ESP LTD KH 602 LH BLK

ESP LTD KH 602 LH BLK review

The ESP LTD KH 602 LH BLK is a left-handed Kirk Hammett signature guitar built around a familiar ST-style shape. Its black finish, skull graphics, active pickups, and double-locking tremolo give it a clear metal focus, while the 24-fret layout and slim neck support fast movement across the fingerboard. The listed price is 1,429. It has been available since August 2019, and the package includes a hard case.

Its core specification is straightforward: an alder body, a maple neck, six strings, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and a 648 mm scale. The neck has an Extra Thin U profile, with a 42 mm nut width and a 350 mm fingerboard radius. Those dimensions point toward a relatively slim feel and a flat playing surface. That combination suits quick fretting and wide bends, though players who prefer a substantial neck may find this profile too narrow in the hand.

Build and playability

The supplied specifications conflict on the fingerboard material. One entry lists Pau Ferro, while the detailed model description names Makassar ebony. Buyers should confirm the exact material with the seller before ordering if that distinction matters to them. The other listed construction details are consistent: maple neck, alder body, black hardware, LTD machine heads, and a clamping nut.

Customer feedback describes the finish as clean and free of visible flaws, with the guitar arriving well protected in its hard case and shipping boxes. One buyer also reported that the instrument arrived set up and ready to play. That is useful real-world feedback, but setup can vary from one instrument to another and may shift during transit. Check tuning stability, tremolo return, action, and intonation after delivery rather than assuming every unit will need no adjustment.

The supplied strings are D'Addario XL120, gauged.009 to.042. That light set can make bends and fast passages easier, but players who use lower tunings or a firmer feel may want a different gauge. Any string change can affect the balance of a floating tremolo, so adjustments to the springs and intonation may be needed.

Pickups, controls, and tremolo

Two active EMG Bone Breaker pickups provide the guitar's main tonal character. The control layout has two volume controls, one tone control, and a three-way toggle switch. Customer reports are particularly positive about the contrast between the neck pickup's clean sound and the bridge pickup under gain. One owner described the clean tone as gentle and the distorted sound as especially satisfying. Another praised the pickups for both clean and high-gain playing.

Those impressions fit the intended role of a Kirk Hammett signature instrument, but they are still listening reports rather than a guarantee of a particular sound in every rig. Amplifier settings, speakers, effects, and pickup height all influence the result. The active electronics also require a battery. One customer warned that the battery supplied with the guitar was poor quality and recommended replacing it promptly. That is a simple precaution before a rehearsal or performance, especially if the guitar has been stored for a while.

The Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo and clamping nut are designed to keep the strings secure during heavy tremolo use. This setup can support aggressive pitch changes, but it takes more effort to restring and tune than a fixed bridge. Changing tuning or string gauge may require balancing the bridge again. Players who regularly switch tunings should factor that maintenance into their decision.

Who should consider it?

The KH 602 LH BLK makes the most sense for left-handed players who want a purpose-built metal guitar with a slim neck, active pickups, and a locking tremolo. The skull graphics and black finish give it a distinctive look that customers repeatedly called striking, while the case offers practical protection for transport. Its pickup layout and controls cover the clean-to-high-gain range described in owner feedback, with the strongest praise directed at the bridge sound under distortion.

It is less suited to someone seeking a simple, low-maintenance instrument. A floating Floyd Rose takes more work to set up, and active pickups depend on a healthy battery. The conflicting fingerboard-material details also warrant a quick check before purchase. For a buyer comfortable with those tradeoffs, the combination of signature styling, fast neck dimensions, and strong high-gain reports makes this LTD a compelling left-handed option.

Verdict

Customer feedback points to a well-finished guitar with satisfying pickup response and comfortable playability after setup. The 24-fret neck, EMG Bone Breakers, Floyd Rose 1000, and included hard case give the model a focused specification for metal playing. Confirm the fingerboard material with the retailer, and plan to check the supplied battery and setup when it arrives. At a listed price of 1,429, the ESP LTD KH 602 LH BLK is best evaluated as a left-handed signature instrument for players who will make regular use of its active pickups and tremolo system.