ESP LTD KH 602 BLK

ESP LTD KH 602 BLK review

The ESP LTD KH 602 BLK is Kirk Hammett's signature guitar, built around a familiar metal setup: a neck-through maple neck, two active EMG Bone Breaker humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo. Its black finish and signature styling give it a strong visual identity, while the hardware and electronics are aimed at players who want high-gain sounds and stable tuning. It has been available since June 2019.

The body is alder, with no separate top, and the fingerboard is Macassar ebony. The neck has an extra-thin U profile and a 648 mm scale. Twenty-four extra-jumbo frets and a 350 mm fingerboard radius support a low, fast-feeling setup. A locking nut works with the double-locking tremolo system. The guitar includes an ESP hard case; a gig bag is not included.

Neck and playing feel

Player reports consistently describe the neck as comfortable and quick, with easy access to the upper frets. One owner specifically praised reaching the 24th fret without difficulty. The extra-thin U profile suits players who prefer a streamlined neck, though it will not feel identical to every other slim-neck guitar. One long-term owner noted that it was not as thin as an Ibanez neck, but still played beautifully.

Setup matters. One player achieved very low action and described the resulting playability as excellent. Another received an instrument that needed adjustments to the bridge and locking nut before it was ready to play. That difference is worth keeping in mind: reports include guitars that arrived well set up, as well as examples that required attention. A proper setup can help the tremolo and low action perform as intended.

The neck has a lacquered finish. One player found the feel unusual at first, then adjusted to it quickly. That response is personal, but it is a useful detail for anyone who prefers a very smooth or unfinished-feeling neck.

Pickups and sound

The two active EMG Bone Breaker humbuckers are central to this guitar's character. Owners praise their aggressive, defined response in high-gain settings, with several describing the bridge pickup as especially forceful. One player compared it favorably with familiar EMG models, finding the bridge pickup more aggressive than an EMG 81 and the neck pickup comparable to an EMG 85.

High-gain metal is the clearest fit. The KH 602 BLK can also handle crunch and clean sounds, according to owners, but clean tones are a more divided subject. Some find them perfectly usable, while others describe the active pickups as less open or rounded than passive alternatives. Players looking for a warm, vintage-style clean voice may want a different guitar. Here, the emphasis is on a direct, powerful sound that holds together under heavier gain.

Controls include two volume knobs, one tone knob, and a three-way toggle switch. That layout gives access to the pickup combinations without adding a complicated control scheme. One owner did report that a volume knob turned more stiffly than the others, a reminder to check the controls on arrival rather than assuming every individual instrument is identical.

Floyd Rose stability and setup

The Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo is a major part of the KH 602 BLK's appeal. Players who had the bridge properly adjusted reported that it held tuning very well, including after using the tremolo. For guitarists new to a Floyd Rose, the initial setup and string changes can take some patience. One owner needed to adjust the springs behind the guitar before the bridge behaved as expected. Another found string changes manageable after learning the system.

The locking nut and double-locking design help maintain tuning once everything is set up correctly. They also make setup less straightforward than on a fixed-bridge guitar. If you have not used this type of tremolo before, allow time to learn its adjustments or have a qualified technician set it up.

Build quality and ownership

Most owner feedback is strongly positive about the sound, appearance, and playing comfort. Several describe the instrument as solid and well made. A smaller number mention uneven details, including a crooked screw, a stiff control, fretboard marks, or a bridge that did not sit evenly. One report also questioned the fit and condition of the included case. These are individual experiences, not features of the design, but they make a careful inspection sensible after delivery.

The factory string set is D'Addario XL120, with.009 to.042 gauges. The guitar's black finish, black hardware, and signature appointments make it an unmistakable choice for Metallica fans. At a listed price of 1333, it is a substantial purchase. The included hard case adds practical protection, though the owner reports show that setup and final inspection can vary.

Verdict

The ESP LTD KH 602 BLK is best suited to players who want a fast-feeling signature guitar with a powerful metal voice and a properly set up Floyd Rose. Its strongest points are the active Bone Breaker pickups, upper-fret access, and reported tuning stability after adjustment. Clean-focused players may prefer a different pickup character, and first-time Floyd Rose owners should expect a learning curve. For high-gain playing and Kirk Hammett fans, it offers a focused, playable package with a hard case included.