ESP LTD Kirk Hammet

[Gunner]

Is the guitar even close to a USA Jackson?

[Burn]

What? There are three different import models that I can think of, none of which are close to a USA guitar of any kind. Be more specific.

[Gunner]

Ok so none of the ESP Kirk Hammet's including the relic, come close to a US Jackson. Just asking never played a ESP. Thanks for the reply.

[sonicsamurai]

why would you want a guitar from frankly one of the world's worst guitarists??...can't stand hammet - horrible tone, misses notes, overuses his WAH waaaay too much - the best guitar solo iin metallia's back catalogue is the one solo hetfield did on nothing else matters imo and he's meant to be the rythm player... . buy the jackson!! i'm pretty sure thats what his model is based on as ESPee don't do original designs that often...

[CharvelRocker]

None of the LTDs come close. The ESP maybe, but not the LTDs.

[levantin]

why would you want a guitar from frankly one of the world's worst guitarists??...

Ummm, you're not buying Hammett himself, but a superstrat guitar with an ofr and two emgs? That's cool in my book, however horrible the user is.

[AfterForever]

This new KH model might come close:



"the KH-JR (Junior) implements a 20.5” 3/4 scale design, with a basswood body and a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. A black finish, skull & bones inlays, and the same ESP-EMG LH-300 pickups used on the LTD KH-202 make this guitar perfect for any Metallica fan, young or not-so-young."

[bonghits]

Played quite a few ESP KH's including Relic's and I still think that an SL2H with EMG's sounds better, plays better, and an overall better guitar both in quality and value. Plus I prefer ebony on "metal" type guitars and unless you want to shell out 10K for an "Anniversary KH" they all have rosewood fingerboards.

[Mr Metal]

The ESPs are very good guitars, fairly close to USA Jacksons, but unfortunately all rosewood as stated above....The LTDs are not good IMHO....I'd take an MIJ jackson over the KH LTDs any day

[Dave L]

I´ve always thought the actual japanese ESPs are very solid guitars, and the ones I´ve tried have run the range from slightly above current Pro Jacksons up to absolutely killer custom-grade pieces. Most have been about on par with the old upscale Professionals, I´d say. But with that said, I haven´t tried one manufactured since about 1999, so I can´t comment on current quality. I have very little experience with the LTD´s, but just from looking at the specs the more expensive models seem to give good value for the money.

[AdRock]

If you even look at the Hammet LTD's go straight past the KH202, I had one, it sucked.

Look at the KH602. Alder body, active EMG's, an OFR, and a neckthru. I played a frinds a while back and it felt much better than the 202. IMO it's a little nicer than the Jackson MIJ's but not as nice as the USA's.

[Robert Burns]

I think what he means is that there is a $400 one... a $1100.00 model
and then the top model about $2150.00
Interesting that most here think that even the $2150 model doesnt
'hold up to any Soloist! That says allot about how great Jacksons are.
And i agree...Kirk blows. All those lessons with Satch, and NOTHING
rubbed off on him! Although "ride the lightning" is an awesome lick!~

[Robotechnology]

Maybe I'm in the minority but, my two ESP's are up there with the Jackson's. ESP M-II (which is what the KH-2 is based on and an ESP Mirage.

[Gunner]

Thanks everyone. Like I said never played anything but a Jackson, Charvel and a Les paul. So i was just getting some opinions. Now all I own are RR1, Dinky, and C/S Charvel. And waitng and on a C/S dinky.

Thanks again, and no I"m no big fan of Kirk. Just thought the guitar looked cool.

[levantin]

I think what he means is that there is a $400 one... a $1100.00 model
and then the top model about $2150.00
Interesting that most here think that even the $2150 model doesnt
'hold up to any Soloist! That says allot about how great Jacksons are.
And i agree...Kirk blows. All those lessons with Satch, and NOTHING
rubbed off on him! Although "ride the lightning" is an awesome lick!~

I can understand people dissing Kirk for the wah thing and his inability to produce a decent solo in about 15 years, but hey, back in the day he could shred. Give Blackened another spin. I think his solos on the Black Album are among the most memorable in heavy metal - they also fit the songs really well. I wouldn't call him a virtuoso or put him up with the likes of Friedman or Gilbert, but I wouldn't say that he blows.



Now you may call me a fanboy.