The M is probably the most iconic model from the Japanese brand. Originally designed to compete with the Jackson Dinky, then widely adopted by Kirk Hammett and many other artists, it is a super-strat with elegant lines that stands out for its exceptional playing comfort and naturally big sound.
The KH-4 holds a special place among the many signature guitars of Metallica’s iconic lead guitarist. It is the Load-era model, from the mid-90s: an aesthetic and sonic turning point for the band, and a KH that stands apart from the others, instantly recognizable by its black finish and pearl white pickguard.
Make no mistake, this example has nothing to do with the KH-4s released at the time, mostly bolt-on for export models. It comes from the Custom Order program: a Master Built neck-thru guitar, entirely handmade at the Custom Shop in Japan, with a level of quality far beyond the 90s models. From wood selection to finish, every step is entrusted to the Master Builders, with complete mastery of the craft and exceptional attention paid to every detail.
This KH-4 is 100% specs correct with Kirk Hammett’s personal guitar. It features the ESP logo with Kirk Hammett’s handwritten signature, the “F*ck You” inlay at the 12th fret, the pearl white pickguard and the original EMG configuration: an EMG 81 in the bridge and an EMG 89 in the neck, as fitted before Kirk switched to a pair of EMG 81s. The neck pickup can be split via the volume pot, switching from humbucker to single-coil tones.
It is built around an ultra-light alder body and a maple neck-thru neck, topped with a hand-picked, very dark rosewood fingerboard. The Floyd Rose Original completes a proven recipe. A collector’s piece, ready to play.
Want more information about this model? Feel free to contact us, we’re here to help.
ESP Custom Shop KH-4 Black (E3040262)
BODY
Body Shape: M
Body Wood: Extra Light Alder (45mm)
Body Top Wood: None
Body Finish: Black
NECK
Neck Wood: Maple, neck-thru
Fingerboard Wood: Extra Dark Indian Rosewood
Neck Back Shape: Extra Thin U
Fingerboard Radius: 305R
Frets: EXJ, 24frets
Nut: Floyd Rose R2 (42mm)
Matched headstock
ELECTRONICS
Bridge Pickup: EMG 81 (Black)
Middle Pickup: None
Neck Pickup: EMG 89 (Black)
3-Way, 2 Vol, 1 Tone, 1 split (neck pickup on Vol / push-pull)
Pickguard: 3-ply White Pearl
HARDWARE
Tuning Machines: GOTOH SG360-07
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Color: Black
Case: Deluxe Hard Case
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