ESP Guitars has introduced three new Signature Series guitars for Kirk Hammett of the iconic heavy metal band Metallica. The new models are the ESP KH-DC and the LTD KH-DC, as well as the limited edition LTD KH-25, and are part of ESP’s 19 new products being debuted at the 2012 Winter NAMM Show.

“Kirk Hammett is celebrating his 25th year as an ESP player in 2012,” says Matt Maciandaro, ESP president and CEO. “He was instrumental in the early acceptance and recognition of ESP as a premier brand in the world of electric guitars. We are happy to be able to show our gratitude for Kirk’s long-term support of ESP with exciting new signature models like the KH-DC and the KH-25.”

Designed to Kirk Hammett’s specifications, the KH-DC is a brand new body style for ESP/LTD. It’s a double-cutaway version of the company’s popular EC series, with a set neck design at 24.75” scale, and an attractive STBC (See Thru Black Cherry) finish on its flamed maple top.

Like other EC models, the guitar offers a mahogany body and mahogany neck, with a rosewood fingerboard. The KH-DC features gold hardware, including gold-covered EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) active pickups, and a Tonepros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece.

Controls include a 3-way toggle switch, bridge volume, neck volume, and master tone. The ESP version of the new Kirk Hammett model includes Sperzel locking tuners, while the LTD version offers ESP locking tuners.