ESP LTD KH-WZ White Zombie

The ESP LTD KH-WZ White Zombie is a limited-edition signature electric guitar designed in collaboration with Metallica's lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett.  This model pays homage to Hammett's personal instrument, featuring artwork inspired by the 1932 Bela Lugosi horror film White Zombie.

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🎸 Key Specifications

Body: Constructed from alder, offering a balanced tone suitable for various music styles. 

Neck: Three-piece maple neck with a bolt-on construction and a Thin U profile, facilitating fast and comfortable playability. 

Fingerboard: Macassar ebony fingerboard adorned with bat and spider inlays, adding to the guitar's gothic aesthetic. 

Frets: 24 extra-jumbo frets, providing ample space for expressive bends and solos. 

 

Scale Length: 25.5 inches (648 mm), a standard length that offers a familiar feel for many players. 

Nut Width: 42 mm, accommodating a variety of playing styles. 

Bridge: Equipped with a Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking tremolo system, allowing for aggressive dive bombs and maintaining tuning stability. 

Pickups: Features Kirk Hammett's signature EMG Bone Breaker active humbuckers, delivering a powerful and versatile tone suitable for both clean passages and high-gain distortion. 

Controls: One volume knob, one tone knob, and a 3-way pickup selector switch, offering straightforward control over the guitar's tonal options. 

Hardware: Black hardware complements the guitar's dark aesthetic. 

Finish: Black with the distinctive White Zombie graphic, capturing the essence of classic horror. 

Case: Includes a custom graphic form-fitted case from the Tombstone Case Company, ensuring protection and style

The ESP LTD KH-WZ White Zombie is special for several standout reasons—both in performance and design, especially for fans of Kirk Hammett and collectors of rare metal guitars.

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1. Rare and Limited Edition

Limited production makes it a collector’s item.

Inspired by Kirk Hammett’s original custom guitar and the 1932 horror film White Zombie starring Bela Lugosi.

Features unique White Zombie graphic art that’s not available on any other model.

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2. Signature Kirk Hammett Specs

Based on Kirk's personal preferences:

EMG Bone Breaker pickups (his custom signature pickups)

→ Blend of vintage clarity and modern aggression

Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo system

→ Perfect for extreme dive bombs without losing tuning

Macassar ebony fretboard with bat & spider inlays

→ Aesthetic upgrade from skull/crossbones of other KH models

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3. Pro-Level Construction

Alder body: Clear, punchy tone great for heavy rhythm and lead

Thin U-shaped neck: Fast and smooth for shredders

Extra jumbo frets: Makes bending and legato effortless

Bolt-on 3-piece maple neck: Solid, stable construction

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4. Visual and Stage Appeal

The horror-themed graphics make it a stage-ready centerpiece.

The design directly reflects Kirk Hammett’s love of vintage horror and dark aesthetics.

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5. Comes with Custom Case

Tombstone graphic case included, matching the horror theme.

Adds value and protection, especially for touring or collecting.

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Summary: Why It’s Special

Feature Why It’s Special

Limited edition

Unique and rare—hard to find after initial run

Horror-themed graphics

Based on White Zombie (1932), appealing to horror/metal fans

Kirk Hammett’s specs

Designed for speed, tone, and aggression

Signature EMG pickups

Balanced between classic and modern metal tones

Custom inlays & case Adds collectible and visual appeal

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It’s more than just a guitar—it’s a statement piece for metal guitarists who want performance, style, and a bit of horror movie nostalgia all in one.

🧟‍♂️ Limited Availability

• The KH White Zombie was produced in extremely limited numbers, making it highly collectible.

• It was available primarily through ESP Custom Shop or as a limited release through ESP dealers.

• A few versions may exist through ESP USA or ESP Japan, but they are rare and expensive.

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🎸 Usage by Kirk Hammett

• Kirk used this guitar primarily for live performances during Metallica’s tours, especially when showcasing his horror-themed guitar collection.

• It’s part of a series of horror-themed guitars that includes the KH Ouija, KH Mummy, KH Nosferatu, and KH Bride of Frankenstein.

• Kirk Hammet also using ESP Original KIRK HAMMET Signature 30th ANNIVERSARY in their concerts

The ESP Original Kirk Hammett Signature 30th Anniversary KH-3 Spider is a meticulously crafted reissue of the iconic KH-3 model that Kirk Hammett of Metallica extensively used during the 1990s, particularly on tours supporting the legendary Black Album. This 30th-anniversary edition pays homage to the original while incorporating modern enhancements to meet contemporary performance standards.

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🕷️ Design & Artwork

The KH-3 Spider features a striking black finish adorned with a vivid green and yellow spider graphic, originally designed by Metallica’s graphic artist Pushead. 

This artwork mirrors the inlay work on Hammett's original KH-3, making it a visually compelling instrument that stands out on any stage. 

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⚙️ Specifications

• Construction: Neck-thru-body

• Scale Length: 24.75"

• Body: Alder

• Neck: 3-piece Maple with Extra Thin U profile

• Fingerboard: Macassar Ebony, scalloped from frets 17–24

• Frets: 24 Extra Jumbo

• Inlays: Skull-and-bones

• Pickups: Kirk Hammett’s signature EMG Bonebreaker humbuckers

• Bridge: Floyd Rose 1000 locking tremolo system

• Tuners: Grover

• Controls: Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, Master Tone, 3-way Toggle Switch

• Finish: Black with Spider Graphic

• Case: Includes hardshell case

• Country of Origin: Japan

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🎸 Performance & Playability

The KH-3 Spider is designed for high-speed playability and aggressive tones. The neck-thru-body construction ensures excellent sustain and stability, while the extra-thin U-shaped neck profile facilitates fast, intricate playing. The scalloped upper frets allow for effortless bending and vibrato, catering to expressive lead work. The EMG Bonebreaker pickups deliver a powerful, articulate sound suitable for heavy metal genres. 

🛒 Availability & Pricing

The ESP KH-3 Spider 30th Anniversary Edition is available in two versions:

• ESP Custom Shop Model: Handcrafted in Japan, priced at approximately $5,499 USD.

• LTD Version: More accessible, manufactured in South Korea, priced around RM4,200 in Malaysia.

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This 30th-anniversary model is a testament to Kirk Hammett's enduring influence on metal guitar playing and offers fans and collectors a chance to own a piece of Metallica's storied history.