Carefully inspected and professionally set up by our guitar workshop, this guitar is a showroom model, never used, and in like-new condition.

New strings installed (Ernie Ball Slinky 10–46).

ESP Deluxe hardcase and accessories included.

ESP LTD KHV MGO Metallic Gold

• Kirk Hammett (Metallica) Signature
• Made in Korea (MIK)
• Serial Number: W24030571
• Weight: 3.290 kg
• Solid-body electric guitar with SV-style shape inspired by the Gibson Firebird / Jackson Randy Rhoads design
• Construction: Neck-Thru
• Body: Korina
• Neck: 3-piece Maple
• Neck Profile: Extra Thin U
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Fingerboard: Macassar Ebony
• Radius: 350 mm (13.75")
• Frets: 24 Extra Jumbo
• Nut Width: 42 mm
• Neck Pickup: EMG KH Bone Breaker (Alnico V)
• Bridge Pickup: EMG KH Bone Breaker (Ceramic)
• Active Pickups
• Controls: 1 Volume / 1 Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector
• Bridge: TonePros Locking TOM String-Thru
• Tuners: LTD Locking Tuners
• Hardware: Gold
• Pickguard: Cream
• Inlays: Pearloid Wave Inlays

When discussing legendary signature guitars, the partnership between Kirk Hammett and ESP Guitars is unquestionably among the most iconic. Since the 1980s, the guitarist of Metallica has helped shape the history of metal through riffs and solos that have become classics, while ESP has provided him with instruments capable of enduring the most demanding tours in the world. The LTD KH-V is one of the standout signature models from this collaboration: a guitar that makes no attempt to be subtle, instead capturing all the energy, power, and style of its owner.

Its dazzling Metallic Gold finish, gold hardware, and imposing V-shaped body give it exceptional stage presence. It is the kind of instrument that immediately draws attention on stage without ever crossing into excess. The design successfully blends elegance and aggression, resulting in a strong and distinctive visual identity.

The guitar’s real achievement, however, becomes apparent the moment you pick it up. The neck-thru construction combined with the korina body provides remarkable solidity and impressive natural resonance. The through-neck design delivers generous sustain and completely unrestricted upper-fret access. The Extra Thin U neck profile, typical of ESP’s performance-oriented models, is a delight for players who enjoy speed, wide bends, and technical passages. Despite its radical appearance, the KH-V remains surprisingly comfortable and well-balanced.

Tonally, the KH-V is an absolute powerhouse. The active EMG KH Bone Breaker pickups, developed specifically for Kirk Hammett, deliver exactly what you would expect from a guitar in this category: razor-sharp attack, tight low end, and exceptional clarity even under extreme gain settings. The ceramic bridge pickup produces massive, precise, and punchy rhythm tones, while the Alnico V neck pickup adds welcome warmth for singing leads and more melodic passages. This combination makes the guitar devastatingly effective for metal, while also performing impressively in modern hard rock and traditional heavy metal.

The hardware is equally worthy of a professional-grade instrument. The locking TonePros bridge ensures excellent stability and contributes to the guitar’s overall sustain, while the LTD locking tuners make string changes easier and help maintain reliable tuning. Every component appears to have been selected with performance in mind rather than marketing considerations.

One particularly appealing aspect of the KH-V is that it is far more than a collector’s piece aimed solely at Metallica fans. It possesses a genuine identity and qualities that allow it to compete with instruments costing significantly more. Many guitarists especially appreciate the unique ergonomics of its offset V shape, with some even considering it one of the most comfortable body styles when played seated in the classical position.

Ultimately, the LTD KH-V MGO is probably one of the most successful Kirk Hammett signature models produced by ESP in recent years. Visually spectacular, technically flawless, and incredibly effective when plugged into a high-gain amplifier, it perfectly embodies the spirit of Metallica’s legendary guitarist. For demanding metal players and collectors alike, this guitar offers that rare combination of charisma, build quality, and performance that turns a simple instrument into a true favorite.