Re-visited

Gibson continues to ride on the reputation of artists who are not exactly endorsing their instruments officially. The LP Custom you see above is a repro of Kirk Hammett's original instrument. If you think this is a recent move by the manufacturer, well, we all know there's a '69 Hendrix V which was done way after the man's passing. So this Gibson name, it lies in wait for the hype to surface & lay claim to association. Whatever.

Pic: Gibson USA

NAMM '23: LTD

This seems to be the LTD highlight in the mean time. People are giving this serious considerations at NAMM '23 & this would be the case if you are actually unfamiliar with what ESP has to offer. The KH-V is a clear iteration of ESP's Arrow model with a slight mod to differentiate itself from the established offering. The fact that a Kirk Hammett fanfare was thrown into the mix, things got hyped up rather easily. 

On that note (no pun intended), even the new Gary Holt signature looks very close to the Kirk Hammett version less the locking hardware & whammy bridge. This one would get lesser attention because it's not Kirk Hammett associated.

Elsewhere within the camp, there's a little celebration over the fact that the Vulture is finally available in white. 🙄

Perhaps some respite can be had here - it's the BK-600, Bill Kelliher's latest signature commitment. This is a full body thickness affair with no belly cut for that traditional singlecut feel (whatever that means to you). Pickups are BK's Mojo Tone Hell Bender, ebony fretboard. We note that, despite a signature affair, this is a tier 600 model, keeping things rather affordable / appealing. 

Pics: ESP

KH-3 30th

The ESP version of the 30th Anniversary KH-3 is also available at Davis GMC in the mean time. Despite the hefty price tag ($6.2K), this thing is selling fast everywhere. I don't see the general attraction per se for this guitar but it will definitely be a thing for Metallica / Hammett fanboys. Also, ESP does not make that smaller headstock version for their standard production Eclipse model so if you want one, it has to be this signature model. 

Pic: ESP

Gibson - Hammett

This was announced two days ago. I'm somehow glad he left the ESP camp. Let's just leave it as that.

EDIT: As at time of entry, one Kirk Hammett, guitarist of American band, Metallica, is still on the ESP endorsers list. I have no idea what took place between both manufacturers when it comes to this deal. I'm not a fan so whatever the situation, it might have a $ignificant & gainful impact all round.

Board appearances

This is now available at Davis GMC. Yes, in both finishes.

Ouija goodness(?)

Do you have USD12K to spare? If you do, this Kirk Hammett ESP is yours.

How much money are you willing to fork out for an instrument? Will an extravagant price tag guarantee you an out-of-this-world guitar experience? 😕

Kirk is with...?

This is what ESP says...

This is what Gibson says...

It confuses you, I know. So behind it all, some endorsements are not entirely exclusive. Fast forward say 50 years down the road, people are disputing the 'true' Kirk Hammett preferred guitar, this confusion happens because... the same Kirk Hammett has 2 different signatures. Ha!

ESP signatures @ Davis GMC

They're here- if you want them, that is. ESP's Kirk Hammett KH-2 in green burst & Hetfield's Snakebyte (white finish available) are available @ Davis GMC. Prices are not out yet at time of posting. Call the store if you can't sleep not knowing how much they are.