As the lead guitarist for Metallica, the biggest heavy metal band of all time, Kirk Hammett has inspired generations of musicians over the past 40+ years. Kirk’s solos are a crucial part of Metallica’s dominating sound, and he has relied on ESP for decades to make guitars that meet his every need. T

he LTD KH-V is the newest addition to the Kirk Hammett Signature Series. It’s available in three different versions: Black Sparkle with black hardware and black pickguard; Red Sparkle with gold hardware and gold pickguard; and Metallic Gold with gold hardware and cream pickguard. The KH-V offers neck-thru-body construction, with an extra-thin U-shaped three-piece maple neck and korina body at 25.5” scale. Its Macassar ebony fingerboard features pearloid wave inlays and 24 extra-jumbo frets. The sound of the KH-V is powered by a set of Kirk’s signature EMG Bone Breaker pickups, with the BB-B ceramic bridge and the BB-N alnico 5 neck pickups for crisp, crushing leads or smooth, rounded rhythm tones at the flip of a switch.

Controls of the KH-V include volume, tone, and a three-way pickup selector toggle. Other pro features include a TonePros bridge with string-thru-body and LTD locking tuners. Includes ESP deluxe hardshell case.