ESP KH2 vs. LTD KH-602 + Eyes of Perdition

Earlier today, after getting my LTD KH-602, I was shocked that it felt so much better than my ESP KH2. With that, I decided to make a comparison video then added a few others guitars like my ESP MII Custom, ESP MII Urban Camo and finally LTD JH-600. Used my Marshall JCM2000 DSL 50W, Mesa 412 w/ V30 speakers using my MWK Design Ball Gag noise gate and VFE Dragon overdrive. : )
Truck Driver Shawn:
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► ► Huge Shout OUT to everyone who's helped me push forward with my KZbin channel throughout the years. My channel would NOT be where it is without my fam!! That's all of you!! Thank you so much for watching my channel and giant hugs!!! : )
About Louis:
_____________________________________________
Louis Torres is a New York based Hardcore/ Metal guitarist who formed DARKWRENCH. Has filled in with Sob from Merauder during writing sessions, was in Rampage with guys from Candiria, founded Karma, was in Blindside with Jerry Ex, had a short stint in Confusion!, formed Out of Line (Brooklyn) and is one of the founding guitarists of Indecision.
NYHC for Life!!
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[@AlexMaysonet]

Hell yeah, brother! I’ve always like the LTD line versus the ESP. Great quality for a good price, which is hard to find.

[@CrowemagModelWorks]

The Korean LTD stuff is scary good.

[@MarbsMusic]

Thought about ordering a KH2, watched your video a few weeks ago then played a KH-602 and was blown away. I have a number of high end PRS, Gibsons and Ibanez and this LTD is insanely good for the price. I don't care for the plastic tuners on the FR1000 but I can replace that with an OFR. Thank you for the video and steering me in the right direction... now I can save for the Horizon I (if I don't just pickup and MH instead)

[@louistorres]

Isn't the KH-602 ridiculously amazing!! Bro, it is literally like my more expensive ESPs, no difference! They're also a true neck thru body design! I LOVE mine and I'm glad you got one!

[@citrusvenom]

@@louistorres how does the old Sinclair trem compare to the Floyd Rose 1000? Also, how does the Floyd Rose 1000 compare to an original German Floyd?

[@dekotamartin2943]

Hey man I play drums for EOP thanks for the plug! Love your Channel keep it brutal dude!

[@TheChristianRiv]

That room is where I imagined I’d go in the afterlife.

[@louistorres]

Hahaha!! It's a fun space for sure. :) Cheers from New York!!

[@anthonyfarmer9797]

Just discovered you and love how you talk complete sense 🤟🏻👌🏻

[@cebjr]

Dang Bro you always getting such killer tones 🤘

[@panthertrain1984]

I own a LTD Kh602, a Gibson Les Paul Studio, a legit ESP made in Japan explorer and a Jackson USA. If I was forced to pick only one guitar to play the rest of my life out of those 4, it would be the KH602. I have the newer KH602 with the Pau Ferro fretboard and bonebreaker pick ups and it sounds amazing running through my Mesa Mark V. The ESP Explorer sounds too dark, the Jackson USA sounds too digital but that KH602 sounds like pure heaven and feels super comfortable

[@phillg2012]

Awesome video as always!!

[@louistorres]

You are the best, bro! Thank you so much again for the heads up on that JH-600. I love that thing!

[@phillg2012]

@@louistorres anytime!! If you ever are looking for other guitars just mention it. I’m always browsing all over the internet for deals lol. I’ve been building up studio gear at this point.

[@ashleyjackson8538]

ESP artist models are always going to be top shelf .

[@louistorres]

Truth. It helps to know that high-end LTD signatures are just a great as any ESP Custom.

[@ashleyjackson8538]

@@louistorres I noticed that all the custom shop pro model details , have transferred too E - ii and LTD .

[@_heffe_]

I recently got an LTD M-400 and I absolutely love it. You ought to do a restringing video btw, I like the string balls on the tuner end.

[@shredmonster76]

LTD starts to look even better now that the 1000 line is gonna come with stainless frets while E-II is stuck with nickel.

[@louistorres]

I know, that's crazy! I guess that's their marketing angle. :)

[@roosternm6830]

I got a mint condition KH 602 with a real Floyd and dark dark rosewood board forn$400. I snatched it up as soon as the offer went up. Sounds amazing and feels great. Nice and heavy neck through

[@louistorres]

@@roosternm6830 You got a great deal in it!! That's awesome!!!!

[@roosternm6830]

@@louistorres I think so. I consider it a pro level axe

[@franciscolomeli2765]

I am very pleased that you are not the typical one who tests the sound of the KH-2 and the KH-602 only with Metallica songs, great video friend !! and great collection that you have, I envy you !! 🤘🏻

[@newgunguy4176]

Did you compare the fretboard AND frets? How about the hardware and electronics? Tuners?

[@phillipharris5155]

Thank you for the video.

[@newgunguy4176]

Is it made in Korea?

[@sethwhite3392]

would u say the kh202 is worth getting or should I save for the 602?

[@louistorres]

OH MY GOD, DO NOT get the KH202. I used one and it was NOTHING like the KH602, at all. My KH602 is exactly like any of my ESP MII Customs. Yeah bro, for real, wait and get the KH602! You will absolutely LOVE IT and it'll be worth the wait. The neck thru construction is everything on the 602. It's more money but it's 98% of a $5,000 ESP. Mind you, I used to HAAATE LTD but the pro level models are legit. Even the JH600 is just as amazing!!

[@sethwhite3392]

thank god you replied because I was a day off from buying it, thank you so much @@louistorres

[@fadlyhans82]

@@louistorresthank you for this attestation. I’m gonna jump on board and buy the Purple Sparkle LTD wishing these 2 days. I was kinda saving up for as ESP guitar. Was looking high and low on YT for this type of comparison and found you. Thanks again for your honesty doing this review. I felt it. Subscribed. 👍🤘🤘🤘

[@6slayer6sam62]

Gear tour! Construct your desert island rig from current gear?

[@mikeesplain3923]

I bought a used 2006 KH-502 nd compared it to my used 2019 KH-602...and they feel the same,except the 502 has the neck finish sanded off for that smooth neck feel...with the neck sanded u can see that the neck is straight up 3 piece quarter sawn neck thru,very high end construction imo,the weight is spot on to the 602,the neck width on the 502 seems thinner by 1mm..but the 502 soundz better than the 602..the 502 has dual EMG 81s while the 602 has the BoneBreaker pups..both are excellent gtrs!!

[@nimitz1739]

Awesome video! \m/

[@chrisberard1774]

How would you Compare the LTD KH-602 vs the JH-600? I know the pickups are different but curious on the feel and playability. Do you prefer one over the other?

[@louistorres]

Man, I'll be honest... The KH-602 and the JH-600 are literally my favorite LTDs and to take it a step further, I use those two much more often than any of my ESPs because they literally feel like my $3,000 ESP MII Customs. The KH-602 seems to always be available whereas the JH-600 is harder to find used, not sure why. Even if you buy either new, they are both exactly like any of my ESP Customs! It's CRAZY!!!!!

[@chrisberard1774]

@@louistorres Thanks for the reply! I’ve seen way more KH-602’s online. Found one from a few years back that’s Korean made. I may pull that trigger. Appreciate the help!!

[@chrisberard1774]

@@louistorres Well, I found a mint kh-602 on reverb and pulled the trigger. Can't wait for it to get here... I know you mentioned in a video about a battery pack or something instead of normal battery. Would you mind resharing what that was?

[@XavSnakeEye1]

Well, I get your point, but that kh2 seems to have both more clarity and chunky mid growl than the other ones! Great tone by the way ;)

[@khgear7160]

I do enjoy playing LTDs and ESPs together, thats just because Im a diehard ESP fanboy. But LTDs aside from the occasional QC boo boo are rock solid. My LTD BM Arrow has silky smooth fretwork, and an amazing streaky ebony board. Joy to play. Next step I'd like to try is their Grassroots line lol

[@Hagstrom4ever]

Louis, I had an LTD EC1000T and I loved that guitar, a friend of mine bought an EC1000 because of me and he loves it so f....g much. Now I have an LTD M-1 Custom 87, I put an 81 and it sounds sick. If you can, try one of these guitars.

[@louistorres]

Sammy from Goatwhore has one and loves it! I actually have an original 1997 ESP M1 Custom and love it but I bet the new custom remake is just the same! I love that they did that!

[@scoopthemids1612]

Even if you installed an Original German Floyd or the higher end Kahler bridge, you’d still save a ton of $$$. Nice demo 🤙

[@kirko1203]

You're so cool!!!

[@louistorres]

I'm literally just a normal dude who likes gear, just like you do, brother. :) Cheers from New York, bro!

[@wesliggett2454]

How’s that gag working out??

[@hotrock513]

i have a LTD KH25, and i like it a LOT! and i also have a edwards alexi laiho model, the quality is just amazing for the price range!

[@standodge5536]

The KH-602 LTD is around $1500 brand new I scored a purple one for $900 used. Great guitar but it is heavy compared to my Het V, and Black Metal. LTDs are great for their price! Yes buy them used you save even more!

[@louistorres]

I've always wanted the purple model, I think that one is the best version!!!

[@wrigleyx]

09:00 The model i have, JH600, beauty. About quality, so close to my JS.1000 Ibanez. I have some high quality guitar, SRV Strat, JS.1000 Ibanez.... and the LTD JH600 fight against easy. Btw, i LOVE the all Glossy Black all around the guitar / with binding Neck Headstock / big H inlays !!!

[@craigharrison5406]

👌

[@timjenkins502]

Damn should I tell him....well here it goes...I am also a LTD ambassador and I can 100% tell you the made in Korea Schecters are on par if not better than the ltd deluxe models.. BTW the same people own esp and Schecter...both ltd and Schecter never let me down.

[@shredmonster76]

Nothing against Schecter, but the 3x3 headstock is a deal breaker for me.

[@timjenkins502]

@@shredmonster76 their 3x3 design is actually better for tuning stability

[@louistorres]

I've known about Schecter being owned by ESP for a few years but I don't feel the same comfort with the Schecters as I do with ESPs. Something about the shapes bother me and don't feel right.

[@shredmonster76]

@@louistorres Yep, I'll be sticking with Jackson and LTD, but that Keith Merrow signature is pretty sweet.

[@jeffsmiley3213]

Hey buddy!! I’m catch’n up on some of your killer new videos. Would you be interested in “test driving” my Tremonti bridge pickup?? Maybe it could help cure the PRS amp itch situation. Lol. I don’t want anything. Just people helping people. If not, it’s totally cool. Was just a thought. Keep up the killer content brother!! Chuggzz!!!!

[@louistorres]

Jeff! I didn't even know MTremonti had a signature pickup! You are the man! Message me on Instagram or Facebook! @louistorres and Facebook.com/louistorres

[@jeffsmiley3213]

Awsome buddy!! I’ll hit ya up!!

[@devarmont87]

Hey Louis, I hear you picking

[@tomislavkrajina1047]

And here :) Great video

[@niemand5627]

Yeah dude, LTDs 600 signatures series, 1000 series and the Black Metal series are absolutely the best guitars you can get for the money on the used market. The QC is on par or pretty close to the Made in Japan ESPs. Schecter is another brand which is just as good on the similar tier models.

[@kalisilot6010]

You know I went through that a long time ago I started buying the LTD 1000 deluxes over my esp's I'm glad you finally came around for the value they're incredible but in my opinion now this is just my opinion I have a KH4 I think it is the best made guitar I have ever owned I think it blows away all my LTDs and I think it blows away all my ESPs and my second favorite you have seen is that white LTD mh1000 deluxe

[@gourabshow3993]

😎👍

[@lbonvillain-wm4ds]

so what's an ESP LTD then? I just bought an ESP LTD1007ET

[@louistorres]

You have an LTD which is made by ESP. It's like having a Mini Cooper which is made by BMW. :)

[@frankhunt2800]

Can you do an e2 eclipse review please

[@louistorres]

@frankhunt2800 Don't own an ESP E-II Eclipse though and I currently have 53 guitars. I think I need to stop buying more. :)

[@roybenavidez6098]

Amp sounds killer. Kh 602 does look better all black.

[@DarrinR.-pq8md]

Unless it's a Gibson, I don't like white binding on the finger board. You're paying $2000 more just for that. I bought a new KH 602 Demonology today for $900. Regular price $1399. Set up perfectly.

[@louistorres]

@DarrinR.-pq8md I love that Demonology model! $900 is great!! I love that one and the sparkly purple one too! Enjoy your 602!!

[@DarrinR.-pq8md]

@louistorres I think the KH 602 series is made in the same factory as the Kramer SM-1. Both feel like the same neck through design. I chose the 602 over a Kramer Baretta reissue in hot rod blue. I'll get one next time. I usually just play guitars till I want something different, then give them to family kids or troubled teens looking for an emotional outlet. To date, I've given away over 50 guitars. Half of them, I built off parts on Ebay myself. 59 now. Old men need hobbies. Because my days as a Casanova have ended. That's life. 🤣

[@mikeweber74]

I just wish they'd make the LTD KH-602 without the black painted neck

[@louistorres]

I totally agree with you, Michael. I may tape it off and lightly sand it so it's not so grippy.

[@franciscolomeli2765]

Could you please do a more focused review on the ESP LTD KH 602 because other channels all they do is play Metallica songs as if it were an exclusive model for it and from what I can see this guitar has much more scope. Greetings from Mexico City !!

[@louistorres]

Hey Francisco, there are a bunch of LTD episodes that go into depth with the KH-602, check Ola's video, he does a really good job.

[@dormammusbarginoutlet8943]

I just came back to this because I just ordered the KH602, the problem is ESP says it comes with a case, zzounds on thr phone says no, but yes on the website. The shipping weight for the 602 is 11lbs but the purple sparkle (same price) is 25lbs. ESP needs to get their shit together.

[@louistorres]

I just looked and the ESP site says it comes with a case but odd that there's no case included on the Zzounds website. That's annoying, sorry that happened.

[@dormammusbarginoutlet8943]

@@louistorres yah makes no sense, the White Zombie and Demonology all come with cases too. Sweetwater said no case as well. It's not a huge deal but at 1400 shit throw me a fucking bone.

[@metalboy50]

I think the case comes with the guitar only if you buy it directly from ESP. I bought my KH602 LH on the ESP website, and mine came with the case.

[@knightsofmisery3576]

I think you sad the prices backwards kh602's are 1300 and the kh2's are around 500

[@newgunguy4176]

The bolt-on KH-2 was an insult to fans and consumers. Sure, it is was a quality neck and body. But, that's not what Kirk Hammett uses. It was a money making scheme. We bought because that's all we could get.

[@johnrodriguez5442]

I've seen lots of footage with a kh 2 bolt on. Could u clarify that he never used them. He did have a neck through that Could be purchased for limited time during I think the late 90s early 2000 but that one was shown to have a pearl lesson pick plate on it. Other than that and the stickers on his stage one it seemed identical to the kh 2s' I seen sold and played in music shops over the past couple decades?

[@retodd13]

How does it take a wah doe?

[@citrusvenom]

Does it matter if it's Korean or Indonesian made? Which one is better?

[@louistorres]

Korean made guitars have always seemed to be built just a little better and are close enough to the ESP custom models. I have a Japanese LTD from their first year and it's amazing! Korean made LTDs are even better!

[@citrusvenom]

@@louistorres It seems that the new LTDs are being built in Indonesia. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it very much.

[@louistorres]

@@citrusvenom I'm a huge ESP aficionado but I was advised by many guitarists that I should stick to the early to mid 2000s LTDs that were made in Korea. Enough people shared that opinion that I've stuck by it. From my understanding, because of the humidity in Indonesia, the wood moisture can be hit or miss which can drastically affect guitars once they reach the U.S., which naturally has a dryer climate and even dryer climate in the desert south west.

[@citrusvenom]

@@louistorres I just bought a 2022 Korean made LTD Hammett. A little more recent than the LTDs that were built during that time frame. Hopefully it kicks ass. Thanks again.

[@brianbureson7572]

@@louistorres Dude, appreciate your videos! I bought a Korean EC-1000 a month ago in Violet Andromeda...it plays just like my E-II Eclipse. It's like 90% of the E-II for less than half price. It's so good, I decided to pick up a Korean Viper-1000b Baritone since the spec was exactly the same as the E-II Viper Baritone. If you buy Player Grade (b-stock) instruments direct from ESP's site, there is a 20% discount...also, you can ask them if the current stock is Indonesian or Korean to help decide. I always made sure they had Korean stock before buying.

[@kalisilot6010]

One more thing bro when you go to sell your esp's you're going to get the money out of them when you go to sell your LTDs you're going to take a hit ESPs are a good investment and the LTDs get with them take them out and beat them up well you knew that you have an amazing collection

[@rossi4u82]

Ltd kh2 for couple hundred?

[@louistorres]

I think it was $425 with $65 shipping and it was in mint condition. As if someone used it for two weeks then put it away for a bunch of years. It was on eBay for a whilev too. Figuring it had to be some fraud/ issue, I decided to get it. Worst case, I knew I'd get my money back through PayPal but was shocked when it arrived!

[@fifigigi]

Hey Louis, man, I can see that you've got 2 guitar stools there, can you be so kind to send me one please? Thanks!

[@louistorres]

Sure! Haha! I have two for guests who swing by to chill. :)

[@TheRealKirkHammett]

Dude. I'm so f*ckin jealous of you man. I have wanted a KH-2 since I was 13. I just can't afford one, I would just die to be able to play that guitar everyday. Man. So badass brother. 🤘 I've been looking at getting a new guitar recently, and of course the KH-2 is at the top of my list as my personal Holy Grail, but I have been looking seriously at the KH-602 purple sparkle, I was wondering if you truly believe or think that the KH-602 is just as good as the KH-2..... I am just such a snob when it comes to these 2 brands. I've always told myself I would rather just not even have the guitar if I can't have the real version, but as the prices go up and up, I just can't justify spending 6 grand on a guitar when the equivalent? might actually be just as good or even better?

[@louistorres]

I swear to you that the LTD KH-602 is literally the same as my ESP MII Customs, it's even better than my ESP KH2, but I have an older KH2 also, that's why I use the Custom to compare it to. I've been wanting that Purple Sparkle for ages and have placed bids on a bunch but everyone tries to sell them for top dollar. Trust that it's worth it but I still like trying to get deals. I'm like you, I actually HATED LTD for years!! I now know better and you would absolutely LOVE the KH-602. From one snob to another, legit bro. You would be so happy! The LTD Signatures are better than the 1000 Series and is more like the older LTD Elite models that were made in Japan, now known as the ESP Elite II line, or just E-II.

[@AyBi_Studio]

The overall built quality and feel of ESP will always be better than LTD. I remember playing EC-1000 when I had a chance and got to compare it with a standard series Eclipse.. The EC felt exactly like the price tag and I just couldn't play it. After owning a number of high end ESPs (KH2, 2001 USA MH Custom, Explorer, M2 and playing other like KH1, Zorlad, KH2 Vintage, RZK) the ESP is just miles above on every aspect. My brother has a standard series M2 and it felt nothing like my bolt on KH2, while they are both ESP. LTD are great for the money but comparing them with ESP is giving them a lot more credit than they should have. Either way, great video and as while as you enjoy it, that is what matters!

[@JnJsw18]

lol i almost bought that exact guitar cause of the price(at least i think its the same one that was stupid cheap on reverb) but it wasnt the purple sparkle so i passed on it

[@louistorres]

Yeah bro, it has to be the same one bc I couldn't believe how cheap it was! I bought it and I was floored!!! It was legit in mint condition! It looked like it was used for a week, thrown in its case and stored in a closet for years! That purple model is a beast!! You should totally get one! One of my neighbor's, his son has that purple sparkle!

[@JnJsw18]

@@louistorres hell ya man and i did get the purple sparkle one and i love it play it everyday

[@monkeyshredder.musicismyso3626]

THE KH LTD HAD A BETTER TONE . BRIGHTER ,OF COURSE AS A LEAD GUITAR SHOULD. PERFECT SHREDDER AXE.

[@sickness167]

Please!!!!!!!!

[@t871]

People actually complain about hearing your picking? Uh, come on. Its not like they are paying customers.

[@sickness167]

Damn… in Canada the cheapest I can find a KH602 LTD is 2 grand+ 😫😫😫 Why does the world work like this!!! Any chance you’d sell one from your collection?! I fucking need it.

[@louistorres]

Get it used! $2,000 is a lot but man, that's crazy that they've gone up so much!

[@louistorres]

Here's one on reverb that's under $800USD. tinyurl.com/kh602rev

[@sickness167]

@@louistorres cheapest used price I can find is 1899.99 :/ Sad as hell

[@josephbutler148]

Their is Korean ltd and then there is shit ltd though. If they were all still made in Korea I would keep buying them now they hide the fact they are made in Indonesia and are cheap shit just like ibanez. Stick to schecter they have more Korean models and its not all hidden information

[@louistorres]

Bro, a buddy was just telling me how much he loves his Schecter! I think they're made in the same Korean factory as those older LTDs, before they changed to Indonesia.

[@Rude1911]

Dude you gotta be slinging dope to have 100 thousand dollars worth of gear lol

[@louistorres]

Hahaha! Just years of buying gear here and there. Plus, I will wait years until I get a good deal on an item. Also, most of my gear was purchased before Covid. I would never buy an ESP Custom today! Used, many are selling for up to $3,000! That's crazy! I have ESP Customs I bought for $650 in 2016 when no one cared for ESP.