through.

overall: overpriced and overhyped, as are the pickups, and i wouldn't buy one of these, i'd just get 81's (or 707's as i'm a 7-stringer) installed in a current guitar. the sound is great however, don't get me wrong, but not as great as some would like to think. considering the price, it gets a 2. not considering the price, it's pretty good.

2000 model, made in Japan, 24 frets, 2 volume knobs, 1 tone knob and 3 way pick-up selector. EMG 81 active pick-ups in the neck and bridge position. It comes with the original, always reliable Floyd Rose tremolo. Nice skull and crossbone inlays and super thin, fast neck. Black, black, black, I would've given this guitar a 10 in this category if I could've had another color choice and if it was equipped with different pick-ups for the neck and bridge position.

This is definitely a shredder's guitar, it seems to do very well with high end tones, but not enough low end for me. I attribute this to the fact that this guitar was designed for a lead guitarist. Also the fact that ESP featured the exact same pick-up in the neck and bridge position, this definitely limits the sound of this guitar. I will probably end up swapping the neck pick-up.

ESP did a hell of a job, The black finish is flawless and mirror-like. The inlays are inpressive and cleanly done. The action was perfect and was in tune right out of the box. Well Done!

All I can say is the original Floyd Rose is rules. I don't know how I can go back to one of those "licensed" ones. I have put this guitar through the paces and I can't throw it out of tune.

Never gig w/o a backup if you're axe is equipped with a Floyd Rose!

This axe is rock solid, and it will outlast me!

LIFETIME WARRANTY....enough said.

This is a great guitar, the quality is excellent. If it weren't for the pick-ups, I would've easily given this guitar a 10.

I play it mostly through a Peavey 5150 or a really cool Fender CyberTwin. In addition to this guitar, I've got an Ibanez JEM10, Ibanez JS10 and Peavey Wolfgang special....it's definitely in good company.

My guitar is a 2001 ESP KH-2 made in Japan. It has 24 frets, alder body, bolt on neck, dual EMG 81 pickups, and a Floyd Rose Original Tremlo. This guitar is the best. The Floyd Rose Original Tremlo Never Goes out of tune. I have had this guitar for 8 months and it never goes out of tune. It stays in perfect tune!

The EMG 81 Pickups are definatly the best pickups for distortion. With these pickups you can get a really thick distortion and they are great for playing leads. Also for clean they are great. Just for the neck pickup, roll down the volume a bit and you can acheive a very warm sound that is excellent.

Everything Came as Expected. No Flaws. No fingerprints, and was in perfect tune and stayed that way forever.

This guitar is one of the most durrable guitars. It Will Never Go Out Of Tune! I would definatly gig without a back up for this guitar. I will only bring a backup incase i pop a string. The finish is solid and is difficult to scratch.

The warranty is great and the guitar isbuilt strong and is well made. I heard good things about ESP.

I give it a 10! I like everything about it. It feels so smooth and plays faster than anything else. ALSO IT LOOKS GREAT! GET THIS GUITAR. IT IS THE BEST!

Made 2001 In Japan. 24 of the greatest frets I have ever played on. V-V-T control with 3 way switch. EMG-81's in the bridge and neck, blah, blah, it's all been covered. Came with a case, t-shirt, a boatload of catalogs, picks, strings, guitar strap, bumper stickers, Jason at Drumcityguitarland RULES!!! Thanks Jason!!! If you want one of these www.drumcityguitarland.com trust me.

I usually don't give 10's to anything....But:
I play mainly metal, the EMG-81's do just that, deliver mind bending, skull crushing metal tones, these things are awesome!!! Incredible sound through my AX2 set on rectified with customized eq settings, I FEEL THE EARTH SHAKE!!! Sounds good through a POD 2.0 as well. The clean sounds are pretty good too. Another thing, if I'm not playing, the guitar is SILENT! I've heard people bitch about having 2 81's instead of "other" configurations, I find this configuration still to be rocking. Are there other configurations that would suit rhythm playing better, sure, but this is Kirk's guitars, he leaves the meaty rhythm stuff to Jaymz. Go buy a Hetfield guitar for that.

Action was perfect, effortless to play this thing, wasn't in tune, but who cares, it went from Califorinia, to Colorado, to freaking 112 degrees in the spring Arizona, didn't expect it to be in tune. Pickups adjusted fine, no flaws (believe me I checked) this thing is CHERRY!!!!

Will it withstand live playing? I don't know, ask the 'tallica boys. It feels solid. First day of playing, I unplugged from my amp and the cord got away from me, hitting my guitar, I heard that heartstopping THWACK, ugh, my KH-2 is a few hours old and I dinged it!!!! I looked and looked and looked but couldn't find a mark (thank god) seems pretty solid to me. Strap buttons are small, gonna buy some straplocks though, problem solved.

HELLO!!! LIFETIME WARRANTY!!! I've had it for less than a day.

Have been playing for about 20 years, I have coveted this guitar since the first year they came out (I don't even know when that was, but it was quite a while ago) I finally got it! Worth every penny. On the downside, this guitar makes my $1100 Ibanez Prestige feel.....hmmmm, not so Prestige. I love the neck on this thing. If it were stolen or lost, I'd go postal, but definitely buy one again. I love everything about it, the neck is amazing, the sustain is amazing (even for a bolt-on) I really dig the skull 'n crossbone inlays, I have compared it to all the other guitars I have owned or played in the past 20 or so years, and this one is by far the best in my hands, this is my first, but definitely not last ESP, wish it had neck-thru, but the bolt on is completely fine as well. If anyone would like to e-mail me with questions, please feel free. You can buy it local if you can find one, or talk to Jason at drumcityguitarland. I can't plug these guys enough. Jason knows all about customer service. I bugged the crap out of him and he always returned e-mails and phone calls. Way cool dude! Thanks a million!!!

Made in Japan in 1999. Has 24 extra jumbo frets(very nice). 2 volume controls, 1 tone. 3 way switch. 2 active EMG 81 humbuckers. maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and an alder body, i think. strat style body with a black finish. mirror image. i could shave with this guitar as mirror the finish is that good. the only down side to such a good finish is that it scratches easily and fingerprints show up really bad. i take super good care of this guitar and it still gets little nicks on it, and of course there isnt much you can do about pick scratchs. floyd rose tremolo, fucking brilliant little invention. i beat the crap out of the whammy, dumping it and wrenching it back and the tuning of the mother doesnt vary at all. good 'ol double locking.
comes with a black vinyl hard case, with an ESP logo riveted on. very nice case. mine also came with a bunch of other stuff. i got heaps of free guitar picks, catalogues, magazines, and an ESP t shirt. its got the ESP logo with the head of this guitar over it but with James hetfields orange flame artwork on it. it looks awesome

i play metal and a bit of softer stuff. in the metal department i play anything from metallica(kill em all right through to s&m), to tool to pantera to fear factory to meshuggah. in the softer stuff department i play eric clapton, pearl jam, led zepplin etc. well for starters, these pickups were made for metal, period. they absolute shit all over my old guitars pickups(jackson stock pickups, wow). i play through a marshall 100W valvestate, with a boss metalzone, acoustic simulator (very cool pedal), super chorus, shure wireless, and a morley bad horsie wah. im planning on upgrading my amp very soon. im sick of the solidstate pedal distortion. i want an amp distortion preferably tube. probably a mesa dual rectifier or triaxis, and i wanted to try a randall warhead, but everyone seems to hate em, but ill try it anyway. i can get just about any distortion metallica use, probably because it is kirk's guitar. how ironic. with my chorus i can get this thing to sound just like the nothing else matters sound. i can get as heavy as pantera, but not quite as heavy as fear factory and meshuggah, but that is because they use 7 strings. i can get damn good clean sounds too. thats one thing which i really like about this guitar. a lot of amps and guitars only specialize in one sound. fender strats are the clean, peavey 5150 the distortion, etc. this guitar can do both. the neck pickup probably couldve been something else though. i dont see the point in 2 pickups being the same. of course you do get a different tone when you change, but still, a different pickup would be nice. i would like to give it about a 9.5 because of the same pickups, but it was either 9 or 10, and it isnt perfect, not much is.

set up perfectly from the factory. ESP are one reliable company. my action was perfect. i opened the box, opened the case, stared in awe at it for a bit, picked it up and started playing. in perfect tune. EADGBE. and this is after it got airmailed from america to australia. hows that for good.

will this guitar withstand live playing? well, i think the lifetime warranty speaks for itself. i dont abuse my guitar, but i play it heaps, so it has had a good working, and the finish is tough. it isnt wearing off any time soon, if ever. i would gig with it without a backup, but you dont know if you're going to break a string. (which i havent done yet on this guitar, ive just replaced them because they were deteriorating. i live on a lake, very moist air. its fucking annoying)

lifetime warranty. need i say more. i havent had to deal with them yet. i dont think ill ever need to, but ive heard they are very helpful. they seem to be the guitar equivalent of mesa/boogie in sound and service

ive been playing for about 5 years now. i made a big gamble buying this guitar. i wanted to buy a new guitar, and i wasnt going to spare any expense. i was looking around for about a year, checking out sites, trying out guitars in shops, thousands of reviews, blah blah blah. in the end, it all came back to this guitar. looks, sound, features, and the reputation of ESP had a big part in it too. the only catch was that at the time you couldnt get ESP guitars in australia. i took the gamble and got it, and boy was i glad i did. it was a very big gamble too. $2500 gamble. i highly recommend this guitar. i think i am 1 of only a few aussies with this guitar. everyone that sees it, literally stares in awe, and give of weird gasping sounds, followed by asking if they can play it. i brought it into a music shop to try out some amps. the guy that was helping me saw ESP on the case, and was just impressed by that. when he asked what it was, and when i told, he nearly fainted. you will probably gain respect from people if you own this guitar just for your taste. if you want to ask me anything about it, please do so, id love to answer your questions. GET IT NOW!!!

Made Oct 2000 (USA?)
24 frets
Emg 81 pickups in neck and bridge position
Real Floyd Rose
2 Volume knobs and 1 tone knob
Comes with a ESP case and a Cert from Kirk Hammet with Ser#

Sound great makes lots of sustain
Good when you want to shreed and play lots of hard/heavey rock also good for instrumental stuff.
Clean is a little noise due to the EMG's

Set up was good from the factory the ation was a little to high I like it nice and low.

I have been playing for 11 years so far it is one of the best guitar I have seen. I curently own a Ibanez RG and a Ibanez ProLine the ESP KH-2 is far and beyond better than both Ibanez guitars

this guitar is a 2000 kh-2, it was made in the us. i think. 24 extra-jumbo frets, two volume, and a tone, and three way switch. It has two of the awsome emg 81's. These pickups are active so you need a 9v. battery, but it's worth it, they can last for 3000 hours each, and you only need one for both pickps. It is a strat shape, alder boday, maple bolt on neck, with rosewood fretbord. It has a really good blcak finish, iyou can comb your hair in the thing. It has an original floyed rose, and delux gohto tuners, the neck is a thin u, very fast. The guitar comes with a hardshell case, the tools for it, and a cirtificate of athenticity, i was also given a pair of strings and a atographed picture of kirk hammett.

This guitar is for the lead guitarist in metallica, so it is for solo's, it is very responsive, you can play with just touching the fretbord, but this guitar is also a great rythm guitar, some people say that the 81's are two high pitched, jst add an eq. and take out some highes, and the guitar is great, really this guitar can do it all, from acustic to metallica. I use a boss me-30, and a marshall valvestate30, it sounds just like metallica, I like everything about this guitar, and the skull and crossbone inlays make it as uniqe as kirk himself.

The guitar was setup perfect nothing was wrong, and it was even in tune when i got it. The acion was great, the pickups were raised as high as theyshould be, as close to the srings as possiable, because emg pickups do not use powerful magnets you can do this, everything was perfect.

This guitar wil withstand many live gigs, The hardwere wil last for a life time, the finish is good and will last as long as the guitar does, the strap buttons are good and they work great. I can really depend on this guitar, I would definently use it on a gig without a backup, people say it is hard to re-string, but it's easy, just keep your tools handy, also remember that when you change stings you need to tune maybe four or five times until the springs kick in, and if the back is up in the air, just tighten the scews holding the floyed rose in the back of the guitar.

Everything went fine, this guitar is under a life time warranty, and i didn't have to pay extra.

i've been playing for a year now and i am really good at solos, if it was stolen, and i couldn't get it back, i would buy it again without a doubt. My fav. thing about he guitar is everything, from the pickups to the loyed rose, it's perfect, i don't dislike anything about this guitar. I have compared it to many guitars, none are as nice as this one.

The guitar was made in 2001, I'm not sure where. It has 24 frets. It is loaded with two volume knobs (lord knows why) and one tone knob. It has two EMG-81 humbuckers. The body is made of alder I think and the fretboard is made of rosewood. It has a original floyd rose trembelo, not one of those dumb rose lisenced ones, and is locking. The neck is VERRRRRRRRY fast!!!!!! It has these BAD ASS inlays, skulls and crossbones. It came with a really nice ESP case, a shirt, a set of strings, a bunch of picks, a strap, and bunches of catologs and stuff!!

The sound is GREAT!!!!!! It could be used for anything. The pickups are verry hot so it would sound better with something with more distortion or totally clean. It is extemely clear, every note is herd flawlessly!!!

Everything was perfect on it. The action was just right, and everything was exactly the way I could have dreamed.

I just got it so I can't really say. But it looks REALY solid, you could throw this thing out of your window and it would still be in tune and everything!! lol, I give it a 10!!!!!!!

No clue, I have talked to them before and they were really cool. When I asked if the certificate was actually signed by Kirk they told me it wasn'e but to make up for it they will get him to sign a pic for me, I have yet to get it.

What can I say? Perfect!!!

as far as features go, theyre great. comes with everything, including case. (im not going to go into detail with specs, other users have covered them well)

for lead, its wicked. but... if some of you underworld style guitarists out there are attracted by the appearance (SKULL AND CROSSBONES INLAYS), it may not suit your style perfectly. the output from these EMG-81's is very high pitched. however, some of the heavier and harder music like korn and deftones require lower treble and mid even with the "tone" knob rolled all the way back. for my style however, its great

perfect. one complaint is that the inlays arent the same as eachother and are not always centered right (but i hear that they are supposed to be off-set a bit from their black outline). as for the fact that theyre not identical to eachother, they are all hand made, so naturally they cant be identical with mechanical precision.

The features? SCULL & CROSSBONES!!!!!!!!! retro conservative sort of death feeling. they are really cool looking.
Everything else has been said by everyone else, so check theirs.
one feature thats cool is that the electrics are nicely padded with foam, ant the battery is realy easy to replace.
One must understand that this is A, or THE solo instrument... LEAD
not rhythm andbasy background, though it could be fixed with an emg 60 (real rhythm).

Sound? well, as i said its really Lead. i mean its made for a really high gain tripple rectifier(oooh yeah). all about lead and gain. emg 81's really add versitility to the guitar, however are best with bright screaming lead. For the rhythm guitarist its a great guitar (because of versitility), but if i played rhythm i would slap on an emg 60. a nein couse it could be a little more coulourfull or fat.

The setup was great streight from factory (came perfectly in tune!) but the strings badly need replaving from stock (obviously, and the pickups needed adjusting(raised and lowered). Like all guitars, it had to be broken in. The finnish is really durable (finally a durable finnish, no thanks to ibanez!!!)

REALLY DAMN DURABVLE is all i can say...

HARMONY CENTRAL SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
some of the bolts on the floyd were RUSTED!!!, and a fine tuning knob was BENT!!!!(however still fine, didnt affectr sound of guitar)

i don't know when it made and where it made from but i think ESP must be made in Japan. It has 24Xjumbo frets,soild alder body and it has a 3 ways control,2 EMG 81 active pickups. Bolt-on maple neck with rosewood finger board.Black mirror finish and has a MII shape body.Original Floyd Rose. It comes with an ESP hardcase.But i perfer a neck-through

it suit my music style. I'm using a sucking PEAVEY BLAZER158 and a BOOS GT-3. but it sound quiet powerful. The KH-2 is no noisy compare with my Gibson LP studio. The sound is full but when i playing with the neck EMG81, um.....i think i'll change it to a 85.It also can make quiet good clean by using both 81....acutally, it's a good guitar, i like it

the action is low , but not as low as a vintage Fender, there has a little buzzing after i set it lower but no problem after plugged to AMP. is that no problem?The body is perfect and the finish is just like a mirror

It's good for live playing and the hardware seem that it last forever. i think i can using it without a backup.

no command......

i have playing guitar for about 3 yrs, i have one Gison LP studio and a EDWARDS(a division of ESP in Japan), i think ESP is the best. Although the neck is wide for me(because my hand is small), but the thin neck is good and i can playing so fast on it.
I WANT A NECK-THRU!!!!!!!!!

It is a 00'model made in japan.It has 24XJ frets.2 volumes 1 tone w/3 way selector.It has 2 EMG 81 active humbucker pickups.I think it's made out of alder wood w/rosewood fingerboard.Strat style body w/a mirror black and matching headstock finish.Floyd rose double locking trem.I don't know if it's just mine but the fine tuners aren't as good as they sould be.Fastest neck I have ever played,I think it's a thin U.Comes w/case bar wrenches and certificate of authenticity.I have heard of some coming w/a backstage pass. mine did't.I put strap locks on it.

this guitar fits any style you play.My style is solo's and metal but I'm playing more punk and it sound awsome.Just because it is a metallica guitar doesn't mean you have to play metallica or metal.You can make sound like anything you want it to.

It was set up good except for like i said the fine tuners on the bridge.

this will withstand live playing and will last,finish and all.I installed straplocks.The only reason i would need a back is if i broke a string.

I have been playing for a year and a half and i have sqiuer stagemaster w/EMG 81's and an EVH Dtuna

There's too many features to mention...

It's perfect

Great durability

Great

This is just another "it rules!" critique. I completely agree with everyone elses comments, just wanted to rate it a 10. I specifically bought it for the features: scull n crossbones, floyd rose, emg pickups, 24 frets, two volume knobs/three way switch. Comes in handy when playing Metallica tunes!

Sound is very heavy, especially with a death metal distortion pedal. Tons of control with the tremelo bar.

Can't compare the details with anything else.

Uh, pretty good. Definitely built for hard, heavy, metal playing.

Owned it for about 5 years. Been playing about 12 years. About to buy a Gibson V Gothic. It's in the mail, I'm so psyched! You'll see my rating of that in a couple weeks. Not buying the Gibson as a replacement though, don't get me wrong, I just needed a change.

1994 Japan made. The features are the same of all the others KH-2, but the 1994 KH-2 does not have the K. Hammet signature on the headstock, but an white ESP logo with a golden shadow and a "KH" writing. The black mirror finish was really nice, but I mouoght the guitar used and it had 2 serious cracks on the surface and so I brought it to a professional painter that made it as new, a perfect work. The guitar is really heavy, but also "nice", I mean: it's not too big as others evil axes and it has a "dinamic" look (but this is my opinion). I give it a 8 because I'd prefer that the fretboard inlays are not real mother of pearl inlays, they aren't bright as the Jackson sharkfins...

With 2 EMG 81 you won't go jamming in a church (not during the day...), it's a noiseless guitar and the harmonics pulled with the bar stay incredibily rich, also when far away from the original pitch (I pulled the 3rd string 5th fret G natural harmonic to a C# without any effort and it sounded "full"). Anyway it's a 10 because if you buy this guitar you ill play metal, and so it's a 10 metal sound.

I bought it used, so I don't know how did it exit from the factory, but the action is incredibily low and the strings play without buzzing.

I used it 10 times during live performances and I never broke a string on the stage, even if I made violence on the tremolo bar. Anyway if you use Floyd Rose tremolo at its limit it's impossible to play without a backup. This guitar seems to be eternal.

I've been playing for 7 years, I played always metal, now I play in a Metallica tribute band and obviously the guitar is perfect for that. I always have a Jackson SL-1 that I use as much as the ESP, these 2 guitars are incredible, I really don't know which one to choose when I have to play, the feeling on the fretboards are different, the KH-2 has been a real enemy for the first month, but then we where as brothers, while with the Jackson after 30 miutes I felt as I had played for years on it. But the speed I reached on the ESP was greater (speed in alternate picking). Anyway I bought the guitar because it was at a very low price: $480 and with $150 I made it become perfect (repainting the body and "cured" the headstock with professional help). In Italy this guitar costs about $1600!!! There's a thing that nobody said in these user reviews: this guitar is elegant, evil and elegant, as a beautiful black dressed gentle killer!

This guitar is awesome. it has all the awesome features. Floyd Rose Tremomlo, 2 volume knobs and1 tone. The inlys are a little scary though. It has 2 EMG 81s that can put out some kick butt tones. I play through a Peavy Rage 158, that sounds like poo poo, but my trusty KH2 still delivers radical tone. Im giving this a 9 because those skull inlays give me the heebie geebies.

I play mostly hard stuff like 3rd eye blind, SR71, and vertical horizon. This really suits my playing style. It is never noisy. I have even gotten into some 80s stuff like Boy George, Prince, Cars, etc. this guitar suits all of my playing styles.

This guitar is set up beatifully. Everything is solid as arock. But i wish i could have dot inlays and a majestic blue finish. for lack of color options ime giving it a 9.

I am a proud owner of this guitar,, but would always take my Peavy as a backup at a gigy. you never know when youre going to have one of those silly string breaks. My new partner Josh is now going to get one because he always comments on how hard it is.

I caled ESP to comend them on this stupendous guitar.

I have been playing for 3 years and would never trade this baby in. Only thing i want is some more color options and do away with these creepy inlays. I it were stolen I would get the guitar back and spank them with it. I am also a bass player ,but am going to quit so i can play this hip guitar. Later Dude!

I don't have one but I did get to play one in a music store. This guitar is a badass. Just strumming a power chord made me wanna shit myself. The emg's make it sound really good. They have a good low end crunch and are especially good for harmonics and soloing. The tremolo had a lot of action so you could really bend the hell out of the stirngs and make the notes scream like a little whore. The skull inlays were pimp as a shitass too. The black finish looked like a mirror. This guitar definately has the look for some death, murder, kill music. Haha

It has emg's, need I say more. These pickups really saound ten times better than the duncan invader I play through right now. I would suggest this guitar if you're in to bands like Earth Crisis, Slayer, Biohazard, Vision Of Disorder, Pantera, Hatebreed, Truth Through Treason, etc.

Everybody has their opinion for action but I mean damn. This thing almost plays itself. You could breath on the strings and play a note. Just by resting a finger on the string it would play, and the best part about it was that it didn't "buzz" at all. Everything was perfect on it right down to the mirror black finish.

Why not. Hardware seemed damn durable my honky ass. Solid a as ron Jeremy's Kielbasa.

Never talked to them. I dont think I would have to either. ESP makes some bad ass axes. Thet are THE ONLY real guitar company.

Buy this. You wont regret it. It'll make you saturate your dungarees.

This guitar was made in summer 2000 in Japan. It has the same features as all the other KH-2's listed below. Came with case, allen wrenches, tremolo bar, truss rod adjuster, certificate of authenticity, and various guitar catalogs thanks to drumcityguitarland.com. I give the features a 10, because as a guitar player in a Death/Hardcore Metal band, it has everything I want: real Floyd Rose, EMGs, and 24 frets (plus really sweet inlays. The Skull and Crossbones scream metal). Others may not give it a ten because they may not be happy with some of the features, but in my opinion, it is a 10.

This guitar sounds great, through any amp. I use a Mesa Dual Rectifier with a Rectifier 4x12 standard cab, which it sounds especially great through. I have played it through other various crappy practice amps, and it even sounds great through them. It is especially full sounding acoustically, something I've never really found in a bolt neck guitar. It has a very 'metal' sound to it, the lows being tight, and the highs being clearly defined. This is a product of both EMG pickups and a quality amplifier.

The guitar came from the factory in great condition, no flaws physically, or in wiring as I investigated. The frets were perfect, and action was dead on. Finish was a mirror like black with no in perfections.

This guitar can withstand live playing, but being that it does have a Floyd Rose, I would definately gig with a backup (if you break a string, you're screwed). The strap buttons seemed solid, however, I switched them right away with DiMarzio cliplocks, which makes switching guitars with a wireless system easier. Can absolutely depend on this guitar!

I've never dealt with ESP personally, however the guitar did arrive 3 months late (whether this was ESP, as the dealer claims, I don't know).

I have been playing for 6 years. As I said, I have a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier solo head with a Rectifier Standard cab. I also own two Ibanez RG-470's equipped with EMG-81s, but the Ibanez's are no competition to the ESP. I play metal similar to Metallica, In Flames, Slayer, Pantera, Soil Work, Machine Head, Carcass, Cannibal Corpse, Iron Maiden, and Earth Crisis, and this guitar is perfect for that stuff.

Great guitar. Features two high output (active)EMG 81 humbuckers with a volume for each one, a tone knob and a 3 way strat style switch. It has an original Floyd Rose tremelo and all black hardware. Handcrafted skull and crossbones inlays and reverse headstock give it a mean look. 24 (extra jumbo) fret Rosewood fingerboard and solid maple neck, bolt on style contruction. Black finish.

I personally love this instrument. The EMGs have an exellent sound unmatched by other pickups for my metal style of playing, and have a surprisingly good clean tone as well. Has a nice soloing sound rich and full. I am uning it with a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier and Mesa 4 x 12 cabs, with carious other rack gear. This guitar is never noisy and has a wide variaty of sounds, although it is made for metal.

The fit and finish, and the action on this guitar are unbelievable. The action is extremely low and the Oringinal Floyd Rose can be setup any way you like. THe EMGs were setup perfectly and all the controls fit perfectly as well. Great fitting on the nut and tuners too. I love the maple neck and it is obvious the quality of the wood is very good.

The only mod to this guitar is strap locks. This guitar is well made in the USA and can withstand anything from studio playing to Kirk Hammets himself and MetallicA's outrageous live playing night after night.

I Have never delt with ESP.

I have played the guitar for the last 6 years and I love this guitar. I would definatly reccomend it. It is perfect in every way. great action and playability, and nice work on the skull and crossbones inlays etc. Overall great guitar.

Made in Japan, 99' 2 volume, one tone, 2 Humbuckers, All Mahogany, 3-way selectors, active electronics,Superstrat, Floyd Rose tremolo, Skull & Crossbone inlays, Thin and wide neck(SUPER FAST). ESP have created a MASTERPIECE OF A MONSTER, wow. . . this is one HELL of a guitar. Everything anyone could want with a guitar. All the features I need.

I play mostly Heavy Metal and Hardcore, but when I'm not practicing or performing with my band I like classical and Blues stuff. It suits my styles perfectly. I use a fender frontman for practice and a 500 watt Marshal stack when performing with my band Dark Nation. You can get virtualy any sound with this guitar if you know how, I've even simulated banjo and Violin sounds on this. It's great. I love everything about this guitars sound, It's incredible. Off course my favorite band is METALLICA and Hammet is my favorite guitarist, Now I see why, this guitar is a beast.

Perfect out of the factory. wonderfuly low action, and the finish is beautiful. Now flaws. ESP really lived up to it's name ( in the metal world atleast.)

Off-course it'll withstand live playing, it's withstood tons of live playing, even at those dark, stingy clubs were your sure something will go wrong. The hardware and finish will definatley last. the strap buttons are great, but I still use a lock just in case. It feels like you could thow this out of a fourth story window and it'll still stay fine and in tune. I can trust this guitar with my life, but I will always have my trusty Ibanez RG-550 and ESP M-300 ready for action simply because of the fact that breaking a string in the middle of a song with no backup really sucks.

Never dealt with them, but the lifetime warranty is good enough for me.

I've been playing for six years now, so I've seen my fare share of guitars. I own a coulpe of Strats, an Epi Les Paul, The before mentioned Ibanez and ESP M-300 ( wonderful guitars also ), and a Jackson Dinky Reverse Pro. If this were stolen, I'de hunt down the motherfucker and slowly burn all his fingers to the bone one by one, then I'de perform chinese nipple torture on him until he agreed to become my lifetime servant. Then I'de definatley buy another one because my first ones dignity would be ruined for being in the hands of such a fuckin' bastard. There was no comparison, I did try the Jackson soloist, but It was much more money and it didn't feel as comfy, to me at least. Let me just tell you, I've not had to tune this thing since the first ime I did THREE months ago, DAMN GOOD GUITAR. If you like metal and hardore, this is the best possible thing.... A GODSEND of a guitar. What a Fuckin' BEAST. Save up and buy it as soon as you can. This is the best guitar there is..........
Well, ....what are you waiting for, GO GET IT !!!!!!!!!!

This guitar was made in 1998 in Korea, it has 24 frets, 2 volume and 1 tone control with a 5-way switch. It has 2 EMG-81 active humbuckers. The neck and body are mahogany with a AAA maple top and a rosewood fretboard. It has a beautiful black finish with skull and crossbone fingerboard inlays. The bridge is an original Floyd Rose, but it is like an Ibanez lo-pro Edge, it's very comfortable to palm mute. It has an M-II style body, basically a super strat, non-locking tuners and a fast neck that is 25 1/2". It came with a very nice ESP hardshell case. This is everything I could ever want in a guitar. Excellent Features!

This is a great metal guitar, and since that's what I play I love this guitar. I use a fender frontman reverb for practiceand a Line 6 Spyder 1x12 for loud sounds, the spyder's the main amp. The pickups are realitively quiet and sound insane on distortion and have pretty good clean sound, the solos I would play on my old strat are absoulutly a work of art on this guitar! The guitar will make just about any sound in the world of music. The bridge will not come out of tune! I would however put an EMG-85 in the neck position for warmer rythym. Wonderful sound!

The guitar's action was so low I could play it by breathing on it, I've never played a solo so fast. The pickups were excelently wired and the height was perfect. The bridge was a pain to get in tune but it hasn't come out of tune since. No visable flaws. This guitar looks wonderful and the skull and crossbone inlays are awesome. This guitar is a beauty!

This guitar could withstand playing live, there's no question about it. This guitar was built to last. It would take a lot of strength to intentionally smash this guitar. I added some strap locks and I was off! I never go giging without a backup so no I wouldn't, but if I were that kind of person I would. This guitar could me dropped thousands of times and still be in tune. This guitar will be in the hands of my great grandchildren!

I've never dealt with ESP, but I've heard good things about them. The lifetime warranty says something. If you were to call with a problem with this guitar some jaws would drop.

This guitar was worth every penny. I've only been playing a while but this guitar rocks! I've played on Ibanez, Jackson, Gibson, Fender and this guitar is the best of them all. This IS a metal guitar so if you play SRV blues or Garth Brooks, don't but this axe. If it were lost I would cry for weeks, and probably become suicidal. I love the bridge and the inlays and the EMGs this axe rules! What I don't like: Not one thing. Fantastic axe!

i have two kh-2 , one with the standard black finish with the skull and cross bone inlays , and one with the ouija graphic on the body with the star and cresent moon inlays , of course it was made in japan but hey , japanese cars are reliable as hell and they make good tv's too

like all of the kh series guitars they have 24 extra jumbo fret on a wide and thin neck , which is in turn bolted to an alder body

both of them are 1998 models

esp was nide enough to supply these guitars with two active emg 81's with a 3-way selector

the floyd rose system on them works like a charm , i have never had any tuning problems with them , which i can't say for my i-ban-had rg series

and if that isn't enough for you , esp also throws in their great hard shell case with the neccesary allen wrenches , and an "authentic" certificate signed by kirk hammett

i pretty much play the new style of metallica as well as their old and using my johnson millenium on the mesa/boogie settings i sure get a the signature 'tallica crunch , i haven't expierienced any unwanted noise with it , the feedback is easily controllable and don't get out of hand even at extreme volumes (and with 250 watts and a 4x12 cab , that's easy to do) , the neck pickup on a clean chorused with delay setting is awesome sounding , the neck position sounds great distorted too , but i pretty much stick with the bridge pickup for the dirty stuff anyway and finally the between selection is capable of just about anything dirty or clean , i can see why hammett chose this setup i love it!!!

both of them came from the factory setup exactly as i like them low ation , no buzzing , the finishes were like looking into a mirror , there were no frets sticking off the side of the necks to catch on the palms of my hands like there are on ibanez's , and now almost 2 years of having them with a little polishing during string changes they still look new , and i play very hard on them

i haven't gigged with them at all and probably never will , unless i can afford a couple more , 'cause if anything ever happened to them like getting stolen or damaged , that would definitly be grounds for suicide , i use them for recording only and jamming with my bro , and all the tuning keys and other hardware is like it just left the esp factory yesterday , nice and tight and not showing any wear , my hat's off to esp

i've only dealt with esp directly a couple times , and it was concerning custom shop stuff , and everyone i've ever talked to at esp have been very friendly and helpful

i haven't had to do any warrenty repairs on the and knock on wood probably never will if esp keeps putting out guitars this good

i've been playing for 11 years , and have had many guitars pass through my hands , currently i hav the two kh-2 guitars , i have a les paul classic , a lone star strat , a '62 reissue , a stevie ray signature and the forementioned ibanez , which NEVER is played

i play through a johnson millenium 250 watt head and the johnson 4x12 cabinet with celestion vintage 30's loaded in it , i also play through a fender vibrolux reissue with the factory 2-10 inch speakers

my wah is a custom rmc-3 from some guy named geoffrey teese , who makes incredibly killer wah padals , i use a tube screamer with the vibrolux and a boss ( i can't remember the model ) chorus pedal

as i mentioned before if i lost my esp's i probably shoot myself , i told the wife that i could sell all my other guitars and keep my esp's and be perfectly happy , they have that much variety in their tone

what do i love about it? everything! plus the fact kirk hammett plays them , what do i hate about it? absolutly nothing


i just wish kirk would let esp make the mummy guitar , and my life would be complete , by the way if anyone has a jh-2 with the diamond plate top that they want to sell , let me know

This KH-2 was made in 99 in Japan, like all KH models. It has 24 frets, 2 volume, 1 tone, 2 active EMG 81 pickups, 3 way selector, a floyd rose, has x jumbo frets, and came with a bunch of tools, and a case.
I give it a 9 because this is pretty much the best guitar I've played. I tried playing my previous guitar, which was a Lyon Washburn after playing this, and the quality difference was amazing. (Fyi, the lyon is still a good guitar, but just doesn't compare to something like this..fyi, the lyon was about $200) The EMG pickups are great for my style of music, which is obviously metal, and also some jazz and classical.

As I previously said, my style is metal, jazz, and classical-It fits it very well. Even though my amp isn't all that good (Crate gfx), the sound this thing puts out is amazing. It is a little nosiy, but I'm sure it's just because of my amp-everyone else here seems to not have any noise.
I was REALLY surprised by the clean on this one. I put the pickup selector in the middle, turned the bridge pikcup about 55% down, neck about %75 down, and added a bit of chorus and reverb. With this, I can get a sound that is pretty close to nothing else matters.
I'm currently saving up for a line 6 amp, and if this guitar sounds this good with just a $250 amp, one can't imagine how it'd sound with an AX2.

Action was very low, pickups are great, no flaws taht I could see.

I've yet to gig with it live, but I'm sure it could. NEVER gig w/o a backup, though. Hardware seems like it'd last with easy access to the batteries.
Strap buttons are a little small, and my guitar has fallen off two different straps twice (which I luckily caught, both times) so I'll probably change'em to something that locks.
The only reason this is getting an 8 is because of the strap button size.

Never dealt with'em. I don't have my warranty card next to me at the moment, but I think it said lifetime (?)

I've been playing for a number of years, and also own an additional electric, and one acoustic. If it was stolen, I'd cry, then sell a kidney so I could buy another one. (heh)
I love everything but the strap buttons, they're a bit too small. I considered a Jackson, but the feel of this guitar won me over.
If you are considering purchasing this guitar, feel free to email me any questions. (remove no spam from my email)

made in Japan 1998 24 extra jumbo frets solid top volume, volume, tone, 3-way switch H/H EMG-81 humbuckers Active Alder body, Maple Neck finish? M-II style (ESP) Original Floyd Rose Tremolo Sperzel Locking Tuners Rosewood thin-U shaped fingerboard strap was included

I usually play metal or progressive rock ( Metallica, Van Halen, Ayreon, Dream Theater, Megadeth, Thyrfing <-- just some examples) I think this guitar suits my kinda music perfectly. I can always get the sound I want. I also have a fender strat usa, but that one doesn't perform as well. I haven't caught it make noise yet. It even makes nice harmonics (it seems), instead of squeeling and tweeting when you've got your amp on high volumes. Of course, if you want it to be noisy, believe me you can make it noisy. I've been playing VAn Halen and some John Petrucci stuff and they make a lot of different kind of sounds. If I can't make these sounds on my guitar, it is because of me. I like everything about it so far.

The ESP company really did their best on this guitar. Everything is worked off excellent except for the screws. I had to tighten up some of `em.

I think as Kirk Hammett once said: "ESP does the job. They hold up well on tour because they stay in tune. That's important for me as my right hand picking attack is really hard and agreessive. I grab that whammy bar and pull it, really attack it, and the guitar is still in tune." I think this guitar is very dependable. ( I'm still using my first couple of strings (<--Dean Markley).) The only thing that can be a problem when you play live, is the active pickups. They require a battery (9v.) so you will need to change them If you don't want to take any risk.

I don't think many people will have to use them. I won't any time soon

I've been playing for about 9 years and use the ESP and Fender with a Mesa/Boogie Mk IV, Dunlop Cry-Baby, digitech rp21 and ibanez ts9 turbo. This all put together can for as far as I know create any sound I wish to have. If this guitar were stolen I would probably get suicidal tendencies ( hate that band ). I love the pickups, the bridge, the fingerboard. the knobs, everything. I compared this guitar with several ibanez guitar and jacksons but they just didn't have what I wanted. I chose this one because the pickups and the 2 volumes knobs which is very usefull.

Made in Japan, don't know what year, considering that the battery is still good, it couldn't have been made that long ago. 24 extra jumbo nickel silver frets, solid (quite heavy)alder super strat body, two volumes, one tone, original Floyd Rose double locking tremelo, very wide, thin, maple neck with a nice satin finish, reverse headstock, two EMG-81 humbuckers, came with a hardshell case, allen wrenches, and a certificate of authenticity.

I play metal mostly, but I do play some classical (Bach, Paganini, etc.) and this guitar is a good match. I run it through a Crate GFX1200h head and a Crate 4x12 cab. This is the first guitar I've played that had EMG's in it, and I must say that they live up to the hype, you can get a thick, chugga chugga thrash tone out of this guitar, messing with the volume and tone knobs you can get a variety of sounds. What really surprised me is that you really can get a great clean tone, if you put the switch in the middle position,with a little chorus and reverb, I've come very close to James Hetfield's sound on "Nothing Else Matters". Really a great sounding guitar.

It was set up perfectly from the factory, the action was nice and low, no fret-buzzing whatsoever. Like I said before, the neck is very wide and fairly thin, and it's incredably fast and comfortable. I thought I could play fast on my old Epiphone LP (I was able to play Malmsteen songs on it, but I had to work for the speed, on this guitar it's effortless). BTW, this is my first guitar with a locking trem, so if you're not familar with a locking trem, have someone at the store show you the in and outs, because it's fairly complicated to set up (That's really the only thing I don't like about this guitar). The guitar does stay perfectly in tune, no matter how crazy you go with the whammy bar, in fact, it stays in tune better than my Epiphone LP, and it doesn't even have a tremolo!

I think it would defintaly withstand live playing, the finish is nice and thick, and doesn't seem like it will wear off any time soon. The hardware is nice and tight, nothing's loose, the toggle switch seems very sturdy as do the pots. Well, I'm not in a band right now (can't find anyone to play with), but I'd always use it with a back up, no matter how reliable a guitar is, strings do break.

I've never dealt with ESP, but the guitar comes with a lifetime warranty, I think that speaks for itself.

I've been playing for about four years, but have only been seriously playing for about a year. IF this guitar was stolen, or lost, I would freak out, seriously, I love this guitar and couldn't do without it, so I'd have to find a way to get some cash to buy another one exactly like this one. I don't hate anything about this guitar (Except the minor inconvenience of the Floyd, but it stays in tune so I can't argue with the results) One thing, I do wish that it had either a EMG-89 or 60 in the neck, and I might very well replace the neck pick-up with one of those, it'll void the warranty, but the guitar is solid and I really don't forsee any problems.

The guitar was made in Japan, but I don't know what year. Probably 98.The hardware is black and it has 24 XJ frets.Very comfortable. It has two volume controls, one tone control, H/H pickup configuration - two EMG-81 active humbuckers and a 3-way pickup selector switch. Super strat alder body. Maple/Rosewood - neck/fingerboard, skull and crossbones inlays. Bolt on constuction. Bridge is an original Floyd Rose. Reverse headstock. The guitar is black.

It suits my style perfectly- Metal and hard rock. I use a Trace Elliot Super tramp 100 tube combo with it. It delivers a full and rich distorted tone tone, the clean is great if u know how to set it up. No noise, under tons of gain (EMG-81). Its pretty versitile. Good jazz clean tones on the neck pickup.The sound that the bridge pickup produces clean has a sterile feel.I like it that way. Great sustain. The strings stay in tune no matter how much I rape the whammy bar. No fret-string buzzing.

It was set up perfectly when I first tried it. The pickups were high, the action was low - just as i like it. No flaws on the paint or the neck wood. Perfect.

Built like a tank. The hardware is tight. Larger than life strap buttons. I can really depend on it, and i would use it on a gig without a backup.No loose parts at all.

I have been playing for 3 years now, and this is my first REAL guitar. I tried Gibson, Jackson, Ibanez... guitars and this one is GOD.If it were stolen, I'd hunt down the son of a bitch who stole it and make him pay. Then I'd go buy another one. I went to pick it up in Munich, Germany all the way from Rijeka, Croatia and it was worth the tripp.

Standard KH2 configuration - EMG 81's, Floyd, ...

I've been encountering problems with the neck shifting and bowing. I've had three technicians inspect the neck and two recommend that ESP replace the neck. ESP insists that it is an adjustment problem even though they cannot explain why it continues to shift. They refuse to replace the neck.

This guitar has been nothing but problems and the company seems to be totally apathetic to my situation. In fact, they are out right rude and offensive. I'm selling the guitar and will never consider purchasing an ESP product again.

I would seriously advise that those interested take a closely inspect the neck alignment prior to purchase. Never special order because then you're stuck with it.

USA made which leads me to believe it was made recently. 24 big frets, skull and crossbone inlays, solid top, double volume, tone, H/H, EMG 81 (two of them), Active pickups, Alder body, maple neck (quartersawn), rosewood fretboard, Black finish, M-II shaped (super strat), Original Floyd Rose tremolo, Non-locking tuners (locking nut), 25.5" scale, Whammy bar, case, wrenches, run on sentence.

Very well suited for almost any style of music (except maybe country/western (it can definitely produce the sounds needed but I can't imagine Garth Brooks playing one of these things)). The EMGs as usual tear ass. But for some reason they don't sound as loud as the ones that are on my ESP custom (Probably because I used different Neck/Body construction and slightly different woods (Ebony fingerboard and quilted maple top)). Very tight guitar, it shuts up when you put your hand on the bridge. No noise (even through a rectifier!).

Very nice job here. I am only borrowing this from a friend so he might have made these adjustments. Pickups for me are a complex issue though. My theory is make em as high as you can (literally, put them less than a 1/16" under the strings). I guess my friend adjusted them to be relatively low though and I did not wnat to screw with his setup. Now that I think of it that is probably causing the low output. Everything is routed correctly here. No flaws here just great look, sound, and playability.

To me, ESP is the company that makes the reliability standard. If its not ESP (well maybe an exception for my ibanez) I don't play it.

ESP is the most friendly company I have ever dealt with.

Been playing for to long. Basically compared it to a guitar that probaly cost nearly twice as much and I can't say I was displeased with it. If you can't afford the custom guitar of your dreams give this sweet baby a try.

24 Frets, reverse headstock, recessed Floyd Rose Tremolo, 2 EMG-81 pickups, Skull and Crossbone inlays, all black, 2 volume 1 tone knob, and 3 way pickup selector.

Great for Heavy Metal, and Hard Rock, the 81's don't give out the best clean sound though. Using Line 6 AX-212(check out my review for that). Great for lead guitar playing, very high action, very fast fretboard and comfortable. Sounds Exellent!

Very High Action, pickups and everything great out of the factory, ESP does a great job it seems

This thing was built! It seems like it would last through anything. The finish is great though you can see every single fingerprint on the finish. Biggest Strap buttons I've ever seen. I'd always bring a back, because the string could always break and that's not the guitars fault.

Havent't dealt with them yet.

I have been playing for 6 years and have a 98 Les Paul Studio,and an Ibanez RX-60. This guitar blows away my Les Paul and lots of other guitars I have played, I love everything about it especially how comfortable it is.

2 humbuckers, 3 way switch, 2 volume and 1 tone control, alder body. 24 frets with skull & crossbone inlays, active EMG-81 pickups.

perfectly suits anything metal. the EMG-81's deliver bright, full sound and you can hear each individual note even with massive distortion. I will never use another pickup in my life. i use a marshall valvestate amp and a crybaby wah. the pickups are also exceptionally quiet.

the action was low and felt great. the pickups were perfectly adjusted, no flaws at all.

It will withstand live playing for sure. the hardware is built to last, I could go without another guitar for another 20 years if i wanted. The finish is also strong. the strap buttons are large and good, the guitar will not fall off. definetely dependable, but i am a really paranoid guy so with any guitar i'd use a backup.

N/A

This is absolutely the greatest guitar I have played in my life. The feel is incredibly comfortable, it is great for soloing with easy access to the 22nd, 23rd and 24th frets, and the EMG pickups deliver the best sound I've ever heard on a guitar. I would definetely buy another one if mihne was stolen - in fact, if I buy another guitar then I will probably get a replica or something almost exactly like this guitar.

Alder body, maple neck with a rosewood finger board, 2 EMG 81's, hard case, floyd rose locking tremblo, reverse head stock, skull and cross bone fret markers, black body, and some of the lowest action I've ever seen. 24 jumbo frets, just the most comfortable guitar I have ever played. Maybe to get more of a differentiation of sounds between the neck and treble pick-ups, the neck pick-up should be an EMG-89 for rythm work.

METAL, METAL, METAL, that is this guitars purpose, meaning, and definition. High gain sound that is like the mighty Thors hammer from the heavens. Really a nice sound out of the guitar. When I turned off the distortion is sounded like I was playing through a small dirty blues amp, which I thought was pretty cool.

WOW!!!!! Excellent action, nice and low without any buzz in the frets. Everything was perfect on this guitar.

This guitar is built to last. Thick finish, large strp buttons. I would gig with this without a back-up if I had enough money to buy, I only tried it out in the store for about an hour non-stop. Excellent guitar.

I've never delt with them, but when I tried out this guitar I was special ordering another guitar from them, a ESP LTD EX-200.

I wish I could afford it now, but I am saving up and should have this in 6months.

This thing comes loaded with EMG 81 pickups, 24 jumbo frets, a recessed floyd rose locking tremolo, and comes with its own case.

Hey, ESP ain't foolin' around. Those EMG's make for a distorted tone that's like no other. The only problem is when the pick-ups run out of battery, the clean sounds a little shitty. Perfect for heavy metal, hardcore, rock, ect...

The action on this thing is so low, you can play it by just breathing on it. It was set up perfectly in the factory, which is rare.

I would bring it to a gig without a backup for two reasons: one, I can't afford another guitar after buying this one, and two, it was made to last. It is remarkably sturdy for its weight, and the hardware is very tight.

Never had to deal with them. Lifetime warrenty.

This thing is nuts. I've tried everything, Jacksons, Gibsons, Fenders, you name it. This thing has the balls to beat out all of them, with a cheaper price. What more can you ask for?